Yellowstone To San Francisco Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Yellowstone to San Francisco road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. The 938 miles of Yellowstone to San Francisco drive takes around 14 hours and 10 mins without stops.

This article includes 21 tips that turn your Yellowstone to San Francisco drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Yellowstone to San Francisco, take your coffee and keep reading!

7 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Yellowstone To San Francisco

On the Yellowstone to San Francisco road trip, you may want to stay at some points. Here is the top seven hotels on the Yellowstone – San Francisco route!

1. The Adventure Inn Yellowstone: The Adventure Inn Yellowstone is one of the best hotels; you can stay on the Yellowstone to San Francisco road trip. Driving from Yellowstone to The Adventure Inn Yellowstone might take around 5 mins. The Adventure Inn provides luxury accommodations for those seeking an adventure in The Greater Yellowstone Area. The inn is decorated with charming rustic-themed decorations and top-notch amenities. The Adventure Inn is the perfect place to stay for those who want to explore all that The Greater Yellowstone Area offers. Check The Adventure Inn Yellowstone, one of the best hotels in West Yellowstone, Montana, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
2. Hilton Garden Inn Idaho Falls: Hilton Garden Inn Idaho Falls is another top hotel where you can choose to stay on the road trip to San Francisco from Yellowstone. Located in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the hotel is 109 miles away from Yellowstone, and it would take 1 hour and 48 mins to drive. This hotel is set apart by its Riverside views and proximity to downtown. The rooms offer stunning views of the Snake River and easy access to the Idaho Falls riverwalk. Guests can enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center, and bar in winter and summer. The back patio is the perfect place to enjoy a stunning river view. If you want to learn more about the Hilton Garden Inn Idaho Falls, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
3. Black Swan Inn Luxurious Theme Suites: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Black Swan Inn Luxurious Theme Suites. Black Swan Inn Luxurious Theme Suites is located in Pocatello, Idaho, and it’s 159 miles away from Yellowstone. You can arrive there in 2 hours and 30 mins of non-stop driving. The Black Swan Inn offers a variety of luxurious theme suites, including the Mayan Rain Forest, Enchanted Forest, Atlantis, Egyptian, and Arabian Nights. Conveniently located just off I-15 in downtown Pocatello, this hotel is perfect for exploring all that the city has to offer. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Black Swan Inn Luxurious Theme Suites for more information.
4. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Twin Falls: If you are taking the road trip from Yellowstone to San Francisco, Twin Falls, Idaho, is must have a place you should visit. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Twin Falls is one of the best hotels in town. The hotel is 271 miles from Yellowstone, and it would take 4 hours and 4 mins to drive. The hotel’s excellent location is convenient for all travelers on business, special occasions, or family travel. The hotel also has 101 beautifully appointed guest rooms that provide many of the comforts of home. If you need more info about the price and availability of La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Twin Falls, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
5. Grand Sierra Resort and Casino: Our next hotel is Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, Reno, Nevada. It will take 10 hours, and 42 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Yellowstone. The Grand Sierra Resort and Casino is located in the heart of Reno/Tahoe. The resort offers a wide range of amenities and services, and all staff members are professional and a pleasure to deal with. This is absolutely the best place to stay in Reno. Check the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Grand Sierra Resort and Casino for reviews, prices, and availability.
6. Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Cal Expo: Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Yellowstone to San Francisco is Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Cal Expo. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel in Sacramento, California, within 12 hours and 41 mins drive from Yellowstone. The Courtyard is clean and up-to-date, with comfortable beds, thick towels, a decent TV, good spaciousness, and nice extras like a mini fridge, good coffee, and excellent quality mini toiletries. Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
7. Hotel Emblem San Francisco: Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is Hotel Emblem, San Francisco. It’s located in San Francisco, California, 936 miles from Yellowstone. You can arrive there within 14 hours and 12 mins of car drive. The hotel is centrally located, making it easy to access key tourist attractions. The staff was welcoming and helpful, and the hotel’s design and concept provided a unique experience. The room was comfortable and met our expectations in terms of service. You can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hotel Emblem San Francisco if you need further information.

In this part, we explained seven hotels you can stay at on the road from Yellowstone to San Francisco. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by commenting on this post. It will help people who will take Yellowstone to the San Francisco route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Yellowstone to San Francisco. We have seven restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

7 Best Restaurants On The Yellowstone To San Francisco Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Yellowstone to San Francisco road trip. This section lists seven restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Yellowstone to San Francisco. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on Yellowstone to San Francisco road trip with Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon. Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon is located in West Yellowstone, Montana, and is 0.9 miles from Yellowstone. ISo it would take 4 mins of driving. In 1999, Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon set out to make the best pizza in town. It started as a pizza place inside Strozzi’s Bar. Nearly two decades later, it has grown into a 120-seat bar and restaurant with a tremendous small-town sports bar atmosphere. For more information about Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon, visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon.
2. Copper Rill Restaurant: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to San Francisco from Yellowstone is Copper Rill Restaurant. Located in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Copper Rill Restaurant is 109 miles from Yellowstone and would take 1 hour and 49 mins of driving. The Copper Rill welcomes you to enjoy its simple yet memorable dishes and contagious atmosphere. The restaurant offers a variety of dining experiences, from casual to formal, and caters to group parties and private business meetings. Copper Rill is the perfect place to relax and be yourself with the people in your life. If you want to learn more about Copper Rill Restaurant, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
3. Sandpiper Restaurant, Pocatello: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Sandpiper Restaurant, Pocatello. It will take 2 hours and 28 mins of car drive to take 157 miles from Yellowstone to Sandpiper Restaurant, Pocatello, Pocatello, Idaho. The Sandpiper Restaurant opened in 1975 and specialized in steaks, seafood, and pasta. It is a popular dining option in Pocatello, Idaho. For more information, you can check Sandpiper Restaurant, Pocatello, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
4. Elevation 486: Elevation 486 deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Twin Falls, Idaho. On a clear day, you can see Soldier Mountain to the northwest, the Pioneer Range to the north, and Pomerelle Mountain to the east from the restaurant. The menu contains a lot of variety, as well as exciting cocktails. Elevation 486 is 272 miles from Yellowstone, and it would take 4 hours and 6 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Elevation 486, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
5. Atlantis Steakhouse, Reno: If you enjoy dining, Atlantis Steakhouse, Reno, would be an excellent choice in Reno, Nevada. It’s 722 miles from Yellowstone and would take 10 hours and 45 mins of car driving. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal at Atlantis Steakhouse. The pork belly appetizers were outstanding and set the tone for the rest of the meal. The dishes were beautifully presented, and the wait staff was attentive and charming. They made us feel like VIPs. If you want to learn more about Atlantis Steakhouse, Reno, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
6. The Waterboy, Sacramento: Another restaurant we recommend you visit on the road trip from Yellowstone to San Francisco is The Waterboy, Sacramento, Sacramento, California. It will take 12 hours and 48 mins of driving to reach The Waterboy, Sacramento, from Yellowstone. Although a bit of a drive from Sacramento, this restaurant is definitely worth it. It is situated in a quiet residential area with an outside sidewalk. The main room is spacious and inviting. If you’re a seafood lover, this is the place for you. The oysters are some of the best I’ve had, and I can say that confidently. Besides seafood, the duck is excellent, and the pork belly is an all-time favorite. This restaurant is a bit fancier, which I enjoy. For more information about The Waterboy, Sacramento, you can check TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.
7. Eight Am: Ranked seventh on our list, Eight Am appeals to those who want to turn their San Francisco vacation into a memorable experience. It is located in San Francisco, California, 937 miles from Yellowstone, and it’ll take 14 hours and 17 mins to drive. Breakfast at Eight Am is an excellent option for a delicious and filling meal in San Francisco. The fresh ingredients and large portions are sure to please, and the orange juice is made with authentic pieces of fruit for a refreshing taste. If you want to learn more about Eight Am, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

This section lists our seven restaurant recommendations for your road trip from Yellowstone to San Francisco. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 938 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a San Francisco road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Yellowstone to San Francisco. Keep reading.

7 Places To Visit On The Yellowstone To San Francisco Drive

A unique experience awaits you in San Francisco. However, on your road trip, there are also some unique destinations, like West Yellowstone, Montana. Therefore, we want to explain the top seven destinations we recommend on the San Francisco route.

• Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center: Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center will be the first destination we recommend you stop on your Yellowstone to San Francisco road trip. Located in West Yellowstone, Montana, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is 1.0 miles away from Yellowstone, and it would take 5 mins to drive. The River Otter Exhibit at Yellowstone offers visitors an opportunity to view these animals up close and personal while also learning about the complex ecosystem of the park. Guests can watch the bears foraging for food and playing in their ponds, and if they visit early in the morning or evening, they might catch a glimpse of an active wolf pack. If you want to learn more about the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Snake River Greenbelt, Idaho Falls: Snake River Greenbelt, Idaho Falls, Idaho Falls, Idaho, is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the Yellowstone to San Francisco route. It’s 109 miles from Yellowstone, and it’ll take about 1 hour and 49 mins of driving. This city park is an excellent place for a walk, with beautiful views and metal sculptures of animals throughout. The falls are a charming feature of the park, and it’s also enjoyable to walk along the river. If you want to learn more about Snake River Greenbelt, Idaho Falls, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.
• Swore Farms: One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Yellowstone to San Francisco is Pocatello, Idaho. And if you visit Pocatello, Idaho, we suggest you visit Swore Farms. You can arrive at Swore Farms after 2 hours and 28 mins of driving. The farm’s mission is to enrich the community through healthy, delicious, fresh produce grown on-site; educate children and youth through summer programs; and offer opportunities for quality family fun from late summer through fall. This includes lying in the corn maze and pumpkin patch and learning about agriculture. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Swore Farms for more information.
• Shoshone Falls: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Shoshone Falls in Yellowstone for the San Francisco road trip. Shoshone Falls is 267 miles from Yellowstone, and you can arrive there after the 4 hours of drive. The park by the river offers multiple viewing platforms and a trail along the canyon. Although the road to the falls is narrow, with several sharp turns, there is ample parking for visitors. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Shoshone Falls before going there.
• National Automobile Museum: Located in Reno, Nevada, the National Automobile Museum ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Yellowstone to San Francisco. You must take 10 hours and 42 mins of driving to arrive at the National Automobile Museum. The National Automobile Museum is one of the top Reno attractions. With more than 225 rare, one-of-a-kind, antique, and collector cars on display, the museum tells the story of the automobile from the late 1800s onward. aAuthenticstreet scenes and sounds bring the displays to life. If you want to learn more about National Automobile Museum, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Old Sacramento: Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Yellowstone to San Francisco is Old Sacramento, Sacramento, California. Old Sacramento is 854 miles from Yellowstone, and it would take 12 hours and 48 mins to drive. Old Sacramento is a historic area with restored buildings, museums, and novelty shops. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride on the river or take a train ride for a different perspective. Many shops and restaurants in Old Sacramento provide a unique experience for visitors to the Sacramento waterfront. For more information about Old Sacramento, you can check their TripAdvisor page or official website.
• Alcatraz Island: You can visit many destinations on your Yellowstone to San Francisco journey. One of these destinations is Alcatraz Island, located in San Francisco, California. You can arrive at Alcatraz Island after 14 hours and 14 mins of driving. Alcatraz, also known as The Rock, is a historic prison with a reputation for housing famous inmates. Located in San Francisco, Alcatraz is a popular tourist destination where visitors can learn about the prison’s history and see how the American legal system has developed over time. If you want to read the reviews of previous visitors about Alcatraz Island, you can visit Alcatraz Island’s TripAdvisor page or its website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Yellowstone to San Francisco

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Yellowstone to San Francisco drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Yellowstone To San Francisco?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Yellowstone to San Francisco road trip takes approximately 14 hours and 10 mins to drive. The driving distance between Yellowstone to San Francisco is 938 miles.
• If you want to make the Yellowstone to San Francisco road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be three days and 4 hours.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Yellowstone-San Francisco route, you will have to walk for 12 days and 7 hours.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Yellowstone To San Francisco?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to San Francisco. You can visit West Yellowstone, Montana; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Pocatello, Idaho; Twin Falls, Idaho; Reno, Nevada; Sacramento, California; San Francisco, California; on the road. Here we list seven places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Yellowstone to San Francisco journey, you can check the 7 Best Places To Visit On The Yellowstone To San Francisco Road Trip.

1. Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center: 1.0 miles / 5 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 937 miles / 14 hours and 8 mins of driving to San Francisco.
2. Snake River Greenbelt, Idaho Falls: 109 miles / 1 hour and 49 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 829 miles / 12 hours and 25 mins of driving to San Francisco.
3. Swore Farms: 152 miles / 2 hours and 28 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 786 miles / 11 hours and 54 mins of driving to San Francisco.
4. Shoshone Falls: 267 miles / 4 hours to drive from Yellowstone | 677 miles / 10 hours and 24 mins of driving to San Francisco.
5. National Automobile Museum: 720 miles / 10 hours and 42 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 220 miles / 3 hours and 36 mins of driving to San Francisco.
6. Old Sacramento: 854 miles / 12 hours and 48 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 87.0 miles / 1 hour and 28 mins of driving to San Francisco.
7. Alcatraz Island: 937 miles / 14 hours and 14 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 3.2 miles / 18 mins of driving to San Francisco.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Yellowstone To San Francisco?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Yellowstone to San Francisco. We have selected seven hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 7 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To San Francisco From Yellowstone section.

• The Adventure Inn Yellowstone: 1.2 miles / 5 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 937 miles / 14 hours and 6 mins of driving to San Francisco.
• Hilton Garden Inn Idaho Falls: 109 miles / 1 hour and 48 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 830 miles / 12 hours and 26 mins of driving to San Francisco.
• Black Swan Inn Luxurious Theme Suites: 159 miles / 2 hours and 30 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 786 miles / 11 hours and 51 mins of driving to San Francisco.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Twin Falls: 271 miles / 4 hours and 4 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 673 miles / 10 hours and 10 mins of driving to San Francisco.
• Grand Sierra Resort and Casino: 719 miles / 10 hours and 42 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 222 miles / 3 hours and 37 mins of driving to San Francisco.
• Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Cal Expo: 848 miles / 12 hours and 41 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 91.6 miles / 1 hour and 32 mins of driving to San Francisco.
• Hotel Emblem San Francisco: 936 miles / 14 hours and 12 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 1.6 miles / 9 mins of driving to San Francisco.

Where To Eat Between Yellowstone to San Francisco?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Yellowstone to San Francisco drive, you can consider the seven restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 7 Best Restaurants On The Yellowstone To San Francisco Road Trip.

1. Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon: 0.9 miles / 4 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 937 miles / 14 hours and 6 mins of driving to San Francisco.
2. Copper Rill Restaurant: 109 miles / 1 hour and 49 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 829 miles / 12 hours and 25 mins of driving to San Francisco.
3. Sandpiper Restaurant, Pocatello: 157 miles / 2 hours and 28 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 784 miles / 11 hours and 47 mins of driving to San Francisco.
4. Elevation 486: 272 miles / 4 hours and 6 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 673 miles / 10 hours and 10 mins of driving to San Francisco.
5. Atlantis Steakhouse, Reno: 722 miles / 10 hours and 45 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 224 miles / 3 hours and 40 mins of driving to San Francisco.
6. The Waterboy, Sacramento: 851 miles / 12 hours and 48 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 88.2 miles / 1 hour and 32 mins of driving to San Francisco.
7. Eight Am: 937 miles / 14 hours and 17 mins to drive from Yellowstone | 2.6 miles / 15 mins of driving to San Francisco.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Yellowstone to San Francisco. We have listed seven hotels, seven restaurants, and seven places to visit on the Yellowstone to San Francisco drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Yellowstone to San Francisco as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the Yellowstone to San Francisco road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Yellowstone to San Francisco and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.