Yosemite/Kings Canyon/Sequoia “must do” advice sought

I'm sure others will give you good advice on what to do and see in Yosemite/Sequoia. I've only done day trips to Yosemite a few years ago, and it's been a long time for Sequoia other than a day trip about 7 years ago to Grant Grove. I grew up camping in these areas though as I'm from Visalia originally.

The other thing I would check is make sure your length isn't too long for Sequoia/Kings. Many of the roads there have pretty strict length restrictions.

But if you want to go to the beach, you're closer to it from Sequoia/Kings than Yosemite. But be aware that it's still about a 3 hour drive. There are RV parks all along the coast in and around Pismo (Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay, Avila etc) but I'd guess they get filled up pretty fast.

Regular here as my handle suggest.

A must, often bypassed because of the scary road, is Toulumne Meadows. But everywhere out there is breathtakingly beautiful.

And so is Sequoia/Kings Canyon as well. Yes, @JAC is right, roads are very tight. Not sure the last years, but they even allow camping anywhere.

California coasts are a bit crowded this time of the year but very lovely. Campsites in state or county parks are difficult to get. If you have the time, go as far North as possible. The farther you go up, the more beautiful, and less crowded, it becomes specially if you are taking Highway 1 or Pacific Coast Highway.

It's a 3-hour drive to Pacific Coast. Highway 120, with if I recall correctly have more than 100 hairpin curves, is more challenging than the Fresno route.

Happy trails and safe travel.

The popular places are obvious in both parks. The important thing to do is get off the main trails and find the quiet. Look at some big trees with no one around. Feel the Divinity of the Sierra. It is not to be missed.

First, you probably not find any park campsites available, since they were booked 6 months ago. Especially Yosemite.
Same goes for coastal public campsites.
You'll probably will limited to private RV parks for either areas.

Sorry guys, I forgot to mention we aren’t camping. Just asking here cuz you guys have been so great in the past!
To save the 8 days round trip drive time from Michigan we’re flying and already have accommodations at Yosemite and Seq/KC.

We’ll just grab a hotel somewhere near the coast for a night or 2 when we visit.

If you are near the Yosemite southern entrance, near Oakhusrt, I would suggest driving about 3 hours to Carmel-by-the-sea and head down Ocean avenue to the beautiful white sand beach. Its close to 17 mile drive and Pebble Beach. Its also 5-7 minutes south of Monterey(yummy clam chowder on Fisherman's Wharf) and only 18-20 miles north of beautiful Big Sur which would include a very nice drive along Highway 1. If you go to Big Sur, Julia Pfeiffer Burns state park is a must stop. With an early start you could probably do all of this in one day although 1.5-2 days would be better.

Climb Half Dome.

Yosemite valley will be packed. Tuolomne meadows or hetch hetchy are good alternatives for hiking. Sequoia you have to go to Moro rock and see the trees. As others said, it is a good drive to the coast. I would recommend moonstone beach. Nice little motels overlooking the oceans. Wonderful sunsets. Close to Hearst castle as well. Enjoy

I also probably should have mentioned where we’re staying.

For Yosemite we’ll be at Cedar Lodge, El Portal.
For Sequoia/Kong’s Canyon , Comfort Inn in Three Rivers.

Looking for suggestions on day trips too. You guys are awesome!

Without a camper you've got more options, especially in Sequoia. I'd do a drive up to Mineral King. This is where I grew up (tent) camping for the most part. The drive pretty much stinks, narrow road and lots of turns, but it's worth it once you get up there. Really beautiful. You cannot get there with a trailer so I'd take advantage. There is a resort nearby called Silver City that has a restaurant.

Since you're staying in Three Rivers, be sure to get some ice cream at Reimer's Candies :)