Los Angeles → Yosemite in 3 days with a Hyundai Ioniq 5
3 days·2 adults + 2 kids (ages 7 and 10)·⚡ Hyundai Ioniq 5 (CCS, 303 mi rated)·About 583 miles · 12.1 hours of driving
✓ 14/14 stops verified · CCS · 25% arrival buffer
Why this itinerary
Yosemite in mid-May is a great fit for a nature-focused family trip: waterfalls are usually at or near peak flow from snowmelt, and the valley floor offers easy, kid-friendly walks. Day 1 is the drive up with a few short stops, Day 2 is a full day in Yosemite Valley, and Day 3 is the drive home. The Ioniq 5 needs one planned fast charge each way, which doubles as a relaxed lunch break and a chance to stretch. Tioga Road (CA-120 east) is often still closed in mid-May, so this itinerary enters the park via CA-41 (Wawona Road).
Day 1 · Los Angeles → Oakhurst
Fri, May 14 · 🚗 About 5 hr 30 min of driving · I-5 N, CA-99 N, CA-41 N- 8:00 AM
Depart Los Angeles with a full charge and head north on I-5 and CA-99.
💡 Charge to 100% overnight before leaving. The Ioniq 5 is EPA-rated for up to 303 miles; real-world highway range is usually lower, and the first charging stop is about 190 miles away.
Relaxation
- 11:45 AM
Arrive at Walmart Selma for a fast charge (arriving around 26% battery, charging to 80%) while the family grabs lunch nearby and stretches legs.
⚡ Walmart 1882 - Selma, CA · CCS · 350kW · About 25–35 min · 26% → 80%
💡 Grab lunch nearby while the car charges, and give the kids a stretch break somewhere away from the parking lot.
FoodRelaxation
- 1:30 PM
Drive about 1 hr 15 min via CA-41 N to Oakhurst, the gateway town to Yosemite's south entrance.
Relaxation
- 3:00 PM
Check in at your Oakhurst hotel and let the kids swim or rest after the drive.
💡 Ask the hotel whether they have a Level 2 charger so you can top up overnight; otherwise plan a quick top-up in Oakhurst.
RelaxationGreat for kids
- 5:30 PM
Early dinner in Oakhurst, then an easy evening so everyone is fresh for the park tomorrow.
Food
Day 2 · A Full Day in Yosemite Valley
Sat, May 15 · 🚗 About 1 hr 15 min each way · CA-41 N- 7:30 AM
Leave Oakhurst early and drive CA-41 N toward the park's south entrance. Stop at the famous Tunnel View for the classic panorama of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome.
💡 Check the NPS conditions page before you go for entry requirements and any current road or parking notices (https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm).
NatureGreat for kids
- 9:30 AM
Short walk to Bridalveil Fall — a paved, kid-friendly trail to the base of one of the park's most iconic waterfalls, often at its fullest in mid-May.
💡 Expect mist near the base; bring light rain jackets for the kids.
NatureGreat for kids
- 11:30 AM
Drive into the valley and stroll the flat loop to Lower Yosemite Fall, an easy paved walk with big views up to the cliffs.
NatureGreat for kids
- 1:00 PM
Picnic lunch or casual meal near Yosemite Village, then a stop at the visitor center for the kids' Junior Ranger materials.
💡 Ask about Junior Ranger options at the visitor center — program details can change, so confirm on site.
FoodGreat for kids
- 2:30 PM
Rent bikes or walk the flat valley loop toward Cathedral Beach and the Merced River for a relaxed, scenic afternoon with Half Dome and El Capitan in view.
💡 Check river conditions before wading — snowmelt makes the Merced cold and fast in May.
NatureGreat for kids
- 5:00 PM
Head back toward Oakhurst, stopping at Tunnel View again if the evening light is good.
Nature
- 7:00 PM
Dinner back in Oakhurst, then rest up for the long drive home.
💡 Top up the car overnight if your hotel has a charger.
FoodRelaxation
Day 3 · Oakhurst → Los Angeles
Sun, May 16 · 🚗 About 5 hr 30 min of driving · CA-41 S, CA-99 S, I-5 S- 8:30 AM
Breakfast and checkout in Oakhurst, then start the drive south on CA-41 and CA-99 with a charged battery.
💡 Charge to 80–100% in Oakhurst or before leaving the hotel so the first leg is comfortable.
FoodRelaxation
- 10:30 AM
Stop at Walmart Selma for a quick fast charge and a snack break to let the kids stretch.
⚡ Walmart 1882 - Selma, CA · CCS · 350kW · About 20–30 min · Top up to 80%
💡 Plan your charge so you arrive back in Los Angeles with comfortable reserve.
Relaxation
- 12:30 PM
Lunch break along CA-99 or I-5 — pick a quick family-friendly stop on the way.
Food
- 4:30 PM
Arrive back in Los Angeles — trip complete.
💡 Weekend traffic near Los Angeles can add time on the final stretch.
Relaxation
⚡ Charging plan
- Day 1 · Walmart 1882 - Selma, CA · CCS · 350kW · Around 11:45 AM, arriving ~26% → charge to 80%
About 191 miles from Los Angeles; the only fast-charge stop on the outbound leg.
- Day 1–2 · Oakhurst hotel (overnight) · Level 2 (if available) · Overnight
Ask your hotel in advance whether a charger is available. Otherwise plan a top-up in Oakhurst before heading into the park.
- Day 3 · Walmart 1882 - Selma, CA · CCS · 350kW · Around 10:30 AM, top up to 80%
Return-leg top-up; check the car's range before leaving Oakhurst.
Where to stay
Rates change daily — check current prices before you book.
Hampton Inn Oakhurst-Yosemite
Chain hotel in Oakhurst on CA-41, a short drive from the park's south entrance, with breakfast and a pool that kids tend to enjoy.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
A resort-style lodge near the south entrance, with a wooded setting and family-friendly amenities. May run higher than the mid-range tier.
Autocamp Yosemite
Stylish Airstream-and-cabin stay in a forested setting near the CA-140 (Arch Rock) entrance — a different route from this itinerary's CA-41 drive, so plan the extra driving. Check current availability and rates.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakhurst
Convenient chain option right in the gateway town, with easy access to restaurants and CA-41 toward the park.
Typical weather
- Los Angeles, CA · 56–75°F (14–24°C)
Pleasant and mostly sunny, based on a 3-year historical average. Almost no rain expected.
- Central Valley route (midpoint) · 58–83°F (14–28°C)
Warm and mostly sunny, based on a 3-year historical average. Pack sunscreen and water for the drive.
- Yosemite high country (park center) · 27–55°F (-3–13°C)
Cool and mostly sunny, based on a 3-year historical average. Mornings and evenings can be cold, so bring layers. Yosemite Valley (about 4,000 ft) is usually much milder.
Before you go
Book now
- Reserve your Oakhurst or Yosemite-area lodging as early as possible — mid-May weekends are popular. Check Booking.com for current rates.
- Check the NPS conditions page before your trip for any entry or reservation requirements that may apply to your dates (https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm).
- If you want to stay inside the park, book early — in-park lodging fills up far in advance.
Traveling with this group
- Ages 7 and 10 are a great fit for the Junior Ranger program — ask about current options at the visitor center.
- Bridalveil Fall and Lower Yosemite Fall are short and paved, so they work well for kids' energy levels.
- Build in snack and stretch breaks on both long drive days to keep everyone comfortable.
Road notes
- Tioga Road (CA-120 east) is often still closed in mid-May — this itinerary uses CA-41 only. Check conditions before you go (https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm).
- Chain requirements and temporary road closures can apply in the high country — confirm the latest status before departure.
- EV note: the Selma fast charger is your key stop each way; confirm it is working before you rely on it, and keep a backup option in mind.
What to pack
- Warm layers and a light rain jacket — mornings are cold and waterfalls create mist.
- Refillable water bottles, sunscreen, and snacks for the kids.
- Comfortable walking shoes, plus a small daypack with a picnic lunch.
- A charging app and your car's charging details — this plan assumes a CCS port.
This sample was generated by tripsmith's planner and reviewed by a human. Charging data comes from Open Charge Map and may be outdated, so check your car's app before relying on a station. Fees, hours, permits, and road conditions change — always confirm on official sites.
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