Fresno

Location: 60 miles (96 km) from Yosemite entrance; 90 miles (144 km) from Yosemite Valley; via Highway 41
population 471,479; elevation 330 feet (100 meters)

Few people visiting Yosemite consider using Central Valley cities like Fresno (motto: "At least we're not Bakersfield") as a base, but the mileage is doable if you're pinched by a no-vacancy overload closer to the park.

Pro: With a metropolitan area of over a million people, you'll always be able to find a hotel here. And there must be something wonderful to do here somewhere, since a surprising number of Fresnans we've talked to have never bothered to go to Yosemite.

Con: It can be done, but this is a long drive to do every day of your vacation. In addition, Fresno has one of the highest auto-theft rates in the nation, which might make you uneasy about leaving your car outside unattended for several hours while you sleep. We recommend staying here only as a last resort.