Originally Posted by
sdsearch
"Go" and "pass through" are two different things. I agree on "destination", but you have to pass through somewhere to get to the National Parks (and other destinations that are "worthwhile") in the eastern part of the state if you live in one of the big population centers along the cost, and the alternatives to Bakersfield and Fresno are no better as stops along the way.
Visalia is better than either. That was kind of my point. And given that, for a visitor to Yosemite, there is no reason to stop in either Fresno or Bakersfield (especially not Bakersfield).
Also, from the Bay Area, you do not even come near Fresno (let alone Bakersfield) to reach Yosemite. The main route is via Manteca on Hwy. 120, which is more than 100 miles north of Fresno.