Yosemite
Where to Stay Whether you want to camp under the stars, enjoy a rustic vacation, or be pampered amidst spectacular scenery, Yosemite has something just for you. The following are just a few of our suggestions for a memorable vacation:
- The Ahwahnee Hotel Located in the heart of the valley, this historic hotel exudes elegance and luxury.
- Yosemite Lodge Set near the base of Yosemite Falls, the Lodge provides both deluxe and standard hotel rooms.
- Curry Village The Village offers accommodations ranging from standard hotel rooms to cabins and canvas tents.
- Camping Yosemite Valley and the surrounding areas are full of campgrounds, but be sure to book early with the National Park Service.
Where to Eat If you're not opting to eat over a campfire, Yosemite offers some surprisingly upscale restaurants and all with exceptional views.
- Mountain Room Restaurant Remodeled in 1997, this restaurant at the Yosemite Lodge has a glass atrium so that almost every diner has a view of the spectacular Falls.
- The Ahwahnee Dining Room Floor-to-ceiling windows and impressive chandeliers make this "one of the most beautiful restaurants in America."
- Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Located beside the Tuolumne River, this rustic restaurant is set inside a canopy tent. Family-style breakfasts and dinners are served only in the summer.
What to Do Enjoy the scenery! Yosemite is the ideal place to hike, bike, swim, raft, climb, and horseback ride while marveling at the beautiful views.
- Yosemite Guides Take a guided hike or trip around Yosemite led by a local mountain climber, naturalist, or fishing expert.
- Rafting Link to rafting regulations and rental information.
- Bicycling Link to biking rental information and general tips.
- Guided Tours and Horseback Riding Access information on tram tours along the Valley floor and horseback rides.
How to Get Around Once you are in Yosemite Park, you'll want to be outdoors as much as possible. Rather than seeing the sites from inside a car, travel by shuttle bus to trailheads and hike to the best viewpoints.
- YARTS The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System serves communities in Mariposa, Merced and Mono counties and offers an alternative to driving into Yosemite National Park.
- Free Shuttle Bus Visitors are encouraged to use the free shuttle bus around the Valley rather than driving.
Additional Information There are a few things you need to know before heading to Yosemite, such as there is a $20 entrance fee to Yosemite National Park - and you must show your receipt for this fee upon leaving or you'll be charged again. (This fee does include a helpful color map of the entire area).
Link to the following helpful sites to learn everything you need to know to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.