Yosemite National Park Tours & Activities

Plan your trip to Yosemite National Park, California — handpicked tours and activities, the best time to visit, where to stay and eat, how to get there, and a sample itinerary.

Top things to do in Yosemite National Park

• Tunnel View. Perhaps the most photographed viewpoint in the park, Tunnel View frames El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome all in one sweeping panorama as you emerge from the Wawona Tunnel. Arrive at sunrise for golden light and mist-filled valley air.
• El Capitan. Rising more than 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, El Capitan is the world's largest granite monolith and the planet's most iconic big-wall climbing destination. From El Capitan Meadow below, visitors can watch climbers — tiny specks — ascending The Nose and dozens of other legendary routes.
• Half Dome. Half Dome's sheer granite face, rising 4,737 feet above the valley, is Yosemite's most recognizable symbol. The strenuous 14-16 mile round-trip hike culminates in a cable-assisted ascent of the final 400 feet — a permit lottery controls access to keep the summit safe and uncrowded.
• Yosemite Falls. At 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, dropping in three tiers from the valley rim to the valley floor. Spring snowmelt turns it into a thunderous cascade, while a short trail leads to the base and a longer hike reaches the top.
• Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. The park's largest grove holds more than 500 mature giant sequoias, including the Grizzly Giant — estimated at 2,700 years old and standing over 200 feet tall. A free shuttle from the south entrance whisks visitors to the trailhead among these ancient, cathedral-like trees.
• Glacier Point. Perched 3,200 feet above the valley floor, Glacier Point delivers a sweeping panorama of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Nevada Fall, and the high Sierra backcountry. Glacier Point Road opens around mid-May each year, and the sunset and star shows from this overlook are exceptional.
• Tuolumne Meadows. At 8,600 feet, Tuolumne Meadows is the largest subalpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada, threaded by the Tuolumne River and ringed by domes and peaks. Accessed via Tioga Road (open roughly mid-May through November), it offers quieter hiking, excellent backcountry access, and star-filled skies.
• The Mist Trail — Vernal and Nevada Falls. One of Yosemite's most beloved hikes, the Mist Trail climbs stone stairways past the 317-foot Vernal Fall and the 594-foot Nevada Fall along the roaring Merced River. Spring hikers are drenched in refreshing mist from the falls; the round trip to Nevada Fall covers about 7 miles.

Best time to visit Yosemite National Park

Late April through May. Late April–May offers the best combination of Yosemite's famous attributes with manageable crowds. Waterfalls peak in mid-to-late May from snowmelt, making this the ideal window to see Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and others at full strength. Temperatures are comfortable (average highs 68–72°F in the Valley). Summer crowds have not yet fully arrived and reservation requirements are less stringent. Note: Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road typically remain closed until late May or early June

Yosemite National Park weather by month

Getting to Yosemite National Park

Once inside the valley, park your car and use the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle — 19 stops, buses every 10-20 minutes. YARTS buses connect gateway towns (Merced, Mariposa, Oakhurst, Mammoth Lakes) directly to the park, with the entrance fee included in the fare. Bikes are another excellent option; the Conservancy offers a free 2-hour bike share.

• FAT Fresno Yosemite International Airport — 150 min drive
• SFO San Francisco International Airport — 210 min drive
• SMF Sacramento International Airport — 195 min drive

Where to stay in Yosemite National Park

Where to base yourself, by neighborhood.

• Yosemite Valley (In-Park). Staying inside the valley puts you within walking distance of Yosemite Falls, El Capitan Meadow, and the valley's trailheads — and gives you the priceless advantage of being on-site before day-trippers arrive. Options range from the historic, luxury Ahwahnee… Good for: Serious hikers, couples seeking romance, first-timers who want full immersion.
• El Portal. The small riverside community of El Portal sits just outside the Arch Rock entrance on Highway 140, about 25 minutes from the valley. It offers the closest gateway lodging to the park, with the Merced River running alongside. Quieter than the valley and… Good for: Families wanting convenience, travelers who couldn't secure in-park reservations.
• Mariposa. A genuine Gold Rush–era foothill town about an hour west of the valley via Highway 140, Mariposa has a walkable historic downtown, breweries, independent restaurants, and a wider range of lodging prices than anywhere closer to the park. A popular choice for… Good for: Budget travelers, foodies, those who enjoy exploring beyond the park.
• Groveland. A secluded mountain community off Highway 120 about an hour north of the valley, Groveland is anchored by Evergreen Lodge — a resort destination in its own right with guided tours, a daily activities calendar, glamping, and on-site dining. Ideal for visitors… Good for: Couples, groups, travelers who want a resort experience alongside park visits.
• Oakhurst / Fish Camp. The southern gateway via Highway 41, Oakhurst and Fish Camp are 45–60 minutes from the valley but only 10 minutes from Mariposa Grove. Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp is a full-service resort with a spa, multiple pools, restaurants, and children's programming —… Good for: Families, couples seeking spa access, sequoia-focused itineraries.

Where to eat in Yosemite National Park

A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.

Local favorites & classics

• Bar 1899. Curry Village (Half Dome Village), Yosemite Valley · Bar, small plates — Named for the founding year of Curry Village, this cozy indoor bar pours creative cocktails and a rotating selection of craft…
• Taqueria at the Meadow Grill. Curry Village (Half Dome Village), Yosemite Valley · Mexican — A quick-service taqueria at Curry Village serving tacos, burritos, and fresh Mexican staples. Open daily for lunch and early dinner,…
• Seven Tents Pavilion. Curry Village (Half Dome Village), Yosemite Valley · American, pizza — A recently renovated pavilion at Curry Village offering hearty breakfasts and dinner service featuring signature pizza. The…
• Yosemite Valley Lodge. Lodge · 4.2★ (6,956 reviews)
• The Ahwahnee. Ahwahnee Drive · 4.3★ (4,677 reviews)
• Curry Village. 9010 Curry Village Dr · 4.3★ (4,556 reviews)
• Rush Creek Lodge and Spa at Yosemite. 34001 CA-120 · 4.6★ (2,487 reviews)
• Ducey's On the Lake & Ducey's Bar & Grill. 39255 Marina Dr · 4.4★ (1,880 reviews)

Cafés, bakeries & casual

• Mountain Room Restaurant. Yosemite Valley Lodge, Yosemite Valley · Upscale casual, American — An intimate dinner-only restaurant at Yosemite Valley Lodge renowned for its wall of windows looking directly onto Yosemite Falls.…
• Base Camp Eatery. Yosemite Valley Lodge, Yosemite Valley · Modern food court, American — A convenient all-day cafeteria-style spot at Yosemite Valley Lodge serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Options span burgers,…
• Degnan's Kitchen. Yosemite Village · Deli, breakfast — A beloved village staple open for breakfast and lunch, known for made-to-order sandwiches, signature salads, and espresso drinks. Grab a hearty deli sandwich…
• Village Grill. Yosemite Village · Casual American, burgers — An open-air grill counter in Yosemite Village serving burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken sandwiches, and vegetarian options. Abundant outdoor seating…
• Pizza Deck. Curry Village (Half Dome Village), Yosemite Valley · Pizza, Italian — An open-air deck at Curry Village serving hand-tossed pizzas and salads with views of Glacier Point and Royal Arches overhead.…
• The Ahwahnee Bar. The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Valley · Bar, light fare — The casual complement to the Ahwahnee Dining Room, the bar serves lunch and dinner in a less formal setting. Enjoy a craft cocktail beside the…
• Yosemite National Park. California · 4.8★ (56,369 reviews)
• Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. 1122 CA-41 · 4.4★ (4,170 reviews)

Fine dining & Michelin

• The Ahwahnee Dining Room. Yosemite Village, Yosemite Valley · Fine dining, seasonal American — The crown jewel of in-park dining since 1927, set beneath a 34-foot sugar-pine beam ceiling with floor-to-ceiling windows framing…
• The Vintage Press Restaurante. 216 N Willis St · 4.6★ (940 reviews)
• Edge Restaurant & Lounge. 180 Lake Pkwy · 4.4★ (1,191 reviews)
• Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn. 3539 Sagunto St · 4.7★ (719 reviews)
• Twelve 28 Kitchen. 10118 Commercial Ave · 4.9★ (532 reviews)
• Taste Restaurant and Wine Bar. 9402 Main St · 4.7★ (606 reviews)
• Christy Hill. 115 Grove St · 4.5★ (530 reviews)
• The Palms. 7550 N Palm Ave #101 · 4.4★ (602 reviews)

A 7-Day Yosemite National Park Plan

1. Day 1 — Gateway Views & Valley Floor. Arrive through the Big Oak Flat entrance and pull over at Tunnel View for your first sweeping panorama of Yosemite Valley — El Capitan on the left, Half Dome straight ahead, and Bridalveil Fall cascading on the right. Take time to absorb the scale before driving down into the…
2. Day 2 — El Capitan Up Close. Begin the day at El Capitan Meadow at sunrise, when golden light catches the sheer granite face and you may spot climbers inching upward with binoculars. Walk the north side of the Valley Loop Trail toward El Capitan Bridge for multiple angles on the 3,000-foot wall. Drive or take the…
3. Day 3 — Mist Trail Waterfalls. Make an early start for the Mist Trail, one of Yosemite's most iconic routes. Hike from Happy Isles Trailhead, following the Merced River upstream past churning rapids to Vernal Fall at mile 1.5 — bring a rain jacket as the trail through the mist is genuinely soaking in spring and early…
4. Day 4 — Glacier Point Sunset Panorama. Drive the Glacier Point Road (open late spring through fall) up to one of the most photographed overlooks on Earth. Arrive early to beat tour buses and stand 3,200 feet directly above the valley floor — Half Dome, Nevada Fall, and the entire high Sierra spread before you. The…
5. Day 5 — Mariposa Grove Giant Sequoias. Drive to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias at the park's south entrance, arriving early to walk the quiet grove before crowds arrive. The 2-mile loop to the Grizzly Giant — over 2,700 years old and one of the largest trees on Earth — and the California Tunnel Tree is…
6. Day 6 — Tuolumne Meadows High Country. Drive Tioga Road (Highway 120, open summer only) up to Tuolumne Meadows at 8,600 feet elevation — an alpine world utterly unlike the valley below. Walk the easy 1.5-mile stroll along the Tuolumne River through the meadow to Soda Springs and the historic Parsons Memorial Lodge,…
7. Day 7 — Half Dome & Farewell Views. For those with permits (required; apply in the spring lottery at recreation.gov), today is the Half Dome cable route day — a grueling but unforgettable 14- to 16-mile round trip gaining 4,800 feet. Non-permit holders can hike the first 6 miles to the Sub Dome base for extraordinary…

Events & festivals in Yosemite National Park

• Chefs' Holidays at The Ahwahnee (January through early February (multi-session event, historically 8 sessions over ~4 weeks)). Nationally renowned chefs give cooking demonstrations and prepare multi-course gala dinners in The Ahwahnee's Grand Dining Room. An annual tradition since 1984.
• Natural Firefall at Horsetail Fall (Mid-to-late February (approximately February 10–26 annually, peaking around February 18–21)). At sunset, light illuminates the 2,030-ft seasonal waterfall on El Capitan's east face, creating a glowing orange effect resembling the historic man-made Firefall. Requires snowmelt water flow and clear skies. NPS…
• Vintners' Holidays at The Ahwahnee (November (multi-session event across 3–4 weeks in November)). California vintners lead afternoon wine seminars and five-course gala dinners in The Ahwahnee. An annual tradition running since the 1980s.
• Bracebridge Dinner at The Ahwahnee (December (held multiple nights around Christmas each year)). A 17th-century English manor feast with 100+ costumed performers, singing, pageantry, and a seven-course dinner. Running annually since 1927 — the same year The Ahwahnee opened. Ansel Adams directed the production from…

Yosemite National Park travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park?

Late April through May.

What are the top things to do in Yosemite National Park?

Top experiences include Tunnel View, El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

Which airport is closest to Yosemite National Park?

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the nearest, about 150 minutes away.

Where should I stay in Yosemite National Park?

Popular areas to base yourself include Yosemite Valley (In-Park), El Portal, Mariposa, Groveland.

How do I get around Yosemite National Park?

Once inside the valley, park your car and use the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle — 19 stops, buses every 10-20 minutes.