Contact Us. 17 Things to Do in Yosemite National Park That Will Take Your Breath Away 1. You have easy access to all the Yosemite attractions, like the iconic El Capitan and Yosemite Falls! Experience Yosemite National Park *NEW* Sample Itineraries. You can get a booklet on all the climbing routes on El Cap, and set out to find some of your favorites. Required fields are marked *. Half Dome. If you have more time to spend, extend some of the stops – like Yosemite Falls and Half Dome – into half-day hikes! No Yosemite itinerary is complete without our last stop, Sentinel Dome! The best hike in Yosemite is the hike all the way to Half Dome’s summit. His work is so beautiful and perfectly reflects the surrounding landscape. But it never gets too busy! Horseback Riding & Stock Use. Glacier Point. It’s all child-friendly and lots of fun. With only three/two days in Yosemite, you won’t waste any time waiting for a bus, and you won’t have to rush to catch one! The highest waterfall in the park, and one of the highest in North America, Yosemite Falls is a top Yosemite attraction! Here you’ll learn about the valley’s human history – including the culture of the indigenous people, and the valley’s ‘discovery’ by European explorers. Yosemite Dining Experience. The best option is finding a hotel inside Yosemite Park itself. Close. One of the most popular areas for casual biking is along the paved service road on the north side of the river, which leads to Mirror Lake. Yosemite provides essential habitat for over 165 species of migrating, wintering, and breeding birds. It may not be as legit, but it sure sounds great! Half Dome is the aptly name of the giant granite boulder that has become the de facto icon of Yosemite National Park. Fishing is an enjoyable activity in Yosemite; just make sure that you are aware of special regulations that exist within the park. Watching the various waterfalls grow golden in the sunset, and Half Dome glowing pink, is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of view. Pssssst! Since this is your first stop, we suggest you wake up early and get here as soon as you can! Or try something different and get a hot stone massage or Quartz aromatherapy! You have easy access to all the Yosemite attractions, like the iconic El Capitan and Yosemite Falls! Keep a first-aid kit on you, because it’s always good to come prepared! 2020 Top 5 Winter Hikes in Yosemite 1) Lower Yosemite Fall. She spends most of her "down-time" out in the wilderness, climbing, hiking, and beyond, and is feverishly passionate about travel and health. The most scenic easy hike in the Yosemite Valley starts with a spectacular view of it and ends at the base of the lower section of the falls. Wondering what to do in Yosemite without hiking? Throughout their lives, they can reach more than 320 feet tall and 30 feet in diameter. The best day trips from Yosemite National Park according to Tripadvisor travelers are: What are the most popular things to do in Yosemite National Park with kids? The stores in Yosemite can be pricey so its best if you bring some tins and pasta into the park with you but I suggest picking up a few bottles of Sierra Madres California ale to drink by the fire side. With more than a 2-day itinerary in Yosemite, a hike along the Mist Trail is a must! A car will enable you to get around Yosemite and then take a California road trip afterwards! We have set out this 3-day Yosemite itinerary to try and cover all the headline attractions that the wonderful park has to offer. They even have a 60-minute massage called Hiker’s Trek! You may even feel the effects of the elevation! The area gets really cold, putting off some backpackers! This is gonna take much off the day so eat a good, hearty breakfast before you jump in a dinghy! The rocky monolith provides for an interesting hike, high above sea level. In addition to biking on the roads, the park offers 12 miles of paved paths. You won’t have to walk a far distance in the dark! 1. Food & Wine Events. And keep in mind, no one has been killed by a black bear in Yosemite! Birdwatching. Just keep in mind that a permit is required for overnighting on the trail, and another one for hiking up Half Dome! Once you’ve paid the park’s entrance fee, you can climb wherever you want! It’s one of the best things to do in Yosemite and was the perfect introduction to the park—easy and flat, not too busy, and with stunning views. El Capitan is an incredible stop in Yosemite! “Find out how YOU can support the site. Things to Do. The bears are not dangerous – keep your distance and respect their habitat. Nature & Parks. This means that if you click on any of the links in this post (and make a purchase) I may receive a small commission at absolutely no cost to you.Each post is carefully crafted to (hopefully!) However, this opens up Yosemite’s ski season! This is one of Yosemite’s best viewpoints that you can drive up to with easy access. Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. What are the top attractions to visit in Yosemite National Park? The sky here is so clear that you can perfectly see the Milky Way. Glacier Point Road— an easy drive from the Scenic Wonders neighborhood in Yosemite West—has been open since May; now’s the time to take it to its breathtaking conclusion. We suggest you visit Yosemite Cellars if you’re spending a weekend in Yosemite. The Merced River flows through the middle of Yosemite Valley. Get Sprayed by a Waterfall. The Broke Backpacker team has tried out over thirty backpacks this year! Ice skating at the rink in Half … Wild animals are generally skittish and do not disturb the humans passing through their habitat! You will definitely get wet if you’re standing anywhere near the falls! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Hangout with the locals at one of the bars, shop easily at the village stores, and use it as a base for your Yosemite itinerary adventures! But it’s not all high-intensity fun. Drive slowly and safely in the park, to avoid skidding in bad weather conditions, and to ensure that you don’t hit an animal. There’s so much to see at this park, you definitely need a few days just to see part of it. While it may take longer than by car, you’ll get everywhere you need to be. Things to do in Yosemite. The Epic-Special Trail That Runs Through Yosemite - I’ll finish with one of the most iconic Yosemite National Park trails in the United States that starts right in … The classic Lower Yosemite Fall trail is a great winter hike for families as it is a short and... 2) Yosemite Valley Loop. It’s a great place to meet adventurous people and relax after a long day of exploring. Top ten things to do on your Yosemite Park vacation, including view a waterfall, see black bears, and top sights like Half Dome. But with the help of my REI National Parks iPhone app and my Fodor’s The Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West book, I was able to plan ahead and make sure we got the most of our 2 days in Yosemite!. A challenging trail accesses the upper fall’s crest, but the base of the lower falls can be visited with an easy stroll. When to visit the National Park is determined by how you want to experience it! Yosemite is so full of rivers and rapids, it’s the perfect place for it. It’s a steep but short hike to get there, and you’re well rewarded. These trees are the longest living trees on earth and can live up to 3000 years. While you’re in Yosemite Valley, be sure to stop at the Ansel Adams Gallery! The Spa has beautiful views from many of its rooms. The views here are almost indescribable. There’s so much to see and be amazed by, you want to give yourself some time to enjoy it all. The views only get better, and it’ll certainly be a trek to remember. When the wind blows, this fall truly does look like the veil of a bride. I only link to stuff I’ve actually used and never endorse products or services that are not up to scratch. A Little Bit About This 3-Day Yosemite Itinerary, Yosemite Itinerary Day 1: Induction & The Highlights. A 30-minute drive from the National Park, the village is tranquil and lovely. If you want to swap out one of the activities listed in my Yosemite 2-day trip plan or find yourself with a little extra time, here are a few suggestions for other things to do: Pay a visit to the Majestic Yosemite Hotel aka the Ahwanee. For a luxurious vacation in Yosemite, stay at Snowcreek Resort! Upper, Lower, and Middle Yosemite Fallscombined make up the highest waterfall in North America, topping out at a prodigious 2,425 feet. If you are camping in Yosemite, then use this time to get your tent pitched up to. This granite cliff is smooth and round on three sides, and looks like it was cut in half! Bridal Veil Falls is another important stop on your Yosemite itinerary! From Yosemite fishing, hiking, gold panning, arts & culture to spas, shopping and more, this is your guide to the best things to do in Yosemite National Park and surrounding areas. If one approaches you, scare them away by raising your arms and making loud noises. Things to Do. Now all that’s left to do is plan your trip to Yosemite! The location is fantastic, and their tastings of four to five wines are complimentary! We’ve put together a roundup of Travel Insurance for backpackers – check it out here, or if you’re low on time, get a quote from World Nomads, our favorite travel insurance provider. If the sun is shining, you’ll even see a bright rainbow lending the scene a little extra magic. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Yosemite Valley Lodge. There's a 270-degree panorama... 2. Yosemite Valley. Both in Yosemite National Park and beyond it. There are a few safety tips to take into account so that you can ensure a safe and happy vacation in Yosemite! Thanks for your support. Tunnel View. Brilliant views can be found all along the hike, so if you can continue, we suggest you do! A Yosemite walking tour would take weeks! This makes it so worthwhile! The trail winds its way between the tumultuous river and the granite monoliths beside it. Be sure to bring a camera! Don’t miss it! Explore the National Park and the famous valley, and enjoy a perfectly rounded 3 days in Yosemite. Wawona Hotel Dining Room. It was generally cool in the days and got seriously cold in the early hours of the morning – bring a good sleeping bag or else thermals and full winter gear. With only a 3 day itinerary in Yosemite, it’s best to hike to one viewpoint and move on to the next Yosemite point of interest. The daylight hours are temperate and ideal, but the nights get chilly, so pack some warm clothes. Watch the gorgeous Yosemite landscape pass you by as you navigate the rapids with your guide leading. Top Attractions in Yosemite National Park. If you're seeking something more than a photo op or stroll, hike longer trails, such as Mirror Lake loop, a 5-mile roundtrip journey, or the Yosemite Valley Trail. Yosemite National Park and the Southern Sierra region are laced with hundreds of miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy ambles to ambitious treks. The road is typically open from late May or early June through sometime in November. Top things to do and see in Yosemite National Park Yosemite Valley. Glacier Point. In winter (December – February) many of the hiking trails are closed off in the cold months due to snow. Famed for its ancient sequoia trees and incredible vistas, Yosemite is an American paradise! If you are camping outside of summer, then I highly recomened a good quality sleeping bag as thge nights get painfully cold – please do not underestimate the severity of this. The perfect way to relax after such a full day of exploring and adventuring! For the sake of transparency, some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Your email address will not be published. Not to mention yourself, with this epic backdrop! Yosemite Itinerary Day 2: Half Dome, Museums & Spa! You can have a neck and scalp massage to work on those knots. Or, of course, you can simply wade through the Mercer river and keep an eye out on shiny things while the rest of your crew laze on lilos in the river! Yosemite is massive and some of California’s best hikes are inside its boundaries! the YARTS bus from Merced train station. There is so much life and beauty here, a weekend in Yosemite is hardly enough time. The location is ideal, and often hotels inside the park offer guided hikes as well as discounts on tours and activities. Especially if there are a few clouds dotting the sky. Yosemite Itinerary Day 3: Views, Adrenaline & Vino! Book a cottage at this family-friendly lodge! You’ll stroll out of here feeling strong and capable of anything, ready to day 2 of your 3-day itinerary in Yosemite! The most important tip is not to leave any food in your car. This itinerary for Yosemite includes hikes, climbing, river rafting and star gazing – everything you need for the perfect solo trip, active romantic getaway, or family weekend. The most popular things to do in Yosemite National Park with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Popular Yosemite National Park Categories, Commonly searched for in Yosemite National Park, Top Attractions in Yosemite National Park, Romantic Hotels in Yosemite National Park, Yosemite National Park Hotels with Balconies, Charming Hotels in Yosemite National Park, Hotels with Shuttle in Yosemite National Park, Yosemite National Park Pet Friendly Campgrounds, Hotels near Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, All things to do in Yosemite National Park, Geologic Formations in Yosemite National Park, Nature & Wildlife Areas in Yosemite National Park, Ski & Snowboard Areas in Yosemite National Park, Bodies of Water in Yosemite National Park, Outdoor Activities in Yosemite National Park, Horseback Riding Tours in Yosemite National Park, River Rafting & Tubing in Yosemite National Park, 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Yosemite National Park, Fishing Charters & Tours in Yosemite National Park, Hiking & Camping Tours in Yosemite National Park, Nature & Wildlife Tours in Yosemite National Park, Ski & Snow Tours in Yosemite National Park, Sights & Landmarks in Yosemite National Park, Architectural Buildings in Yosemite National Park, Historic Walking Areas in Yosemite National Park, Monuments & Statues in Yosemite National Park, Scenic Walking Areas in Yosemite National Park, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Yosemite National Park, Churches & Cathedrals in Yosemite National Park, Sightseeing Tours in Yosemite National Park, Helicopter Tours in Yosemite National Park, Self-Guided Tours & Rentals in Yosemite National Park, Multi-day Tours in Yosemite National Park, Boat Tours & Water Sports in Yosemite National Park, Mass Transportation Systems in Yosemite National Park, Taxis & Shuttles in Yosemite National Park, Traveler Resources in Yosemite National Park, Visitor Centers in Yosemite National Park, History Museums in Yosemite National Park, Specialty Museums in Yosemite National Park, Gift & Specialty Shops in Yosemite National Park, Classes & Workshops in Yosemite National Park, Lessons & Workshops in Yosemite National Park, Concerts & Shows in Yosemite National Park, Cultural Events in Yosemite National Park, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias: Tickets & Tours‎, Things to do near (FAT) Fresno Air Terminal, Things to do near Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, See all attractions in Yosemite National Park on Tripadvisor, See all outdoor activities in Yosemite National Park on Tripadvisor, Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco, Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequioas Day Trip from San Francisco, Small-Group Day Trip to Yosemite from Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park - Full Day Tour from San Francisco, Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour Including Hotel Pickup, See all day trips from Yosemite National Park on Tripadvisor, See all kid friendly things to do in Yosemite National Park on Tripadvisor. 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