Visiting Yosemite is undoubtedly on the bucket list of every adventure and nature-loving traveler in the world. Yosemite is truly akin to paradise on earth, replete with gorgeous waterfalls, lush greenery, beautiful trails, and rolling peaks.
First-time visitors to the renowned Yosemite National Park may have plenty of queries about what to do, see, and eat here, among other things. This brief guide addresses the most critical of these travel-related questions.
When to Visit?
Yosemite is an acclaimed and much-loved world heritage site and is open to visitors all year round. However, the park's peak tourist season happens to be summer, when the sun's warmth makes everything brighter and more beautiful. But be prepared to encounter some massive crowds pretty much everywhere in the park if you visit during this time.
Those with flexible travel schedules can head out to Yosemite in the fall or spring and avoid heavy crowds. If you visit in May, you can see the waterfalls at their best, with the snow melting and adding to its volume.
If you visit between November and late May, you will be able to enjoy snowshoeing and other skiing opportunities. You can stay at the park’s ski resort for a more convenient visit.
Where to Stay?
The best way to enjoy a visit to Yosemite National Park is to stay within its boundaries. You can book rooms at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, located right in the middle of the splendid valley, granting you easy access to the surrounding attractions via bike rides or a simple walk.
A standard room here can cost upward of $250 per night and provides all the basic amenities. Moreover, the hotel offers a restaurant, a bar, free parking, and an outdoor swimming pool.
The private cabins have robust concrete floors, a flatscreen TV, attached bathrooms, and unmatched mountain views.
Alternatively, you can make reservations in one of the budget hotels in town instead of the park. The most economical option is the Charming Yosemite Studio Mins from Badger Pass and the Valley, where room costs can be as little as $139. Upper Cascades and 34 Grandma’s Cabin are other exciting options to consider.
Certain hotel booking websites allow you to compare the prices of multiple rooms and multiple hotels at the same time to help you make an informed decision. You will also be able to filter them based on budget, location, locale, distance from the city, and even pet-friendliness, so you can get a hotel that meets your needs and budget to the tee.
Things to See and Do Here
There is no way you can enjoy every attraction Yosemite has to offer on a single trip, as this exceptional place has numerous incredible sights.
However, try exploring the following must-see spots on your first trip to the beloved park.
- Yosemite Falls is arguably the most sought-after spot in the park. Avid hikers love the challenging trails here, and water lovers spend time sitting beside gushing waterfalls.
- Sentinel Beach is loved by solo adventurers, families, and couples alike. It is the go-to spot during the summer months, with scores of people lining up beach towels on the banks of the stunning Merced river.
- Tunnel View is the best place in Yosemite to take mind-blowing pictures amid breathtaking backdrops of the Half Dome and El Capitan.
- Glacier Point is easily among the most spectacular attractions of the park. You can hike, drive, or even take a shuttle to it and enjoy panoramic views of Yosemite’s unmatched beauty.
Besides the above attractions, you can also enjoy the Half Dome, Cook’s Meadow, Mirror Lake, and Yosemite Chapel, among others.
