Yosemite Travel Guide | What to See, Stay & Do

Towering granite cliffs, ancient sequoias, and waterfalls around almost every corner—Yosemite is one of those places that reminds you just how extraordinary California can be.

Living in the Bay Area, it's easy to forget that one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world is just a few hours away.

Every time I visit Yosemite, I'm struck by the sheer scale of it.

The granite cliffs. The enormous sequoias. Waterfalls tumbling into the valley. And that first glimpse of Half Dome and El Capitan that somehow never becomes ordinary.

I originally described Yosemite as “heaven on earth.”

Years later, I still think that's pretty accurate.

What I particularly love is that Yosemite can be a completely different trip depending on when you go. Spring brings rushing waterfalls. Summer is made for hiking and exploring the high country. Fall is quieter and golden. And winter transforms the valley into something almost magical.

It's one of the few places I'd happily return to in every season.

Start With Yosemite Valley

For a first visit, this is where I'd begin.

Yosemite Valley gives you many of the views you've probably seen in photographs—but nothing really prepares you for seeing them in person.

El Capitan seems impossibly large when you're standing beneath it.

Half Dome appears and disappears as you move through the valley.

And then there are the waterfalls.

DON'T MISS: Tunnel View

This is the classic Yosemite view for a reason.

From Tunnel View, you see El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall framed by the valley.

I've seen countless photographs of it.

I'd still stop every single time.

Chase the Waterfalls

Waterfalls are one of the things I most associate with Yosemite.

Yosemite Falls is particularly impressive, and the walk to Lower Yosemite Fall is easy enough to do as a family.

Then there's Bridalveil Fall, where the wind can catch the water and send it drifting sideways—giving the waterfall its beautiful veil-like appearance.

The experience changes dramatically depending on the season because many Yosemite waterfalls are fed by snowmelt. If waterfalls are a priority, spring and early summer are generally the most dramatic times to see them.

Walk Among the Giant Sequoias

This is another Yosemite experience I wouldn't miss.

There is something incredibly humbling about standing beneath trees that have been alive for thousands of years.

Yosemite has three giant sequoia groves—Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Grove and Merced Grove. Mariposa is the largest and contains more than 500 mature giant sequoias.

You don't need to visit all three.

Choose one and give yourself time to simply wander.

Stay at The Ahwahnee

If you can get a reservation, The Ahwahnee is where I'd stay at least once.

It's historic, atmospheric and right inside Yosemite Valley.

And if you're not staying there, I'd still stop in.

One of my original tips was to have lunch at The Ahwahnee after a big hike—and I still love that idea.

There's something wonderfully civilized about coming in from the wilderness, sitting down in that magnificent hotel and having a proper meal.

A Great Family Alternative: Tenaya

We've also stayed at Tenaya at Yosemite, near the park's South Entrance.

This was particularly convenient when traveling with children because you have the resort amenities to come back to after spending the day exploring.

For families who want Yosemite during the day but a little more resort comfort in the evening, it's a very good combination.

The Yosemite Discovery I Didn't Expect

One of the things I loved about our trip was discovering Badger Pass.

I had never really thought of Yosemite as somewhere we'd go skiing.

But Badger Pass is California's oldest ski area and has a wonderfully relaxed, unpretentious quality. In winter, the area offers skiing and snowshoeing when conditions allow.

For us, it felt completely different from the big Tahoe ski experience.

Smaller. Easier. Less intimidating.

Especially with kids, that can be a very good thing.

Don't Try to See Everything

Yosemite is nearly 1,200 square miles. Trying to check everything off a list rather misses the point.

For a first weekend, I'd choose just a few things:

Tunnel View. A waterfall. A sequoia grove. A beautiful walk through the valley.

Then leave some space.

Sit beside the Merced River.

Look up at El Capitan.

Watch the light change on Half Dome.

Sometimes the best Yosemite moments happen when you're not actually doing anything.

What I Love Most

For all the famous sights, what stays with me most about Yosemite is the feeling of being surrounded by something much bigger than yourself.

We've visited for the hiking, waterfalls, and scenery.

We've brought the kids.

We've discovered we could even ski there.

And every time, the landscape has been the star.

It's easy to travel halfway around the world searching for extraordinary places.

Yosemite is a wonderful reminder that sometimes extraordinary is practically in our own backyard.

IF YOU GO

STAY
The Ahwahnee · Tenaya at Yosemite

DON'T MISS
Tunnel View · Yosemite Falls · Bridalveil Fall · A giant sequoia grove

LOOK FOR
Half Dome · El Capitan · Yosemite Falls

WITH KIDS
Lower Yosemite Fall · Giant sequoias · Valley exploring · Badger Pass in winter

BEST FOR
Families · Couples · Nature lovers · Active weekends · California road trips

BEST TIME
Every season offers something different. Go in spring for waterfalls, summer for broader access to the high country, fall for a quieter experience and winter for snow and solitude.

MBELLISHED TIP
Don't make Yosemite a checklist. Pick a few experiences and give yourself enough time to actually enjoy where you are.

For 2026, Yosemite does not require an advance vehicle reservation, although the park strongly recommends booking lodging and camping well ahead and visiting on weekdays when possible. Seasonal road and trail access can change, so check current park conditions before leaving.

The Natural Beauty of Yosemite