Best Things To Do in Yosemite, CA

With its granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and spectacular waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is one of California’s best-known and popular natural attractions. Millions of tourists visit this iconic national park every year. Spanning 1,169 square miles, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife-watching activities.

Yosemite National Park has breathtaking natural formations, such as the El Capitan rock wall, which rises over 3,000 feet above the valley floor. The park is also home to a diverse range of plant and animal life and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in Yosemite, CA. Whether you’re seeking the tranquility of the serene meadows or the thrill of scaling sheer rock faces, Yosemite promises an unforgettable adventure amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States.

Best Things To Do In Yosemite

Hiking and Rock Climbing

Yosemite has over 800 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous climbs. Popular hikes include the Mist Trail, Yosemite Falls Trail, Sentinel Dome Trail, and Half Dome. Rock climbing is also a popular activity in the park, with challenging routes on granite cliffs and monoliths.

• Mist Trail: There’s more to Mist Trail than just hiking; it’s a rite of passage for explorers seeking the best the valley has to offer. But don’t be fooled—this adventure presents a considerable challenge. Expect a steady ascent punctuated by breathtaking vistas at every turn. However, you can take a breather as you make your way up the mountain by crossing wooden bridges and climbing granite steps.

  The first major landmark is Vernal Falls, a 317-foot cascade that rewards your effort after climbing 600 steps. As you continue along the trail, you will come across the even more impressive 594 feet tall Nevada Falls. Each step on this trail brings you closer to the heart of Yosemite’s beauty, making every bit of the climb worth it.

• Half Dome: Taking on the Half Dome will be an experience you’ll never forget. The 14-mile round trip, which generally takes 10 to 12 hours, is not for the faint of heart. The hike is accessible from late May to mid-October, and a permit is required in advance. During the final, steep 400-foot stretch, you cling to metal ropes while navigating wooden slats that serve as makeshift footrests. Those who complete the journey are rewarded with an incredible sense of accomplishment and awe-inspiring views.

• Yosemite Falls Trail: Enjoy a 7.2-mile round-trip hike to the tallest waterfall in mainland North America. The journey takes six to eight hours on a round trip and takes you through oak woodlands on a steep trail.

• A one-mile climb to Columbia Rock offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock. Upper Yosemite Falls is visible half a mile ahead. In the spring and early summer, the creek transforms into a thunderous cascade during the final two miles of the trail, promising unprecedented vistas.

• El Capitan is one of Yosemite National Park’s most famous features, visible even before visitors reach Yosemite Valley through Tunnel View. Experienced rock climbers tackle its 3,000-foot sheer rock face at all hours, from spring to fall. The most breathtaking views are from El Capitan Meadow, located on Northside Drive toward the west end of Yosemite Valley. It’s renowned as a world-class climbing destination.

• Hetch Hetchy, located in the park’s northwest corner, offers fishing, hiking, wildflowers, and waterfalls. It has one of the longest hiking seasons in the park, with remote lakes and hidden canyons. It also contains the 430-foot O’Shaughnessy Dam, which produces some of the cleanest municipal water in the nation. While the reservoir isn’t suitable for swimming or boating, you can fish there year-round.

  This less-visited glacial valley is home to stunning natural beauty and historical significance. John Muir, who fought against the dam’s construction, once described Hetch Hetchy as “a wonderful counterpart to the great Yosemite.” The valley’s trails offer diverse experiences, from easy walks to challenging hikes, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility away from the more crowded areas of Yosemite National Park.

• Sentinel Dome Trail is a short and simple trek that leads to one of the park’s highest domes. Drive up Glacier Point Road to the trailhead, then climb through the forest to reach the dome, which offers 360-degree valley vistas.If you aren’t ready to leave the magnificent views, you can continue your climb to Taft Point nearby. During this journey, you’ll get more views of the valley before reaching the stunning cliffs of Taft Point and its surrounding fissures.

Sightseeing

A trip to Yosemite Valley would be incomplete without seeing Tunnel View, one of the park’s most iconic views. Towering cliffs frame a bed of lush green pines, and a waterfall adds to the beauty. El Capitan is also visible, with Half Dome’s rocky face peeking over the horizon. This breathtaking vista is located at the western end of the valley.

Perched 3,200 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point provides unrivaled views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra. This is one of the most impressive vistas in Yosemite. The Half Dome’s monumental curve is almost at eye level.

A hike to Glacier Point is one of the best ways to get to the Four Mile Trail, Panorama Trail, or Pohono Trail. It’s accessible by car from late May until October or November, depending on snowmelt, and then transforms into a winter wonderland only accessible by snowshoeing or skiing. This overlook is a must-see for anyone seeking the ultimate Yosemite experience.

Mariposa Grove is a great site to see Yosemite’s gentle gigantic Sequoia trees. This is the largest of the park’s three groves, with around 1,000 enormous Sequoia trees.

As the most popular spot for Sequoia sightings, you can expect to share the experience with other visitors. However, with a thousand trees to admire, there’s plenty to go around.

The Grove offers several hikes, including the short and easy Big Trees Loop and the more strenuous Guardians Loop Trail.

Tip: Consider taking the shuttle instead of finding parking to view these remarkable trees

Skydiving

One of the best things to do in Yosemite is get a view that few others have seen. With Skydive Yosemite, a Cessna will take you up to 10,000–14,000 feet, giving you an entirely new perspective on Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Valley. The exhilarating part? After jumping out of the plane, you’ll experience a 40- to 60-second free fall with vistas of the Sierra Nevada. Planning a marriage proposal? You can arrange a big “Marry Me” banner in the landing area.

Wildlife Viewing and Nature Photography

Yosemite is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the majestic black bear, the graceful mule deer, and a chorus of bird species. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to spot these creatures.

Photographers also find unlimited inspiration in Yosemite’s vistas. Tunnel View, Valley View, and Glacier Point are excellent locations for capturing the park’s breathtaking scenery. Enjoy the sunrise at Cook’s Meadow or the stunning sunset at El Capitan Meadow.

Please remember to keep a safe distance from the animals and don’t feed them for safety reasons and to preserve their natural behavior.

Guided Tours and Ranger Programs

In Yosemite, guided bus tours are a relaxing and informative way to explore the park. The Yosemite Valley Floor Tour and Glacier Point Tour cover key landmarks and offer geological and historical information about the park.

Moreover, the National Park Service offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including campfire talks, guided hikes, and educational presentations. These programs are perfect for learning about the park’s natural and cultural history.

Water Activities

Merced River whitewater rafting allows for some of the most exhilarating experiences in some of the most breathtaking natural surroundings in the world. Rafting tours are available along the river at various points. Visit the Merced River outside the park, where rapids can vary from class 2 to class 4, depending on the season. For those looking for a more relaxing activity, rafting in Yosemite Valley provides calmer rivers that are ideal for taking in the stunning scenery.

When the snow melts, the rapids become higher and faster, creating thrilling Class 4 rapids. If you prefer a gentler ride, plan your trip for later in the year, when the water levels are lower and calmer.

Tenaya Lake, known as the Jewel of the High Country, is one of Yosemite’s most gorgeous lakes. This location boasts exceptional panoramic splendor, as it’s encircled by majestic peaks and domes on all sides.

Swimming, boating, and kayaking are among the several recreational possibilities available in the area. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach at the lake’s east end, which is ideal for sunbathing.

Despite its breathtaking splendor, Tenaya Lake’s distance from the valley means you won’t have to compete for a spot to lay your beach towel. This makes it one of the best, yet less crowded, places to visit in Yosemite.

Winter Activities

In winter, Yosemite transforms into a snowy wonderland, offering a variety of activities. The Badger Pass Ski Area and the park’s trails provide excellent cross-country skiing and snowshoeing conditions. Park rangers also offer guided snowshoe walks.

Badger Pass Ski Area provides downhill skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels. The stunning views and family-friendly atmosphere make it a great spot to enjoy winter sports.

For a magical winter experience, visit the outdoor ice rink at Curry Village. Skate rentals are available, and the rink is set against a backdrop of towering granite cliffs, making it a favorite winter activity.

Health and Wellness Programs

Balanced Rock, located in the national park, offers yoga, hiking, Ayurveda, and other wellness activities. Get ready for five days of hiking, backcountry yoga, Ayurvedic meals, guided meditations, and refreshing swims with the Summer Solstice Backpack. Heather Sullivan and Eliza Kerr founded the company, and Chelsea Griffie, the first Black woman to climb El Capitan, worked as a former instructor. Balanced Rock hosts annual Women of Color Retreats to promote inclusivity and diversity in the outdoor community.

Located in Midpines, CA, just outside Yosemite Park, Yosemite Health Spa features a breathtaking garden deck with valley views. The resort offers yoga classes, massages, herbal steep baths, and a hot rock sauna. Stainless steel hot tubs are sanitized with ultraviolet light and oxygen-infused hydrogen peroxide. You may not think that a spa visit would be the best choice for an outdoor adventure, but as soon as you start to relax, you’ll realize what a great idea it was.

Nearby Dining and Shopping

Yosemite offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining:

• Visiting Yosemite isn’t complete without dining in the Ahwahnee Dining Room. Self-serve breakfast buffets are available in the Dining Room. Guests can choose from a variety of delicious lunch options in the Main Lobby Bar. For dinner, the Dining Room offers a buffet-style setting with classics including hand-carved prime ribs. Check out their breakfast and dinner buffet menus here.The Ahwahnee Bar is ideal for unwinding after a day of outdoor activities. It has indoor and outdoor seating with stunning views of Yosemite National Park and dining options with limited seating. View their bar menu here.

• Degnan’s Kitchen offers artisan pizzas, delicatessen sandwiches, breakfast favorites, coffees and espressos, baked goods, and a diverse assortment of sodas and other beverages. Numerous dining options are available here, allowing you to have a quick meal while admiring Yosemite’s natural splendor. Whether you’re fueling up for a day of adventure or winding down after a hike, Degnan’s Kitchen has something to satisfy your appetite.

• Curry Village is a renowned dining destination in Yosemite Valley. Take in the breathtaking views of Glacier Point from the Pizza Deck, where you can enjoy hand-tossed pizzas and fresh salads. Feast on hearty home-style favorites and the famous pizza at the newly renovated Seven Tents Pavilion.

• Taqueria at the Meadow Grill serves more than just burgers, offering breakfast burritos, rice bowls, and plenty of vegetarian options. With fresh pastries, hearty oatmeal, and Peet’s Coffee, the Coffee Corner gets your day off to a great start. End your day at Bar 1899 with creative cocktails, on-tap beer, and a selection of small plates.

Note: Some dining options are only available during certain seasons.

Visit the park’s shops for unique souvenirs and gear:

• Forgot something or need to stock up on supplies? The Village Store is the place to go. This store offers a wide range of essentials, including groceries, meat, fruits, vegetables, baked goods, ice, firewood, camping gear, books, magazines, and postcards. There’s also an ATM on-site for your convenience.In addition to necessities, the Village Store has a fantastic selection of Yosemite souvenirs. You’ll find T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and other memorabilia—perfect for gifts or as mementos of your visit. Plus, it has snacks, beverages, and travel-sized toiletries for those last-minute needs.

• Browse Yosemite-inspired gifts at the Ahwahnee Gift Shop, including tableware, American Indian pottery, kachinas, and jewelry. There are also unique local and international gifts, handcrafted items, clothing, books, art, and photographic prints. The shop is open all year round, making it the ideal place to find special souvenirs and gifts.

• Indulge your sweet tooth at the Ahwahnee Sweet Shop, which offers delectable chocolate truffles, snacks, and charming gifts. You’ll also find local and regional wines to enjoy.

Learn More about Yosemite, CA with Yosemite Realty

As you wrap up your Yosemite adventure, it’s clear that this majestic destination offers abundant experiences for every type of traveler. The best things to do in Yosemite, from the thrilling Mist Trail to the tranquil beauty of Glacier Point, are sure to leave long-lasting impressions.

If you want a more permanent connection to this breathtaking landscape, looking into Yosemite homes for sale may be the next step. Yosemite, CA real estate has a wide range of options, so you can find the right house to meet your ideal lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to visit or invest, Yosemite’s charm and natural beauty provide endless possibilities.

We’re a local, hometown brokerage just outside Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Foothills. We have 15 years of real estate experience and can help you find the ideal property. Let us guide you through the vibrant Yosemite, CA real estate market and turn your dream of living near this natural wonder into a reality.

Get in touch with us at 209.966.5397 or send us an email to get started.