Things to do · Yosemite National Park, US

Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

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Getting there
Most visitors fly into Fresno Yosemite International Airport, roughly 120 km (about 1½‑hour drive) from the park’s entrance, with Sacramento and Reno also serving as secondary gateways at around 200 km. Domestic flights from major hubs such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Denver are common, often followed by a rental car or shuttle. Seasonal bus services run from Fresno and Sacramento, and Amtrak’s San Joaquin line connects to nearby towns where car rentals are available.
Who goes
Yosemite welcomes around four to five million guests each year, drawing a mix of families, avid hikers, photographers and international tourists seeking iconic landscapes. Summer months, especially July and August, are the busiest, while winter weekdays see the quietest crowds, offering a more solitary experience among the snow‑capped peaks. The park’s reputation for dramatic vistas attracts both seasoned backpackers and casual sightseers.
Budgeting
A careful traveler can expect to spend roughly $80‑$120 per day (about $90‑$135 USD), covering campsite fees, modest meals and modest transport, while a comfortable stay often runs $150‑$250 daily (around $170‑$280 USD) with lodge rooms and guided tours. Accommodations and dining typically consume the largest share of the budget; booking a campsite well in advance and preparing some meals can shave a few dollars off the daily total. Estimate →

  1. Yosemite Valley

    park · 4.7 rating

    A glacially carved valley in Yosemite National Park framed by iconic granite formations like El Capitan and Half Dome, along with waterfalls and meadows. Travelers come for world-famous scenery, hiking, and photography.

  2. Glacier Point

    viewpoint · 4.9 rating

    A famous overlook in Yosemite National Park offering sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and several waterfalls. It is reached by road, making its panoramic vistas accessible without a strenuous hike.

  3. The Ahwahnee

    hotel · 3.9 rating

    A historic grand lodge in Yosemite Valley renowned for its rustic-elegant architecture, stone-and-timber interiors, and views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Travelers visit to stay, dine, or admire its landmark public spaces.

  4. Tunnel View

    viewpoint · 4.8 rating

    An iconic roadside overlook offering a sweeping panorama of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome. It is one of the most photographed vistas in the park, reached directly from a parking area.

  5. Yosemite Falls

    waterfall · 4.6 rating

    One of the tallest waterfalls in North America, plunging in three tiers within Yosemite National Park. Travelers visit for the dramatic cascade views and short trails to its base, especially in spring when snowmelt maximizes flow.

  6. Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

    park · 4.6 rating

    The largest grove of giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park, home to hundreds of ancient trees including the famous Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree. Travelers visit to walk among some of the largest and oldest living organisms on Earth via a network of trails.

  7. Bridalveil Fall

    waterfall · 4.5 rating

    A 620-foot waterfall near the entrance to Yosemite Valley, often the first major waterfall visitors see. It flows most dramatically in spring when snowmelt is at its peak.

  8. Half Dome

    mountain · 4.8 rating

    An iconic granite dome rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, famous for its sheer vertical face. Adventurous hikers ascend a strenuous trail culminating in a cable route to the summit for panoramic views.

  9. Vernal Fall

    waterfall · 4.7 rating

    A 317-foot waterfall on the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, reached via the popular Mist Trail. Travelers hike to it for close-up views of the powerful cascade and the surrounding granite scenery.

  10. El Capitan

    mountain · 4.8 rating

    El Capitan is a massive vertical granite monolith rising about 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, world-renowned as one of the premier big-wall rock climbing destinations. Travelers come to marvel at its sheer face, watch climbers, and photograph its dramatic profile.

  11. Tioga Pass

    landmark · 4.8 rating

    Tioga Pass is the highest highway pass in California, serving as the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park through dramatic high-country scenery of granite peaks and alpine meadows. Travelers drive it for the stunning mountain vistas and access to the park's high Sierra terrain.

  12. Mist Trail

    trail · 4.8 rating

    A steep, iconic Yosemite hiking trail that climbs past Vernal and Nevada Falls, often drenching hikers in spray on the granite steps beside the cascades. Travelers go for the up-close waterfall views and one of the park's most rewarding day hikes.

  13. Mirror Lake

    lake · 4.2 rating

    A seasonal, shallow lake in Yosemite Valley known for its reflective views of Half Dome and Mount Watkins, reached via an easy walk or paved trail. It is a scenic natural spot popular for photography and quiet nature walks.

  14. Sentinel Dome

    mountain · 4.9 rating

    A granite dome in Yosemite National Park reached by a short hike, offering panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding high country, Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley. Travelers go for the accessible summit vistas and the famous weathered Jeffrey pine that once crowned it.

  15. Tuolumne Meadows

    park · 4.6 rating

    A large subalpine meadow along the Tuolumne River in the high country of Yosemite National Park, surrounded by granite domes and peaks. Travelers visit for wildflower-filled expanses, scenic mountain views, and access to hiking and backpacking trails.

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