Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring destinations in the United States. Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its towering granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls, giant sequoias, and stunning meadows. Whether you’re planning your first trip or your tenth, Yosemite always has something new to discover. This guide covers top things to do, important tips for visiting, and nearby hidden gems to help you make the most of your adventure. Our Yosemite travel guide will help you start to plan your adventure.
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Entrance Fees and Passes
Before you go, know the logistics. A reservation is required to enter the park by car from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on high-traffic days between May 24–26, June 15–August 15, and August 30–September 1, 2025.
Entry Fee: $20 per person Credit card only, the entire park is cashless.
Tip: If you plan to visit other national parks, consider the America the Beautiful Pass, which covers entrance fees at all federal recreation lands. Read more about it here.
Top Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
Hiking
Yosemite’s hiking trails are world-renowned. Here are a few standout options:
-Yosemite Valley Loop Trail: A flat 13-mile loop with prime views of El Capitan and Half Dome.
-Mist Trail: A must-do! Leads to Vernal and Nevada Falls. Continue to Half Dome if you’ve got the permits and stamina.
-Glacier Point Trail: Short but steep, and the panoramic view is worth every step.
Rock Climbing
El Capitan and Half Dome are legendary among climbers. New to the sport? Guided lessons are available for beginners. All climbers staying overnight on big wall climbs in Yosemite are required to have a wilderness climbing permit. Be sure to follow the minimum impact practices to keep the park from being forever changed. If you’re not sure what they are, go to the park website here.
Wildlife Watching
Catch glimpses of black bears, mule deer, and countless birds, just remember look, don’t touch. There are over 165 species of birds, making this a birders paradise. Early morning and dusk are prime times for wildlife spotting.
Scenic Drives & Photography
Bring your camera! Drive Tioga Road or Glacier Point Road for vistas that’ll fill your memory card fast. Tunnel View and Sunset at Glacier Point are iconic photo ops. If you are planning on driving the Yosemite Road Guide, which is available at visitor center bookstores, contains descriptions of each road inside the park and includes suggestions of where to stop along the way. Yosemite also offers four bus tours with varying places to see and durations of the tours.
Camping & Lodging
Yosemite offers a range of camping options, from developed campgrounds to backcountry sites. Be sure to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season.
If you’re more of a hotel person, try The Ahwahnee, Yosemite’s iconic upscale hotel. You can also stay at the Yosemite Valley Lodge or numerous “glamping” choices.
Dining & Supplies
Yosemite offers numerous, 9 by last count, restaurants in different locations in the park. Some do require reservations, so plan ahead. There is also the Village Store located in Yosemite Village which has supplies and food for camping.
Ranger Programs
Get educated and inspired with ranger-led hikes, talks, and workshops. A great way to engage with the park on a deeper level. Check the park’s schedule for availability during your visit.
Must-See Points of Interest
-Half Dome – The icon of Yosemite. Rising 4,800 feet above the valley floor, you can photograph it from the viewpoints sprinkled throughout Yosemite (you can see it from everywhere!), hike to the top, or even rock climb up the face of Half Dome. Hike it, climb it, or simply admire it, it is a must stop!
-El Capitan – The holy grail for climbers.
-Yosemite Falls – 5th tallest in the world; thunderous in spring from the winter snow melt. Later in the season the flow can be just a trickle. If you want to see Yosemite’s waterfalls at their peak, plan to visit during the spring and early summer months.
-Bridalveil Falls- This is another popular waterfall in Yosemite. You can walk to the bottom of it on a short, paved hiking trail, or for one of the best views, go to Tunnel View.
-Vernal Falls- Vernal Fall sits in the back of the park, near Half Dome Village. Most people who see this waterfall hike on the famous Mist Trail to reach the falls. You can also see it from Glacier Point.
-Nevada Falls- Nevada Fall sits above Vernal Fall. To get to the top of Nevada Fall, it’s a 7+ mile round trip hike up the Mist or Muir Trail.
Don’t feel like hiking? Take in the view from Glacier Point, where you can see Nevada Falls, Vernal Falls, and towering Half Dome all in the same view.
Fun Things to Do Near Yosemite
Sugar Pine Railroad
Take a ride on a historic steam train near the park’s southern entrance—great for families or a rainy day. There are several buildings, including a “local” store, food options and of course the steam engine that you’ll take for your trip through the forest. The trip takes about an hour with covered cars to keep you comfortable.
Devils Postpile & Rainbow Falls
Devils Postpile National Monument is an unusual and wonderful place to visit. Consisting of hundreds of vertical basalt columns, it is quite unique. Close by is the stunning Rainbow Falls, a spectacle that is 101 feet tall. All visitors must use a shuttle bus (with fee) to visit Devils Postpile. Day passes are $15.
Wine Tasting in Madera & Mariposa
Two underrated wine regions near Yosemite. The Madera Wine Trail covers at least eight of the region’s finest wineries, where you can enjoy tasting sessions and follow the trail. Silver Fox Vineyards near Mariposa is a standout that offers a range of hand-crafted and top-quality wines. It is close to Yosemite National Park and uses only locally grown grapes and ingredients.
Mono Lake
A surreal landscape of ancient tufa towers. These massive rock formations emerge from the water and have taken thousands of years to form. A perfect stop for photographers and nature lovers.
Visit Sonora
Historic gold rush town meets modern charm. Think antiques, boutiques, and great food—all wrapped in small-town vibes. Don’t forget to stop at the iconic Red Church!
Final Thoughts: Yosemite Awaits
Whether you’re hiking iconic trails, sipping wine in nearby Mariposa, or riding a steam train through the forest, Yosemite National Park is a destination that will leave you in awe. It’s not just a trip; it’s a journey into nature’s grandeur. Plan ahead, explore widely, and don’t forget to look up and around, you never know when Yosemite will surprise you.
We enjoy sharing our information and tips we learn along the way to help you make informed decisions when planning your vacation. If you are looking for a fun road trip and need help planning it, check out roadtrippers.com and use code BTR5QTP for $5 off. I’ve planned a couple of trips with them and found it to be helpful for stops I wasn’t aware of. We hope to inspire you to find your adventure, have fun and make lots of memories.
To learn more about these other National treasures click on the one you want:
Grand Canyon National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Mead Recreation Area, and Avi Kwa Ame National Monument.