Top Things to do in Yosemite National Park
What to do and see in Yosemite National Park, Yosemite National Park: The Best Things to do Good for Kids
Tucked into the mountains of California, Yosemite National Park is renowned for its granite cliffs and waterfalls. Half Dome and El Capitan are two of the formations made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. The valley is open year-round for camping, hiking, and climbing. Traffic is congested during peak season and park rangers encourage visitors to use the free shuttle system. For upscale visits, the Ahwahnee Hotel, built in 1927, is chic and luxurious.
1. El Capitan
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,363 reviews
Challenging, popular rock to climb in Yosemite.
Reviewed By thomh235 - Sulphur, United States
Years ago I enjoyed skydiving. Then we started our family and I bought diapers instead of Lift Tickets! One of my good friends who I jumped with told me how he base jumped off of El Capitan. I was always intrigued and vowed to visit Yosemite one day. If you're in a hurry, you're in the wrong place and should try your luck in the subways of New York. But...if you love the outdoors and enjoy spectacular scenery, this park is a MUST SEE! Between ElCapitan and all the Waterfalls, you'll take home memories that will last a lifetime AND make your neighbors jealous! Safe Travels!
2. Glacier Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,561 reviews
This rustic geological formation is most famous for the magnificent sunsets that can be viewed from its top.
Reviewed By W6633PYpauls - Costa Mesa, United States
It's been probably 20 years since I was last at Glacier Point and it's as amazing as I remember it. I was last here "pre-kids" with my wife when we were first married and finally got around to bringing the boys to see Yosemite National and, of course, Glacier Point. This is a well reviewed attraction so, instead, here's some logistical items that might make the visit more enjoyable: 1. Depending upon where you're coming from, this will be a long drive - check your GPS and plan accordingly. 2. Services are minimal. Get gas for your car before you start. Bring snacks and drinks. I would turn this into a picnic location. 3. Take your time and make the journey part of the adventure. Yosemite has much to see and don't race around from point to point. Stop along the way and enjoy this trip. FWIW, I would use this as your first stop and then work your way through other stops on your way back to your base camp. 4. Camera/Phone is a MUST. Definitely take panoramic photos. The view here is awesome.
3. Tioga Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,160 reviews
Dramatic drive starting at elevation 6,100 feet outside of Yosemite Valley and finishing 47 miles later atop Tioga Pass.
Reviewed By sherylfu - Berkeley, United States
Such a beautiful drive over Tioga Pass--something for everyone, photographers, geology freaks, hikers, lake lovers.
4. Sentinel Dome
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 731 reviews
At 4,150 feet high, this peak offers an extensive view.
Reviewed By ElaineMI
We hiked up here for sunset, with a pizza for dinner (which we packed out--always take your trash with you!) Fantastic 360 degree view with a guide--there is a rock with a plate on the top that tells you all that you are seeing. We neglected to bring headlamps, which frustrated the photographer, as the best light on Half Dome was actually a bit after sunset given the elevation. Leave lots of time to drive up here as the road is winding and the hike isn't substantial except for a steep dome ascent. A highlight of a place of superlatives.
5. Tunnel View
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,023 reviews
Reviewed By drmikenyc
The photo I'm seeing looks just like mine, so... what you see 'here' is what you get, on a photo or experiencing it through all your senses. This is a super-easy-to-get-to stop along Tioga Road, now. Once upon a time this was a view which enthralled Ansel Adams, who photographed this in black and white, and that image has been burnished into American iconography. Translation: This is an incredible, amazing, awe-inspiring view, looking at Yosemite Valley as it was carved out by glaciers, in the Ice Age, centuries ago. Once home to native Americans, it is now a national park (Yosemite). You know all this. All I can say is, even during the smoky days with wildfires around, this (at times of the day) was exactly what it looked like. A prime place to head for photography, selfies, painting, stretching...
6. Washburn Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Gonen2014 - Haifa, Israel
The Washburn Point Lookout allows for great views of the western part of Yosemite Park. Besides 'Half Dom', you can see the upper part of the Merced River, which forms the valley of the Yosemite Park.
7. Bridalveil Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,507 reviews
Landmark waterfall located in Yosemite.
Reviewed By Y802JBanthonyd
A beautiful waterfall! Catch it in the right light and it can look like a firefall. It is a short and easy hike to the viewing area. The fall is very beautiful and you will probably get hit with the spray and mist of it. This is especially nice on a hot day. Beware: don’t go beyond the railings. Many have been injured and a couple even killed climbing over the rocks( wet polished granite with moss). It is perfectly safe and enjoyable from the viewing area. Unfortunately this year (2020) the parking lot and trail are closed. The fall can be seen from the road or at other points in the valley.
8. Tuolumne Meadows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 551 reviews
A good place for hiking to get away from the crowds.
Reviewed By W6633PYpauls - Costa Mesa, United States
Along Highway 120 / Tioga Pass Road, you will drive through Tuolumne Meadows. This location is one of the reasons you should take your time along Highway 120 / Tioga Pass Road. There are so many things to see here. Don't go around racing from point to point. Stop and spend the time to actually see the park. While this may not be a "destination" location, it's a series of points and stops along 120 that make this drive so incredible. Make sure to get photos and remember that services are limited. Gas up your car before leaving and bring snacks and drinks.
9. Badger Pass Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
California's oldest ski area can be found in the spectacular Yosemite Valley.
Reviewed By TravelWarrior2000 - Los Angeles, United States
This is a very small ski area with few runs. There is an excellent bunny slope for kids and learning and the other slopes are just challenging enough for intermediates. Not really recommended for ski boarders or advanced. During my visit, the employees were outstanding in every way. I encountered about 20 of them during my visit and they were extremely welcoming and helpful. Someone does an excellent job of hiring and training here. I hope this staff is being treated very, very well...they deserve it!
10. Yosemite Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,287 reviews
The fifth tallest waterfall in the world, Yosemite Falls is the centerpiece of Yosemite National Park.
Reviewed By ELKW
Yosemite falls consist of Upper and Lower fall, I think the Upper fall is more powerful, more impressive, but if you just look at the Lower fall, it is also beautiful and fabulous. You can see the falls in many spot, e.g. in the Cook's meadow loop, swinging bridge, Yosemite falls trail, Glacier point, etc. You can view the falls from different angles at different place, and it's worth to see the falls from different view at different place. It has the most water in the Spring and early summer, while the fall may dry out in late summer, so better plan to visit it in Spring and early summer.
