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You can also fly from various UK airports including Aberdeen and Edinburgh on one of our partner airlines.
Getting to Yosemite National Park
From San Francisco it's an approximate 3.5 hour drive to Yosemite National Park. Check out our car hire options to make your journey as seamless as possible.
Beyond the great cities of LA and San Francisco, there's a wonderful world to be discovered, with a staggering variety of landscapes. You won’t find any beach views here, but who needs that when you’ve got towering mountains, thundering waterfalls, and pristine wilderness as your neighbour?
Getaways to this incredible natural wonder aren’t just for ‘outdoorsy’ types – with a great choice of hotels, attractions, and things to do, Yosemite National Park holidays really do appeal to everyone.
America’s got a lot to be proud of. Its magnificent cities, its warm and friendly people, and its amazing burgers. It’s also got some of the most incredible scenery in the world, and right at the top of that list (fighting for first place with the likes of the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore) is Yosemite National Park.
Let’s get one thing cleared up before we go for a jaunt around this amazing spot – yes, you’ve heard it right, the entire park does sit slap-bang in the middle of a ma-hoossive volcano caldera. But fortunately, there’s no chance of it going pop any time soon. Instead, check out some of the active hot-spots for some amazing photos. Holidays to Yosemite put you back in touch with the great outdoors, so let’s have a whistle-stop tour of the best bits.
Yosemite holidays are just as popular during the winter months – all you have to do is strap on a pair of skis instead of some hiking boots. Badger Pass is the top spot, with over 90 miles of cross-country trails and 10 downhill runs that are perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers.
Located in Fish Camp, CA, at the South Gate entrance of Yosemite, a one-hour steam train ride through the forest. This world-famous historical attraction entertains with picnic lunches, gold panning, a museum, and evening programming (open April – November).
Make sure to check out Yosemite Adventure Company in Oakhurst, CA. They have the wheels to reach the top of the mountains. Travellers can also rent Jeeps for day trips into Yosemite National Park, or 4x4 off-road and snow vehicles for travels into the Sierra National Forest. Guide services are available, as are self-guided tours.
If you're looking for something more traditional (but just as thrilling), a trail ride near the Giant Sequoia trees with Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures is unforgettable (available May – September). Let your four-legged friend take care of the hard work for you through trails used by those first brave pioneers all those years ago.
If you can’t resist the urge to swing a nine-iron, Wawona Golf Course should scratch that itch for you. This championship 18-hole course has probably the most dramatic mountain backdrop of any golf course in the world.
Find Pedal Forward Bikes & Adventure, where you can rent mountain bikes, car racks, and safety gear. Plus, get recommendations and trail advice from the experts for a cycling adventure like nothing you've experienced before.
Oakhurst is the home of Yosemite Axe Throwing. Book a lane, then channel that inner-outdoors person, hit the targets, and have a lot of fun. Talk about authentic!
Yes, there are shops in the park, as well as a few galleries and art centres too. Check out the Ansel Adams Gallery and take home a couple of prints of his famous shots of Boulder Mountain, or the Ahwahnee Gift Shop for some of the best handmade jewellery and other high-end souvenirs.
Check out the local mindfulness guides at Mindful Café who can help with new ways to get in touch with nature near Yosemite's south gate entrance. It is helpful to have a guide to give insights and access to the quiet, hidden places ideal for forest bathing.
American food is famous for big, BIG portions, washed down by ‘free refills’ of coffee that’ll have you wired for the entire day. However, don’t just expect pancakes for breakfast and a non-stop diet of burgers and fries – there’s so much more to American cuisine.
The restaurants you’ll encounter on your holidays to Yosemite will include traditional American diners, but you can also find some that specialise in fusion cuisine too. And there's plenty of local wine and beer to be enjoyed too...
This has it's very own American Viticulture Area. There are nine wineries in the AVA, and one each shines with a unique charm. Discover historic varietals and outdoor spaces on the Madera Wine Trail and the Yosemite Sierra Wine Road.
On our must-try list in Oakhurst, this world-famous restaurant offers fine dining in a fairytale setting. Just minutes from Yosemite National Park, this haven is nestled in the Sierra Mountains
When you're on holiday, it's always great to try out the locally sourced food and drink. Located in Oakhurst, here you'll find some of the best pub fare and beer in the Yosemite area.
An award-winning craft distillery near Yosemite National Park offering sips of hand-crafted rum, whiskey, gin, and more. Leave some room in your case as you're sure to want to bring some home for everyone to try!
As spectacular in architecture as it is inviting, with the smell of food drawing you in. You might need to book ahead, as this upscale restaurant is hugely popular (especially their Sunday lunchtime buffet).
Before an active day in Yosemite Valley, here you can great grab-and-go food for the trail. Try their freshly-made sandwiches or pizza, you won't regret it!
During the summer, try an authentic American BBQ, complete with marinated chicken, corn-on-the-cob and other simple but delicious dishes, all cooked out in the open.
Yosemite National Park is vast. And we do mean vast! The best way to see all the good bits is to break it down into sections:
Right at the heart of the park, you’ll find spectacular waterfalls, cliffs, and some eye-popping rock formations. The legendary photographer Ansel Adams spent a lifetime photographing the park, so you’ll recognise some of the locations from his famous pictures. Look out for the mighty Half Dome, or if you’re a climber, strap on your crampons and tackle the sheer face of El Capitan. Yosemite Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the world, or head out to Tunnel View for breathtaking panoramas of the valley from end to end.
This isn’t quite as famous as its big brother Yosemite Valley, but it’s perhaps even prettier (and a lot less crowded in the summer). It’s well worth lacing up your walking boots and going for a hike, especially in the spring.
You’re in Pioneer country here, with the wonderfully preserved Wawona hotel and an interactive history centre. Just up the road from the town you’ll find the Mariposa Grove, a plantation of giant sequoias (or giant redwood trees). Who knew trees got that big?
Unsurprisingly, there’s a glacier here, so strap your skis on and go exploring. Badger Pass is the popular route with cross-country adventurers.
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November – March
Temperatures can hit the minuses, depending on how high up the mountains you are. At Tuolumne Meadows, which is 8,600 feet above sea level, you’re looking at around -4°C to a maximum of around 12°C throughout the winter, while down at the Park’s headquarters (which is around 4,000 feet above sea level), it averages out at around 4°C.
April – October
Summer temperatures can rocket up to around 32°C, although the average is around the mid-20s°C. If you’re here during the summer, don’t forget your Factor 50 suncream, especially up in the mountains.
Yosemite National Park holidays are a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most of us. But this place is so, so beautiful, we’re guessing you’ll be back again and again. Find out more by having a look at our great choice of Yosemite hotels, and start packing for a real adventure in the wild!
To travel to the USA, you will need an ESTA visa. Please make sure that you have this approved at least 3 days before you head off on holiday.
Find out more about Travel Visas here »
A hire car is the best way to get around and many of the excursions are spread out. Inside the park, the best way to get around is on foot or by bike. Please Note: There is a charge (payable locally) for entrance into this national park.
