Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park 2026
Top destinations, hidden gems, costs, and tips for planning your trip
Where
Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, Hetch Hetchy, and Glacier Point are the top spots for Yosemite National Park. Each offers a different vibe and seasonality, whether you want to hike, photograph waterfalls, or find a quiet retreat. The best time to visit Yosemite depends on your priorities: waterfalls are at their peak in May, while autumn brings golden meadows and fewer crowds.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Yosemite National Park?
The best time to visit Yosemite depends on whether you want to catch thundering waterfalls, hike wildflower-strewn meadows, or escape the crowds. May and early June are Yosemite’s waterfall season, when snowmelt feeds the iconic falls, but September offers quieter trails and crisp mornings. If you’re eyeing a trip and want to compare flight prices from San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Denver, search flights on Travorio for the best rates. Most travelers target spring or fall, but each season has its own draw, and a few surprises locals rarely share.
I’ve visited Yosemite in every season, and the experience changes completely depending on the month. In July, Upper Pines Campground is packed, but you’ll get those classic blue skies and warm days hitting 78°F (26°C). In October, the Merced River is mirror-still in the mornings, and the crowds thin out so much you can grab a table at The Ahwahnee Bar without a wait. The trick is to plan for your priorities, waterfalls, hiking, or solitude, then weigh the Yosemite best months for your style. I’ll break down beaches, city breaks, adventure, and budget options, so you can find the right time (and price) for your trip.
Best Beach Destinations in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite isn’t the first place you think of for a beach day, but there are some genuine sandy spots on the Merced River and Tenaya Lake. Sentinel Beach is my go-to for a relaxed afternoon, it’s about 2 miles from Yosemite Village, with water temperatures around 65°F (18°C) in July. Crowds peak here on weekends, especially in late June when the river is still running high from snowmelt. Bring a blanket and a picnic from Village Store (sandwiches $8-12) for a laid-back riverfront lunch.
Tenaya Lake, up on Tioga Road, is a local favorite for swimming and sunbathing. The water stays chilly, rarely above 62°F (17°C) in summer, but on hot July days when the meadows hit 80°F (27°C), it feels amazing. Parking fills by 10 am on Saturdays, so aim for a weekday or arrive early. Cathedral Beach is another sandy gem along Southside Drive, where the views of El Capitan are unbeatable. In August, the water level drops, and families wade in with inflatable tubes bought at Curry Village for $15.
Wawona Swinging Bridge Beach gets far fewer visitors, mostly because it’s a 45-minute drive from Yosemite Valley. The payoff: shallow pools perfect for kids and a chance to spot deer at dusk. If you’re planning a late-summer trip, crowd levels here are low after mid-August. For a quieter vibe, try Hetch Hetchy Reservoir’s shorelines. Swimming’s not allowed, but you can picnic at the O’Shaughnessy Dam overlook with water views and cool breezes even when the valley is hot.
Most tourists miss the late spring beaches, when the Merced is wild and cold, but the sandbars start to appear by late May. Temperatures during prime beach season (June to August) range from 75-85°F (24-29°C) in the valley, but keep in mind that water temps are always chilly. Bring water shoes for rocky spots and check park alerts if you’re planning to swim, currents can get fast after big snow years.
Best City Breaks in Yosemite National Park
Mariposa is usually the first city most travelers hit when driving in from San Francisco. It’s 43 miles from Yosemite Valley and makes a smart overnight for late arrivals, with rooms at The River Rock Inn from $129/night and the Mariposa Museum & History Center ($5 entry) for a quick stroll. The annual Mariposa Butterfly Festival happens every May and draws thousands, book hotels at least two months ahead if you want to catch it.
Oakhurst is the southern gateway city, 16 miles from the park’s south entrance. If you want a base with restaurants, breweries, and live music, this is it. South Gate Brewing serves up the best burgers ($15) and local beer, and the Oakhurst Art Crawl (every third Saturday) is a fun way to meet locals. Summer sees music festivals at The Pines Resort on Bass Lake, just 25 minutes away, with lakeside BBQ and kayak rentals ($25/hour).
Groveland, on Highway 120, used to be a Gold Rush boomtown and still feels like a movie set. The Iron Door Saloon claims to be California’s oldest bar (since 1852), and it fills up with hikers swapping trail tips. If you’re around in September, the 49er Festival brings in classic cars, chili cook-offs, and parades. Hotel Charlotte has rooms from $109/night, and it’s only a 35-minute drive to the Big Oak Flat entrance.
Yosemite Village itself is the only city-like area inside the park, think market, post office, bike rental, and the historic Ahwahnee Hotel (rooms from $450/night, worth it if you want to splurge). During peak summer, you’ll find ranger-led walks, outdoor art classes, and the Yosemite Music Festival (usually first weekend of July) right in the valley. For a low-key alternative, El Portal is just 14 minutes’ drive from the Arch Rock entrance with budget motels and the best pizza at The River Restaurant & Lounge.
Best Nature and Adventure Destinations
Half Dome is the headline adventure for serious hikers, but you’ll need a permit ($10 lottery, $20 if you win) and legs of steel for the 14-16 mile roundtrip. Most travelers come in May or June for the cables, which are usually up from late May through mid-October. Temperatures at the summit can swing from 60°F (15°C) at sunrise to 85°F (29°C) by afternoon, so bring layers and a gallon of water.
Tuolumne Meadows, at 8,600 feet elevation, is a different world from Yosemite Valley. Wildflowers start blooming in late June, and the John Muir Trail is at its best through mid-August. Daytime highs are a perfect 70-75°F (21-24°C), and you’ll spot marmots, deer, and sometimes even black bears (store snacks in bear lockers). The Soda Springs trail is family-friendly and only 1.5 miles roundtrip, with epic mountain views.
Yosemite’s waterfall season is short but spectacular. May and early June are prime time for Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall, and Bridalveil Fall. The sound alone is worth the trip. By August, most falls slow to a trickle, though Vernal still runs thanks to the Merced’s flow. If you want to photograph rainbows in the spray, park at Yosemite Falls Trailhead at 8 am for the best light and fewer crowds.
Glacier Point is another adventure favorite. The road opens (usually) from late May to October and gives you a panoramic view at 7,214 feet. Sunset up here is legendary, but it gets chilly fast, bring a jacket even in July. You can hike down the Four-Mile Trail (4.8 miles, all downhill), then catch the Yosemite Valley Shuttle back. For rock climbers, El Cap Meadow is the spot to watch climbers on the wall, especially in spring when big wall season peaks.
Budget-Friendly Yosemite National Park Destinations
Camping is the classic Yosemite budget move. Upper Pines and North Pines campgrounds are $36/night (2024 rates), but you need to book five months in advance on Recreation.gov. If you’re flexible, try Hodgdon Meadow (open year-round, $36/night), 45 minutes from the valley, availability is better in late September or early October. Showers are $5 at Curry Village if your campground doesn’t have them.
Groveland’s hostels and motels are solid bets for under $100/night, especially if you’re willing to drive 30-40 minutes into the park. Yosemite International Hostel has bunks for $35-45/night, and the nearby Evergreen Lodge bunkhouses are $60-70/night. Oakhurst’s Sierra Sky Ranch often has summer deals for $120-140/night, including breakfast.
Picnicking is the way to go for meals. Grab groceries at Mariposa’s Pioneer Market or the Yosemite Village Store, expect to pay about $8 for a sandwich, $2 for bananas, and $4 for Gatorade. The cheapest meal in the park is the Curry Village Pizza Deck: $8-10 per generous slice. For an epic view, pack lunch for the Sentinel Dome hike and eat it on the summit.
If you’re traveling without a car, YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) buses run from Merced, Fresno, and Mammoth Lakes starting at $15 one-way. That saves money on gas and parking, and gets you into the park stress-free. For flash sales and last-minute deals, check Travorio’s flight and hotel options, especially midweek in spring and fall when prices dip.
How to Book Your Yosemite National Park Trip
Booking Yosemite is a game of timing and flexibility. Most flights land at Fresno Yosemite International (FAT), about 95 miles from the valley. Alaska Airlines, United, and American all fly into FAT from Seattle, Dallas, and Denver, with fares often $120-190 roundtrip in the spring and fall. For the shortest drive, fly into Merced (MCE), Avelo Airlines offers direct flights from Burbank for as little as $59 one-way if you catch a sale. Find the best flight deals on Travorio and set fare alerts for price drops.
Hotels inside the park sell out fast, especially May through September. If you’re booking with a group or family, The Redwoods in Yosemite has full cabins from $350/night, but smaller motels like Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal sometimes offer rooms for $170/night in shoulder season. For the best rates, look outside the park in Mariposa or Oakhurst and use Travorio’s filters for pay-later options.
Travorio takes 100+ cryptocurrencies, so you can pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or even Dogecoin if that’s your style. Split payments are possible with Sezzle (pay in 4, 0% interest for eligible US/CA travelers), or use PayPal Pay Later, handy if you’re waiting for that next paycheck. See pay-later hotel options here and lock in rates before they rise.
Don’t forget: Yosemite National Park now requires a timed entry reservation ($2 per vehicle) during peak season (late May to September). Book your park pass as soon as dates open on Recreation.gov, or you might get turned around at the entrance. If you’re traveling for a festival or Yosemite waterfall season, book your flights and park entry at least three months in advance for the best picks.
Yosemite Seasonal Overview
Quick Facts: Visiting Yosemite
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
Groveland is usually the cheapest base for Yosemite, with hostel bunks from $35-45/night at Yosemite International Hostel and basic motels under $100. Grocery stores in town mean you can self-cater, and parking is free at most trailheads nearby. For those on a tight budget, tent camping at Hodgdon Meadow inside the park is $36/night.
Oakhurst and El Portal see the highest temperatures, often hitting 90-92°F (32-33°C) in July and August. These towns sit at lower elevations south and west of the park, making them noticeably hotter than Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows. If you want to avoid chilly evenings, these are your best bets.
Wawona is great for families, with easy river access, the Pioneer History Center, and wide, flat trails. The Wawona Swinging Bridge Beach has shallow water for kids, and there are ranger-led programs in summer. Lodging ranges from Tenaya Lodge (with a pool and kids’ menu) to budget cabins.
Glacier Point is the classic choice for couples, especially at sunset when the crowds thin and the view is all yours. The Ahwahnee Hotel offers historic rooms with valley views from $450/night. For a quieter option, rent a cabin at The Redwoods in Yosemite near Wawona and book a private stargazing tour.
Yosemite is in the United States, so US citizens don’t need a visa. For visitors from Canada, Australia, the UK, and most EU countries, entry is visa-free for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA required, $21 fee as of 2024). Always check the latest requirements before booking.
Tenaya Lake is the top beach spot, especially in July and August when the Tioga Road is open. The water is clear but cold, rarely above 62°F (17°C), and the surrounding granite domes are perfect for picnics. Get there early to snag a parking spot, as it fills up by mid-morning on weekends.
Tuolumne Meadows has a distinctly alpine vibe, with rolling meadows, wildflowers, and mountain lakes reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. The Tioga Pass area, especially around Gaylor Lakes, feels like a slice of Europe with its high-elevation scenery and cooler temperatures (68-72°F in July).
Yosemite Valley is the classic American experience, home to Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and iconic hikes like Mist Trail. Stay at Yosemite Valley Lodge for easy access, or try Curry Village for tent cabins under $200/night. The valley is accessible year-round, though waterfalls peak in May and June.
For peak season (May to September), book your hotel or campsite as soon as reservations open, up to five months ahead for campgrounds and 6-12 months for in-park hotels. Flights generally have the best fares 2-3 months before departure. Park entry reservations (required in summer) should be booked the day they open, as they sell out fast.
Spring brings the risk of flooding and swift river currents, especially during peak waterfall season in May. Summer wildfires occasionally close roads or fill the valley with smoke, check air quality alerts before you go. Winter can mean chain controls and road closures, particularly on Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road.
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