Holiday houses & accommodation in Yosemite National Park

An iconic area of redwood forests, rushing rivers, and stunning geological formations, Yosemite National Park almost justifies a trip to the USA in itself. Cosy riverside holiday lodges and mountain log cabins provide the ultimate bases for exploring the park, so settle in, strap on your hiking boots, and set out to explore some of America's greatest natural landscapes.

Getting to Your Holiday Accommodation in Yosemite

When travelling to Yosemite from overseas or other parts of the USA, you’ll most likely come through San Francisco. Its large international airport has connections all over the world, including daily flights to Melbourne and Sydney. There’s also an international airport in Fresno, just a 1.25-hour drive from the Yosemite’s southern entrance, though it has fewer flight connections.

If coming from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), you can drive to Yosemite via Highway CA 120 to the Big Oak Flat entrance at the western side of the park. The drive will take around 2.5 hours to the park entrance, and another hour or so to get to the heart of the park. There’s also public transportation available from San Francisco and Fresno to Yosemite.

Family Holidays in Yosemite

Sure, Yosemite is famous for its free climbers and base jumpers, but that doesn't mean you have to risk your life to enjoy it. In fact, Yosemite is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of hikes suitable for everybody from toddlers to grannies, with prams and even dogs allowed on many trails. The paved, half-kilometre Glacier Point Loop is a good start, although other kid-friendly walks include the dog-friendly Bridalveil Fall trail, Cook's Meadow Loop, and the lower section of the wonderful Yosemite Falls.

Camping and Cabin Holidays in Yosemite

There are many options for accommodations in Yosemite, ranging from lodges to cabins and campgrounds. The latter is a popular choice among visitors who want to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. For those who don't like sleeping under canvas, lodges and cabins offer a little more luxury while being in nature.

There are several campgrounds throughout the park, though camping fees apply and they can book out in peak season. Cabins can range from smaller, basic accommodations in the traditional log-cabin-style to more elaborate holiday homes. There are cosy 1-bedroom cabins perfect for a romantic getaway for two, as well as larger two or three-bedroom properties ideal for groups or families.

Make Winter Special in Yosemite

A unique, unforgettable event on Yosemite's annual calendar—it first took place at the iconic Ahwahnee Hotel in 1927—is the famous Bracebridge Dinner, a Tudor-themed Christmas feast based on Washington Irving's descriptions of Squire Bracebridge's 18th-century English Christmas festivities in The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. Another reason to visit Yosemite in winter is for excellent skiing and snowboarding, capped each year by the famous Spring Fest in March.

What to See and Do in Yosemite

Yosemite is a world-famous national park offering some of the best hiking trails in the world. There are spectacular vistas from the hiking trails, including views of the impressive granite Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley, and Glacier Point. There are also walking trails winding between the giant sequoias, some of the world's biggest trees. If a longer hike seems like too much of a challenge, you don’t have to miss out, however. For those with mobility issues, several viewpoints are accessible by car, such as the monolithic peak, El Capitan.

In addition to world-class hiking, Yosemite offers plenty of other outdoor activities. Rock climbing is very popular here, particularly on the legendary Half Dome rock formation. The park is also great for wildlife watching, with over 400 species of animals found here, including black bears. In winter, you can even ice skate at Yosemite – every year, there’s an outdoor rink set up in Half Dome Village and another at Tenaya Lodge. If visiting in July, you can enjoy the annual Yosemite Music Festival, which features live music. You'll hear everything from blues and rock to more eclectic styles such as Cajun.

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