Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
30 curated spots from Yosemite National Park itineraries
Activities & Attractions
14 curated experiences
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
Paved 1-mile loop at falls base; walk clockwise for best upper/lower fall views and footbridge spray. Golden hour sunrise photography from trailhead parking—quiet, less crowded early.
1h · Free
Bridalveil Fall Trail
0.5-mile paved path to misty 620ft waterfall base; easy wildlife spotting nearby.
45m · Free
Glacier Point Drive & Overlook
Scenic 1-hour shuttle or drive to stunning viewpoint of Half Dome and falls; short walks for panoramas.
2h · Free
Glacier Point Overlook
Drive or take a tour to this famous overlook for sweeping views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, Vernal and Nevada Falls; stroll the short paved paths between viewpoints.[1][2]
1h 30m · Free (park entry only)
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Walk among giant sequoias on maintained trails, choosing an easy loop or a longer route to see famous trees like the Grizzly Giant.[7]
2h 30m · Free (shuttle may operate seasonally)
Mirror Lake / Meadow Walk
Easy walk along a wide path to Mirror Lake’s basin below Half Dome, with reflections when water levels are good and open views even when it’s mostly a meadow.
2h · Free
Mirror Lake Trail
1.5-mile gentle hike to seasonal lake reflecting Half Dome; prime for wildlife like mule deer.
1h 30m · Free
Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
3-mile round-trip paved/granite steps to 317-ft fall; stop at footbridge for photos. Medium fitness, wear sturdy shoes/good grip; misty rainbows best midday.
3h · Free
Mist Trail to Vernal Fall Footbridge
Moderate hike along the Mist Trail to the first major footbridge with views of Vernal Fall and the Merced River; expect some uphill and spray when flows are high.[2]
2h 30m · Free
Tenaya Lake Shore Walk
Gentle lakeside wandering and rock-hopping along the shores of a stunning alpine lake, with options to sit, relax, and photograph reflections.[7]
1h 30m · Free
Tunnel View Scenic Overlook
Stop at this classic roadside viewpoint on the way back from Glacier Point to see El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome lined up in one frame.
30m · Free
Valley Visitor Center and Yosemite Museum Area
Visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and adjacent museum exhibits on the park’s natural and cultural history, plus a reconstructed Miwok village site.[5][7]
1h 30m · Free
Yosemite Chapel Exterior Visit
Stop by the small historic Yosemite Chapel for photos of its charming exterior with cliffs rising behind; step inside briefly if open and services are not in session.
30m · Free
Yosemite Falls Trail Lower Viewpoint
Short, mostly flat walk to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall with powerful views in spring and early summer.[7]
1h · FreeRestaurants & Food
16 local favorites
Base Camp Eatery
Return for a hearty breakfast and coffee as you wind down your last full day in the valley.
45m · $15-25 per person
Curry Village Pizza Deck
Share a basic pizza or salad deck-side; outdoor seating with Valley views.
45m · $10-12 per person
Degnan’s Kitchen
Sandwiches, flatbreads, and salads in a relaxed, central setting; easy to pop in between short strolls and souvenir browsing.
45m · $15-25 per person
Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court
Casual lodge food court with burgers, salads, pastas, and plenty of seating near Yosemite Falls.
1h · $20-30 per person
Curry Village Coffee Corner
Grab-and-go coffee, pastries, and light breakfast items in the heart of Curry Village.
30m · $10-15 per person
Degnan's Deli Sandwiches
Affordable turkey or veggie sandwiches to-go for trail fueling.
30m · $9 per person
Free Meadow Picnic
Picnic with packed sandwiches from morning supplies or $10 deli wraps amid meadows for sunset wildlife watch.
1h · $5-10 per person
Glacier Point Snack Stand
Simple sandwiches, snacks, and drinks near the overlook; pair with a picnic at one of the nearby viewpoints.
45m · $15-20 per person
Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza Snack Options
Simple snack-bar style options and picnic areas near the welcome plaza, ideal for a relaxed mid-day break.
45m · $10-20 per person
Mountain Room Restaurant
Sit-down restaurant with picture windows facing Yosemite Falls, serving steaks, fish, and vegetarian options.[1]
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
The Ahwahnee Dining Room
Historic grand dining room with high ceilings and valley views, serving American classics and seasonal dishes; dinner often requires reservations.[5][7]
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Tuolumne Meadows Grill (Seasonal)
Simple, seasonal grill serving burgers and snacks near the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center.
45m · $15-20 per person
Valley Picnic Supplies
Grab cheap yogurt, fruit, and granola from Degnan's Deli for a packable meal; eat at a meadow picnic spot.
30m · $8-10 per person
Village Grill
Outdoor grill serving burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads, with picnic-style seating.[1]
1h · $15-25 per person
Wawona Hotel Grill
Try burger or trout; cozy terrace dining. 10-min drive from Grove—simple, fresh local fare.
1h · $15-25 per person
Yosemite Valley Lodge Mountain Room Lounge
Lighter breakfast and coffee option near the lodge with indoor seating and quick service.
45m · $15-20 per personMore on Yosemite National Park
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