Best 10 Things to do in Yosemite National Park

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Yosemite National Park is truly one of the closest things to heaven on earth.

There is so much to do and see that it might feel overwhelming to choose what to do once you are there. Here are 10 must do items to add to your Yosemite bucket list:

1 Float the Merced

The slow paced leisurely float down the Merced River that runs directly through Yosemite, will give you stunning views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the rest of the awe inspiring scenery for which Yosemite National Park is known. You might even see a deer or bear cross your path while taking your heavenly float down the river, we were fortunate enough to see a bear in a tree during our last float. You can rent a tube in Curry Village or bring your own; but this is an activity you definitely want to schedule into your visit. Put in at Stoneman’s Bridge and float for a couple of miles until you reach Sentinel Beach. The whole float takes about 2 hours. Check the website for information based on the water level and where you can start. Hint: We usually park a car at the end before we start so we don’t have to deflate rafts and try to pack into an already crowded shuttle.

2 Check out the many waterfalls

One thing that never gets old is seeing the huge waterfalls all over the park (not to mention all the small ones that come and go seasonally). Regardless of where you are in the park you are sure to see them in abundance. From the moment you drive through the tunnel to the moment you leave, they never cease. Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America. And the “hike” if you can even call it that to the lower part of the falls is amazing, easy and something just about anyone can do! A little secret is you can hike a short ways up the falls to an extraordinary pool at the base of the lower falls that is fun to swim in for the adventurers in your group. For the more ambitious hikers you can go all the way to the top… but that is a strenuous 3+ mile hike almost completely uphill… definitely not for everyone.

Other waterfalls to check out are: Bridalveil Fall (the stunning one you see when entering the park). For a short trek you are graced with amazing views of this beautiful waterfall. And one of our favorite trails, The Mist Trail, which takes you by both Vernal Falls, and if you choose to continue up, Nevada Falls, then back down Muir Trail. If you do just Vernal Falls you are looking at roughly 3+ miles; and to do both falls the total hike is roughly 6 miles. This is a moderate hike, not for the faint of heart. The spray of the waterfalls gives the Mist Trail it’s name and you will get wet! But, there is nothing in the world like hiking by these water spectacles! It is definitely something the majority of people can and should do while visiting the park. This is an amazing hike with views and opportunities you won’t find at many other places.

3 Visit the stunning Overlooks

Yosemite sure knows how to put on a show. There are so many places that look like it must be a backdrop or green screen because the beauty found there CANNOT be real! If you are short on time and want to get the most bang for your buck make sure to visit one of the amazing overlooks to see all of the parks natural wonders at the same time. When those overlook opportunities come up, STOP. Get out of your car, grab your camera, and hold your breath, because the photo op is sure to be worth your time. The most classic view of Yosemite comes from The tunnel view. This vista, which you’ve seen on magnets, VISA cards, and every National Park poster, provides the classic ideal of Yosemite: see the granite face of Free Solo’s star, El Capitan on your left, Bridalveil Fall on your right, Half Dome directly in front of you all with lush forest below. It’s simply stunning. And it makes for a killer Christmas card photo. Glacier Point is another stunning viewpoint, and the one I think takes the cake. I fell in love with Yosemite from that vantage point. The drive takes you to an elevated vista (7, 214 ft above to be exact) and the true grandiose of the park is truly seen from there. Words and pictures simply do not do it justice.

4 Walk among giants

Right outside the valley lies Mariposa Grove and the giant Sequoias. The grove is home to over 500 mature giant sequoia trees. There are quite a few hikes throughout the area, some as easy as less than half a mile and other more strenuous ones topping at over 7 miles. Regardless of the trail you take, this area is sure to leave you in wonder and awe at the sheer size of these giants. You cannot come to the home of the Great Sequoia trees and not take time to appreciate them in all their glory.

5 Plan a hike

Oh there are so many options and so many great ones to chose from. It’s hard to suggest any because I feel like they are ALL worth your time. So I will share some of my favorites and let you chose the one that sounds most appealing. But, I’ll say this. You can’t make a wrong choice. And if you have time, do as many as you can!

–Mist Trail/John Muir Trail: I mentioned this trail above (because of the fabulous waterfalls associated with it), so I won’t go into too much more detail except to say this one is definitely a hike sure to give you a thrill, or two or three. It includes two fabulous, giant waterfalls in one hike. You start by going over the platform at Vernal Falls and hike to the top of the roaring Nevada Falls. At 7 miles round trip this one will give you all the exhilaration and beauty you are looking for in a Yosemite hike at a moderate physical expense.

-Half Dome: This is a beast of a hike, but quite truly one of the most unique ones you are sure to ever do. Plus their are crazy bragging rights associated with reaching the pinnacle of this one! And it’s truly one of the most iconic mountains in the world. The view at the top is unbelievable. And the journey is sure to be unforgettable. Half Dome starts with the Mist Trail taking you by both Vernal and Nevada Falls. You then hike 4 more miles through meadows, and up the mountain until you hit a mile of gritty, large, daunting stone steps carved into the side of the granite face. You make it through this only to hit the dome. Where if you are smart you bust out your grippy gloves (don’t make the mistake I did of picking up slick rick gloves that slip and slide at the bottom of the mountain in the pile of available gloves) because these are your source of life as you pull yourself up the chains and nailed in 2x4s to summit. It was honestly one of the most terrifying things I have ever done, and I am proud to say I did it! Life goal for sure! You must have a permit to hike this one, so plan accordingly.

–Lower Yosemite Falls: An absolute no question. The smallest member of your family can make it and it requires very little effort to get there. It is wheelchair and dog friendly. This one mile trail is heavily trafficked and ends you at the base of the largest falls in North America. The sound, sight and feel standing there is nothing short of exuberant! Definitely a must do!

–Happy Isles: This short, bucolic (I just learned this word means pleasant when relating to nature) hike is just that. Pleasant. We always make it a point to go to Happy Isles when visiting the park. This is where our children usually join a ranger led Jr. Ranger program for an easy going morning. But, it is also where we enjoy walking along the river and being in nature and simply enjoying all the beauty and trails Yosemite provides. This area, a little removed from the rest of the park has also provided many wonderful animals sightings in our family. Including 2 bobcats, and a mama bear with cubs.

6 Build a cairn at Mirror Lake

Potentially the Mirror Lake total loop is 5.6 miles. However, you can do what we do and hike in about a mile, stop and enjoy the day; our favorite activity is playing in the lake there. The water here is deep, cold, clear, beautiful and perfect for finding a rock to jump off. Our days in mirror lake are nothing short of magic. And be sure to look for the mirror lake cairns (rock towers), and add one to commemorate your day. (Look for the “Indian caves” to the left near the entrance of the mirror lake hike. They are awesome to boulder and explore).

7 Participate in the Jr. Ranger Program

Our family has made it a point to become Jr. Rangers in as many State and National Parks as possible. It gives kids insight to where we are, has them actively participate and understand the importance of conservation and find specific ways to enjoy the beauty of nature at their level. “Fun for kids of all ages, the park’s junior ranger program lets your entire family get a lot more out of their Yosemite vacation. Each year over 27,000 children became junior rangers during their park visit. All parents have to do to sign up is purchase a self-guided activity booklet for a few dollars from the nearest park visitor center or information station, or at the Yosemite Valley’s Nature Center at Happy Isles. You can join a junior-ranger guided walk around the valley’s Nature Center at Happy Isles, which has family-oriented exhibits about wildlife inside, or gather with rangers around the campfire ring after dark. It’s a memorable way for your kids to become even more inspired by nature after meeting real-life rangers during your Yosemite vacation.”

8 Bike the park

Sure you can drive your vehicle around the park to get from point A to point B, but there are definite disadvantages to that. For one, you have to pay attention to the road, other vehicles, pedestrians, etc which means you have less time to pay attention to the magnificent landscape all around you. I mean, I guess that’s not true; because during peak times you will be sitting in a looooong line of traffic, so you will have plenty of time to look around while you wait to move. And good luck finding parking at the hot spots. And of course once you park you will be walking A LOT because there aren’t lots at every wonderful site. So, many people opt to take the free shuttle. Which is awesome, when you can fit into one. Usually there is standing room only, you will be face to face with people, and sometimes it takes a couple of shuttles to come around before you can even squeeze into one.

Obviously, I am not a fan of the mass transportation routes. And right now, during COVID, shuttles are not even running, so that’s not an option. Although there are also less crowds so driving your own vehicle is not as much of a problem either. But, these two ways of getting around the park are far inferior to biking.

Biking Yosemite is truly one of the greatest things to do while in the park. The majority of the paths are paved, separate from vehicles, and relatively flat and easy. You can go anywhere in the valley in 20 min or less. You get pristine views of the landscape, animals, waterfalls, all with granite mountains like half dome as your backdrop, meadows surrounding you, and many times have the road more or less to yourself to enjoy it all! There is no better way to get around Yosemite than by bike. If you don’t bring your own, you can rent bikes in Curry Village. Trust me when I assure you that this is by far the best way to see and get around Yosemite. Check out this post for more info on what to bring with you to make your trip easier and more enjoyable!

9 Eat at the Ahwahnee Hotel dining room

“The Ahwahnee distinguishes itself as one of the crown jewels of national park lodges. The hotel is a must-visit destination within Yosemite Valley for its dining, décor and architecture that complements the natural setting of the park. The Ahwahnee was designed and built in the 1920s with the specific goal of attracting well-to-do clientele. In the following century, The Ahwahnee has more than fulfilled that ambition, hosting presidents and royalty as well as other famous personalities within its walls.”

In fact the Grand California Hotel in Disneyland Resort is loosely based off the Ahwahnee. But, you can stay in the actual Ahwahnee for a fraction of the cost and the surrounding area will let you know that you are actually at the happiest place on Earth… Yosemite!

If you aren’t actually staying there then the next best thing is to plan to dine there. The Ahwahnee Dining Room is a must-see!!! The 34-foot-high high beamed ceilings soar above floor to ceiling windows that showcase the beauty of the surroundings. Every seat is the best one in the house! Find time to cozy up to The Ahwahnee Bar for drinks or a more casual meal – with outdoor seating available to soak in the views while you eat.

10 Visit the Yosemite Village Museum

For those with little kids, or if you are looking for somewhere to be inside and cool down a bit, plus get a bit history of the area, region and people who have inhabited the valley for the last 3,000 years, this is a great stop! At the Yosemite Village and Indian Museum see historic displays, artifacts, and demonstrations! They also have a great video to watch with a lot of information about the park. (Plus, it’s nice to sit in the air conditioning for a while). The museum and video are free and it’s conveniently located in the village, near the gift shop, Village store, restaurants and more.

Other suggestions: Degnan’s Deli in Yosemite Village has the best sandwiches, the pizza in Curry Village is a family favorite and we plan (at least) one meal there each visit. Make sure to take in a Ranger Show in Curry Village. Stay in the lodge, Curry Village tent cabins and housekeeping are all good options to traditional camping. We love camping and stay in Upper Pines. You must make reservations at least 6 months in advance to camp, but it will be an experience unlike any other! Spend some time playing in the river. It is cold, but so much fun.

Which of these are you excited to do yourself?

If you are interested in checking out nearby Sequoia National Park check out this article with information on what to do.