What to do in Yosemite Village, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Yosemite Village
Yosemite National Park featuring mountains, a river or creek and tranquil scenes
Yosemite Village
Yosemite Village featuring signage and a garden
Yosemite Village
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley is the emerald green heart of Yosemite National Park. Marvel at the soaring granite walls, including some of the park’s most iconic landmarks, flanking this 8-mile (13-kilometer) canyon.
Learn more
Yosemite Valley which includes mountains and a cascade

2. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an area of extraordinary natural beauty in the center of California. It has abundant flora and fauna in addition to majestic mountains, giant trees, vast valleys and peaceful lakes. Every year, millions of travelers visit the park, which stretches across 747,956 acres (302,687 hectares). Glaciers formed the fascinating landscape about 1 million years ago.
Learn more
Yosemite Falls which includes mountains and a cascade

3. Yosemite Visitor Center

Yosemite Visitor Center presents a superb introduction to the history and majestic scenery of Yosemite National Park. The center is many people’s first port of call when visiting the park. Come here to chat with knowledgeable rangers and plan your discovery of the park and valley. Find interactive exhibits that highlight the park’s varied geological features, vegetation and wildlife.
Learn more
Yosemite Visitor Center showing interior views

4. Lower Yosemite Falls

All waterfalls have a certain amount of grandeur, but Lower Yosemite Falls and its upstream counterpart create a majestic presence. The beauty and wonder may have something to do with the effect of the water appearing to come from the sky, as its source can’t be seen from below. Visit Yosemite Village and take the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail that brings you within safe proximity to the bottom of the cascading water.
Learn more
Walk near the continent’s tallest waterfall and feel the spray. Time your visit to experience the most breathtaking unobstructed view.

5. Ahwahnee Meadow

Located in beautiful Yosemite National Park, Ahwahnee Meadow in the Yosemite Valley is a tranquil and picturesque area to spend time appreciating majestic surroundings. Look for Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, which are easily identifiable from the meadow. Drive or hike to the accessible observation deck or catch the bus making regular rounds. Be sure to bring your camera. For a detailed visit, consider the park’s Ranger and Interpretive Programs that include information on the area’s morphology, geology and ecology.
Learn more
Stay near this idyllic place as a base for your expeditions on well-used trails to popular peaks surrounding a grassy valley.

6. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater

Nature is usually the star attraction of Yosemite National Park, but at Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater, another type of entertainment takes center stage. During the warmer months, attend slideshows, nature movies, ranger talks and other entertaining and informative activities. Located in the center of Yosemite Valley Lodge, the outdoor amphitheater hosts events every night during the summer.
Learn more
Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater which includes a cascade and forest scenes

7. Yosemite Valley Chapel

A “picture-perfect chapel in the woods” nicely describes Yosemite Valley Chapel. It is tucked up against a colossal rock and nestled among conifers in Yosemite National Park. The New England-style church is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest structure used for public purposes in the park. Visit the nondenominational Yosemite Valley Chapel to view its interior, attend a service or be blessed prior to hiking or climbing some of the park’s more challenging trails and rock formations.
Learn more
Surrounded by evergreens and towering rock formations, this church has a storybook feel. Step inside and discover how a young girl climber is remembered.

8. Swinging Bridge Picnic Area

Make the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area a frequent stop on your visit to Yosemite National Park, which is filled with natural wonders. Not only is this site next to the river a wonderful setting to have an outdoor meal, but simply walking through this part of the valley is unforgettable. Walk alongside the Merced River to see stunning reflections of overhanging rock formations and view majestic Yosemite Falls.
Learn more
Amid the grandeur of the majestic peaks of Yosemite National Park, this quiet spot along the river offers a peaceful location to relax and have a meal.

What to do in Yosemite Village

Popular places to visit

Yosemite Valley which includes mountains and a cascade

Yosemite Valley

5/5(63 reviews)

From Yosemite Falls to Half Dome and El Capitan, you can see some of the most stunning scenery in the world from Yosemite National Park’s central valley.

Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Falls which includes mountains and a cascade

Yosemite Falls

5/5(42 reviews)

You may hear these thundering falls, which are among the top 10 tallest in the world, before you see them in California’s Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite Falls
El Capitan which includes forest scenes and a gorge or canyon

El Capitan

5/5(49 reviews)

Experience the enormity of Yosemite Valley’s glacially carved granite peaks when you gaze upon this distinctive formation and rock-climbing landmark.

El Capitan
Half Dome

Half Dome

5/5(19 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Half Dome during your travels in Yosemite National Park. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out the hiking trails.

Half Dome
Yosemite Visitor Center showing interior views

Yosemite Visitor Center

4/5(24 reviews)

Discover the geological history of the Yosemite Valley, pick up trail maps and shop for souvenirs at this portal to Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite Visitor Center
Glacier Point which includes a cascade, tranquil scenes and landscape views

Glacier Point

5/5(30 reviews)

Witness a superb panorama of the Yosemite Valley from this viewing point and spot soaring canyons, plunging falls and granite cliffs along the rugged valley skyline.

Glacier Point
Tunnel View showing mountains and views as well as a large group of people

Tunnel View

5/5(41 reviews)

Experience one of America’s iconic natural sights, a sweeping view of the forests, waterfalls and monolithic granite mountains of the Yosemite Valley.

Tunnel View
Tuolumne Meadows showing tranquil scenes and snow

Tuolumne Meadows

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Explore the meadows of Yosemite National Park’s high country and see its velvety green plains studded with stunning granite domes, Sierra willows and wildflowers.

Tuolumne Meadows
Tenaya Lake

Tenaya Lake

4.5/5(4 reviews)

View a range of rock formations reflected in serene blue water. This popular destination allows families to hike along the lake’s shoreline.

Tenaya Lake

Day trip destinations from Yosemite Village

Yosemite Valley which includes mountains, a gorge or canyon and a sunset

Yosemite National Park

Frequently asked questions

Is Yosemite Village worth visiting?
With a blend of family-friendly attractions and nature, there are many things to do in Yosemite Village. When you're here, head to Yosemite Falls, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Yosemite Village?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point. Then, check out other parts of Yosemite Village for local restaurants and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Yosemite Village?
You can't go home without visiting Yosemite Falls, ranked the top tourist attraction in Yosemite Village.
Is three days enough to stay in Yosemite Village?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off the leading city sights, like Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point. The average stay in Yosemite Village is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your holiday, Oakhurst isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Yosemite Village with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all of your group, check out these excellent ideas for what to do in Yosemite Village with kids.

What to do in Yosemite Village for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Yosemite Village, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to The Ahwahnee.
Are there free things to do in Yosemite Village?
In Yosemite Village, Yosemite Falls is a top spot for anyone wanting to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in Yosemite Village.