Yosemite National Park in California USA is a true treasure. Its breathtakingly beautiful, full of amazing walks and activities for the whole family and its such an easy relaxing holiday. The park is located North East of Los Angeles or East of San Francisco. You can take America's train and bus network Amtrak to get there or hire a car and drive yourself. The closest airport is Fresno.
There are plenty of accommodation choices within the National Park from the most basic being camping (with your own tent) through to a luxury hotel. A great value and fun option for families is Half Dome Village, its like glamping, you'll be staying in a canvas tent, however they are permanent off the ground timber frame tents with lights and heaters and even bear boxes outside. The village has lots of food choices and more dining options are throughout the park.
Another option for families is to stay just outside the National Park gate at the luxurious family friendly Tenaya Lodge. This resort covers 75 acres in the high sierra forest and has a variety of activities to keep your family very happy. It offers both indoor and outdoor pools, archery lessons, a climbing wall, kids adventure course, mountain biking, fishing pole rentals and horseback riding. We recently stayed at the resort and enjoyed the mountain biking on offer. It was a great family bike ride through the forest to a waterfall. Nice flat wide paths perfect for all ages.
Tenaya Lodge has a range of bars and restaurants plus a small convenience store. Their accommodation options range from luxury rooms through to suites and even large family cabins in the forest. Families could easily spend a week here, allowing two or three days to venture into Yosemite National Park and the remaining days enjoying all the facilities and activities on offer at
Tenaya Lodge. Winter offers access to the Yosemite ski and snowboard school, horse sled rides, tabogganing and lots of warm fires and snow fun.
There are many hikes in the Yosemite National Park ranging in distance from a mile to hundreds of miles they take you to waterfalls, streams, lookouts, meadows and more, the choice is yours. Hire a bike and ride the valley and flat village paths. Wildlife such as deer and squirrels are easy to spot. Bears also live at Yosemite but tend to stay away from the populated areas however you do have to be careful with food and be mindful that they are in the area.
The visitors centre in the Yosemite National Park is fantastic and has a theatre that shows great movies on the past, present and future of Yosemite. Here are some activities you might want to consider on your trip to Yosemite.
Hiking - Join a group hike or take a custom hiking trip led by Yosemite experts who share their knowledge along some of the park’s most beautiful trails. Night star walks are also fantastic, educational and fun.
Biking - Rent bikes and cruise from one iconic landmark to another. More than 12 miles of paved trails allow you to see Yosemite Valley in all its majesty.
Climbing - Expert climbing guides take new and experienced climbers out on unforgettable adventures. Learn to climb or hone your skills on Yosemite’s famous granite.
Trail Rides - Saddle up and experience the grandeur of the park by mule or horseback with guided trail rides from two hours to a full day at the Yosemite Valley Stable.
Rafting - Stay cool on a warm day with a leisurely float. Rent a raft at the Curry Village Recreation Center for a beautiful three-mile journey down the Merced River.
Discovery Programs - Explore the history and culture that define Yosemite through engaging interpretive programs, walking tours, and performances for people of all ages.
Guided Tours - Climb aboard a bus or tram and let our tour guides show and tell you about Yosemite’s natural wonders and how they came to be. Buy tickets for the Valley Floor Tour and more online now.
Dining - Whether you want a quick meal, a boxed lunch for a hike, casual fare, or cuisine of the highest caliber, you’ll find it all within the park. Yosemite also has a legacy of signature Food & Wine Events to enjoy in the fall and winter.
Speak to your BYOkids consultant about adding Yosemite to your USA holiday itinerary.
