Top Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
Popular things to do
- Hiking Tours
- Day Trips
- Geologic Formations
- Nature and Wildlife Tours
- 4WD Tours
- Points of Interest & Landmarks
- Likely to Sell Out
- Top Picks
- Hiking Trails
- Luxury & Special Occasions
- Sporting Events
- Waterfalls
- Walking Tours
- Cultural & Theme Tours
- Bodies of Water
- Ports of Call Tours
- Transfers & Ground Transport
- Nature & Wildlife Areas
- Kid-Friendly
- Yoga Classes
- Lookouts
- National Parks
- Bridges
- Parks
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Yosemite National Park.
Top Attractions in Yosemite National Park
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts
National Parks • Waterfalls
Historic Sites • National Parks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- vistamarLos Angeles, CA2 contributionsEnjoyed my stay at Yosemite. Lot of waterfalls and hiking trails. Started at Devils postpile then to Yosemite. After Yosemite to kings canyon and Sequoia.Written 23 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- PacificNWFamilyWashington State95,275 contributionsWe were happy to ride the shuttle to the Arrival Area. This much better than last year. And the water is turned on at the Arrival Area, so you can refill water bottles if needed.
The wheelchair accessible Big Trees Loop is not a loop. While much of the area has been fixed after the January 2020 windstorm, there is still a huge tree blocking the trail.
After viewing the Grizzly Giant & California Tunnel Tree, we continued up the Mariposa Grove Trail, enjoying the named and unnamed trees along the way. We went all the way to Wawona Point where we picnicked and watched local wildlife including a young Golden Eagle. Then we walked down to the Upper Grove for the Guardians Loop Trail. This is my favorite part of Mariposa Grove. I think it’s worth the effort, if folks feel they can hike that distance.
We headed down some unnamed trails past the Clothespin Tree and on to the Perimeter Trail & the end of the Grizzly Giant Loop.
Shuttles appeared to be running every 5 to 15 minutes. We had the 15 minute wait.Written 17 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - AdventureGalSacramento, CA10 contributionsWe hiked up half dome last weekend. We were a group of 6 (3 adults-2M/1F in their late forties, two 17 yrs old boys and one 13 yr old girl). The adults had been practicing hiking every Sunday for last 2+ months. Kids only went hiking couple of times. On the hike day we woke up by 4:30 and got ready to leave House Keeping camp by 5:15. We parked at the trail head parking and at 5:40 am we were at the Happy Isles to start our hike.
We reached Vernal falls by 6:40 am, and took 45 mins break there for breakfast and restroom.
We reached Nevada Falls by 8:15 am, took another break for snacks and restroom.
We walked the Little Yosemite valley, it felt long and never ending. We reached bottom of base dome by 11:30am.
We reached base of half dome by 12:15 pm. Climbing base dome was very tiring.
We started the cables section around 12:30 and reached the top by 12:50. I felt the cables was the most challenging and dangerous part of the hike.
We ate some snacks on top, posed for pics at the iconic lip/wedge and then started descending the cables around 1:30 since rain was in the forecast.
Reached the bottom of the cables around 1:50, wind had picked up speed by then, it was blowing at 25m/h and it rained for couple mins which scared everyone.
We kept walking till we reached bottom of base dome where there was less wind. We ate our sandwiches for lunch and then started the long walk to Nevada Falls. It again seemed never ending. We soaked our tired feet in the river near Nevada falls and rested for some time and then took the John Muir trail to reach the foot bridge of Vernal falls. The 2 teenage boys were ahead of us and reached the parking 2 hrs before us. By the team we reached parking lot it was around 7pm. Overall it was a beautiful hike but everyone was exhausted by the end of it.Written 19 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - PacificNWFamilyWashington State95,275 contributionsThis famous viewpoint has folks coming and going all the time. We took in the view from the parking area on the south side of the road where there are fewer people. Then we headed up the trail from the parking lot.Written 17 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- PacificNWFamilyWashington State95,275 contributionsWe had to wait for a pilot car to travel on Tioga Pass Road through the construction, but there is no more beautiful place to sit in a car. Everywhere you look are amazing views.
Several parking lots were closed, but it appears that the actual locations that are closed will change as the road crew completes sections of the road.
Remember to bring your patience.Written 17 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - ThorwaldVikingAsgaar92 contributionsMajestic, incredible and iconic landmark of Yosemite National Park.
It is essential to take your time and simply take in the pure natural beauty of this place and its surroundings.Written 22 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - AFischer3Grandville, MI14 contributionsI enjoyed this hike, but it is harder for shorter people, as some of the steps are tall. The path was wet, so wear good non-slip shoes. Stop along the way and take photos.Written 17 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- dixiepeachKansas City, MO8,138 contributionsThis waterfall was stunning to watch! I’ve seen lots of waterfall all over the world but to watch one this tall from a vantage point at the bottom was really a treat!Written 11 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- AFischer3Grandville, MI14 contributionsWe started just after 7am and had few others with us on the trail. It was a steep incline, but most people can do this very popular hike. I wouldn’t have wanted to be starting this hike later in the day like the people we saw on our way back down from Nevada Fall.Written 17 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- PacificNWFamilyWashington State95,275 contributionsThere are two great viewpoints to admire Bridalveil Fall, but they’re across the river on Northside Drive. We tried the Hanging Valley viewpoint first which had an unobstructed view. Another day we stopped at the Valley View where the river in the foreground looked better, but the waterfall view was sort of from the side.Written 17 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- PacificNWFamilyWashington State95,275 contributionsSince Glacier Point Road is closed this year, it’s not really feasible to enjoy the short hike up to the top of Sentinel Dome. So this year we just viewed Sentinel Dome from North Dome across the Valley. It is a very different perspective to look at Sentinel Dome rather than being on Sentinel Dome.Written 17 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- BT3rdDatchet, UK5,785 contributionsWe parked by the lake, sat on the lakeside stones and had lunch. With the sun shining bright the lake looked beautiful with the mountains in the background.Written 2 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- BT3rdDatchet, UK5,785 contributionsThese meadows are a sight as we came down from the mountains on the road to Tioga pass. Very serene and peaceful with lovely viewsWritten 2 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- AFischer3Grandville, MI14 contributionsMy husband and I are 40 and in average shape. We found the climb doable, but the route back down was harder (probably because we were tired). Our hiking poles were accidentally left behind, and I wish we had them, as it would have taken pressure off our legs. We opted to come down the John Muir trail and it was steep, hot, and we were tired! The views were the best on the way up, so take your time and savor them. The views were worth all the hard work, but I would hesitate to do this hike again unless I prepared with training.Written 17 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- badmaruSan Jose, CA243 contributionsTuolumne Grove is an awesome plane to visit even in the winter. The area is so beautiful and quiet especially in the winter. We did not wear snowshoes, but still managed to do some hiking. If you have then, definitely bring them to make it easier. If you have young kids, a sled makes a big difference. Our kiddo enjoyed the trail because she didn’t have to hike and she got to sled.Written 1 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yosemite National Park
- The top attractions to visit in Yosemite National Park are: See all attractions in Yosemite National Park on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Yosemite National Park according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Yosemite National Park on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Yosemite National Park according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequioas Day Trip from San Francisco
- Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco
- Small-Group Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco
- Yosemite National Park - Full Day Tour from San Francisco
- Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour Including Hotel Pickup
- The most popular things to do in Yosemite National Park with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in Yosemite National Park on Tripadvisor