It’s somewhere I always crave to go. Yosemite National Park has that pull, and for me, it’s a place to immerse oneself in nature.
There is so much to discover in Yosemite National Park. Whether you go for a weekend getaway or pop in for the day, I find there is something new to explore each time. Of course, my favorite way to explore the park is by foot — adventuring out on day hikes like the Four Mile Trail. It’s a trail that ascends high up the side of the mountain to Glacier Point with panoramic views over Half Dome. You’re rewarded with one of the best views in the valley after an uphill walk that snakes into the side of the mountain.
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Whether it’s a grand hike or a combination of shorter hikes like to Vernal Falls, Yosemite National Park is the ultimate outdoor playground. On the valley floor, you can loop around with bikes or by foot, and pass through the streams and river that wind down the valley. You’ll often spot wildlife like deer or coyotes prancing through, each in their own world at peace in nature.
For those visiting for the weekend, you can book cabins or tents at Curry Village (previously Half Dome Village) to stay right in the heart of the valley. It makes for a great location and no need to park multiple times as you can access most of the valley right from there. Nearby, there are other options as well like Autocamp just outside the park.
However you experience Yosemite National Park, you’ll certainly experience just why this part of California is special. And as John Muir said, “the mountains are calling and I must go.”
20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Yosemite National Park
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
