Looking for fun things to do near Yosemite? On this ultimate guide to Sedona, you’ll find two dozen fun activities from thrilling hikes to wine tasting and historic town exploration.
While nothing can really compete with adventures like hiking Yosemite Falls, overlooking the sights from Glacier Point and wandering around Yosemite Valley in person, here are ten great things to experience before or after you finally visit this stunning natural wonder.
And you get suggestions for the best ski resorts nearby, amazing lakes or more national parks to visit. Have a taste of local craft beers, enhance your golf game or try your luck at the casinos in close location for other recreational activities.
1. Devils Postpile National Monument
Devils Postpile National Monument is unique on grounds of it’s incredible formation. This is an outstanding natural wonder, where hundreds of carved basalt columns rise up from the ground. This calcite formation believed to have started over 100,000 years ago out of a dripping lava flow is essential for nature lovers.
Just up the road, you can visit incredible Rainbow Falls, a 101-foot waterfall that further beautifies the area. Surrounded by a thriving forest of pine, the area is alive with wildlife and plant species which help to create one huge playground for lovers of nature.
Additionally, the area features some popular hiking and biking trails that will give you ample opportunities to see more of this serene spot. As one of the most remarkable geological formations, Devils Postpile is one site you will want to check out.
Remember, Devils Postpile is weather dependent and may not be accessible. It is recommended to visit here in the Spring, Summer or Fall when conditions are most favorable as winter snowfall can limit your access (though during that time it might be more beautiful).
This is hands down one of the most unique experiences near Yosemite.
2. Sugar Pine Railroad
This a fun stop for visitors of every age and is located near the South Yosemite entrance. The centre of the area is made up to numerous charming buildings among which you may find a small local shop that will give an idea of life as it was in ages long gone. If you get hungry, this is where you can grab a quick bite to eat.
Though the star of this attraction is most likely that huge steam engine you ride through in forest. This one-hour ride gives you a chance to learn much about the local history. Rainy weather will not ruin the experience there are covered cars.
A special characteristic of this railroad are the open-air cars made from large trees, giving you a sensation that lets one merge with these forests and which make all those huge pines surrounding us look even taller.
It hosts many events so it is a good idea to have an overview of the next activities.
3. Mammoth Ski Resort
As good a ski resort as you can find. Staying open all year long and located at a jaw-dropping 11,000 feet, it is the highest elevation resort in California.
Whether you want to enjoy the out doors or just stay warm and cozy inside, we have you covered in winter with everything from downhill ski slopes and miles of scenic cross country trails (all groomed), sleigh rides snowmobiling to ice fishing.
Come ski season, the valley becomes one of Vermont’s premier spots for riding chutes and logging vertical feet (Madonna I is steep enough that this slope counts as a double-black); when snow melts away. so does Stowe morph into something more akin to an adventure park where mountain biking churns up singletrack, rock climbing gorges stone walls are cited in adventure theater at the Adventure Center catering even tried-and-true nature lovers leading tours aimed at all ages/skill levels. It’s accommodation offers visitors something for every taste, from family-friendly to high style and luxury.
The dining is varied and as excellent, with gourmet eateries serving up delicious dishes combined of mouthwatering views over the landscape notably.
I highly recommend a visit to Mammoth Mountain for amazing views, and it has required amenities should you find yourself close by on your list of things to do near Yosemite. A free shuttle bus makes it simple to move between The Village and the main base area.
4. Wine Tasting in Madera
For those who blind themselves to top-tier wine destinations, Madera County serves as an under-the radar highlight. Although California is well known for it wine production, some the most exceptional wines are made here in this lovely countryside. It includes eight top wineries along the way; these vineyards offer tasting sessions so that visitors can explore at their leisure.
Visit the Madera Wine Trail website, and find their map to help you plan your wine tasting journey. Guided tours along the trail are also available, from our preferred transportation partners if you want a little more upmarket experience.
If you decide to drive, make sure someone remains sober — that person will get free entry into the wineries.
The trail is home to numerous events throughout the year and many of its wineries boast on-site restaurants. You can therefore plan to spend a good day savouring this wine, enjoying excellent food and all surrounded by wonderful nature.
5. Wine Tasting Near Mariposa
Mariposa is an old town with rich history and a beautiful place to visit. The proximity to some of the best wineries in California also makes it a wonderful destination for wine lovers. The town is also in the Sierra Foothills which makes ideal vineyard conditions.
Another excellent winery is Silver Fox Vineyards and handcrafts some terrific wines. This vineyard, just outside of Yosemite National Park features wines made from grapes and ingredients that are all locally grown.
Sharing close proximity, your next handy gem is Butterfly Creek Winery with tasting & some fun events throughout the year.
Still others may be a little further away from the town, they are still tour worthy vineyards. With winery visits a popular tour option in the Yosemite National Park vicinity, it is advisable to reserve your tastings ahead of time.
6. Mariposa, CA
Mariposa, a charming town of the Old West is like stepping back and having imagines from another times. Located in the Sierra Foothills this area is not only beautiful but offers history and loads to do.
The town itself and it’s surrounds offers a myriad of experiences, There are plenty of wineries nearby (With some fantastic local wine tastings!)
This museum, Mariposa County’s oldest operating gold-panning material location during the rush era of the mid 19th century, brings a very good display of mining materials and general history to life for it readers.
More hands on activity like Gold Panning is available under the guidance of expert instructors( for adults as well children).
In that same vein, Mariposa serves as a central stopping spot to immensely popular Yosemite National Park which draws thousands of families, groups and couples seeking the natural wonders in this neck of the woods.
7. Mono Lake
Mono Lake is an unforgettable experience for anyone looking for amazing views around Yosemite National Park. This water is some of the most alkaline on Earth, producing a surreal setting unlike any—truth be told; it’s one of my favorite parts about this place.
One of the most well known features at Mono Lake are its incredible Tufa Towers—the large limestone formations that have slowly surfaced from the lake over centuries, producing an otherworldly sight not found elsewhere.
It is an important migratory stopover for many birds and a favoured destination, the lake makes it must visit spot for bird lovers too.
The lake is devoid of native fish due to its salty nature and lack of an outlet. It is not a welcoming home to birds that fly into it, but many of them come here because the movement of their food source leads them into this area (The Mono Lake Brine Shrimp).
Mono Lake is unique and unusual, but that’s exactly what makes it one of the most picturesque places you will witness while in Yosemite; a kind of otherworldly place not found anywhere else nearby.
8. Bass Lake
Bass Lake is one of the most popular stops for anyone who wants to head out and explore Yosemite National Park while still having a place that offers relaxation. One favorite is right on the lake at The Pines Resort, which offers a marina and all types of water sports to make this a great family vacation spot.
Pro: Swimming in the lake is wonderful and it doubles as an awesome spot for anglers.
Near the Southern Gateway to Yosemite, Bass Lake offers some of the best overflow camping in close proximity to water. Tons of mountain bike trails, various hiking routes and all sort of activites for kids to adults.
When visiting, Bass Lake is an ideal spot for people who love superb vacations with loads of entertainment options to do.
9. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia National Park famous for giant sequoias, ancient trees on Earth Visitors can choose to stay in one of the lodges jointly operated by both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks under a single administration.
The Sequoia Groves are truly one of a kind and to get up close with these giants is an experience not easily forgotten.
But Kings Canyon has some of the most breathtaking sights in the Sierra Nevada. An abundant network of towering rock formations, majestic caves and vast canyons that will attract you to visit for exploration.
The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway Trail is a band that acts as your guide through the park’s most beautiful scenery and you will be simply amazed at all of the wildlife you can see!
Two sections of the park are intertwined, making it so there are three lodging possibilities between them where you can truly submerge your self in nature. You should confirm off-season availability and accessibility, caused otherwise by weather conditions.
10. Inyo National Forest
You simply can’t beat the glorious views of Inyo National Forest. It covers a huge area along the border in Nevada and California, which has towering mountains and trees that are thousands of years old with spectacular scenery.
It is popular forest for hikers and outdoor type people, has several backcountry campsites in nice private locations.
Visitors to Inyo National Forest must exercise a great deal of planning and forethought since such external factors as weather can also close significant campgrounds or trails. Visit the forest’s webpage to see what is currently open and available.
The forest is home to a unique jewel of the Eastern Sierra, Mono Lake (shown above) and its alien beauty. This should be normal for most wildlife in the area (no food), but hey, this is bear country we’re talking about — so make sure you follow guidelines on adequately securing your food.
11. Stanislaus National Forest
Almost 900,000 acres of Stanislaus National Forest (a Yosemite region gem) Covering this forest are more than 1,000 miles of trails that offer a range of enchanting wilderness and spectacular landscapes for every hiker.
Wildflowers are in abundance as well, and the forest is a wonderful place to go for nature lovers with 78 lakes; more than 800 miles of streams.
You have many options of camping, either with a view to the lake or in forest surroundings. Cherry Lake, the largest in Stanislaus National Forest, is ideal for motorboats and nonmotorized boats of all kinds (boating), swimming, fishing or simply walking beside its beaches.
Cherry Lake has especially popular campsites, and it is something worth thinking about during your stay.
Its still virgin forest environment is just breathtaking. It is recommended to plan your trip in design, as it can sometimes be difficult due to bad weather.
12. Craft Beer Tasting
The Yosemite National Park region has become a hotspot for craft beer enthusiasts, with a growing number of breweries producing a diverse array of American and international brews. Beer lovers will find plenty to enjoy in this burgeoning brewing area.
South Gate Brewing Company
Here, one of my preferred examples in the region – go located that is south Gate Brewing Company into the more modest city of Oakhurst below the park.
Their beer was great and the food was just as good. The Southern Fried Chicken in particular is extremely fresh and tasty and the Beer Cheese Macaroni as usual is a finale dish that does not disappoint. The brewery has a changing roster of beers, from several IPAs to some with only the slightest tinge of fruit.
The only negative is it can get so busy as its one of the top attractions usually ending up with long queues, particularly on an evening. But the wait is absolutely worth it.
Around the Horn Brewing Company
If these names pique your curiosity, check out Around The Horn Brewing Company in Groveland (35 minutes west of Yosemite) for such imaginative brews as Not NOT Idea — a double IPA; Lost In Lucidity Pilsner and Fluffy Tutu Sour. The beer menu changes regularly so the options are always fresh.
They keep it fun, but their products are made in earnest. They have a limited food menu including some shareable plates, salads and sandwich options as well.
1850 Restaurant and Brewery
Located in the quaint village of Mariposa near Yosemite National Park, 1850 Restaurant & Brewery is a popular destination for both tourists and townies. So they have a wide range of in-house craft ales to offer.
Aside from their beers, they serve an outstanding lunch and dinner fare. Rooms are available to those wanting stay the night above of a restaurant.
13. Skydiving
Skydive Yosemite offers a memorable opportunity to experience the stunning views of Yosemite Valley in a whole new way. Mariposa-Yosemite Airport — a great spot for skydiving!
Tandem jumps are available with experienced guides to provide aficionados 360 views of icons like Half Dome and El Capitan.
They also do special events; flying marriage proposals, and group jumps (birthday celebrations to charity jobs). Participants must be 18 years of age, as well in good physical condition. Counting, an 80 years old has done it too so there is no upper age limit
A skydiving gift certificate IS an excellent idea — if you are looking for a wonderful and amazing present for that someone. Accommodation is also readily available in the beautiful town of Mariposa and surrounding areas, making a trip to Yosemite Skydive both easy and enjoyable.
14. Groveland
Groveland is the gateway town for anyone venturing into Yosemite National Park. A Gold Rush-era hamlet, this historic area offers outdoor recreation opportunities in a charming old-time California setting. This hypnotic environment has been kept alive in the Maioca Valley through architecture that tells a story of this old mining town, one not soon forgotten by visiting tourists.
Groveland can get pretty busy with the number of restaurants, bars and some shops. Because of this many people will probably want to stay in a room for which is feels good and therefore it should be advisable, again a little sooner!
When you go to Groveland, at a minimum step into the Iron Door Saloon that holds title as California’s oldest continuously operating saloon in the state. With the historical feel of its traditional decorations and artifacts, it is a place in which to relax with authentic drinks. Amazingly, the original bar is still in operation to this day.
While in Groveland, why not also fish or break out the white-water rafting gear. There is also mountain biking, hiking and horse riding around some of the most picturesque backdrops you will ever encounter.
Perfect for exploration, the Big Oak Flat Entrance to Yosemite National Park sits only 25 miles west of town.
15. Golfing
Golf is a popular passtime in the Yosemite area, with courses scattered amidst some wonderful scenery. These top picks are worth your time:
River Creek Golf Course
Nestled in the beautiful town of Ahwahnee, only a quick drive from southern Yosemite gates and featuring stunning views of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. One of California’s oldest courses, this circuit is also among the state’s most scenic.
Yosemite Lakes Park Golf Course
You will fall in love with this wonderful environment of the Yosemite Lakes Park Golf Course. This 9-hole course is not overly long, has small greens & pretty tight fairways and five water holes to deal with which I found challenging! Featuring one of the best walking courses in Texas, open to both members and non-members; offers three dining options on premises.
Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course
Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course is a public 18-hole championship golf course. But for the solid player who likes to be challenged, this is a must-play course in Groveland, 26 miles from the entrance of Yosemite.
Wawona Golf Course
Located entirely within Yosemite National Park, Wawona Golf Course has been captivating golfers for more than a century. The design paired with the variety of terrain provide a unique and fun experience, featuring some challenging greens while offering two distances for every hole (there are alternate tees on several holes) to play as short 9’s or full length Par 72.
16. Casinos
If you are in the mood to try your luck, throw a few dice or pull on some slots simply visit one of these casinos while visiting Yosemite. Some places have a dress code, so you may want to check ahead of time. Some of the best casinos to get you started include:
Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino
Chukchansi is a destination for gaming, dining and entertainment in Coarsegold, California. More than just fun games you can play online at NJ Online Casinos including Tropicana — they offer table games like poker blackjack as well slots; with resort amenities such hotels restaurants bars there plenty do! Just a short drive away from Yosemite National Park it has something for the hardcore gamer and those looking to hang out with their friends yet still have fun doing so.
Mono Wind Casino
Mono Wind Casino Located in: Auberry, California Fewer slot machines and table games than major Indian casinos, but all the games are here at a casino that has an older venue (shown) with dining. When you are not out sampling the local fare and testing your luck, check in at Broken Arrow Bar and Grill to enjoy a traditional American menu.
Chicken Ranch Casino
Chicken Ranch Casino is located in Sonora near the beautiful landscapes of Yosemite and it gives a lively gaming excitement allow you to play definitely slots your heart desires. In addition, the casino runs daily and evening contests all year.long. Ranch House Restaurant — Simple And Hearty Eating When hunger gets to you, the Ranch House eats delivers a straight forward menu that offers something for everyone.
17. Don Pedro Lake and Recreation Area
Located in the Sierra Foothills, Don Pedro Lake and Recreation Area with its scenic mountain vistas is a great launching point for visiting Yosemite National Park
Groveland and Coulterville are townships that grew up around the 1848 Gold Rush in California, very near to Yosemite National Park, which provide restaurant dining options and saloons filled with history during your visit.
It’s a great place for outdoor lovers to get on the lake, fish or go rafting in National Parks. They also have many walking and biking trails to check out.
Railway aficionados can step back in time at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park to see enormous steam engines, and the stunning Stanislaus National Forest is only half an hour by car from Columbia.
The Recreation Area offers a variety of accommodations: houseboats and regular campsites. For those who like to be closer with nature, there are lots of campings all around the area.
This is the most family-friendly destination, and a great center point for many of Yosemite’s major attractions.
18. Hike Half Dome
Hiking Half DomeI know what you’re thinking why is there a section on hiking Half Domesans munch. Isn’t it just another hike? Absolutely not. So, Half Dome hike is not really just a half dome trek; it is an immense experience.
Half dome is probably best known as one of the most difficult and top hikes in Yosemite. This is a hike that” you can’t miss before you die, and the one you’re most likely to die while doing,” according to Yosemite Hikes. Quite an adventure!
Powered by the same path as the Mist Trail, to get to Half Dome you would keep going after hitting Nevada Falls — an additional 10.6 miles and 2,800 feet of elevation gain in order for a total of a daunting 14.
The effort ends with a climb straight up 400 feet of metal cables to the summit — an ascent that can be done in two hours. While this climbing route is not particularly difficult, it’s smart to bring some safety gear (for example a via ferrata lanyard and a full strength rock climbing harness to clip in the cables so you don’t fall) as well as brush up on your safety tips before attempting Frälsta Kalkbrottet; during winter especially sections of it can be quite dangerous if underestimated.
After hours of climbing, the ensuing adrenaline and exhilaration will be rewarded with a 4,800-foot-high perch above Yosemite Valley from which everyone can savor breathtaking vistas in every direction.
This hike can be both easy and strenuous; if it seems like too much, there are some less-demanding Valley hikes that do not require a permit — e.g. the Four Mile Trail (moderate) or Upper Yosemite Falls (strenuous). If you put your mind to it, overcome doubt — Of course!
Travel Tip: The Half Dome cables are raised seasonally, up the Friday before Memorial Day and down after Indigenous Peoples Day in October. There is currently a daily quota for the number of people that can hike through Half Dome (300) and you need to have one of these permits in order to ascend the cables up towards the summit. Day Hiker Permits are maximum lottery via Recreation. gov with the initial lottery in March (put it on your calendar) and daily lotteries during hiking season.
19. Explore Hetch Hetchy, Yosemite’s Mountain Fjord
Perhaps lesser-known among some Yosemite visitors, Hetch Hetchy enhances your park experience – especially meaningful when it means leaving the valley once in awhile during peak summer visitation yet still finding awe-inspiring natural and scenic attractions like at unforgettable venues. Getting to properly savor those kind of experiences involves exiting the park (via Big Oak Flat entrance) then driving country roads a short time before re-entering close by for connecting with that sense of wonder many cherish without big crowds whatsoever; all quite appealing! Even so, the journey is more than worth it: imagine sunlight sparkling on water falling between mountains as tall walls with numerous falls scale high above. Since it is also the water source for the Bay Area, Hetch Hetchy has been likened to a fjord.
Naturalist John Muir famously called Hetch Hetchy a smaller but equally spectacular version of Yosemite Valley. However, after the 1906 earthquake and fires destroyed much of San Francisco, the city wanted a more consistent water supply so it decided to dam up Tuolumne River in order flood Hetch Hetchy Valley which would take place in 1919. Instead of grand landscape garden, one of the most rare and precious mountain temples in nature we can see something like a fjord along with mountains. Though the Hetch Hetchy of today is majestic, images of the original valley make you ache for its foliage-laden past.
Really see Hetch HetchyWalk the main trail, a 5-mile trek to Wapama Falls. It’s a half-day hike along the coastline, to cross the O’Shaughnessy Dam and witness two cascades that are falling from 1,400 feet higher. Footbridges will take you over the aqua blue reservoir with rugged mountain terrain to your left and right as you gain 300′ in elevation.
The trail is open and there are a few wildflowers to see in the spring, but it can get quite hot so this might be one to save for a cooler day. When you go there in early spring then the waterfalls will flow enough to maybe make the bridges difficult or at least quite damp.
Good to know: This is one of the least crowded parts of Yosemite, however parking space for some 50 cars get filled soon so its best if you plan on getting there early.
20. Go Horseback Riding on an Old Wagon Road
Take a slower step back in time and explore the park on horse or mule, by riding along some of the historic trails that have been Important For Wawona Stables.
The ride starts at Wawona Stables, where the park keeps its horses. This is a two-hour walk along the old wagon road used by early pioneers and loggers many years before cars were part of Yosemite.
The horses, well acclimated to hauling guests around their wild turf at a moderate pace (one tour participant couldn’t resist snapping a photo after they bounded gleefully through the open Wawona meadow), dutifully and stoically clip clopped as you peruse forests.
The tours also stop in the meadow and you can ask your guide for a picture while all of you are on horse back. This is one of the trails you will hike if tours are sold out.
With many rides suitable for beginners, experienced riders can enjoy the multi-day pack trips. The longer adventures are lottery-based and not available in the recreational signup program.
