Recommendations

HIKES

• Super Easy: Walk the paved path to the base of Yosemite Falls and marvel at its 2,400-foot drop. Dog-friendly!
• Easy: Take the mostly flat Mirror Lake trail to the lake and bask in a Half Dome reflection view
• Moderate: Nothing beats the Mist Falls Trail to Nevada Falls (particularly in waterfall season of May to June/July) & looping back via the incredibly scenic John Muir trail
• Challenging: If it's a one-of-a-kind Stairmaster hike with a view you're seeking, try Yosemite Falls before late summer when the falls loses a lot of its majestic power
  
  

ACTIVE FUN

• Go horseback riding: The national park has a stable with horses and mules right on the valley floor
• Bike the valley floor: Spend more time outdoors by renting a bike and cruising the park's great network of paths
• Go rock climbing: The park has a mountaineering school that offers lessons from beginner to advanced
• Glide on ice:  From Nov-March, it's a wondrous feeling to skate outdoors at Curry Village Ice rink in the heart of the valley
• Float the Merced: A refreshing way to explore the valley. Great for a calm-water, summer day. Rent a raft to float from Curry Village to Sentinel Beach
  
  

MELLOWER FUN

• Picnic on a beach: There are actually beaches in Yosemite. We like the view at Sentinel Beach. Grab some picnic supplies at Curry Village before heading over
• Get the Tunnel View: You'll want to visit this spot on your trip. We recommend later in the day while the sun is still up. You want the light behind you, lighting up this famous view
• Drive to Glacier Point: Yes, it's worth the driving time to arrive at one of the most unique viewpoints in the park
• Take a park tour: Choose from 2-hour, 4-hour, or all-day tram and bus tours of park highlights. Also consider a private tour with Wildland Trekking
• Do Yoga in Yosemite: Sign up for an unforgettable, guided yoga or meditation class held inside the park with our friends from Yogasemite.

DINING

• Breakfast: Grab a treat from High Country Health Foods on your way into YNP
• Lunch: Swing by the giant outdoor patio at the Grove House for their ever-changing menu of well-crafted comfort foods
• Charcuterie: We highly recommend swinging by The Californian Commissary and picking up one of their tasty cheese and meat platters to go.
• Dinner: We like the delicious comfort-food options at 1850 and the smaller-but-oh-so-delicious menu at The Grove House
• Bars: Can't beat The Alley's beer garden, the Grove House's patio, or the dollar-bill-ceiling at the Hideout
  
  

TASTING EXPERIENCES

• Beer: We love the wide variety of tasty brews at 1850 Brewery
• Wine: Just one mile from your tent or cabin, we recommend swinging by Casto Oaks on main street
• Cider: Take a short country drive to sample the tasty offerings and scenic outdoor tasting room at Sierra Cider. Enjoy their petting zoo, tours, and beautiful orchard views

WATER ACTIVITIES

• Rafting: Run the scenic Merced river in late spring and early summer just 20 minutes from us with our friends at Zephyr Whitewater, the closest option to Yosemite Valley.
• Boating: Visit the marina at Bass Lake in Oakhurst for boat & jet ski rental. 45 minutes away. If you're seeking a place to put in kayaks or canoes with calmer water, head 25 minutes north on Route 49 to the Bagby Recreation Area.
• Swimming: The Briceburg area has great summertime swimming holes. Head downriver from Highway 120 on the dirt road to find some beautiful spots to jump in. 20 minutes away
• Fishing: Check out the best spots for fishing and fly fishing

FAMILY FUN

• Hike: Nearby Stockton Reservoir offers a scenic family-friendly hike
• Museum: Entertain the little ones at Mariposa's museums devoted to History or Mining
• Diner: Kids (and adult kids too) will enjoy the relaxed dining ambience at local favorite Happy Burger
• Waterpark: Visit Lake McSwain in the summer for North America's largest floating inflatable waterpark

OTHER NATURE ACTIVITIES

• Waterfall Hike & Bar With a View: Travel to Bass lake to hike the Angel Falls trail during waterfall season (check latest conditions in trail link) and wash it down with a tasty meal at the marina bar, seated over the water
• Hite's Cove: A beautiful hike just outside the park is Hite's Cove, which follows a scenic section of the Merced River. Best in April (when wildflowers bloom) or Fall/winter (since there isn't much sun protection)
• Skydive: Get a bird's eye view of the Sierra Nevadas and Yosemite with Skydive Yosemite
• Climbing Museum: Learn about the history and evolution of climbing by exploring the photography, artifacts, and hardware at the Yosemite Climbing Museum.

CLOSEST ESSENTIALS

• Grocery Stores: Pioneer Market is the main game in town, while High Country offers a great selection of healthier items
• Pharmacy: Check out the Rite Aid at the north end of town
• Hospital: John C. Fremont Healthcare District operates the nearest hospital with emergency services
• Gas Station: You've got 3 options in Mariposa (Grizzly, Stage Stop, and Chevron) as well as Cathy's Valley Food & Gas 11 miles back toward Merced
• Electric Car Charging: There's a Tesla Supercharger at the Pioneer Market mentioned above. Wildhaven currently does not provide electric car charging stations
• Camping Supplies: The Ace Hardware at the corner of 49 and 120 has a great selection.