Over 40 Cool Things to do near Yosemite on a Family Vacation

Every year, millions of people flock to Yosemite National Park. During peak season, one of the most beautiful places in the world also becomes one of the more crowded natural spaces, epecially in the compact Yosemite Valley.

In recent years, the National Park Service has had to resort to a reservation system to help us from loving this special place to death. This has lead to some people not being able to spend as much time inside the park as they may have hoped, but truth be told, there are so many things to do near Yosemite that I feel like it is a blessing in disguise.

I encourage you to keep booking those Yosemite vacations, but instead of trying to score a reservation for every day of your trip, split your time between the offerings inside the park and the incredible things to so in the Sierra Nevadas and adorable mountain towns surrounding the region. Trust me- you won’t be missing out!

I have put together this guide to help you discover all the great things to do near Yosemite on your family vacation. There are four entrances to this huge park and I have broken this guide down to highlight what there is to do in each area. I also share great lodging options near these entrances that will serve as great home bases.

Of course, we have comprehensive guides on things to do in Yosemite, the best hikes in Yosemite for families, and the best times to visit Yosemite to help you plan your perfect trip as well.

Things to do Near Yosemite

Things to do Near Yosemite West (Highway 120 and 140 entrances)

If you are coming to Yosemite from the Sacramento area, Bay Area, or Fresno, you will likely be entering the park through one of the west entrances. These entrances are typically open all year but can close temporarily due to heavy snowfall.

Of the two entrances, I prefer using Highway 140 as my home base because it is the entrance closest to Yosemite Valley. The drive is lovely and there are plenty of things to do in the Mariposa County area on the days that you won’t be in the park.

Trekaroo tip:  Try getting into the park another way. Public transportation on Yosemite Area Regional Transit System (YARTS) is available, and the YARTS ticket includes entrance to the park- no reservation required! You can pick up YARTS various places near the park such as in Mariposa, near the AutoCamp in Midpines, or at El Portal.

Go River Rafting

Many of the waterfalls of Yosemite dump their flows into the mighty Merced River. While you can float in the river inside the park, the real fun takes place just outside of the park’s boundary.

The Merced River is a National Wild and Scenic River, and an awesome place to enjoy river rafting. I have rafted many rivers over the years, and the Merced absolutely blew me away with its many roller coaster rapids that pack lots of fun into half day and full day trips.

If you haven’t rafted before, the Merced River is a great place to start. My family always tries to add a river rafting trip to our vacation itinerary whenever possible. It is a great to see beautiful scenery that most people never get to experience and also have a total blast at the same time.

During high water the river has more class IV rapids, but later in the season the river features mostly calmer Class III rapids and is an ideal time for younger families and first timers to enjoy a day on the water. The snowmelt can be chilly but thankfully operators like our top pick- Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions, give you long wetsuits to keep you from getting cold.

Up in the Groveland area (off Highway 120) you can also raft the Tuolumne River which is a Class IV River that is great for tens, especially if they love thrills and have previous rafting experience. OARS is one of our favorite rafting operators and they have a one-day adventure that will cover 18 miles of river.

Explore the Charming Gold Rush Town of Mariposa

Mariposa is a town born during the famed California Gold Rush. It quickly became a mining hub, attracting thousands of prospectors and leading to the establishment of numerous mines in the area rich with gold and other minerals.

The town’s small but charming Historic Old Town is filled with buildings that have been preserved from the Gold Rush days and many including plackards out front that tell their history.

Shop Old Town

There are several cute shops, eateries, and galleries in town. One of my favorite stops is Yosemite Gifts which is brimming with treasures of all kinds, including and an impressive rock and butterfly collection. It is house in the former home of the Capital Saloon which was built in 1867.

Lone Wolf Designs has wonderful handcrafted jewelery made locally and Made in Mariposa has a cute collection of locally made art and gifts.

Stop in CostaLivos Mountain Gold Olive Oil to sample the good stuff and take home some of the best olive oils around (and grown locally!). Wine lovers will want to visit Casto Oaks Fine Wine & Art to taste this local vineyard’s wines, especially their syrahs.

You can keep the wine tasting adventures going at Rauch Ranch Vineyards and Winery or head to Sierra Cider Farm and Cidery to sample their award-winning hard cider.

I also encourage you to stop in the Mariposa Gem & Mineral Club. It is filled with great rocks and treasures, including mariposite, a beautiful stone with green chromium veins in quartz that is often found near gold veins. This stone is only found in the Mariposa area, and is a wonderful addition to any rock collection.

Enjoy Brews and Food at 1850 Restaurant and Brewing Company

When you get hungry (and thirsty!), head to 1850 Restaurant and Brewing Company. They brew a large variety of beers onsite, including flagship brews like their Bootjack’s Finest Pilsner, as well as seasonal drinks like the Highcountry Pecan Porter.

Kids will definitely want to order their housemade sarsaparilla, an old-fashioned soda that will put you right in the gold rush mood.

The menu is quite extensive and filled with salads, burgers, steaks, and even fried chicken! My steak salad was one of the best I have ever had and fed me for two meals!

Before you leave, consider purchasing a growler of your favorite brew to take with you. The growlers are pretty cool souvenirs as well.

Mariposa Museum and History Center

History lovers will want to make time to visit the Mariposa Museum and History Center. This cute museum focuses on the region’s Gold Rush history has several displays inside as well as outside around the museum building.

There are a few different restored historic buildings including a one-room schoolhouse, a miner’s cabin, and a blacksmith shop. There are also great displays featuring furniture, clothing, and household goods from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

A good portion of the museum follows an immigrant that traveled to Mariposa for the Gold Rush and encountered many hardships and adventures along the way. It also has quite a bit of history and exhibits on John C. Fremont, an explorer, pioneer, and key figure in California history.

Trekaroo tip: Make time to stop by the Mariposa County Courthouse which is just down the road. Built in 1854, is the oldest continuously operating courthouse west of the Rockies.

Learn About Climbing History at the Yosemite Climbing Museum

The newly opened Yosemite Climbing Museum is a “must visit” for any rock climbing enthusiast. During my visit I learned that Yosemite is basically the center of the rock climbing universe and that most of today’s modern innovations came from the pioneers climbing the granite monoliths that dominate the Yosemite Valley, like El Capitan.

Docents enthusiastically share a wealth of information and do an excellent job of telling the story of rock climbing while pointing out important artifacts in climbing history. As this museum grows, it plans to become even more hands on. Definitely check out their gift shop which is filled with great swag for all you rock climbing and national park lovers.

California State Mining and Mineral Museum

Rockhounds like myself will definitely want to make time to head out to the Mariposa Fairgrounds and visit the California State Mining and Mineral Museum. This museum is filled with awesome displays of gems and minerals as well as plenty of California mining history.

Some of my favorite exhibits include the display of fluorescent minerals, which glow under ultraviolet light, and the Fricot Nugget- one of the largest gold specimens found during the Gold Rush that weighs in at over 13 pounds!

Kids will love the Mine Tunnel Exhibit which features a replica mine tunnel that allows visitors to experience what it was like to work in an underground gold mine.

Hikes on the Western Side Near Yosemite

Hike Among the Wildflowers and Butterflies at Hites Cove

Mariposa County is home to some of the best wildflower viewing in the state. I was blown away at the sheer diversity of wildflowers I encountered during my visit. I lost count after discovering 15 different species on the trails.

The most beloved wildflower hike in the region is the Hites Cove Trail. It is located in the Merced River Canyon and follows the south fork of the Merced River through a valley dotted with brilliant wildflowers. If you are lucky, you might even spot the endangered Sierra Newt!

This hike is at its best during the spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom and the temperatures are mild because shade is limited. The entire trail is about 7 miles out and back but if you go half way you will get to enjoy many of the highlights.

The trailhead is located at 9484 Highway 140 in El Portal. Park across the highway from the Red Bud Lodge and follow the signs to the trail. Please note the first ¼ mile is all private property, so stay on the trail. 

Stockton Creek Preserve

If you are looking for a nice trail close to the town of Mariposa, head to the Stockton Creek Preserve. This area is just behind the high school and protects 722 acres of watershed. There is a 3.2-mile loop which takes you past hillsides filled with grasslands and oak trees that really come to life in the spring with wildflowers.

You will eventually reach a small lake before heading uphill and back to where you started. There is also a small waterfall near the lower portion of the trail but you will have to go a bit off trail to see it well. If you want to keep this less strenuos, avoid the upper portion of the loop and just go out and back to the lake via the Lower Trailhead. Dogs and bikes are permitted on the trail.

Note: You will have to park before the gate to the preserve and hike a bit uphill to the trailhead. I parked right behind the high school field. This hike is best during the spring wildflower season or in the morning during the summer.

Diana Falls

The trail to Diana Falls is 1.4 miles round trip and perfect for those summer days when a picnic at a swimming hole makes for the perfect day. It is located near Coulterville off HIghway 49, which is between the Highway 120 and Highway 140 entrances to Yosemite National Park.

The trail is most flat and passes through wooded and open stretches, as well as several swimming holes along the way. Diana Falls is at her best in the spring and early summer when snowmelt is feeding the waterways.

Carlon Falls Trail

Hike along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River to Carlon Falls, another great place to enjoy a swim and a picnic. The moderate trail is 1.4 miles each way and begins in the Carlon Day Use Area off of Evergreen Rd. in the Stanislaus National Forest. Since the trail does technically enter Yosemite wilderness, dogs are not allowed .

Little Golden Children’s Forest Trail

If you have little ones who are around the age when they read lots of Little Golden Books then you definitely won’t want to miss the easy, two-mile Little Golden Children’s Forest Trail. It begins just outside the Groveland District Ranger Station on the Stanislaus National Forest. It includes a 150-acre forest that children helped plant to restore the forest after a fire in 1987.

Preston Falls Trail

Preston Falls is another trail in the Stanislaus National Forest off HIghway 120. It will lead you down to the Tuolumne River. There are a few spots along the river where you can swim and play in water. You may also see those adorable Sierra Newts on this trail.

It is 4.5 miles one way but you can follow it for as long as you like. Keep your eyes out for poison oak near the path. To reach this trail take Cherry Lake Road to Early Intake. After the bridge, turn right to trailhead.

Head to Hetch Hetchy

The Hetch Hetchy portion of Yosemite National Park is much less visited and does not require a reservation to visit! This beautiful valley, located 15 miles from bustling Yosemite Valley, was dammed and filled with water from the Tuolumne River to support the people of San Francisco’s water needs.

There are a few different waterfalls that cascade down into the Hetch Hetchy Valley and O’Shaughnessy Dam. Wapama Falls cascades 1100 feet over three distinct cascades. The trail to reach these falls is an easy, 5.5-mile (round trip) journey, with just 200 feet in total elevation gain.

Don Pedro Lake

Some of the happiest moments of my childhood were spent out on the waters of Don Pedro Lake, a reservoir near Yosemite that is perfect for water sports. Many people rent houseboats and explore the 160 miles of shoreline but you can also rent powerboat or jet skis and turn it into an incredible day trip.

Go Mountain Biking

There are several trails in the western Sierra foothills that are great for mountain bikers. The Exchequer Mountain Bike Park has trails specifically designed for mountain bikes in a range of difficulty levels. It is located near the northwestern shore of Lake McClure, another great lake near Yosemite. You can bike for a while and then swim in the lake.

Another option is Ferretti Road Non-Motorized Trail Network which has seven miles of trails including a 1.3 mile bike-only loop with views of the Tuolumne River Canyon and Yosemite beyond.

Pine Mountain Lake

Pine Mountain Lake is a private resort community but many of the ammenities, like the golf course and equestrian center, are open to the public. They offer trail rides May through October.

If you rent a vacation home in the gated Pine Mountain Lake community you will also have access to the beautiful lake and marina. Other private ammenities include the shooting range, archery range, and walking trails.

Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum

The Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum is located neat the Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat) entrance to Yosemite. It features history and artifacts representing Native American history, the Gold Rush era, and the local widlife. There is also information about the founding of Yosemite National Park as well as the damming of Hetch Hetchy.

The museum is currently only open Friday through Sunday from 10am-2pm.

Where to Stay off Highway 140

Yosemite View Lodge is the closest lodging to the park entrance and Yosemite Valley. It is a great property right along the Merced River off Highway 140.

They have large rooms with kitchenettes, several pools, a store, a pizzeria, a restaurant, a game room, and a playground. There are even family suites that sleep up to seven. Plus, the Lodge is right on the YARTS bus line so you can take public transport right into the park and skip all the reservation system and parking madness!

If you are looking for a glamping option, check out Autocamp Yosemite which has several converted airstreams to camp in and plenty of great amenities on site, including a pool deck and a full bar! This resort is also on the YARTS bus line and is about an hour outside of the park in Midpines.

Read our comprehensive review of Autocamp Yosemite.

Things to do Near Yosemite at the Southern Entrance (Highway 41)

Yosemite’s southern entrance is a popular entrance for those entering the park from Southern California. There are some attractions inside the park near this entrance, such as the Mariposa Grove of Sequoias, but it will take you an hour to reach the Yosemite Valley from this entrance.

Here are some of our favorite things to do near Yosemite’s southern entrance.

Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad

The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is located in Fish Camp, only 10 minutes from Yosemite’s southern entrance. It was originally part of the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company, which once transport timbers from the Sierras.

The railroad was abandoned when logging was no longer a bg industry in the area but thankfully, some smart people turned it into a tourist attraction back and the 1960s and it has been here to stay ever since.

Basic, one-hour steam train rides begin at only $30 for adults ($18 for kiddos) and are narrated by the conductors. There are also special dinner trains, jazz trains, and holiday-themed trains. And if you have a weel-behaved pup with you they are welcome to ride the train as well!

Bass Lake

Bass Lake has long been a popular vacation destination for famileis. It is only 17 miles south of the park entrance, so it is easy to combine a couple days at both locations into a memorable vacation.

Visitors can rent boats, kayaks, and jet skis from various marinas around the lake and the lake is stalked with its namesake bass, as well as trout and salmon, so fishing a popular activity as well. If you would rather stick closer to the shore, there a few different designated swimming areas to enjoy.

The Pines Village is the hub of activity in the area with shops, groceries, and restaurants available. The Pines Resort hosts a summer concert series and there are several cabins and other VRBOS in the area that serve as great home bases.

Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias

Don’t have a reservation and can’t get into Maripos Grove near the park’s southern entrance? No problem! Head to Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias instead and enjoy the big trees without the madness of the national park crowds.

Take the one-mile Shadow of the Giants Interpretive Trail which will lead you to a grove of 100 giant sequoia trees. The tallest in this 246-foot Bull Buck tree. Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias.  The Nelder Grove is located off Sky Ranch Road south of Fish Camp.

Hikes Near the Southern Yosemite Entrance

Lewis Creek Trail

Another trail not far from Fish Camp is the Lewis Creek Trail which leads to a couple waterfalls- Corlieu Falls and Red Rock Falls. It has lovely shade along much of the trail and is just 3.9 miles out and back with a mild elevation gain of just over 500 feet. Dogs are welcome on this trail.

Right and Left Meadow Trail

If you are staying near the Tenaya Lodge, consider taking the 1.3-mile Right and Left Meadow Loop Trail There are waterflowers during the spring and the waters of Big Creek run all year .It is an easy and dog-friendly trail that is great for families with young kids.

Swim at Fish Camp Falls via the Big Sandy Road Trail

If you are looking for a hike to a swimming hole, head to Fish Camp Falls. The route via the Big Sandy Road Trail includes three waterfalls with deep pools that are great for swimming.

The first falls is about a half mile in and the path becomes less maintained as it heads up the creek to two more swimming holes called Arrowhead and Skinny Dip. This more rugged portion of the trail is better for teens and tweens.

This trailis located on Jackson Road/BIg Sandy Road, about two miles from Tenaya Lodge. Once you reach an abandoned fruit orchard to into an old driveway which will lead you to an abandoned cabin and the trailhead labeled Jackson Hole/Lewis Fork Ditch.

Go Horseback Riding

Yosemite Trails in Fish Camp has a couple different trail rides on quarter horses that families with children seven and older can experience.

The Big Creek trail ride is an hour in length and offered in both the morning and afternoon. This is a great option for first time riders. There is also a Vista Pass trail ride that is two hours long and offered twice daily.

Experienced riders or major horse lovers may want to book the five-hour trail ride to the Grizzly Giant, one of the largest sequoia trees in the world. The trail itself isn’t difficult but a few hours on horseback will likely leave you walking like a cowboy!

Wawona Stable is another place to book seasonal trail rides (May through September) in southern Yosemite. They offer two-hour and half-day rides on mules. The Meadow Loop route will follow a historic wagon road which is a cool way to experience some Western history on horseback. This ride is offered three times daily.

Book a Guided Rock Climbing Day for your Family

Rock climbing is such an important part of Yosemite history and culture, so this is the perfect area to enjoy a guided rock-climbing experience! Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides will take you to the granite faces of Willow Creek Walls, just outside of the southern park boundary.

Guides provide all the instruction and equipment that you will need and are great with beginners as well as more experienced climbers. Half day and full day experiences are available.

Where to Stay Near the Southern Entrance to Yosemite

The Tenaya Lodge is the premier lodging destination near the southern entrance to the park. They have standard rooms, suites, and even cottages and cabins that are perfect for families. There are several dinind options onsite including a pizzeria, a pub, and a fine dining restaurant.

Amenities include a full service spa, indoor and outdoor pool, and a variety of activities onsite including guided hikes and e-bike adventures, glass blowing, a climbing wall, gold panning, and evening flashlight hikes.

Things to do Near Yosemite at the Eastern Entrance (Tioga Pass and Highway 395)

The Tioga Pass Entrance (via Highway 120 from the east) is closed from approximately November through late May or June, but in the summer, the eastern side of the Sierras are an incredible place to explore.

It is also the perfect side of the park to use as home base when exploring Yosemite’s High Country. Here are some of my favorite things to do near Yosemite’s eastern entrance.

Explore Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is a popular destination in the winter, thanks to its 200 inches of snow per season and long ski season. But to be honest, I prefer it in the summer when I can get out and explore the town and surrounding area without freezing my buns off.

The town is a great hub for hiking, boating, fishing, and biking. I cover several of the outdoor pursuits below.

But there are great little spots like the Mammoth Brewing Company and Devil’s Creek Distillery where you can sample local brews. Other fun things to do in town include going axe throwing, bouncing around on the trampolines at the Snowcreek Athletic Club, having fun at the local Mammoth Rock ‘n’ Bowl.

We usually rent a VRBO vacation home when we visit Mammoth. There are dozens of options. Mammoth Lake was named one of California’s best mountain towns.

Enjoy Mammoth Mountain Resort’s Summer Offerings

Most people know Mammoth Mountain Resort for its skiing but come summer it is also a popular destination for mountain biking. Take the gondola up to the 11,000-foot summit and ride some of the 80+ miles worth of trails that traverse the mountain.

If you’re new to mountain biking, the Discovery Zone is the perfect place to work on your skills. It has easier trails, a skills park, and a lift that is suitable for beginners. A wide range of bike rentals are available, including e-bikes. 

You can also take a scenic gondola ride up to the top of the mountain and explore the summit on foot. The view of the Eastern Sierras is sweeping and views of many of the surrounding lakes that give the town its name.

If you haven’t tried via ferrata yet and love a good adventure, Mammoth Mountain Resort is a great place to try it. It is basically a safer, easier version of rock climbing with safety cables and iron rungs to help you along the way and children as young as 10 can join in on the fun.

If your kids are too young for via ferrata, the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center, located next to Mammoth Mountain Resort’s main lodge, has climbing walls, a junior zip line, a bungee trampoline, and a ropes course. 

Check out Trekaroo’s full guide to visiting Mammoth in summer.

Hike from Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls

One of the main attractions near Mammoth is Devils Postpile National Monument, an impressive and extremely rare example of columnar basalt. It looks like tall, thin columns of rock wear stacked upright against hillside and was formed by lava cooling about 100,000 years ago. It is one of several interesting geologic sites in Mammoth Lakes.

During the summer, visitors must take a shuttle from the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center to access the monument. There are a few stops on the shuttle, including the ranger station.  It only is a half-mile walk from the ranger station (where you can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet) to the base of the formation.

Those who choose to head two miles further down the trail (which you absolutely should), will be rewarded by the sight of the 100-foot Rainbow Falls. On sunny days, the mist reflects two rainbows near the base of the falls, giving the waterfall it’s multi-hued name.

Those who choose to head two miles further down the trail (which you absolutely should), will be rewarded by the sight of the 100-foot Rainbow Falls. On sunny days, the mist reflects two rainbows near the base of the falls, giving the waterfall it’s multi-hued name.

From Rainbow Falls, take the trail up to Reds Meadow to grab a milkshake from the legendary Mule House Cafe, a popular stop for through-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. There are also horseback rides available here. The shuttle picks up at Reds Meadow and will take you back to Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center. 

Bike from Lake to Lake

There is no official “Mammoth Lake”, but there are several wonderful lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake George, Lake Mamie, and Horseshoe Lake are all connected via a paved bike path. These lakes are especially popular for fishing.

The Mammoth Lakes Basin Path is a five mile path that connects several of the area lakes including Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, and Horseshoe Lake. There are picnic spots along the way so you can spend the entire day biking and enjoying the scenery.

There are bike shops in town that rent bikes or you can bring your own. We love our foldable Centris ebikes that are perfect for travel.

If hiking is more your thing, there are a mutitude of trails in the area.

Take the series of switchbacks up to Crystal Lake and enjoy the views of several other lake along the way. You will gain a little over 800 feet in elevation on the 1.5-mile route up, but the view, especially off the spur trail which overlooks all the lakes below, is splendid. 

Another great option in Mammoth (but not in the Mammoth Lakes Basin) is the trail to Sherwin Lakes. This trail gains about 900 feet in elevation and is five miles round trip. The reward is a pair of lovely lakes to enjoy before you take the jaunt back downhill.

Experience Other-Worldly Mono Lake

Mono Lake is located right at the Tioga Pass turnoff of Highway 395. It is an unusual lake that is known for its large tufa formations growing out of the water. The lake is two times saltier than the ocean and is estimated to be over a million years old, making it one of the oldest lakes in North America.

Tufas are calcium-carbonate pillars and knobs of varying heights and sizes that protrude from the lake’s surface. They’re formed by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water.

Join one of the lake’s free, guided tufa walks and learn all about this massive and unique body of water. There are also opportunities to a guided kayak tour and learn about this special place while out on the water.  

If you are a birder you will be happy to learn that Mono Lake is a major stop for migratory birds and millions of birds make it their home during peak season in spring and fall. The lake’s hypersaline environment supports large populations of brine shrimp and alkali flies which birds happen to enjoy eating.

Gulls and Phalaropes are commonly seen, as well as stunners like Osprey and the American Avocet, a wading bird with a long, upturned bill and striking black-and-white plumage.

Check out a Ghost Town at Bodie State Historic Park

Bodie is a California gold mining era ghost town. At its boom during the Comstock Lode gold strike, Bodie had a population of 10,000. But at it’s bust, Bodie was deserted.

Today, you can wander the town’s abandoned streets, peering in windows and witnessing a town in the state of “arrested decay”. Some parts of town still look as if the residents left moments ago with cups left on tables, a wheel barrow dumped over in a yard, and a tricycle parked on the porch.

Bodie is an especially fun place to photograph and perfect for teens who love to snag great photos for Instagram.

A special thanks to Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau who hosted my stay in the region so that I could cover the region for Trekaroo. The hospitality was wonderful but all opinions are my own.