Things to do in Yosemite Village

Find and book activities, attractions and tours
Yosemite National Park which includes mountains, a river or creek and tranquil scenes

Yosemite Village Attractions

It's hardly surprising that so many people head back to Yosemite Village again and again. This captivating city is brimming with fun things to do. Whether you enjoy sightseeing or trying more action-packed activities, it's tough to be bored here.

Discover what makes Yosemite Village tick with some of the very best tours & day trips. Browse through our top {27 fun activities in Yosemite Village fun activities in Yosemite Village}, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

Yosemite Village must see attractions

1. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an area of extraordinary natural beauty in the center of California. It has abundant flora and fauna in addition to majestic mountains, giant trees, vast valleys and peaceful lakes. Every year, millions of travelers visit the park, which stretches across 747,956 acres (302,687 hectares). Glaciers formed the fascinating landscape about 1 million years ago.
Learn more
Yosemite Falls showing a waterfall and mountains

2. Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley is the emerald green heart of Yosemite National Park. Marvel at the soaring granite walls, including some of the park’s most iconic landmarks, flanking this 8-mile (13-kilometer) canyon.
Learn more
Yosemite Valley featuring a waterfall and mountains

3. Yosemite Visitor Center

Yosemite Visitor Center presents a superb introduction to the history and majestic scenery of Yosemite National Park. The center is many people’s first port of call when visiting the park. Come here to chat with knowledgeable rangers and plan your discovery of the park and valley. Find interactive exhibits that highlight the park’s varied geological features, vegetation and wildlife.
Learn more
Yosemite Visitor Center featuring interior views

4. Lower Yosemite Falls

All waterfalls have a certain amount of grandeur, but Lower Yosemite Falls and its upstream counterpart create a majestic presence. The beauty and wonder may have something to do with the effect of the water appearing to come from the sky, as its source can’t be seen from below. Visit Yosemite Village and take the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail that brings you within safe proximity to the bottom of the cascading water.
Learn more
Lower Yosemite Falls which includes a river or creek and forest scenes

5. Ahwahnee Meadow

Located in beautiful Yosemite National Park, Ahwahnee Meadow in the Yosemite Valley is a tranquil and picturesque area to spend time appreciating majestic surroundings. Look for Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, which are easily identifiable from the meadow. Drive or hike to the accessible observation deck or catch the bus making regular rounds. Be sure to bring your camera. For a detailed visit, consider the park’s Ranger and Interpretive Programs that include information on the area’s morphology, geology and ecology.
Learn more
Yosemite National Park showing forest scenes and tranquil scenes

6. Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater

Nature is usually the star attraction of Yosemite National Park, but at Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater, another type of entertainment takes center stage. During the warmer months, attend slideshows, nature movies, ranger talks and other entertaining and informative activities. Located in the center of Yosemite Valley Lodge, the outdoor amphitheater hosts events every night during the summer.
Learn more
Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater featuring forest scenes and a waterfall

7. Swinging Bridge Picnic Area

Make the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area a frequent stop on your visit to Yosemite National Park, which is filled with natural wonders. Not only is this site next to the river a wonderful setting to have an outdoor meal, but simply walking through this part of the valley is unforgettable. Walk alongside the Merced River to see stunning reflections of overhanging rock formations and view majestic Yosemite Falls.
Learn more
Swinging Bridge Picnic Area

8. Yosemite Valley Chapel

A “picture-perfect chapel in the woods” nicely describes Yosemite Valley Chapel. It is tucked up against a colossal rock and nestled among conifers in Yosemite National Park. The New England-style church is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest structure used for public purposes in the park. Visit the nondenominational Yosemite Valley Chapel to view its interior, attend a service or be blessed prior to hiking or climbing some of the park’s more challenging trails and rock formations.
Learn more
Yosemite Valley Chapel showing a cascade and heritage elements

9. Sentinel Beach Picnic Area

Sentinel Beach Picnic Area offers an idyllic escape from a hectic world amid the relaxing setting of California’s Yosemite National Park. A sandy beach borders the serene Merced River as the water flows past tree-lined banks, while towering rock formations demand attention. Give in to the desire to be part of this landscape and immerse yourself in the area’s great beauty. Raft down the river and enjoy its placid flow.
Learn more
Sentinel Beach Picnic Area

Recommended things to do in Yosemite Village

Number of things to do
27
Things to do from
$14
Cheapest thing to do
Yosemite National Park Audio Driving Tour
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Yosemite Village

Free Things to Do in Yosemite Village

There's no need to dig deep into your pockets in Yosemite Village. The following won't even cost a penny.

Swinging Bridge Picnic Area - If you want to turn up the dial on fun during your getaway, this is a great place to do it.

Yosemite Falls - Take things slow and treat yourself to a little time out close to the water.

LeConte Memorial Lodge - Leave time to have a look at this place of local significance.

Cook's Meadow - Kick back and let the natural surroundings here revitalize your mind.

Nature Center at Happy Isles - Nurture your green thumb and appreciate the wide variety of plants on display.

Things to Do in Yosemite Village with Kids

There are loads of unforgettable experiences in Yosemite Village that the whole gang will get a buzz out of. Here are a few of the best family friendly experiences in the area.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Yosemite Village? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Yosemite Village on a sunny day?
Put on some sunscreen and a cap and sign up for outdoor experiences like a San Jose: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoia Tour or a Yosemite National Park Valley Highlights Tour.
What should I not miss in Yosemite Village?
Yosemite Falls is one attraction you shouldn’t hop back on that plane without spending some time at.
What can you do in Yosemite Village for free?
Your vacation in Yosemite Village needn’t send you broke with free attractions like these to keep you on the go:

  • Yosemite Falls
  • Yosemite Visitor Center
  • Swinging Bridge Picnic Area
  • LeConte Memorial Lodge

Discover the most popular places to visit in Yosemite Village

Image for Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley

5/5(1,197 reviews)

From Yosemite Falls to Half Dome and El Capitan, you can see some of the most stunning scenery in the world from Yosemite National Park’s central valley.

Yosemite Valley
Image for Yosemite Visitor Center

Yosemite Visitor Center

4.5/5(395 reviews)

Discover the geological history of the Yosemite Valley, pick up trail maps and shop for souvenirs at this portal to Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite Visitor Center
Image for Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls

4.5/5(987 reviews)

You may hear these thundering falls, which are among the top 10 tallest in the world, before you see them in California’s Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite Falls
Image for Half Dome

Half Dome

5/5(321 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Half Dome during your travels in Yosemite National Park. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out the hiking trails.

Half Dome
Image for El Capitan

El Capitan

5/5(896 reviews)

Experience the enormity of Yosemite Valley’s glacially carved granite peaks when you gaze upon this distinctive formation and rock-climbing landmark.

El Capitan
Image for Glacier Point

Glacier Point

5/5(584 reviews)

Witness a superb panorama of the Yosemite Valley from this viewing point and spot soaring canyons, plunging falls and granite cliffs along the rugged valley skyline.

Glacier Point
Image for Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows

4.5/5(254 reviews)

Explore the meadows of Yosemite National Park’s high country and see its velvety green plains studded with stunning granite domes, Sierra willows and wildflowers.

Tuolumne Meadows
Image for Vernal Falls

Vernal Falls

4.5/5(372 reviews)

The first tier of the Merced River’s magnificent waterfall plunges from a jagged granite precipice in a cloud-like curtain and is surrounded by pines.

Vernal Falls
Image for Tenaya Lake

Tenaya Lake

4.5/5(52 reviews)

View a range of rock formations reflected in serene blue water. This popular destination allows families to hike along the lake’s shoreline.

Tenaya Lake

Popular day trips from Yosemite Village

Yosemite Valley featuring a sunset, mountains and a gorge or canyon

Yosemite National Park

Photo by Meg Faller

Curry Village