Places to visit in Yosemite National Park

Top Things to Do in Yosemite National Park, CA

Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Yosemite National Park.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Yosemite National Park

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

Other Top Attractions around Yosemite National Park






*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Kentwoolgar
    Brighton, UK128 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Read on here that sunrise is the best time to visit. I guess must be contingent on weather conditions. Got there an hour before sunrise until and 1 1/2 hours after and was honestly underwhelmed. I guess time of year and sun position must have an influence also.
    Went up at sunset and was blown away. The colour change on El Capitan, mesmerising. The dominance of Half Dome, looming in the background. I could have soaked that view in for hours.
    Get there early, limited parking and serious photographers dominating the area with their tripods.
    Written 9 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PacificNWFamily
    Washington State1,01,751 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I visited Glacier Point twice during my recent trip to Yosemite and many many times in the past. Glacier Point and its numerous viewpoints were as lovely as always. There were lots of other folks taking in the views, even though it was October.

    I still don’t know why everyone queues up for the busiest vault toilets near the entrance of the parking lot, but they do. The vault toilets as the far end of the parking lot had no line and no bad aroma.

    The bear lockers that previously were located in parking places have been moved to the center area between the lower lot and the upper lot, accessed from the upper lot. The new locations make a lot more sense.

    The snack bar & gift shop were starting to close up for the season. No more ice cream. The microwave was still available.
    Written 24 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • D B
    The Netherlands9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful park! Overwhelming nature. Start your day early otherwise it’s getting crowded, specially in the valley. After Yellowstone the most beautiful park for me.
    Written 6 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Valerie G
    North Port, FL207 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the most beautiful waterfalls that I have ever seen. Very easy walk and incredible views from multiple points. A photographers dream. Even with it having a low flow when we were there in winter, it was still amazing to see.
    Written 10 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RyanIrwin29
    Franklin, PA3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Half dome was one of our favorite hikes we’ve ever done. We started at the valley floor and made it up the cables. It can be done in a day, but it’s a serious hike. Need to start before the sun comes up and be prepared for most of the day. Take plenty of water and snacks. Gloves and harnesses are recommended to go up the cables.
    Written 24 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kentwoolgar
    Brighton, UK128 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Been watching climbing documentaries for years, fascinated by the sheer brutal appearance of El Cap.
    Always my goal to visit Yosemite and this monolithic granite slab. Taking the average climber 3-6 days to reach the summit. I looked up at the face after dark, to see lights from sleeping hammocks all over the face. Went to the base and one of the route start points laid back on my rucksack and watched climbers ascending and descending until dusk. I found a new appreciation for these guys. Amazing couple of hours. I tried climbing the first holds, can’t believe how slippery the face is and it’s covered in ants.
    Written 9 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LynneMooHoo
    Washington DC, DC145 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely loved getting o see sequoias for my first time ever...they were magnificent! This grove was at the far southwest part of the park and was a destination in itself, but very unlike the Valley area of Yosemite where we spent the rest of our time. The first couple of miles in this area are quite crowded but once you get beyond where most people go, it was very quiet and peaceful. We thoroughly enjoyed nearly a whole day there...with a picnic at the top overlooking a spectacular valley. Highly recommend visiting this spot!
    Written 26 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paul Smith Palliser
    Peru302 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Went in September so the crowds were not that heavy but still recommend arriving there around 6 am to fully enjoy the falls without the crowds.
    Written 18 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paul Smith Palliser
    Peru302 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We arrived early and started the hike up from Happy Isles to top of Vernal Falls. Before we hit the bridge we then turned right heading to Clark Point via the John Muir trail which led us back down. We started the day seeing only a few people hiking but as soon as we got down it looked like the crowds at Disneyland were all trying to get in.
    Written 18 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • YMaya
    Riverside, CA37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a beautiful drive that shouldn’t be missed when the road is open. I love that it wasnt’t crowded in mid august. Granite formation you see along the drive, the lakes, the snow capped peaks was incredibly scenic! I prefer Tioga pass than the valley floor honestly. From Lee Vining to the valley floor we made 4 stops & ended up to be an 8 hour ordeal. Take your time & just take it all in. You won’t regret it. Tip: if you’re short on time skip Tuolumne grove. The hike back is strenuous 1 mile.
    Written 2 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PacificNWFamily
    Washington State1,01,751 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is one of my favorite places to hike in Yosemite, and I was happy to ascend the dome twice during my October visit.

    I chose to hike the 5 mile loop including Taft Point & Pohono Trail, ending with Sentinel Dome. The trail views are terrific in this direction and then I end on top of Sentinel Dome. Enjoying my picnic lunch from this viewpoint is amazing.

    Another hiker pointed out a person on a slack line between Liberty Cap & Mt. Broderick (in the direction of Half Dome.) I watched with my phone camera and I wished I had brought my binoculars again.

    I also wished I had some secret cleanser with me to eradicate the graffiti that another visitor "left" on one of the rocks on Sentinel Dome. Grrrr.

    Sentinel Dome trailhead parking has been repaved and the vault toilet replaced with a “double.” There is also an additional parking lot to the west, slightly closer to Taft Point. I chose the Taft Point parking lot for both of my loop hikes, but it doesn’t matter as it’s a loop.

    I saw that the “secret shortcut parking” for folks who just want to hike up Sentinel Dome has been paved as part of the Glacier Point roadwork. If I had not chosen to hike the longer loop, I’d definitely use this small parking lot across from the service road.
    Written 24 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • drmader
    Orinda, CA2,183 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Even early in the season plenty of water, easy accessible walk
    To be close . Always a wonderful start to the majesty of Yosemite valley .
    Written 22 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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