Things to do in Yosemite Valley
About Yosemite Valley
We're still writing a full guide to Yosemite Valley. In the meantime, explore its top-rated attractions below — ranked by real traveller ratings.
Top things to do in Yosemite Valley
The 46 highest-rated places in Yosemite Valley, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Yosemite National Park is a 1,169-square-mile protected wilderness area in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, famous...
2
Places of interest
Glacier Point is a viewpoint in Yosemite National Park situated 3,214 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley. It provid...
3
Natural attractions
Lower Yosemite Falls is the final 320-foot drop of the North America's tallest waterfall system, which spans a total hei...
4
Parks
Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, with a total drop of 2,425 feet from the top of the up...
5
Places of interest
Olmsted Point is a high-elevation granite turnout located along Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park. It provides a uniq...
6
Parks
Devils Postpile National Monument features a rare geologic formation of basalt columns created by volcanic activity roug...
7
Historical places
The Grizzly Giant is one of the oldest and largest giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park, estimated to be between 1,9...
8
Places of interest
The Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center serves as the gateway to the United States' first National Scenic Area, establ...
9
Natural attractions
Half Dome is a granitic batholith rising nearly 5,000 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley. The northwest face is a s...
10
Parks
Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve preserves a unique saline alkaline lake basin featuring prominent tufa towers forme...
11
Places of interest
Nevada Fall is a 594-foot waterfall on the Merced River located within Yosemite National Park. The waterfall features a...
12
Natural attractions
Tuolumne Grove features a collection of approximately 25 mature giant sequoias located at a 6,200-foot elevation in Yose...
13
Parks
Mono Lake County Park provides one of the few accessible shoreline vantage points to view the lake's iconic tufa towers,...
14
Natural attractions
The Rim of the World vista serves as a primary overlook within the Stanislaus National Forest, located along the CA-120...
15
Museums
The Mariposa Museum & History Center chronicles the rich heritage of the California Gold Rush era in the Sierra Nevada f...
16
Natural attractions
Tenaya Lake is a high-altitude alpine lake situated at an elevation of 8,150 feet within the Sierra Nevada mountains. Fo...
17
Natural attractions
Sentinel Dome is a granite exfoliation dome located in Yosemite National Park, rising to an elevation of 8,122 feet. The...
18
Parks
Tuolumne Meadows is one of the largest high-elevation subalpine meadows in the Sierra Nevada, situated at an elevation o...
19
Places of interest
Happy Isles Bridge serves as the primary gateway to the Happy Isles area, a collection of small islands located in the e...
20
Museums
The California State Mining and Mineral Museum serves as the official state mineral collection, housing over 13,000 obje...
21
Natural attractions
Taft Point is a geological site within Yosemite National Park defined by massive vertical granite drops and the Fissures...
22
Places of interest
The Vernal Fall Footbridge is a concrete bridge crossing the Merced River that offers an iconic view of the 317-foot Ver...
23
Historical places
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Museums
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Temples
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Natural attractions
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Historical places
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Parks
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Historical places
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Historical places
Around Yosemite Valley
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Yosemite Valley on the map
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Plan your visit to Yosemite Valley
Spring and early autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather for sightseeing, with mild days and thinner crowds than mid-summer.
Two to three days is enough to cover the main highlights, with extra time for day trips to nearby attractions.
City centres are usually walkable, with public transport linking the main districts; check local apps for tickets and routes.
Staying near the old town or main station keeps the top attractions within easy reach on foot or a short ride.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 46 curated attractions in and around Yosemite Valley, ranked by traveller ratings.
Yosemite National Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Yosemite Valley right now.
The largest category is natural attractions, with 19 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Boston.
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