Central Interior California, CA

Travel Guide

Death Valley
Tunnel View which includes forest scenes, landscape views and mountains
Death Valley
Death Valley
Glacier Point showing mountains and landscape views

Venture to the wild heart of California, a land of abundant natural beauty, vast national parks and towns steeped in Gold Rush history.

Central Interior California holds some of the state’s most well-known and well-hidden natural wonders. Travel from iconic Yosemite National ParkOpens in a new window to eerie Death Valley National ParkOpens in a new window to see some of the country’s most staggering landscapes. Visit long-abandoned gold-mining towns, enjoy luxury mountain resorts and explore Old West settlements.

Yosemite National Park is famed across the world for its ancient sequoia trees, towering granite formations and gushing waterfalls. Explore beautiful spots such as Nevada FallOpens in a new window and Vernal FallOpens in a new window. Stand atop Tunnel ViewOpens in a new window for one of the park’s best vistas across Bridalveil FallOpens in a new window and the granite cliffs of El CapitanOpens in a new window and Half Dome. From sub-alpine meadows threaded by streams at Tuolumne MeadowsOpens in a new window to the remote canyons and peaks of Hetchy Hetchy ReservoirOpens in a new window to Yosemite MuseumOpens in a new window, captivating vistas and attractions await around every corner.

For a change of scene, venture amid the surreal and mesmerizing landscapes of Death Valley National Park. One of the country’s lowest and hottest places, this park is packed with fantastical geological formations and vast desert landscapes.

Glide down the slopes of the luxurious Mammoth Mountain Ski ResortOpens in a new window, one of North America’s most acclaimed ski, snowboard and cross-country skiing destinations. In summer, the resort transforms into an adventure playground with hiking, biking, fishing and horseback-riding opportunities.

Gold Rush history abounds in Central Interior California. Dare to venture into the long-abandoned Bodie State Historic DistrictOpens in a new window near Mono LakeOpens in a new window, where ghosts reportedly haunt the deserted mining town. Imagine you’re in the Old West as you walk up the historic main street of MariposaOpens in a new window, whose heritage is firmly attributed to California’s ambitious prospectors.

While good public transportation links exist between main towns and the national parks, you may want to rent a car to truly get the most out of a trip to Central Interior California. San FranciscoOpens in a new window or SacramentoOpens in a new window make good jumping-off points. The seasons vary wildly here. Choose winter for snowy landscapes, skiing and roaring log fires or spring to fall for backcountry hiking and outdoor adventures.

Where to stay in Central Interior California

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Yosemite West

Just outside Yosemite National Park, this unincorporated community offers resort homes and access to several hiking trails, including Deer Camp Trail and Alder Creek Trail. Explore the historic Henness Ridge fire lookout tower and admire Alder Creek Fall.

Yosemite West
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Mammoth Village

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Mammoth Village and surrounding area, you can visit Village Gondola Station and Sierra Star Golf Course.

Mammoth Village
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Old Mammoth

While Old Mammoth might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Eagle Express Ski Lift and Sierra Star Golf Course.

Old Mammoth
Central Interior California featuring hiking or walking and mountains as well as an individual femail

Downtown Mammoth Lakes

While Downtown Mammoth Lakes might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Sierra Star Golf Course and Village Gondola Station.

Downtown Mammoth Lakes
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Starwood

Though Starwood might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sierra Star Golf Course and Eagle Express Ski Lift.

Starwood
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Stonegate

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Stonegate and surrounding area, you can visit Village Gondola Station and Sierra Star Golf Course.

Stonegate
Yosemite View Lodge

Yosemite View Lodge

2.5 out of 5
11136 Highway 140, El Portal, CA
The price is ¥36,634 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥36,634
¥42,316 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in El Portal. Enjoy free parking, 3 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,421 reviews)
"The air conditioner was loud and blew hot air in the sitting on the balcony making it uncomfortable to sit"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Yosemite View Lodge
Juniper Springs Resort

Juniper Springs Resort

3.5 out of 5
4000 Meridian Blvd, Mammoth Lakes, CA
The price is ¥23,712 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥23,712
¥31,702 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star ski hotel in Mammoth Lakes. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 6 hot tubs, and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,384 reviews)
"Great scenery"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Juniper Springs Resort
Tenaya at Yosemite

Tenaya at Yosemite

4 out of 5
1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp, CA
The price is ¥38,456 per night from Sep 9 to Sep 10
¥38,456
¥44,053 total
Sep 9 - Sep 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Fish Camp. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,672 reviews)
"Loved our stay at Tenaya, would definitely recommend if visiting Yosemite"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Tenaya at Yosemite
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping

Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping

1 out of 5
4808 California 140, Mariposa, CA
Stay at this campground in Mariposa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch and California ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (180 reviews)
Yosemite & Mariposa Ramble
"Great location and relative proximity to Yosemite. Staff was friendly and accommodating."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping
Heidelberg Inn

Heidelberg Inn

2.5 out of 5
85 Bolder Lake View Dr, June Lake, CA
Stay at this condo in June Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fireplace in the lobby. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (477 reviews)
"We loved this historic hotel and the service was very helpful and friendly!! We would stay again and recommend to others!!"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Heidelberg Inn
Indian Flat RV Park - Tent Cabins & Cottages

Indian Flat RV Park - Tent Cabins & Cottages

1 out of 5
9988 Highway 140, El Portal, CA
Stay at this campground in El Portal. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attraction ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,889 reviews)
"Beds were very comfortable. Liked having cabin to ourselves. Nearby was Cedar Lodge we could go to the bar and grill."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Indian Flat RV Park - Tent Cabins & Cottages
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Central Interior California