Things to do in Yosemite National Park

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Yosemite National Park Travel Guide

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Yosemite National Park 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.

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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.

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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.

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Yosemite Visitor Center featuring interior views

4. Yosemite Falls

Yosemite National Park sets the bar high for magnificent natural beauty, but Yosemite Falls is indisputably one of its most striking features. This towering waterfall is one of the highest in North America. Water plunges a total of 2,425 feet (739 meters) from top to bottom of Yosemite Falls in three distinct sections.

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5. El Capitan

El Capitan is one of Yosemite National Park’s best-known features, rising sharply from the valley floor in a spectacular precipitous formation. Translating to “the captain” in Spanish, El Capitan looks out over the magnificent valley and dares rock climbers and hikers to reach its dizzying peaks. See the mesmerizing rock face from one of several roads that wind through the western part of Yosemite Valley or grab your climbing equipment and tackle “El Cap” yourself.

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El Capitan which includes forest scenes and a gorge or canyon

6. Glacier Point

Enjoy one of Yosemite National Park’s most enthralling views from Glacier Point, an outlook area that presents a sweeping scenic vista. See some of the Yosemite Valley’s most distinctive landmarks from the viewing area and go hiking, bird watching, stargazing or cross-country skiing in the majestic surrounding landscape.

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Glacier Point which includes tranquil scenes, a cascade and landscape views

7. Tuolumne Meadows

The Tuolumne Meadows offer a tranquil expanse of sub-alpine high country landscape, carpeted by lush grasses and myriad California wildflowers. Explore the picturesque walking trails and enjoy Yosemite’s breathtaking showcase of granite peaks, a winding river and towering coniferous woods.

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Tuolumne Meadows showing snow and tranquil scenes

Discover the most popular places to visit in Yosemite National Park

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Yosemite National Park

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Yosemite West

You'll enjoy the waterfalls and riverfront in Yosemite West. You might want to make time for a stop at Yosemite National Park or Sierra National Forest.