The Yosemite Gateway area offers easy access to Yosemite National Park with lodging for every budget, delicious local eateries, and outdoor adventures—from river rafting to gold–rush history tours. Here’s how to make the most of your visit.
Yosemite Gateway: Where to Stay and What to Do
The towns just outside Yosemite—often called the Yosemite Gateway—are your springboard to one of America’s most spectacular parks. You’ll find everything from rustic cabins to upscale spas, plus rivers to raft, trails to hike, and a dash of Gold Rush history. Here’s a friendly rundown of our favorite spots and experiences.
Where to Stay in Yosemite Gateway
Historic Mountain Lodges
- Jamestown Hotel & Restaurant (Jamestown): Step back to the 1890s at this Victorian-style inn. The Miner’s Grill serves hearty fare after a day’s exploring.
- Groveland Hotel (Groveland): Rich wood paneling, old-school charm, and the Iron Door Saloon—the state’s oldest continuous saloon—make for a memorable stay.
Family-Friendly Resorts
- Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (Fish Camp): Choose a cozy cabin or classic lodge room. There are three restaurants, a spa, and guided walks—just minutes from the park’s south gate.
- Rush Creek Lodge & Spa (Prather): Rustic-chic cabins, seasonal pool, and a communal fire pit for stargazing. Pizza nights from the outdoor oven are a guest favorite.
Budget & Midrange Motels
- Yosemite View Lodge (El Portal): River-view rooms, easy park entry, and a free shuttle make this a solid pick.
- River Rock Inn (Oakhurst): Clean, comfortable, pet-friendly, and just a stone’s throw from local shops.
Vacation Rentals
Hunt on VRBO or Airbnb for cabins, A-frames, or Sierra-view cottages—great for groups or anyone who wants a home-away-from-home vibe.
What to Do in Yosemite Gateway
1. Drive into Yosemite
- Stop at Tunnel View for that postcard shot of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall.
- Head uphill to Glacier Point (May–October) for sweeping views of Half Dome and the valley floor.
2. Get Guided
- River Rafting on the Merced: Easy rapids and calm floats—great for families and thrill-seekers alike.
- Rock Climbing Lessons: Try your hand on granite walls below El Capitan or Cathedral Peak with an experienced guide.
3. Local Trails & History
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias: Wander among 1,000-year-old trees at the park’s south entrance.
- Fresno Flats Historical Park (Oakhurst): Step into the Gold Rush era with restored buildings and costumed interpreters.
4. Scenic Drives
- Tioga Pass: Snaking above 9,000 feet, you’ll drive past alpine meadows and lakes—open in summer only.
- Highway 140 Along the Merced River: Gentle curves, riverside pull-outs, and leaf-peeping in fall.
5. Eat & Drink
- South Gate Brewing Co. (Oakhurst): Fresh craft beers and gourmet pub grub.
- Savory’s Mountain Bistro (Groveland): Farm-to-table breakfasts and wood-fired pizzas with foothill views.
- Jamestown & Sonora Wineries: Sip boutique Zinfandels and Chardonnay in tasting rooms set in Gold Country buildings.
Tips for Your Trip
- Best Times: May–June for wildflowers and roaring waterfalls; September–October for cooler temps and fewer crowds. Winter brings snow sports but Tioga Pass closes.
- Getting Around: A car is almost a must—roads wind, but the views are worth it. In-park shuttles run seasonally.
- Packing List: Layers for chilly mornings and hot afternoons, sturdy shoes, water bottle, and bear-safe food containers.
- Reservations & Permits: Check Yosemite’s website for day-use reservations, then book lodging and tours early—summer fills up fast.
FAQs
How far are Gateway towns from Yosemite Valley?
El Portal is about a 20-minute drive, Oakhurst 45 minutes, and Groveland roughly an hour via Big Oak Flat Road.
Can I explore the area without a car?
You can use local shuttles in some towns, but having a car gives you the freedom to chase waterfalls and side roads.
Are pets welcome?
Many lodgings and some trails (like the valley roads and certain campgrounds) allow pets—always check rules, leash requirements, and wildlife safety tips.
Whether you’re camping under Sequoias, sampling local wines, or chasing waterfalls, the Yosemite Gateway area turns your visit into a full Sierra Nevada adventure. Pack your bags and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
Learn more about Yosemite Gateway, a memorial forest for you or your loved one.
