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🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
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Yosemite Southgate Hotel and Suites
The Yosemite Southgate Hotel is an ideal place to stay if you are planning a trip to Yosemite National Park. This hotel has figured out what travelers need and has built a strong reputation around delivering it.
The Yosemite Southgate Hotel sits right on Highway 41, just 14 miles from Yosemite National Park's South Gate entrance, and is the last major stop before one of the most breathtaking places on earth.
Oakhurst itself has a history that stretches back to the 1850s, when it was known as Fresno Flats and served as a vital waystation for travelers and workers heading into the Sierra Nevada.
Today, more than 1.2 million visitors a year pass through Oakhurst on their way to Yosemite, and the Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites has become the most consistently top-rated place to stay in town, earning the number one hotel ranking in Oakhurst on TripAdvisor year after year.
What sets this hotel apart from the competition is not one single thing but a combination of features that are hard to find anywhere else near the park.
With 81 suites with approximately 520 square feet, these are among the largest rooms in the entire Yosemite area. It is also the only hotel in Oakhurst with interior corridor entry and an elevator, which makes a real difference when you are hauling gear, traveling with young kids, or arriving late after a long day on the trails.
The lobby fireplace gives the hotel a warm and welcoming feel, and amenities like a seasonal heated pool, spa, steam room, dry sauna, complimentary hot continental breakfast, and a 24-hour coffee bar mean you have everything you need to recharge before heading back out into the park.
Whether you are visiting Yosemite Valley, Bass Lake, or simply using Oakhurst as a base to explore the southern Sierra Nevada, the Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites makes for a comfortable and convenient home base.
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Room Types
- King Mini Suite
- King Mini Suite with Balcony
- King Mini Suite (Accessible)
- Family mini suite
We stayed in a Accessible King Mini Suite with a roll in shower. The room was located on the 1st floor near the lobby and exit to the back parking lot.
The room had a lot of room to move around with more than enough space for our luggage and gear.
The bed was firm with soft linens. The free wifi was faster than we expected and great for checking email and getting some work down.
One nice surprise was the Beekman toiletries with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion availablein the room.
Amenities
- On-site laundry facilities
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Steam Room
- Free Breakfast
- Free Parking
- Small gift shop
- Exercise room/Gym
- Mini fridge
- Microwave
- Keurig Coffee Maker
- Complimentary WiFi
- Iron and ironing board
- Flatscreen TV
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My Experience Staying at Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites
The Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites is a great option for visitors heading to Yosemite National Park.
First off, the hotel has great murals and Yosemite themed photos, the areas star attraction. I apprecriate that they support the Yosemite Conservancy, the primary nonprofit partner to Yosemite National Park. You can even opt to donate a dollar per night on your bill to support this organization. It may not sould like much but these donations make a big difference.
What I really like is that it is a budget friendly hotel compared to the lodges in the park and offer all the amenities that make your trip enjoyable. There is free parking, WiFi, and parking and has an outdoor pool, an exercise room, and even a sauna.
The best part is that with the money you save, you can go enjoy one of the great local Oakhurst restaurants and/or some of the local activities.
The rooms themselves are large with penty of room and has basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, and boddy gel. This is a great option for families and buget minded individuals.
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Practical Information
Make sure to bring your photo identification and credit card for checking into the hotel.
Hotel Address
40644 Highway 41
Oakhurst, California, 93644, USA
Check-in Time - 4:00 pm
Check-Out Time - Before Noon
Minimum check-in age - An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Pets - Pets are not allowed, Service animals are welcome.
Smoking - This is a 100% non-smoking property
Parking - Free self-parking next to the hotel.
Distance from nearby airports:
- Fresno Yosemite International Aairport (FAT) : 1 hour and 50 miles
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): 3 hours and 30 minutes, 195 miles
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): 4 hours and 30 minutes, 270 miles
Nearby Attractions/ Things to Do in Oakhurst
Oakhurst is a outdoorsy gateway community to Yosemite National Park with approximately 3000 people. There is several great restaurants, hotels, and activities. Here is a few of my favorite activities.
🪓 Axe Throwing - Channel your inner lumberjack at a local axe throwing at Yosemite Axe Throwing in Oakhurst! Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned thrower, this action-packed activity is perfect for groups, date nights, or anyone looking to unleash some energy with a seriously satisfying thud.
🥽 Experience Yosemite VR at the Theater - Before you even hit the trails, immerse yourself in the magic of Yosemite through a stunning virtual reality experience at Yosemite Cinema. It's an awe-inspiring way to see the park's towering granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls up close, and a fantastic option for all ages and abilities.
🚤 Recreate at Bass Lake - Just a short drive from Oakhurst, Bass Lake is your go-to playground for warm-weather fun. Rent a boat, try your hand at fishing, paddle around on a kayak, or simply relax on the shore with a picnic. The shimmering blue water surrounded by pine-covered hills makes it one of the most scenic spots in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
🏔️Yosemite National Park - The crown jewel of the region, Yosemite is an absolute must. Marvel at the iconic views of El Capitan and Half Dome, hike to misty waterfalls like Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Falls, meander through the ancient giants of Mariposa Grove, or simply pull over at a valley overlook and soak in one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. No trip to Oakhurst is complete without a day, or several, spent in this natural wonderland.
🚂 Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1-3.5 Hours | 🚂 Check Rates and Availability
Step back in time aboard a historic narrow-gauge steam train winding through the breathtaking Sierra National Forest. This beloved attraction near Fish Camp offers a nostalgic and gorgeous ride through towering pines, and is a delight for families, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates a slower, more scenic pace of travel.
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Best Tours in Oakhurst and Yosemite National Park
California Audio Tour Bundle (Get 4 Audio Tours)
⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 days | 🔊Check Rates and Availability
With Shaka Guide's GPS Audio Tours, you are guided to hidden gems and iconic sights. Now, you can explore at your own pace without worrying about keeping up with a tour. Tours include:
- Yosemite's Majestic Beauty
- Death Valley's Unique Geology
- Joshua Tree's otherworldly Landscapes
- Lake Tahoe's Clear Waters
Yosemite Valley Tour with Transport from Oakhurst
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability
Visit Yosemite National Park on a full day tour from Oakhurst that starts early to beat the crowds, with time to see the very best of the spectacular Yosemite Valley. Take in Bridalveil Fall, Sentinel Bridge, and Half Dome, then eat lunch at the base of Yosemite Falls and spot rock climbers from the El Cappitan Meadows. Includes pick-up and drop-off at hotels in Oakhurst.
Semi-Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup/Dropoff
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability
This is an 8-hour tour that begins with a pick-up at your hotel or the meeting point(Denny's in Oakhurst).
The tour includes stops at Glacier Point(April-November), depending upon the weather, and several stops in the Yosemite Valley. The valley stops include Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, Sentinel Bridge, Chapel, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and more!
Check out more great tours of Yosemite. Tours include hiking, snowshoeing, roundtrip tours from San Francisco, and more!
Alternative Lodging Options if Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites is Booked
⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - The Pines Resort - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The Pines Resort is the only lakeside resort in the Yosemite area, sitting just 17 miles from the park's south gate on the shores of Bass Lake. Choose from lakeside suites with wood-burning fireplaces and soaking tubs, chalets with full kitchens, or larger cabins perfect for family reunions, all with stunning lake and mountain views. After exploring Yosemite's waterfalls and giant sequoias, head back to enjoy the seasonal pool, private beach, boat rentals, and farm-to-table dining at Ducey's on the Lake restaurant right on the property.
⭐️ 4.5 of 5 Stars - The Inelle Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The Inelle is Oakhurst's stylish boutique hotel and part of Marriott's Tribute Portfolio, located minutes from Yosemite's southern entrance with thoughtful details throughout that pay tribute to John Muir and the Sierra Nevada. Each room features pillowtop mattresses, mini-fridges, ergonomic workstations, walk-in showers, and Yosemite travel guides right on your nightstand to help plan your park adventures. After a day on the trails, head to the Hemlock Restaurant and Bar for craft cocktails and farm-to-table dining, then relax in the gorgeous outdoor seating area or work out any trail soreness in the well-equipped fitness center.
⭐️ 4.6 of 5 Stars - The Four Daughters Inn - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The Four Daughters Inn is a boutique property in the heart of Oakhurst, California, just 19 minutes from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. Recently renovated in 2023, the property offers six spacious apartment-style suites at approximately 500 square feet each with modern interiors. Each suite features a full kitchen, pillowtop bed with Egyptian cotton sheets and down comforters, 65-inch Smart TV with Netflix, walk-in shower, and ultra-fast free WiFi. On-site spa services including hot stone massage are available by reservation. Bass Lake Recreation Area is 14 minutes away and free parking is on site. Read the full blog post for everything you need to know before planning your stay.
Additional Articles to Help Plan Your Trip to Oakhurst & Yosemite
- Best Restaurants in Oakhurst California - Discover all the great restaurants in theOakhurst Area
- Oakhurst, the Southern Entrance to Yosemite - Discover all the is to do in Yosemite's Southern Gateway City!
- 1-Day in Yosemite - How to make the most out of one day in Yosemite National Park
Check out all of the California National Parks along with neighboring Arizona National Parks, Oregon National Parks, and National Parks in Nevada
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