If you are looking to stay in the heart of Yosemite National Park, then you will love Yosemite Valley Lodge. The lodge is located close to Yosemite Falls, which makes it an excellent base for a Yosemite vacation.
Here are my top finds for Yosemite National Park:
🏨Hotels: Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge (In the park), The Pines Resort
📍Tours: Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad, Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Yosemite Valley Lodge rooms are spread over fifteen buildings. We stayed in the Manzanita Building close to the pool.
The pool is available for hotel guests free of charge. They do have a daily rate if you are not staying at the lodge but want to cool off in the pool.
One thing to know about staying in Yosemite is the hotels do not have air conditioning. We stayed in the Yosemite Valley Lodge on a day it was 95 degrees in Yosemite Valley. I am not going to lie the room was warm.
There are screen doors on both sets of doors so that air can flow through the room. We ended up taking cold showers and sitting on the bed with cold wet towels over us and the fan going to cool off.
The room was still warm at night but it definitely cooled off compared to during the day.
Yosemite Valley Lodge has great dining options available on-site including Base Camp Eatery, Starbucks and the Mountain Room Restaurant.
Starbucks and Base Camp Eatery open early so you can get breakfast and snacks before hitting the trails for the day.
The gift shop has a small grocery section with beer, some food choices and lots of souvenirs.
Check Yosemite Valley Lodge Availability
Yosemite Valley Lodge Room - Traditional Room 1 King
We booked a traditional room with one king bed for our stay at the hotel. When you book you do not get to choose what building you stay in. We did read that people ask for Yosemite Falls views but we did not ask during our stay. We honestly were so hot with the weather we just wanted to get into the room and cool off for a while.
Our room was in the Manzanita building which is near the swimming pool. There was parking near the building that thankfully had space. There are no set parking spaces for hotel guests so you may have to walk a bit once you find a parking spot.
We would suggest parking and using the Yosemite free shuttle (YARTS) during your stay.
Our room was on the 2nd floor of the building with around 15 stairs to reach it. The room was clean and comfortable. The room was larger than we expected it to be. There was room to stretch out and relax.
We found the bed to be comfortable and easy to sleep on. It was actually hard to leave the next morning but we knew we wanted to have a full day exploring the Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows.
The sink and mirror are separate from the toilet and shower, making it easy for two people to get ready in the morning. There is a small college dorm-sized refrigerator below the sink that is large enough to hold drinks and snacks.
The shower has shampoo, conditioner, and soap, so you don't need to pack them if you are ok with hotel amenities.
Room Types at Yosemite Valley Lodge
Yosemite Valley Lodge provides 245 Traditional, Family, Bunk, and ADA Accesible Rooms near Yosemite Falls.
Traditional Rooms
Traditional rooms is a hotel style room with one of the following options: one King Bed, two Double beds, or one Queen.
Family Rooms
Family rooms are located upstairs with large windows, have a King-sized bed, a bunk bed with a double-size bed on bottom and a single-sized bed on top, a sofa, a dining table, and a large TV
Bunk Rooms
Bunk Rooms are perfect for small groups, closest to the Merced River, and have a Queen-size bed and a Bunk bed (Double size bed on bottom, and a single bed on top.
Yosemite Valley Lodge Amenities
- Private bathroom
- Hairdryer
- Small table and chairs
- Small refrigerator
- Coffee Maker
- TV
- Iron/ Ironing Board (Available by Request)
- Extra blankets (Available upon Request)
- Rollaway Crib (Available upon Request)
- Balcony or patio
- Toiletries
- Fan
- Mountain WiFi
- Free guest parking
- shuttle access
- Seasonal outdoor swimming pool
- Gift Shop
- Seasonal onsite bike rentals
- Outdoor Amphitheater
Reserve Your Room at the Yosemite Valley Lodge Before it Fills Up
Things to know when planning a stay at the Yosemite Valley Lodge
Check-In at 4:00 pm
Check-Out by 11:00 am
Smoking is strictly prohibited at all accommodations and buildings in Yosemite.
Pets: no pets allowed on the property.
WIFI: WiFi bandwidth is limited in Yosemite National Park. The WiFi is only recommended for checking email or some (very) light web browsing.
Location: Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Valley Lodge Address:
9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr.
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
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Where to Eat at Yosemite Valley Lodge
The Yosemite Valley Lodge has several dining options to match your needs. They have everything from a morning cup of coffee to fine dining
Base Camp Eatery
Base Camp Eatery is the kind of place that sets the tone for a great day in the park. The casual atmosphere makes it easy to linger over a proper cup of coffee from the Starbucks bar before heading out to the trails, and the all-day menu gives you plenty to look forward to whether you're fueling up at breakfast or winding down after a long afternoon hike. The kitchen leans on local and seasonal ingredients across a menu that covers everything from classic grill items and pasta to fried chicken, with vegetarian and grab-and-go options also on hand. Seating is available indoors or out, making it a welcoming stop at any point in the day.
Starbucks
The Starbucks located just off Base Camp Eatery is a welcome convenience for guests like myself who want a familiar favorite before heading into the park. It offers the full range of espresso drinks, coffee, and tea alongside pastries and grab-and-go snacks, and doubles as a small gift stop as well. There is no dedicated seating, but guests are welcome to take their drinks into Base Camp Eatery and settle in before the day begins.
The Mountain Room: Fine Dining With Views of Yosemite Falls
The Mountain Room is the lodge's signature dinner restaurant, and it earns that status both on the plate and through the window. Floor-to-ceiling views of Yosemite Falls set the backdrop for an upscale casual menu built around chef-inspired steaks, fresh pasta, and seafood sourced in line with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch List. The kitchen puts a strong emphasis on local, organic, and seasonal ingredients, with vegan and gluten-free options rounding out the menu. Reservations are recommended and can be made through OpenTable, making it worth planning ahead if you want to secure a table for what is likely to be one of the more memorable meals of your trip.
The Mountain Room Lounge
The Mountain Room Lounge is the kind of spot that makes it easy to lose track of time in the best way. Pull up a seat near the Swedish-style fireplace, order a cocktail or a beer on tap, and roast marshmallows while the evening settles in around you. The menu keeps things relaxed with appetizers and light bites, and when the weather cooperates, the outdoor patio opens up with views that remind you exactly where you are. It is a great option for a casual wind-down after a full day in the park.
Book the Yosemite Valley Lodge Before it Fills
Best Yosemite National Park Tours & Activities
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 on this historic narrow-gauge railroad where powerful locomotives once hauled massive log trains through the Sierra National Forest, just 10 minutes from Yosemite's south entrance. The conductor-narrated rides (1 to 3.5 hours) take you through majestic woods while sharing the area's logging history, with options ranging from the classic steam train to special themed trips like the Moonlight Special and Yosemite Jazz Train. Perfect for families and multi-generational groups, the experience includes gold panning, a logging museum, and the Kids' Depot Toy Store, all wheelchair accessible with leashed dogs welcome on board.
Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (803+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 9 hours | 🚐
Check Rates and Availability
This is the tour for first-time visitors who want to see everything without the stress of figuring it out on their own. Operated by Discover Yosemite, a TripAdvisor Travelers Choice award winner for two years running, this small-group tour covers the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias, Glacier Point, Yosemite Valley, and all the major viewpoints in one very full day. Lunch is included along with snacks and water.
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.
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!
Things to do When Staying at Yosemite Valley Lodge
🌊 Walk to the base of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America, directly from the lodge in about 15 minutes
🏔️ Hike the Yosemite Falls Trail all the way to the top for sweeping views of the valley and the High Sierra beyond
🧗 Watch world-class rock climbers on El Capitan and the valley walls from meadows near the lodge
🌅 Photograph Half Dome at sunrise from the valley meadows, one of the classic images of American national parks
🥾 Access the Mirror Lake Loop, Valley Loop Trail, and dozens of other valley trails from the lodge's central location
🚌 Catch the free valley shuttle from stops adjacent to the lodge to reach all major valley destinations without a car
🍽️ Dine at the Base Camp Eatery inside the lodge, a casual food court-style restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner
🍺 Relax at the Bar at the Falls, the lodge's outdoor bar with views of Yosemite Falls and the surrounding valley walls
📸 Photograph Yosemite Falls from the lodge grounds at various times of day as the light shifts across the falls face
🏛️ Walk to Yosemite Village and the Valley Visitor Center for exhibits, ranger programs, and the Ansel Adams Gallery
🌿 Visit the historic Yosemite Valley Chapel, the oldest structure in the valley, a short walk from the lodge
Lodges In Yosemite National Park
⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Ahwahnee Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The Ahwahnee stands as Yosemite's most iconic lodge, a National Historic Landmark that has hosted royalty and presidents while offering unmatched views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. This architectural masterpiece blends historic elegance with modern comfort, featuring fine dining, a heated outdoor pool, and artisan shops right at your doorstep. After a day exploring the valley's waterfalls and granite cliffs, you'll appreciate the world-class hospitality and luxurious amenities that make this more than just a place to stay.
⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Yosemite Valley Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Yosemite Valley Lodge sits right at the base of Yosemite Falls, offering 245 rooms including family rooms and bunk rooms perfect for groups exploring the park together. The lodge's glass-and-wood architecture frames incredible views while keeping you close to trailheads, with shuttle access, multiple dining options, and seasonal bike rentals right onsite. After hiking to Vernal Fall or exploring the valley floor, cool off in the seasonal outdoor pool or grab a meal before heading to the outdoor amphitheater for evening ranger programs.
⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Curry Village Tent Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Nestled beneath Glacier Point since 1899, Curry Village tents offers an authentic lodging experience. This historic base camp puts you right in the heart of Yosemite Valley with multiple dining options, an outdoor pool, and easy shuttle access to trailheads and waterfalls.
Lodges near Yosemite National Park
There are several great lodging options near Yosemite National Park. We are huge fans of staying in Oakhurst, California and entering the park from the southern entrance. Check out my Oakhurst Lodging Guide.
⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - The Pines Resort at Bass Lake - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The only lakeside resort in the Yosemite area, sitting right on the shores of Bass Lake just 17 miles from Yosemite National Park's South Gate with a private beach, full marina, and some of the best sunsets in the Sierra Nevada!
Choose from lakeside suites with log-burning fireplaces, wet bars, and lake-view decks, two-story chalets with full kitchens, or a romantic Honeymoon Suite with an oversized jetted tub. Ducey's on the Lake serves farm-to-table cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with stunning water views, and the poolside beach bar is perfect for after-hike refreshments. Amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool with pool hoist, hot tub, full-service spa, 24-hour fitness center, yoga classes, boat and kayak rentals, two tennis courts, billiards room, convenience market, live entertainment, coin-operated laundry, free WiFi, and free parking. Pet friendly and open year-round!
⭐️ 4.8 of 5 Stars - Chateau du Sureau - Click here for Rates and Availability.
A Forbes Five Star, AAA Four Diamond Provence-inspired castle tucked in the Sierra Nevada foothills just 20 miles from Yosemite's South Gate, widely regarded as the finest luxury hotel in the entire Yosemite region!
The 11 individually designed rooms and suites feature working fireplaces, pillowtop mattresses, down comforters, hypoallergenic bedding, separate soaking tubs and showers, Moulton Brown toiletries, slippers, robes, and private balconies overlooking nine acres of terraced French gardens. A bottle of local rosé awaits you on arrival, and a full gourmet breakfast is included each morning with fresh-squeezed orange juice. The legendary Erna's Elderberry House restaurant is one of California's most celebrated dining destinations, drawing food lovers from across the state for its tasting menus and wine pairings. Additional amenities include a full-service spa, seasonal outdoor pool, bocce court, concierge, valet parking, room service, free WiFi, and free parking. No children under 10. Pet friendly with a fee, open year-round!
Click on this link or the map below to see additional lodging options near Yosemite NP.
https://www.stay22.com/embed/61f07d51cbb4390015c70b0f
Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee
New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Yosemite National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$0.00 for Education/Academic Group
$300.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$40.00-$20.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)
$20.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Yosemite National Park No Longer Requires Peak Hours Reservations
Yosemite National Park will not require advance reservations in 2026, including during peak summer months and the February-March firefall period. The park will rely on real-time traffic management measures, including temporary traffic diversions when parking areas reach capacity and deployment of additional seasonal staff to manage high-use areas.
Additional Yosemite Resources
- Complete Guide to Exploring Yosemite National Park
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias - The grove is outside of the valley on Highway 41 next to the southern entrance to the park.
- Things to do in Yosemite
- 1-Day in Yosemite guide
- Yosemite Winter Guide
- Yosemite Lodging Guide
- Yosemite National Park Camping Guide
Things To Do Near Yosemite National Park
- Oakhurst, California, the Southern Entrance to Yosemite
- Bass Lake Travel Guide
- The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway
- Wassama Round House State Historic Park
- Oakhurst Lodging Guide
- Oakhurst Restaurant Guide
- Madera Wine Trail
Check out all of the National Parks in California and neighboring National Parks in Oregon, National Parks in Nevada, and National Parks in Arizona.
Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok
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