So, confession time. As of this October 1, I have lived in California for nearly 5 years, and have YET to visit Yosemite National Park. As this year marks their 125th Anniversary, I have made a pact to visit this beautiful area within the NEXT year.
So that means, immense research has BEGUN on this area. As I’ve begun to dig in and learn where to go, where to stay, and what activities to participate in, I’ve also been getting some GREAT insider information from others that reside in the area day in and day out, and other travelers that have been to the area numerous times through the years. I will continue to share this information with all of you as the year goes on.
Yosemite Falls from Glacier Point: Photo Credit: DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc.
With that being said, General Manager, Brett Archer, of the Ahwahnee Hotel has given some Insider Tips for making the most of your Family Vacation to Yosemite:
1) Rafting down the Merced River is a great way to cool off during the hot summer and provides a new perspective of Yosemite’s landmarks. There are a lot of beaches at which pull out, take a refreshing dip, and enjoy a picnic lunch. The Ahwahnee, Curry Village, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, and Degnans Deli can provide a quick, convenient, tasty, and fresh picnic lunch.
North Dome and Merced River in the Fall: Photo Credit: Kenny Karst/DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc
2) Un-connect the kids from their devices and have them re-connect with nature. Take part in one of the NPS or Delaware North interpretive programs such as Wee Wild Ones, Starry Skies, or the Junior Ranger Program. Many of the programs in Yosemite are free.
3) Have some fun learning and laughing with Ranger Ned’s Big Adventure at the Curry Village Amphitheater and then head into the Curry Village Ice Cream Corner for a hand-scooped ice cream cone, hot fudge sundae or rootbeer float.
4) If swimming pools are not your thing, there are many beaches along the Merced River at which to hangout and keep cool. The beaches at Housekeeping Camp and the Swinging Bridge are easy ones to get to and provide unparalleled views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point along with the quintessential swimming holes.
Merced Lake: Photo Credit: DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc.
5) The Valley Visitor Center and Indian Village, Happy Isles Nature Center, and Pioneer History Center are all great places to learn of Yosemite’s history, lore, and mythology, and traditions.
6) The Valley Floor Tour is a cool way to see Yosemite without being trapped inside a bus. This open air tram affords unhindered and awe inspiring views all the while a National Park Service Naturalist provides a detailed narrative of all that you are seeing.
Photo Credit: YosemitePark.Com
I know there’s a ton more TIPS out there, and I’d love to hear some of your own. Share some of your BEST Yosemite Vacation tips below to make this first trip for me truly successful!
