Yosemite Holidays

Irresistible adventure in powerful nature

Located 270 km East of San Francisco, and less than 500 km north of Los Angeles, amongst the California high Sierra is a formidable place. Yosemite National Park became one of the first wilderness parks in the US, with over 7000 acres of untouched natural beauty. Picture unique rock formations, a stunning waterfall and bodies of water so clear and pristine you can see your own reflection.

Luxury Holidays to Yosemite National Park

Think of this holiday to Yosemite as an opportunity to take a break from the bustle of life and reconnect with mother nature. With beautiful landmarks such as the Yosemite Waterfalls (known to be the tallest in North America), the Tunnel View, Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley, there is plenty to see and do. Staff members and nature experts offer tours around the park, and have even created hiking trails and other activities for the public to enjoy. While many parts of the park have remained untouched from development for a millennium, visitors won't struggle for lodgings as there are plenty of excellent Yosemite hotels available.

This magnificent park continues to attract visitors from all around the world. Kenwood Travel recommends visiting during the springtime when the Yosemite waterfalls are at their peak. If you happen to be visiting during the summer, be aware that it can be a very busy period. To avoid long queues, aim to arrive at the park before 8am.

5 Reasons to Holiday in Yosemite National Park

Nature – A holiday to Yosemite is a great opportunity to really gaze at mother nature’s creation. With natural landmarks that have been around for at least a millennium.

Activities – For visitors looking to be proactive during a Yosemite holiday, there are plenty of opportunities to go on hikes and bike rides around the national park. Climbing enthusiasts can also go rock climbing and free climbing, and beginners can take rock climbing classes too. In the wintertime, there will also be opportunities to go skiing and take part in other winter sports.

Food & Drink – Within the National Park, and in the nearby town of Mariposa, there is plenty of American-style food available to try. Kenwood Travel recommends the restaurant located in Yosemite Bug Resort for some delicious comfort food and 1850 Restaurant in Mariposa for some fine dining.

A Break From City Life – Sometimes the best way to find productivity in our day-to-day lives is to simply take a break and connect with nature. With Yosemite’s setting, everyone in the family can relearn the true beauties in life, without having to look at a screen.

Family Fun - From taking part in nature programs where little ones can become junior rangers, to learning how to ice skate at the Half Dome ice rink in the winter season, there will be plenty of choice for kids during their holiday to Yosemite.

Things to See and Do in Yosemite National Park

Hiking & Saddle Tours – Yosemite is a wonderful spot to go hiking. Some popular trails include Vernal Halls, Glacier Point and Yosemite Falls. For those feeling adventurous, you can ask National Park Guides and staff to point you to other hiking trails. Horse lovers will also be able to participate in saddle tours, led by local experts.

Sightseeing – A popular attraction is Yosemite Waterfall, known to be the highest in North America. Many of the park’s rock formations date back centuries in the making; visitors ought to take a look at the Half Dome and El Capitan, two of the park’s more popular attractions. Mariposa Grove is also worth visiting to see some of California’s famous Giant Sequoia trees. Other landmarks worth checking out are Tunnel View Outlook, Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows and Mist Trail.

Spend a Day or Two in Mariposa – The historic mining town of Mariposa offers a classic American-style feel to its community. Yosemite visitors can spend a day or two in this charming little town and take part in some fun activities. Families can live like a miner for a day and go gold panning (fingers crossed you find some actual gold) and even go on a zipline.

Yosemite National Park Weather

During spring and summer expect warm weather with temperatures as high as 30 degrees Celsius. In the winter, temperatures can drop to as low as one degree with snow at high elevations.

Facts about Yosemite National Park

  • Nearest city - Mariposa, California
  • Area – 748,436 acres
  • Incorporated – October 1, 1890

Yosemite Holidays 2024 / 2025

Yosemite has recently become one of 2023’s top-trending California holiday destinations. Be among the first to rediscover this mesmerising wildlife park at a great price by booking early with Kenwood Travel. Our 2024 and 2025 package prices are guaranteed so our quotes can’t be beaten. Book today with ATOL and ABTA support and add 45 years of travel expertise to your holiday.

Top Picks

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite

4* out of 5 stars

Located in the heart of the Yosemite National Park, this award winning lodge-style hotel offers a range of outdoor activities for everyone in the family.

Wuksachi Lodge

2.5* out of 5 stars

Situated by the Ash Mountain entrance of Sequoia National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Wuksachi Lodge has a peaceful forest setting and amazing mountain views.

Yosemite Valley Lodge

3* out of 5 stars

A rustic chic family-friendly resort located just minutes away from the stunning Yosemite Falls. Guest rooms offer comfortable and eco-friendly accommodation.

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Useful information

  • Local time GMT-(7)
  • Currency US Dollar ($)
  • Language English
  • Location California, USA
  • Flying time 10 hours & 20 minutes

Destination map

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Things to do

Stand at the base of El Capitan

Stand at the base of El Capitan

While ascending this towering behemoth is a challenge fit for the world's greatest rock climbers, admiring it is easy. Come to Yosemite valley where this granite monolith stands and witness it stretching 900 metres above the valley floor, its base wreathed by the lush forests of the area. An unforgettable sight to be sure, you won't want to miss out on seeing this incredible monument to nature's beauty.

Visit the Glacier Point lookout

Visit the Glacier Point lookout

This famous overlook boasts incredible views of the unforgettable natural beauty of this area, looking out over Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite's high country. For most months of the year, this breathtaking site can be accessed via a short wheelchair-accessible hike from the nearby parking area, permitting you to look out over some of the most jaw-dropping vistas on Earth.

Hike around Tuolumne Meadows

Hike around Tuolumne Meadows

Out of all of the regions of Yosemite, the beautiful Tuolumne Meadows is one of the most enthusiastically-photographed, and it's easy to see why. At a high elevation with absolutely sublime scenery, this wide expanse stretches over more than two miles beside the river for which it is named, with hiking trails winding in all directions within this gorgeous area. The mountain views, the forests and the waters make this one of the foremost destinations for any hiker.