The Best Places to Stay in and Around Yosemite National Park

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Yosemite is a spellbinding national park that truly has something for everyone. Want to lounge on the beach near a gentle river? The Merced flows directly through the park’s granite-studded valley. Seeking a hike through a rainbow of alpine wildflowers? Tuolumne Meadows has what you’re looking for in spades. Though the park is perhaps best known for its towering cliffs of granite and glacially polished rock domes, this 747,956-acre expanse is also home to misty alpine meadows, giant sequoia groves, and trout-filled rivers—and plenty of great lodging options, too.
Whether you’re hoping to kick back and peek through your binoculars at the rock climbers scaling El Capitan or cruise the park’s scenic bike paths on your one-speeder, we’ve put together a list of our favorite accommodations to relax in when you’re not adventuring. From European-style castles with fine dining to cozy cabins with jetted hot tubs for primo stargazing, there’s a cabin, hotel, vacation rental, or Airstream for every type of traveler. (Or, if you prefer to rough it a little, check out our guide to the campgrounds at Yosemite.)
Editor's note: Yosemite has renewed its mandatory vehicle reservations this summer. Book your slot now.
- Aramark Destinationshotel
The Ahwahnee
$$ |Readers' Choice Awards 2018, 2019
Built in 1927, The Ahwahnee is a National Historic Landmark hotel situated amidst the towering granite cliffs and thundering waterfalls that have made Yosemite Valley a world-famous, iconic getaway. This in-park lodge is famous for its antique “parkitecture,” featuring stone fireplaces, dark wood libraries, and a grand dining hall serving classic American cuisine. With recently remodeled rooms in the main building and a kitchen upgrade in the winter of 2023, it’s a timeless piece of classic park lodging ideal for hikers and bikers who want to stay as close to the action as possible.
- Courtesy Château du Sureauhotel
Chateau du Sureau
$$$ |Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2024
Tucked away on nine private acres of lavishly landscaped Sierra Nevada foothills is a storybook castle that looks like it belongs in Provence. Chateau du Sureau is a boutique hotel that has been touted as “the most luxurious stay near Yosemite,” and it’s easy to see why. From its ten elegantly appointed guest rooms with fireplaces to its secluded two-bedroom villa and European-inspired spa (the lavender blossom body polish is a must), the Chateau effortlessly blends first-class service and the outdoors. After an adventurous day in the park, be sure to enjoy togarashi seared ahi and Maine diver scallops at the on-site Elderberry House restaurant.
- Courtesy Rush Creek Lodgehotel
Rush Creek Lodge & Spa
Readers' Choice Awards 2024
Five minutes outside of Yosemite’s western entrance lies a full-service lodge fit for couples and families, with a year-round heated saltwater pool, private hiking trails, and a relaxed-yet-sophisticated restaurant with an elevated cocktail program. Kids will flip for the on-site zipline and complimentary nightly s’mores, while grownups will fall in love with the property’s Yosemite-themed spa, complete with hot waterfall coves, alpine meadow aromatherapy, and warm river rock beds.
- Courtesy Tenaya Lodge at Yosemitehotel
Tenaya Lodge
$$ |Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018
Just a stone’s throw from Yosemite’s south entrance (the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a 12-minute drive away), Tenaya Lodge offers a plethora of amenities and group-friendly lodging with upscale mountain décor. This AAA four-diamond property has a little something for everyone, from spa-style soaking tubs to communal firepits and rustic cottages nestled between towering sugar pines and incense cedars. And for travelers who have a furry friend in tow, Tenaya even has a Fido-oriented upgrade, with dog bowls, a dog bed, and a “pet concierge” info sheet.
- Kim Carroll/Evergreen Lodge Recreation Center
Evergreen Lodge
Evergreen Lodge is a cabin lover’s delight, tucked away just outside the forested northwestern corner of the park. As such, it’s a phenomenal base camp for travelers looking to explore less-visited Hetch Hetchy and the Tioga Road corridor, which is home to world-class hiking near Tuolumne Meadows. Each one of the lodge’s colorful cabins comes complete with a private deck, Keurig coffee maker, and a handy Alexa-enabled speaker, but the real treats are its property-wide amenities, like a swimming pool, on-site restaurant, nightly s’mores, and stargazing through the property’s massive Unistellar telescope.
- Cavan Images
The Four Daughters
Don’t let the name fool you—The Four Daughters is home to five luxe apartment rentals, ideal for couples and friends heading into the park who want to stay near the quirky saloons and grocery stores of Oakhurst. It’s a newly renovated property with a bright, modern design aesthetic (think sparkling white bathrooms and preppy bedroom digs). Each space comes equipped with ultra-fast Wi-Fi, a full-fridge kitchenette, a roomy walk-in shower, memory foam mattresses, and plush down bedding. Best of all? It’s just a 45-minute drive to some top natural wonders, like the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
- Kim Carroll/Firefall Ranch
Firefall Ranch at Yosemite
This brand-new, 300-acre hamlet of pet-friendly private cabins and spacious villas is the definition of modern mountain living. Opened in 2024, its indoor-outdoor fireplaces make for cozy hangs on the deck’s sofa, while creature comforts like Keurig coffee and Bluetooth speakers help you feel at home—when you’re not craning your neck up at Half Dome, that is. Firefall Ranch is also a fantastic spot for families and large groups of friends, as well-appointed one-, two-, and three-bedroom casitas and villas are available.
- Aaron Leitzhotel
AutoCamp Yosemite
For the glamping fanatic with high standards, AutoCamp Yosemite offers refined Airstream suites and custom canvas tents that immerse park-loving travelers in the Sierra Nevada—without having to rough it. Located 25 miles from Yosemite’s El Portal entrance, each of the property’s modern Airstream trailers is bedecked with crisp white linens and spa-like bathrooms with sensuous Ursa Major bath products. The safari-style tents are no less luxe, with memory foam mattresses, high thread count sheets, and private campfire seating out front. A central clubhouse boasts healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, plus complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee, and tea.
- 9/18
Cozy cabin with a large porch
Chic bohemian vibes are the name of the game at this conifer-shaded one-bedroom cabin near Groveland, roughly 26 miles from Yosemite’s northern gate. Not only is this rental pet-friendly, it’s also thoughtfully adorned with artful wall coverings and fun textiles. A full kitchen, complete with an espresso machine and a Keurig coffee maker, makes pre-hike breakfasts a breeze, while a spacious private deck with a gas-powered grill means that your crew can enjoy the best of indoor-outdoor living. A Tuft & Needle king mattress in the bedroom awaits when the sun goes down.
- 10/18
Lakefront home with a cobblestone fireplace
This three-bedroom, two-bath vacation home is dripping with fabulous design. High ceilings in the common space give way to a cobblestone fireplace, while a camel-hued leather sofa and a Marshall Bluetooth speaker beckon for cozy nights indoors. A spacious and light-soaked dining room nook features local photography prints, and each spacious room is well-appointed with a Casper or Tuft & Needle queen mattress. Somehow, the outdoor living space is similarly fantastic, with daybeds and hammocks galore, a firepit, and yoga mats.
- 11/18
Chic A-frame for four
There’s a lot to love about this vintage A-frame. Surrounded by gnarled oaks and warm-toned manzanitas, The Winnie is just 25 minutes from Yosemite’s southern entrance, situated near the restaurants and amenities of Oakhurst. Inside, travelers can sip wine and share stories on a large, snuggle-worthy sofa, or use the open-plan kitchenette to indulge their hiker hunger. There’s also a picnic table for dining in the sunshine when weather permits. A cozy, lofted bedroom houses a plush queen bed for when it’s time to hit snooze, and an additional two people can sleep on the sofa bed.
- 12/18
Modern cabin with a hot tub
Don’t be fooled by the humble exterior of this one-bedroom cabin; inside, you’ll find oodles of modern elegance and thoughtful amenities. A smart TV and ultra-fast Wi-Fi make it easy to stay connected on your nature-filled excursion, and a coffee bar with a pour-over, Keurig, and flavored syrups will help you get up and greet the day before exploring Yosemite Valley’s famous waterfalls. At night before hopping into the queen bed, soak your sore post-hike muscles in the wooden hot tub and gaze up at the stars.
- 13/18
Hilltop haven
Views for days are the top amenity at this cozy two-bedroom that features a woodburning stove, propane grill, and lofty ceilings. It is particularly great for families since one bedroom boasts a queen, while the other sports two twins. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room make for gorgeous Sierra sunset viewing, even if you skip the hot tub. No matter how you choose to unwind after a day in the park, you’ll find serene solitude here.
- 14/18
Secluded creekside cabin
Welcome to paradise. This three-bedroom home is chock-full of unique amenities and design features, like plush velvet comforters, a stone fireplace, and a full kitchen with locally-roasted coffee. Rise with the birdsong and sip a hot beverage under the deck’s shady pergola, which overlooks a babbling brook. After cuddling up for a projector-screened film on the mid-century sofa, a massive soaking tub awaits in the primary bathroom, ideal for a nightcap and a post-hike soak.
- 15/18
A contemporary build right on the Merced River
The Moonstone is a newly constructed retreat on the western side of Yosemite that seamlessly blends modern comforts with the mountain splendor that brings adventurous souls to the Sierra year after year. Overlooking a gorgeous bend in the Wild and Scenic Merced River, this home is an architecture lover’s dream. Reclaimed teak wood floors lay the perfect foundation for rustic accents like sheepskin throws, Scandinavian-inspired furnishings, and boho artwork. An outdoor dining area with a brick pizza oven has enough seats for your whole crew, and the property’s sod-topped yoga studio and outdoor copper bathtub are just the icing on the cake.
- 16/18
A cheerful ranch on 70 acres
Color-loving travelers rejoice; The Yellow Fish House is here to shake you out of the doldrums of contemporary white and gray while still boasting a lavish space and amenities to spare. Set near the small community of Coarsegold, this cottage oozes charm, from its canary yellow and robin’s egg blue kitchen, to its clawfoot tub and vintage park posters. At the end of the day, from the bohemian daybed swing outside, crack open a cold one and watch the sun disappear behind the mountains.
- 17/18
A spunky A-frame surrounded by pines
This hip A-frame cabin is full of fun design details that are sure to make even the pickiest traveler smile. Lovingly nicknamed “The Yay-Frame,” it’s a five-bedroom, two-bathroom haven brimming with mid-century living room furnishings, artwork portraying Yosemite, a woodsy game room, and colorful outdoor seating. Included in the rental is a separate, 450-square-foot in-law cabin with a vintage wood-burning stove, muted jade cabinets, a private bedroom, and a full bath.
- 18/18
A three-bedroom with panoramic Sierra Nevada views
Part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains’ magic is the awe of watching light dance across the mountain peaks, a joy that continues even when your day in the park is done. Just a half-hour drive from Yosemite, this peaceful, pet-friendly three-bedroom offers nearly 360-degree glimpses of the Sierra foothills. Newly renovated with clean, modern interiors, a hot tub, and an al fresco dining deck, it’s the perfect escape for mountain lovers looking to bask in the California sunshine.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.