10 Must-Visit Small Towns Near Yosemite National Park
Where to Stay Near Yosemite National Park
There are plenty of small towns near Yosemite National Park, which means you won’t be limited to tent or RV camping during your stay. You’ll find hotels with accommodations ranging from kid-friendly bunk beds to luxurious suites with panoramic balcony views.
Besides accommodations, these census-designated places have plenty of interesting landmarks that are worth visiting. Some have miles of scenic hiking trails, while others have lakes offering kayaking and fishing opportunities. You can even find several idyllic towns dating back to California’s Gold Rush era. Check out our list of excellent gateway towns to Yosemite National Park.
10 must-visit small towns near Yosemite National Park
1. Yosemite Village
A self-sufficient village in Yosemite National Park
Categoría: De aventura, Parejas, Familias
Yosemite Village is in the center of the national park, on the north side of Yosemite Valley. It serves as the park’s headquarters and offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, shops, campgrounds, RV parking, and several hotels. Well-served by park shuttle buses, the village is a convenient starting point for numerous trailheads and offers opportunities for bathing and rafting.
Hotels in Yosemite Village are built in rustic style, many of which offer high-end dining and spa facilities. You can also opt for a platform tent or a wooden cabin. For a more traditional camping experience, book a spot at the nearby North Pines and Upper Pines Campgrounds.
Ubicación: Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
Yosemite Village
2. El Portal
One of the closest towns to Yosemite National Park
Categoría: Foto, De aventura
El Portal is around 14 miles (23 km) west of Yosemite Valley, along State Route 140. As one of several towns bordering Yosemite National park, it was once a terminus of the Yosemite Valley Railroad before becoming a gateway with the growing number of park visitors.
You can go fishing, bathing, or rafting along the Merced River. Campgrounds, picnic tables, and restrooms are also available in the area. There are several hotels in and around El Portal, in various price categories, as well as several B&B options. If you’re here in spring or summer, be sure to explore Hite Cove, which is great for hiking with wildflowers in full bloom from April to May.
El Portal
3. Groveland
Learning about local history
Categoría: Historia, Foto, De aventura
Groveland is a sleepy village along Highway 120, about 24 miles (39 km) west of Yosemite National Park’s North Gateway. Staying here puts you close to several attractions, including Hetch Hetchy and Buck Meadows. In the village itself, you can learn about local Native Americans at the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum.
Groveland is a great base for exploring the Stanislaus National Forest, a recreation area renowned for hiking, whitewater rafting, and kayaking. Select from a range of accommodation options, mainly geared towards outdoors enthusiasts, including motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and RV parks.
Groveland
4. Oakhurst
Views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range
Categoría: Familias, Gastronomía en , Historia
Oakhurst lies in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, about 16 miles (26 km) south of Yosemite National Park’s South Entrance. One of its most prominent landmarks is the Fresno Flats Historical Village & Park. The museum showcases the life of settlers who came to Madera County for gold and farming during the 19th century.
The charming Oakhurst boasts a variety of excellent places to eat and drink. For a taste of local flavor, explore notable spots such as Idle Hour Winery, Oakhurst Spirits, and Southgate Brewing Company.
Oakhurst
5. Bass Lake
A community that’s centered around a reservoir
Categoría: Parejas, De aventura
Bass Lake is a small community along Highway 41 in Madera County, on the eastern side of the Sierra National Forest. Staying here puts you within a 30-minute drive of the Yosemite National Park, while offering plenty of outdoor activities right in town.
The Bass Lake Recreation Area is excellent for boating, bathing, fishing, and even water skiing. Additionally, you’ll find numerous hiking trails to explore. For a rewarding adventure, hike the Willow Creek Trail, a moderate route that takes you past Angel Falls and Devils Slide in Sierra National Forest.
Bass Lake
6. Mariposa
An Old West-era town
Categoría: Historia, Foto
Mariposa is about 32 miles (52 km) west of Yosemite National Park’s Rock Entrance, along Highway 140. Enjoy a walk along the historic main street to visit notable landmarks, such as the 19th-century Mariposa County Courthouse and the Mariposa Museum and History Center.
The town’s compact nature means that many restaurants, bars, and shops are within easy walking distance of your hotel. Most of Mariposa’s accommodation options are country-style inns or motel-style hotels; some even have outdoor pools, so be sure to book one of these options if you’re visiting during the high summer months and want a refreshing way to cool off.
Mariposa
7. Wawona
Hopping on a free shuttle to the Mariposa Grove
Categoría: Historia, De aventura
Wawona, nestled within Yosemite National Park, is the closest town to the renowned Mariposa Grove and Chilnualna Falls. At the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, you can explore historic buildings and enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides. Chilnualna Falls features five large sections cascading over granite formations above Wawona, and visiting in May promises peak waterfall flow.
A free shuttle departs from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, taking about five minutes to reach the giant sequoia grove. If you prefer a more active approach, hike the 2-mile (3.2-km) trail to the Mariposa Grove.
Wawona
8. Jamestown
Checking out steam locomotives
Categoría: Familias, Historia, Foto
Jamestown in Tuolumne County is one of California’s most iconic Gold Rush towns, recognized as a designated historical landmark. Located about an hour’s drive from both Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest, it serves as an excellent base for those eager to explore these stunning natural areas.
A must-see in Jamestown, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park offers steam or diesel train rides from spring to autumn. Here you can find a still-functioning 19th-century steam locomotive repair facility. For an immersive experience, take one of the daily tours around movie props.
Jamestown
9. Sonora
A town known as the “Queen of the Southern Mines”
Categoría: Parejas, Historia, De aventura
Sonora is located in the foothills of Sierra Nevada, making it an excellent base for those exploring Yosemite National Park, Red Hills Recreational Management Area, and Stanislaus National Forest.
It has a walkable and historic downtown area, where you can visit notable landmarks such as the Tuolumne County Museum and Tuolumne County Veterans Hall & Museum. Hikers can tackle the Dragoon Gulch Trail, which spans 3 miles (5 km) through seasonal creeks and the Mother Lode oak woodlands. Along the way, enjoy views of Sonora and the surrounding mountain ranges of Sierra Nevada.
Sonora
10. Mammoth Lakes
Skiing on Mammoth Mountain in winter
Categoría: Foto, De aventura
Mammoth Lakes is a great base for wintertime activities, as you’ll have easy access to the Mammoth Mountain ski area. You can also explore the snowy wilderness on miles of cross-country and snowshoe terrain. Need to relax after a day of skiing or sledging? Whitmore Hot Springs is just a 15-minute drive from town.
For an excellent summer hike, visit the Devils Postpile National Monument, renowned for its towering basalt columns and the impressive 100-foot (30-meter) Rainbow Falls. For a perfect day trip into the nature, head out to Yosemite National Park, about 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Mammoth Lakes.
Mammoth Lakes
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