Things to Do & See
152 handpicked attractions, trails, dining, and adventures within two hours of your stay.
β Back to listingSierra Sunrise Viewpoints
The Sierra Nevada offers spectacular sunrise viewing from multiple accessible spots: the cabin deck for a quick golden-hour start, Bass Lake Vista Point for reflections on water, Glacier Point for a dramatic high-altitude dawn over Half Dome, and Tunnel View for the classic Yosemite Valley panorama.
Sierra Scenic Picnic Spots
Picturesque picnic locations throughout the Sierra foothills: Coarsegold community park, Bass Lake shoreline, Wawona Meadow in Yosemite, Glacier Point overlook, and Nelder Grove among ancient sequoias. Pack a basket from local markets for an unforgettable outdoor meal.
Sierra National Forest
Extraordinary highland panoramic views and plentiful natural resources with abundant wildlife and year-round recreation.
Mariposa Grove (Giant Sequoias)
Home to over 500 mature giant sequoias including the famous Grizzly Giant, accessible via free shuttle and easy walking trails.
Fresno County Blossom Trail
A self-guided driving route through blooming orchards and vineyards, painting the Central Valley in spectacular color from February through March.
Yosemite National Park
Iconic granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and world-class hiking trails make this one of America's most celebrated national treasures.
Yosemite Valley
The majestic heart of Yosemite featuring Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls β an awe-inspiring seven-mile valley framed by sheer granite walls.
Guided Yosemite Tour
Professional guided tours of Yosemite National Park with expert naturalist guides covering geology, wildlife, history, and iconic viewpoints. Full-day and half-day options available.
Glacier Point
Breathtaking viewpoint overlooking Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and High Sierra peaks β one of the most photographed vistas in the national park system. Glacier Point Road is closed by snow roughly November through late May β check nps.gov before driving up.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Home to General Sherman Tree β the worldβs largest living tree by volume β and dramatic canyon landscapes carved deeper than the Grand Canyon.
Revis Mountain Trail Complex
Trail network with varied terrain for hiking and mountain biking, from gentle paths to challenging ridge routes.
Stagecoach Trail
Historic trail route with rolling terrain and classic Sierra foothill scenery, accessible directly from the community.
Blue Heron Lake Trail
Loop-style lake trail with nature views, excellent birdwatching, and easy walking ideal for all ages.
Lewis Creek Trail
Beautiful waterfall hike through oak woodland and historic mining areas, culminating at a scenic cascade.
Fresno Dome Trail
A moderate climb to a granite dome summit rewarding hikers with sweeping, unobstructed Sierra Nevada vistas.
Nelder Grove (Shadow of the Giants)
Peaceful giant sequoia grove with a self-guided interpretive trail winding among ancient, cathedral-like trees.
Sentinel Dome Trail
A moderate hike to a commanding summit delivering 360-degree views of Yosemiteβs high country and Half Dome. Reached via Glacier Point Road, which is closed by snow roughly November through late May.
Mirror Lake Trail
An easy, scenic loop offering mirror-like reflections of Half Dome in a seasonal lake surrounded by towering granite.
Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
One of Yosemiteβs most iconic hikes β a steep trail alongside a thundering waterfall with spectacular mist-shrouded granite.
Dinkey Lakes Wilderness
A captivating network of trails through granite landscapes dotted with glistening alpine lakes.
Kaiser Wilderness Trails
Pristine backcountry trails through Sierra wilderness and alpine lakes, perfect for solitude in untouched high-country terrain.
Mountain Biking Trails
An extensive network of singletrack and fire roads from beginner to advanced throughout Sierra National Forest.
Highway 41 Scenic Drive
The legendary highway from Coarsegold through Oakhurst and Fish Camp into Yosemite, passing towering pines, mountain vistas, and charming foothill towns.
Miami Creek OHV Area
About 60 miles of marked OHV roads and trails in the Bass Lake Ranger District, with staging at Lone Sequoia (quieter, more shade) and Kamook (closer to the road, better for RVs). Bring your own machine -- there is no rental on site.
Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures
Family-run ranch four miles from Yosemiteβs South Entrance offering guided trail rides on gentle quarter horses through Sierra National Forest. No experience needed -- arena training first, and every ride crosses a stream. The five-hour Grizzly Giant ride reaches the Mariposa Grove sequoias; no park pass required.
ClovisFest Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly
There are no year-round public balloon rides in the Fresno area -- ballooning here means ClovisFest, a free street festival in Old Town Clovis one weekend each September. Balloons lift off around 6:30am and tethered rides climb 50-75 feet, first come first served.
Yosemite Ziplines & Adventure Ranch
Zipline canopy tours through Sierra forest with multiple courses for all experience levels. Operates by reservation only; call ahead to confirm, as listings have shown inconsistent operating status.
Whitewater Rafting β Merced River
Class IIIβIV rapids through scenic Sierra foothills and canyons with guided commercial trips for all skill levels.
Ansel Adams Gallery Photography Walks & Classes
The gallery has taught photography in Yosemite since 1940. Free staff-led photography walks run Tuesday and Thursday at 9am (limited to 10 people, so arrive early); paid classes run five days a week and multi-day workshops are also offered.
Rock Climbing in Yosemite
World-renowned granite walls including El Capitan and Half Dome offer climbing from beginner routes to the most demanding on earth.
Kings River Expeditions
Class III whitewater on the Upper Kings River with an outfitter running trips since 1972. One- and two-day trips cover 10+ miles a day, with camping at their riverside base camp and meals included. Season is snowmelt-dependent -- typically spring into summer. Trips meet at their base camp on the Kings River near Dunlap; the booking office address is in Kerman, in the opposite direction, so navigate to the base camp.
Yosemite Lakes Owners' Association
Lakeside setting with spectacular views, perfect for peaceful morning walks and a refreshing escape.
Black Hawk Lake
A scenic community lake ideal for peaceful walks, casual fishing, and quiet contemplation.
Hensley Lake Recreation Area
Swimming, water skiing, fishing, and hiking β an all-day waterfront escape.
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
A large reservoir with exceptional boating, waterskiing, fishing, and camping in a scenic foothill setting.
Bass Lake
A beloved mountain lake with swimming beaches, boat rentals, jet skiing, fishing, and waterfront dining.
Bass Lake Boat Cruises
Family-friendly scenic lake cruises with wildlife spotting and mountain views.
Sunset Boat Charter on Bass Lake
Private sunset boat charter on Bass Lake offering golden-hour cruises with mountain silhouettes, wine service, and an unforgettable romantic atmosphere.
Bass Lake Water Sports Rentals
Rent paddleboards, kayaks, jet skis, and motorboats for a full day of family lake adventure.
Shaver Lake
A pristine High Sierra lake with excellent fishing, boating, and mountain scenery at 5,400 ft elevation.
Pine Flat Lake
A sprawling reservoir renowned for outstanding bass fishing and water sports in rolling foothill terrain.
Huntington Lake
A pristine alpine lake surrounded by granite peaks and pine forests, celebrated for sailing and high-country camping.
Courtright & Wishon Reservoirs
Remote high-country lakes at over 8,000 ft elevation offering exceptional fly fishing and kayaking in granite wilderness.
Badger Pass Ski Area
Californiaβs oldest ski area within Yosemite offering downhill skiing, snowboarding, and vintage mountain resort atmosphere.
Yosemite Cross-Country Ski Center
Nordic skiing and snowshoe trails through Yosemiteβs breathtaking winter landscapes from Badger Pass.
Tamarack Snow Play Area
Cross-country ski trails and snowshoe routes offering a quieter, nature-immersive alternative in Sierra high country. Sierra National Forest snow-play area off Highway 168 east of Shaver Lake (not the Mammoth Lakes cross-country centre of the same name). A Forest Service permit is required.
China Peak Mountain Resort
Full-service ski resort with varied terrain, snowboarding parks, and dedicated snow play areas.
Snow Tubing at China Peak
Dedicated tubing hill with multiple groomed lanes β no experience needed, just laughter guaranteed.
YLP 9-hole Golf Course
A charming nine-hole course in Yosemite Lakes Park with scenic Sierra foothill views.
Full-Day Spa Retreat
Indulge in a full-day spa retreat at ChΓ’teau du Sureau's European-inspired spa in Oakhurst, or venture to Fresno's day spas for massages, facials, and wellness packages. A perfect recovery day after hiking or skiing.
Mountain Yoga & Wellness Retreats
Yoga classes, guided meditation, and wellness sessions offered by local practitioners in the Oakhurst and Bass Lake areas. Options range from morning yoga on the deck to organized multi-day retreats with mountain views.
River Creek Golf Course
A nine-hole mountain course with scenic views and challenging terrain in oak-studded Sierra foothills.
Madera Municipal Golf Course
An 18-hole public course with tree-lined fairways, well-maintained greens, and reasonable rates.
Riverside Golf Course
An 18-hole public course along the San Joaquin River with water hazards and mature tree cover.
Sherwood Forest Golf Club
A public course nestled among Central Valley orchards with affordable green fees and relaxed atmosphere.
Nature of Wildworks Refuge
A small wildlife refuge with walking trails and educational programs for rescued and rehabilitated native animals.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
A beloved historic narrow-gauge railroad with scenic rides through Sierra forest on steam locomotives.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Indoor trampoline park with dodgeball courts, foam pits, climbing walls, and high-energy attractions.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
An accredited zoo with the immersive African Adventure, Sea Lion Cove, stingray bay, and 190+ animal species.
Forestiere Underground Gardens
A remarkable underground complex hand-carved into hardpan by one extraordinary self-taught artisan over four decades.
Island Waterpark
One of the Central Valleyβs largest water parks with slides, wave pool, lazy river, and splash zones.
Fresno Discovery Center
Hands-on science center with interactive exhibits for STEM concepts, natural history, and creative problem-solving. The main museum building was damaged by fire; programmes run from the other buildings on site and it is closed Tuesday-Thursday.
Coarsegold Village
Historic mountain village with local shops, restaurants, and art galleries in rolling Sierra foothills gold country.
Coarsegold Historic Village & Museum
Small community museum preserving Gold Rush history and early Sierra foothill settlement stories with artifacts and photographs.
Coarsegold Historical Society & Museum
Small community museum preserving Coarsegold's Gold Rush heritage with mining artifacts, pioneer tools, photographs, and stories of the region's earliest settlers.
Williams Gallery West
Fine art and folk art -- fabrics, oils, glass, stone, bronze, jewellery and pottery. One of five galleries inside the Yosemite Gateway Art Center.
Yosemite Gateway Art Center
The hub of the arts in Oakhurst, housing five galleries under one roof: Stellar Gallery, Stavast Studio, Williams Gallery West, Gallery 5 and the Art Center Gallery.
Sierra Art Trails
Annual open studios event and year-round gallery showcasing local artists across the Sierra foothill communities. Self-guided art tours through working studios. An annual open-studio event held over two weekends in early October, not a year-round attraction.
Fresno Flats Historical Village & Park
Open-air historical village with restored pioneer-era buildings, schoolhouse, jail, and logging equipment documenting 19th-century Sierra foothill life.
YSA Gallery
Yosemite Sierra Artists non-profit gallery in the Silver Creek Shopping Center, showing work by 30+ local artists. Originals, prints, cards and gifts.
Ahwahnee
A quiet mountain hamlet with local artisan shops, galleries, and peaceful rural Sierra foothills character.
Sierra Mono Museum
Museum dedicated to the Mono people and Native American heritage of the Sierra Nevada, featuring baskets, tools, and cultural exhibits.
Woodward Park Shinzen Japanese Garden
Authentic Japanese garden with koi ponds, arched bridges, and peaceful walking paths β a serene oasis.
Fish Camp
A historic railroad town at Yosemiteβs south entrance with vintage charm and the renowned Sugar Pine Railroad.
Fresno Art Museum
Distinguished museum presenting contemporary and modern art with a focus on Mexican, Latin American, and American traditions.
Meux Home Museum
An impeccably preserved Victorian-era mansion with guided tours of elegant 1890s domestic life.
Tower District (Fresno)
Fresnoβs celebrated arts corridor with historic movie palaces, live music venues, craft cocktail bars, and eclectic restaurants.
Legion of Valor Museum
A moving military history museum honoring Medal of Honor recipients with rare personal artifacts.
Fresno Mural District
Self-guided walking route through downtown Fresno taking in 15+ outdoor murals painted over the last 30 years, centred on Fulton Street, Van Ness Avenue and Cultural Arts District Park.
Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County
Fascinating museum showcasing Ice Age fossils excavated from the Fairmead Landfill site, including mammoth, saber-toothed cat, and giant ground sloth remains.
California State Mining and Mineral Museum
Extensive collection of gold specimens, rare gems, and historic mining equipment telling Californiaβs Gold Rush story.
Mariposa (Historic Town)
A well-preserved Gold Rush town with a historic Main Street, Californiaβs oldest county courthouse, and 19th-century character.
Yosemite Climbing Museum
Exhibits tracing the dramatic history of climbing in Yosemite with vintage gear and archival photographs.
Mariposa Museum & History Center
Gold Rush era artifacts, pioneer exhibits, and local history in a charming heritage building.
Central Sierra Historical Society Museum
Museum of the Sierra in Shaver Lake, covering logging, hydroelectric and Native history of the central Sierra. Free admission, donations appreciated; docent-led tours at weekends. Note: this is in Shaver Lake, not Oakhurst.
Ansel Adams Gallery
A fine art photography gallery in Yosemite Valley featuring iconic landscapes and contemporary masters.
Yosemite Museum
Native American cultural exhibits and historic photography telling the story of the Ahwahnee people and the parkβs history.
Westbrook Wine Farm
A family-owned vineyard and winery with estate-grown wines in a relaxed, pastoral Sierra foothills setting. Tastings are by appointment only.
South Gate Brewing Company
Popular Oakhurst brewpub with rotating craft taps, full food menu, and mountain-casual atmosphere.
Oakhurst Spirits
A local artisan distillery crafting small-batch spirits with Sierra character, tasting flights, and tours.
Shuteye Brewing
Local craft brewery in Oakhurst pouring freshly brewed ales and lagers with outdoor seating and mountain views.
Yosemite Wine Tails
A charming Oakhurst tasting room curating local wines, pairing each pour with knowledgeable storytelling.
Sierra Foothills Food & Wine Tour
Self-guided food and wine tasting tour through the Oakhurst-Madera wine country corridor, combining mountain wineries, craft breweries, artisan distilleries, and farm-to-table restaurants in a leisurely day-long culinary adventure.
Idle Hour Winery
A family-owned mountain winery with tastings of estate-grown varietals and scenic vineyard views.
Dorval Estate Winery
A small, intimate family vineyard with a welcoming tasting room and sweeping foothill views.
Second Son Brews
A Madera craft brewery pouring seasonal and year-round beers in a welcoming taproom.
Mad Duck Craft Brewing
Well-regarded Fresno craft brewery with a diverse and inventive tap list in a modern brewpub.
Birdstone Winery
Family-owned Madera winery crafting food-friendly wines from estate vineyards, open weekends.
3 Oaks Vineyard & Winery
Family-owned Clovis-area vineyard producing estate-grown wines in a scenic rural setting.
Quady Winery
Celebrated family winery renowned for innovative dessert wines and fortified varietals.
Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company
Beloved Fresno brewpub with a wide selection of house-brewed beers alongside a full scratch kitchen.
Full Circle Brewing
Award-winning Fresno craft brewery with vibrant taproom, spacious beer garden, and inventive ales.
CRUΜ² Winery
Boutique winery with intimate tasting room and vineyard tours introducing Central Valley winemaking.
San Joaquin Wine Co
Local Madera winery showcasing the distinct character of San Joaquin Valley grapes.
Casto Oaks Fine Wine & Art
Fine wine tasting and curated art gallery in Mariposa β a cultural and oenophilic experience.
Sierra Cider
Local cider house near Mariposa crafting seasonal, small-batch ciders from Sierra apples.
Fairway Cafe
Charming cafe beside the YLP golf course serving hearty breakfasts and casual lunches.
The Yosemite Grill
Neighborhood grill near Yosemite Lakes Park with casual, satisfying mountain-area dining.
Harvest Garden Cafe
Casual cafe with fresh, seasonal menu options and a warm, approachable atmosphere.
Wild Fig Kitchen
Popular brunch-style kitchen with a rotating daytime menu featuring locally inspired flavors.
Erna's Elderberry House
Acclaimed fine-dining destination serving exquisite French-California cuisine at ChΓ’teau du Sureau β one of Californiaβs most celebrated dining experiences.
Sierra Cooking Classes at Elderberry House
Hands-on cooking classes and culinary workshops at the celebrated Erna's Elderberry House, where guests learn French-California techniques using locally sourced Sierra ingredients from the estate garden.
ChΓ’teau du Sureau Spa
European-inspired spa at ChΓ’teau du Sureau with indulgent treatments in an enchanting setting.
Pete's Place (Oakhurst)
Beloved local diner with classic burgers, hand-spun shakes, and genuine community character.
South Gate Brewing Farm-to-Table
Oakhurst brewpub showcasing farm-to-table dining with locally sourced ingredients from Sierra foothill farms, paired with house-brewed craft beers. A relaxed mountain dining experience celebrating Central Valley agriculture.
Yosemite Falls Cafe
Beloved local breakfast institution with hearty portions and friendly mountain-town energy.
Smokehouse 41 BBQ
Authentic Southern-style BBQ with locally sourced, slow-smoked meats and house-made sides.
Ducey's on the Lake
Quintessential lakeside dining β casual American cuisine, bar, and sweeping water views.
The Pines Resort
Beloved Bass Lake institution with multiple dining venues, lakeside ambiance, and live weekend entertainment.
Fredrick's of Savourys
Contemporary American cooking in Mariposa -- steak, seafood and pasta with a full bar. Long the special-occasion restaurant of the county seat. (Formerly listed as a Fresno restaurant; it is in Mariposa.)
The Ahwahnee Dining Room
Legendary dining inside Yosemiteβs iconic The Ahwahnee hotel with soaring ceilings and elevated cuisine.
Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino
A full-service gaming resort with vast casino floor, multiple dining options, live entertainment, and special events.
Chukchansi Gold Live Entertainment
Year-round concerts, comedy shows, and special events at the casino resort's performance venues, featuring regional and national touring acts.
Oakhurst
The main gateway community to Yosemite with shops, restaurants, brew pubs, and year-round events.
North Fork
A small mountain community with local eateries, seasonal events, and genuine small-town character.
Bass Lake Village
Vibrant lakeside community with shops, waterfront restaurants, and summer water activity rentals.
Clovis Old Town
Bustling historic district with antique shops, rodeo grounds, popular Friday night markets, and seasonal events.
Clovis Friday Night Market
Summer evening street market along Pollasky Avenue between Third and Seventh, with certified local growers, homemade breads and pastries, live music and seasonal events. A year-round Saturday morning market runs as well.
Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater
Fresno's beloved dinner theater combining a full-course meal with professional Broadway-caliber musical productions in an intimate setting.
Tower Theatre (Fresno)
Iconic 1939 Art Deco theater in Fresno's Tower District hosting live music, film screenings, comedy shows, and cultural performances in a stunning restored venue.
Fresno Underground Gardens Ghost Tour
Eerie after-dark tours of the mysterious Forestiere Underground Gardens β hand-carved subterranean rooms with a haunting history and unexplained phenomena.
Fresno Grizzlies Baseball
Minor league baseball at Chukchansi Park in downtown Fresno β affordable family entertainment with fireworks nights, themed events, and craft beer.
Mariposa Ghost Walk
Evening walk through Mariposaβs Gold Rush core and its ghost stories -- the 1924 hall, the old Bastille jail and other haunted corners of the county seat. Schedules vary; check ahead before travelling.
Sanger
Charming agricultural town celebrated as the βNationβs Christmas Tree Cityβ with community murals.
Dollar Express and Hardware Store
Neighborhood shop with everyday essentials, hardware, and postal/shipping services.
Hillside Supermarket
Well-stocked local market with groceries, fresh produce, and a deli counter for cabin provisions.
Raley's O-N-E Market (Oakhurst)
Full-service grocery store with excellent organic selection and mountain community character.
Oakhurst Farmers Market
Seasonal open-air market in the True Value Homecenter lot with local produce, prepared food and handmade goods. Seasonal and small -- confirm on their Facebook page before making the drive.
River Park Shopping Center
Large retail complex with major national stores, restaurants, and convenient one-stop shopping.
Fashion Fair Mall
Central Californiaβs premier regional mall with department stores, specialty retailers, and dining.
Fig Garden Village
Upscale outdoor shopping center with curated boutiques, fine dining, and personal services.
Yosemite Lakes Equestrian Center
On-site 26-stall co-operative horse boarding facility with two lighted arenas, a round pen and access to several miles of community trails. It is a boarding co-op for residents rather than a public trail-ride operation -- for guided rides see Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures.
Mountain Brook Ranch
U-pick cherry orchard and roadside fruit stand on Auberry Road north of Clovis, with boysenberries, apricots and pomegranates later in the season.
Vineyard Farmers Market
Popular Fresno farmers market featuring fresh produce from local growers, artisan foods, baked goods, and a lively community atmosphere.
T&D Willey Farms
Certified organic farm offering seasonal produce boxes and farm-stand visits in the heart of the Central Valley. Founders Tom and Denesse Willey have retired; the farm and CSA are now run by Food Commons Fresno β confirm visiting arrangements before travelling.
Fresno County Pumpkin Patches
Several seasonal pumpkin patches and corn mazes throughout the Fresno area, perfect for fall family outings.
Sunshine's Farm
Family-run u-pick strawberry farm in Fresno, going more than 30 years, with a farm stand selling fruit, vegetables and Asian specialty produce. Check their Facebook page for what is ripe.
Simonian Farms
Fresnoβs legendary fruit stand and farm market with an enormous selection of fresh produce, dried fruits, nuts, and local specialties.
Masumoto Family Farm
Renowned organic peach and nectarine farm run by author David Mas Masumoto, celebrated for heirloom Sun Crest peaches and agricultural storytelling. Public access is limited to seasonal programmes β Blossom Bathing, Adopt-a-Tree and the stone-fruit drive-through β rather than general u-pick.
Valenta Blueberry Farm
U-pick and ready-picked blueberries grown without pesticides, open roughly June and July. Cash and cheque only. Note: this is in Atwater, Merced County -- a long drive north-west.
Genesis Organic Farm
Small family-run certified organic pick-your-own orchard near Hanford -- apricots, cherries and blackberries from May through October. Note: this is in Kings County, a long drive south.
Bravo Lake Botanical Garden
Beautiful botanical garden with diverse plant collections and peaceful walking paths beside Bravo Lake.