Things To Do Near Yosemite Village in Yosemite National Park

This small area is the center of park administration and visitor activity; there are numerous things to do in and near Yosemite Village. All roads converge here and it's not hard to spend a day roaming within a mile of this center. If it's your first time in Yosemite, this is a good first stop for getting oriented and outfitted. Plan to park your car in the Day Use Parking Area at Yosemite Village (Curry Village Day Use Parking is a decent alternative), stop in at the information yurt which is staffed by helpful park volunteers in the summer, and either stroll or hop the free shuttle to the Valley Visitor Center.

The Visitor Center has a good bookstore full of Yosemite literature, great exhibits on the natural and human story of the park, and rangers who'll help you plan a visit. There's a great Yosemite film shown in the auditorium every half-hour all day. Right next door is the Indian Museum on one side and the Ansel Adams Gallery on the other. A reconstructed Indian Village is right out back where families can learn about the First People's lives.

It's just a short walk to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls, which is spectacular except during late summer when all of the prior winter's snow has melted and the stream shrinks away. In the other direction is the Yosemite Art and Education Center where art lessons are delivered five days a week by a different visiting artist each week.

More Top Lists

Popular Places

Neighborhoods