Yosemite National Park Attractions

About four million people a year come from all around the world each of them finds their own best things to do in Yosemite's vast landscape of stunning beauty. This wilderness park has something for everyone and it's hard to choose just ten top items, partly because there are such diverse options. Adventurers can push the envelope of extremes with rock climbing, trail runs, or back-country skiing.

The hike up to the top of Half Dome has to be on this list because it's such a unique, challenging and powerful experience. Anyone who is a strong walker with an experienced sense of adventure should be able to make a summit attempt.

The more sedate of us discover abundant pleasures at a mellower pace. Sit by the river, go on a ranger walk, do some sketching, take an easy day hike to a waterfall or get together supplies for s'mores by the campfire. Any one of the park visitor centers makes a valuable first stop to get oriented to some of the best things to do in Yosemite. The base of Lower Yosemite Falls is both accessible and awesome (especially in spring); it's only a short way from the visitor center in Yosemite Valley. The giant sequoias cannot be missed; they're one reason the park was established way back during the Lincoln administration. For a fancy treat, take a meal at the legendary Ahwahnee dining room and soak in the rustic luxury. If you're coming to Yosemite, that right there is one of the best things to do in California.

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