Yosemite: bus tours; things to do

High Sierra

Yosemite bus tours  

depart from Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, (209) 372-4FUN.  Valley floor $25, 62+ $23, 5-12 $13.  Grand Tour:  $82, 62+ $69, 5-12 $46; June-Oct only. 

On the 2-hour Yosemite Valley Floor Tour, you’ll see some of the most famous sights and learn about the area’s history, geology, and plant and animal life.  Open-air trams operate from late spring through early fall; enclosed and heated motor coaches with large windows are used from late October through April. 

The all-day Grand Tour includes Glacier Point, from which you’ll enjoy a 270-degree view of the high country and a bird's-eye view of the valley 3,214 feet below.  Lunch is available at additional charge.


More things to do in Yosemite.

Things to do in nearby Mariposa.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

Yosemite: The Ahwahnee/Majestic Yosemite Hotel; hotel review + restaurant review

High Sierra

The Ahwahnee/Majestic Yosemite Hotel  

(559) 253-5636 123 rooms; $$$+.  Some fireplaces.  Heated pool; 2 tennis courts.  Afternoon tea; restaurant; room service.  Free valet parking. 

Built in 1927 of granite blocks and concrete beams, this sedate luxury hotel is a National Historic Landmark.  The Ahwahnee/Majestic Yosemite Hotel decor includes priceless Native American baskets and oriental rugs, and interesting historic photos and artwork hang on the walls.  The grand Great Lounge, with a walk-in fireplace at either end, is a delightful to relax in under a soaring ceiling.  Some cottages are available.

The Ahwahnee Dining Room  

(209) 372-1489.  B-L M-Sat, D daily, SunBr; $-$$$.  Reservations essential for D. 

The best time to dine in the rustic splendor of this magnificent trestle-beamed-ceiling dining room is during daylight hours, when the spectacular views of the valley afforded by the 34-foot-tall leaded-glass windows can be fully enjoyed.  Sunday brunch in the Ahwahnee Dining Room is when the buffet tables groan with their bountiful offerings, is prime.  Dinner is expensive, and men are requested to wear a collared shirt and slacks, and women to dress accordingly.  Guests of the hotel get first choice at reservations, so non-guests often must settle for either an early or late seating.  Children fit in best at breakfast, brunch, or lunch.



More things to do in Yosemite.

Things to do in nearby Mariposa.

More ideas for exploring Northern California. 

images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Yosemite: The Ansel Adams Gallery; things to do

High Sierra

The Ansel Adams Gallery 

In Yosemite Village, (209) 372-4413.  Daily 9-5. 

exterior of The Ansel Adams Gallery In Yosemite, California

Special-edition gelatin silver prints from original negatives by well-known photographer Ansel Adams are for sale here at The Ansel Adams Gallery, along with greeting cards and artworks by many other contemporary photographers and fine artists.

interior of The Ansel Adams Gallery In Yosemite, California

More things to do in Yosemite.

Things to do in nearby Mariposa.

More ideas for exploring Northern California. 
 

images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Yosemite's frazil ice only happens in March and April.

High Sierra

Yosemite's frazil ice 

only happens in March and April.

More things to do in Yosemite.

Things to do in nearby Mariposa.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.