Plan the Ideal Yosemite Weekend Trip Itinerary with Top Sights, Trails, and Family-Friendly Activities
Looking for the perfect Yosemite weekend trip itinerary that blends jaw-dropping natural beauty with easy-to-manage family adventure? Whether you’re traveling with kids, teens, or fellow outdoor enthusiasts, Yosemite National Park is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable getaway. From breathtaking views of El Capitan and Half Dome, to biking along the Merced River, this guide will walk you through a carefully crafted 2-day adventure that lets you experience the best of Yosemite in just one weekend.
Perfect Weekend Itinerary in Yosemite National Park
Day 1: Explore Yosemite Valley
- Drive into Yosemite Valley – Start your trip with iconic views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Horsetail Falls. Don’t forget to pull over at Tunnel View for a jaw-dropping panorama.
- Yosemite Falls Hike (Lower & Upper) – Take an easy stroll to Lower Yosemite Falls, one of the most accessible and popular waterfalls. For a challenge, hike to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls for panoramic views.
- Lunch at Curry Village & Valley Bike Ride – Stop at Curry Village for a casual bite, then rent bikes and cruise along the Merced River, stopping to admire the towering granite cliffs from the valley floor.
- Evening Sunset at Glacier Point – Drive up to Glacier Point (seasonal road access) for sweeping views of Half Dome, Vernal Falls, and the entire valley. Hit the gift shop for snacks, souvenirs, and a quick restroom break.
Day 2: Taft Point, Sentinel Dome, and Tuolumne Meadows
- Morning Hike: Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Trailhead – Start your morning with a moderate hike to Taft Point for dramatic cliffside views (with railings). Sentinel Dome offers panoramic vistas with minimal effort—great for families.
- Scenic Drive to Tuolumne Meadows – Venture to Tuolumne Meadows, a quieter part of the park with stunning alpine scenery and the back view of Half Dome.
- Favorite Trail: Lembert Dome & Dog Lake – Our top trail pick for families: the Lembert Dome and Dog Lake Trailhead. It’s moderate, scenic, and less crowded—perfect for curious kids and adventurous parents.
- Bonus Option: Dip your toes into the John Muir Trail, the namesake trail of the man who called Yosemite his “grandest temple of nature.”
Where to Stay for the Ultimate Yosemite Weekend Trip Itinerary
🏨 High-End Stay: The Ahwahnee
Why we love it: This iconic luxury hotel is the ultimate destination for your perfect Yosemite weekend trip itinerary. It sits right in Yosemite Valley, offering historic charm, elegant rooms, and unmatched views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. It’s the perfect splurge for travelers seeking comfort, location, and classic national park ambiance.
NOTE: The restaurant is amazing, the hotel itself is quite impressive, but what we really love about The Ahwahnee is the location – in the eastern end of the Yosemite valley offering stunning views of Glacier Point, Half Dome and – especially during spring – the waterfalls! Shuttle busses are available to take you around the valley, stopping at all the main attractions to help alleviate looking for parking spaces, especially during peak times. Star gazing at night is on a whole different level from the valley, and The Ahwahnee at night, especially on clear nights, is unforgettable!
Ideal for: Couples, luxury travelers, and history lovers
Tip: Book early—this one fills up fast, especially in spring and summer.
Book your stay at the Ahwahnee here
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Stay: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Why we love it: Located just outside the park’s South Entrance, Tenaya Lodge is packed with amenities families will love—indoor/outdoor pools, kids’ adventure activities, fire pits, and even a guided flashlight hike. The outdoor BBQ dinner was a hit with our whole family!
NOTE: This is an absolute gem! Situated just south of Yosemite on highway 41, it offers additional trails, tons of mountain scenery and accessibility to Bass Lake which offers fantastic California mountain boating and fishing (yes, even bass too). We love staying here as the rooms are comfortable, staff is amazing, there’s tons of stuff to do and the food was wonderful!
Ideal for: Families with kids, multigenerational travelers
Bonus: Pet-friendly rooms and cabins available!
Book your stay at Tenaya Lodge here
💸 Budget-Friendly Stay: Yosemite Valley Lodge
Why we love it: This no-frills lodge is clean, comfortable, and just steps from Yosemite Falls—perfect for exploring the Valley without spending a fortune. Rooms book quickly, but it’s one of the most affordable options within the park. If you are looking to maximize your time exploring Yosemite’s trails, waterfalls, and scenic beauty, this is the perfect destination!
Ideal for: Budget-conscious travelers, hikers, and early risers who want fast trail access
Tip: Ask for a room with a view of the falls if available.
Yosemite Weekend Trip Itinearary: Getting There & Entrance Fees
- By Car: Most travelers drive into the park via the Big Oak Flat Entrance (Highway 120), Arch Rock (Highway 140), or South Entrance (Highway 41).
- Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Pro tip: Consider the America the Beautiful Pass for access to all U.S. National Parks.
Plan Ahead: What to Book in Advance
- The Ahwahnee & Campsites: Book 6 months out—these fill up fast, especially spring through fall.
- Bike Rentals: Available at Curry Village—reserve ahead if you’re visiting in peak season.
- Kayak Rentals: Offered in the valley (seasonal) and nearby Bass Lake.
- Glacier Point Road: Open seasonally—check NPS updates before you go.
Yosemite Weekend Trip Itinerary: FAQ
Q: When is the best time to visit Yosemite?
Yosemite is open year round, but our favorite time to visit is spring and early summer when the waterfalls are roaring, wildflowers bloom, and crowds are lighter than summer. Summer offers warmer days and comfortable nights but with more crowds. Fall and winter are colder but offer less crowds however expect road closures and partial park access.
Q: What should I pack for a Yosemite weekend?
Layers, always! Mornings and evenings can be chilly, even in summer. Bring:
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Hiking boots or trail shoes
- Sunscreen & hat
- Water bottle & snacks
- In winter: snow gear, gloves, and insulated clothing
Q: Are the trails too strenuous for small kids?
Nope! Yosemite offers a wide range of family-friendly hikes:
- Lower Yosemite Falls – paved and easy
- Bridalveil Fall – short and scenic
- Mirror Lake Loop – great for strollers
Q: Is Yosemite pet friendly?
Yes, with limitations. Dogs are allowed on paved roads, sidewalks, and some bike paths, but not on most trails. Lodging like Tenaya Lodge is pet-friendly!
Q: Do I need a reservation to visit Yosemite?
Yes—some dates require day-use reservations, especially during holidays or peak summer. Visit nps.gov/yose to check before you go.
Your Perfect Yosemite Weekend Trip Itinerary: Final Thoughts
Yosemite isn’t just a national park—it’s a place that reconnects you with nature, slows you down, and creates memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, this perfect Yosemite weekend trip itinerary is the perfect way to unplug and experience everything from iconic landmarks like Half Dome to hidden gems like Dog Lake.
Make the most of it, plan ahead, and embrace the adventure. Your perfect Yosemite weekend trip starts now.
Related content: 12 Best Northern California Day Trips (blog)
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