Summer Family Travel – Yosemite National Park in California

While Wyoming’s Yellowstone was arguably the first true national park in the U.S., it has been posited by some that it was actually the 1890-established Yosemite National Park of Central California that spurred the turn-of-the-century flurry of park and protected reserve grants throughout the country. While that might amount to little more than speculation, what I do know is that Yosemite National Park is a fantastic option for summer family vacations that are healthful, enthralling and completely unforgettable.

Make no mistake, this trip is all about outdoor adventure! Yosemite National Park sits on nearly 1,200 square miles of vibrant fields, lush forestry, awe-striking cliff faces, cascading waterfalls, snaking trails, stoic wildlife and humbling sights like the ancient giant sequoia. Over 95% of the park is designated wilderness; the sheer scale of it is mesmerizing.

Obviously, there’s more than you could possibly do in a day (or two (or three)), so plan ahead to get the most of your time. Start by asking your kids what interests them most, be it animals, hiking trails, swimming, seeing the most famous sights, picnicking or whatever, and then plan your day around that. Understand that no matter what you choose to do, strenuous physical activity is a possibility, so be mindful of both your and your children’s abilities and never over exert. (As Blue Öyster Cult says, “History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of men.” So don’t push it!)

Here are some favorite activities at Yosemite National Park: 

• Hiking: The park is traced with hundreds of trails ranging from slow and scenic to downright tough! One benefit of visiting during the summer is the opening of higher elevation trails like the famous Half Dome. While rough, this trail is a reward for any hiker.
• Rock Climbing: Obviously not every activity at Yosemite is for every visitor, but if you are familiar with rock climbing or have a troupe that’s willing to learn, this is a great opportunity.
• Horseback Riding: Trek your own path or purchase a guided tour.
• Rafting/Swimming: The Merced River is the most popular option for classic water activities.
• Tours: Sightseeing bus tours of the Valley, waterfalls and Giant Sequoia offer a great chance to see the highlights without paying the physical toll.

We’re talking 1,200 square miles here, so simplify things by sticking to a region, likely the popular Yosemite Valley. There’s a ridiculous amount to know about Yosemite National Park, more than I can say on a little 500-word blog, so don’t even think about going without consulting their Web site.

When you talk national parks, you usually talk camping or lodges, but that’s not actually the way we like to do it. In fact, we don’t even stay at the park at all. Instead, we keep our options open in the central California town of Fresno. Located about 60 minutes from the park entrance, depending on traffic, Fresno has the benefit of wider dining and entertainment options for those days when you need a rest from the labor-intensive fun of Yosemite (let’s face it, stay much closer, and you’re talking all Yosemite, all the time).

For hotels in Fresno, California, we’re partial to the Holiday Inn Fresno Downtown Hotel. It’s a new property, renovated recently and well-located in town, and for the summer they’re even featuring a Yosemite National Park Package including free breakfast, water, trail mix, sunscreen, a disposable camera and park map. Not too shabby!

Do you or your kids have a great idea for summer family vacation? Let us know about it in the comments below, or check out our Summer Family Vacation Guide for our latest ideas.

Related Posts

1. Awesome Adventures – Sequoia National Park
2. Summer Travel Guide – New Orleans Family Vacations
3. Summer Family Vacations – Los Angeles, California
4. Great Falls National Park near Washington D.C.
5. Summer Family Vacations – Six Flags Over Texas
6. Summer Vacations in Big Bear Lake, California
7. Summer Family Vacation Deals in Houston, Texas