Where should I stay when visiting Yosemite?
Yosemite National Park is one of America’s premier National Parks, known for its majestic granite cliffs like Half Dome, the rushing Merced River, and the stunning valley view. Yosemite is relatively far from any major city, the closest being Fresno. San Francisco is 3 hours to the west and a good place to fly into for your Yosemite vacation.
To make the most of your trip, stay a few days at a hotel close to the park. If you don’t mind driving a bit every day, you can try staying in the Mono Lake area on the east side, or stay at one of the convenient locations to the west of the park that are just miles from the entrance (and close to the valley). Here you can find some of the best places to stay in and around Yosemite National Park.
Oakhurst Lodging
A beautiful and convenient place to stay right outside Yosemite
America’s Best Value Inn
The 2-Diamond AAA-Approved Americas Best Value Inn Yosemite of Oakhurst, CA offers our guests the best and newest in town with 69 elegant rooms surrounded by beautiful live oaks, a creek, and view of the mountains with quiet peaceful surroundings in the gorgeous Sierra Nevadas.
Best Western Gateway Inn
Best Western Yosemite Gateway Inn, in Oakhurst, California, is located just 15 miles from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. The property has a park-like setting nestled among live oak trees high on a hill in a tranquil mountain setting with stunning views. It is an ideal setting for a family vacation or a romantic getaway.
Oakhurst Days Inn, Oakhurst, CA
Just 14 miles from the southern park entrance, the five sunburst Days Inn of Oakhurst is conveniently located near grocery stores and restaurants. The hotel has received the Chairman’s Award and is 100% smoke-free.
Mariposa Lodging
Beautiful Yosemite accommodations in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada
Best Western Yosemite Way Station
Outdoor pool and spa, cable TV with HBO, complimentary continental breakfast, just a short drive from Yosemite.
Super 8 Motel
Free Continental breakfast, free high-speed internet, and seasonal pool at the Super 8 Mariposa.
Little Valley Inn
The Little Valley Inn of Mariposa has some of the best lodgings around Yosemite. AAA approved, this inn offers private cabins, air conditioning, private baths, satellite TV, and beautiful private decks.
Miner’s Inn
78 comfortable rooms and luxury suites in Mariposa, with options like a private fireplace, in-room jacuzzi, and kitchenettes to enhance your stay. Complimentary continental breakfast and free airport shuttle!
Mother Lode Lodge
Priding themselves on the cleanliness of the rooms and convenient location adjacent to downtown Mariposa. Family owned and operated!
Comfort Inn Mariposa, Mariposa, CA
Conveniently located at the junction of Highway 49 and 140, the Comfort Inn in Mariposa offers free wireless internet, free deluxe continental breakfast, seasonal pool, and is a pet-friendly hotel!
San Francisco Lodging
Just a couple of hours from Yosemite, San Francisco is another amazing sightseeing destination in California
San Francisco is approximately 185 miles from Yosemite National Park or around 4 hours of driving. The park is directly east of the city and easily accessible by major highways 101, 580, and 120. Plan to stay in San Francisco at the beginning or end of your trip. Like Yosemite, the area has relatively cool weather all year. If you haven’t seen San Francisco, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in America that you’ll want to spend a few days at.
Hilton San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Chinatown. Nob Hill. The cable cars. Heated outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi. Union Square. Alcatraz. Starbucks in the hotel. Sky Tower rooms. Time to book this one.
Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
An incredible 9.0 rating and bringing the best of Asian service to San Francisco. Make it your after Yosemite treat.
Le Meridien San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Steps away from Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square and other famous San Francisco attractions, this downtown hotel in the financial district offers luxury amenities included right in the room like 300 count Frette sheets and fine contemporary furnishings.
The Westin San Francisco Market Street, San Francisco, CA
In the heart of the south of the market district, this hotel offers fine service, award-winning dining, and meets all of your expectations of a Westin hotel.
Hyatt Regency San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Reviews state that this hotel has friendly service, clean rooms, and is perfect as a base camp for all of your San Francisco sightseeing. It’s close to North Beach, Chinatown, major transportation like the cable cars and the BART/MUNI station. If you thought hiking in Yosemite was something, try going up and down the hills of Lombardy Street a few times!
Ramada Limited & Suites San Francisco Airport, South San Francisco, CA
Affordable rates and free shuttles to the airport make this a good place to stay before flying out. The airport for San Francisco is actually located in South San Francisco, many miles from the heart of the city, which is where this hotel is also located.
Comfort Inn & Suites San Francisco Airport, South San Francisco, CA
Free parking, free breakfast, free high-speed internet access, free airport shuttle service, and a quick 3-mile distance from the San Francisco International Airport make this a busy location, perfect for a quick night before your plane leaves the next day.
Four Points By Sheraton San Francisco Airport, South San Francisco, CA
Who likes jetlag? Nobody. Four Points tries to make that awful feeling a little better with some of their impressive two-story rooms, high-speed internet, the lobby bar, ornately decorated lobby, and great services to make your stay more comfortable. Only 1.5 miles from the airport with a free shuttle.
Marriott San Francisco Fishermans Wharf, San Francisco, CA
3 AAA diamond awarded, this Marriott hotel is super convenient. I’ve stayed at it personally, and it’s a prime location in the heart of the action. It’s easy to get to all of the major tourist attractions in the city, and Fisherman’s Wharf is just a couple of minutes walking distance. All around are great places to eat, and there was a great cafe downstairs.
Holiday Inn Express Fishermans Wharf, San Francisco, CA
I’ve also stayed at this hotel, which was perfect for sightseeing in San Francisco. The location is prime, being just steps from Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, and the Golden Gate Park area. You won’t be in your hotel much anyway, but the location is really the huge selling point of this hotel. The rooms are basic, but have everything you need for a great stay in the city.
Fresno Lodging
Fresno is one of the biggest cities in California, with easy access to I-5. It lies only 90 miles south of Yosemite, with the connecting highway being CA-41. You can find great accommodations from major hotels in Fresno. Some of the local attractions are the Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art and Science, Fresno Philharmonic, the Foresteire Underground Gardens.
- Courtyard by Marriot Fresno International Airport Hotel
- Best Western Fresno Village Inn
- La Quinta Fresno
- Comfort Inn Fresno
- Country Inn and Suites Fresno
- Rodeway Inn Fresno
Stockton Lodging
Right in-between San Francisco and Yosemite, Stockton has great deals on convenient hotels
If you’re headed north to Sacramento, Oregon, or Washington, Stockton can be an easy place to stop for the night. Right on I-5 and CA-99, this town is an easy on/off exit, even if you’re just stopping to get food.
Howard Johnson Express Inn Stockton Ca, Stockton, CA
Located near the Stockton Marina, this hotel is pet friendly and close to many Stockton attractions.
Red Roof Inn Stockton Ca, Stockton, CA
The Red Roof Inn in Stockton has visible I-5 access, and very affordable rates, making it the perfect in-between resting point along your trip.
Hilton Stockton, Stockton, CA
The Hilton Stockton is the premier full-service hotel in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, California. This beautiful hotel is located near the University of the Pacific. Within minutes from the Stockton Arena, Bob Hope Theater, and the Haggin Museum.
Lexington Plaza Waterfront Hotel, Stockton, CA
Set along the beautiful Stockton waterway, which leads right into the San Francisco Bay. Have gorgeous ocean views right from your hotel room.
Courtyard By Marriott Stockton, Stockton, CA
Located in the upscale Brookside neighborhood of Stockton, this Marriott by Courtyard has great convenience and prides itself on its good service.
Residence Inn By Marriott Stockton, Stockton, CA
Reviewers rave that this is the best place to stay in Stockton. It’s a Marriott, so there’s not much more that I need to tell you about it!
Fish Camp Lodging
A town right outside the gates of Yosemite National Park
Tenaya Lodge At Yosemite, Fish Camp, CA
Spa services, fine dining, and incredible views are all afforded at the luxurious Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp. The rooms are beautifully decorated in a rustic California style, with earth-toned wall coverings, local fabrics, and one of the most splendid lobbies you’ll ever step foot in.
Foresta Lodging
A small town right inside Yosemite National Park with incredible cabins and homes!
Foresta is located within the park’s boundaries, so this is a prime place to stay! All of the lodging available will be on private property. There are some excellent small cabins and rustic houses with beautiful Yosemite views inside the park and out on this site! It’s a great idea to stay within the park, that way you won’t be restricted by the gate, or have to worry about traffic as much. Many have incredible views of the valley.
Lee Vining Lodging
Lodging and hotels in the Gateway to Yosemite area of Lake Mono
Lake View Lodge Lee Vining
Overlooking majestic Lake Mono, this quaint lodge is in the “Gateway to Yosemite” area of Highway 395, with expansive lawns and brightly colored flower beds. Within walking distance of the visitor’s center, this is the perfect in-between stop for Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.
Yosemite Gateway Hotel
Right on scenic Lake Mono, the Yosemite Gateway Hotel affords views of the lake and the High Sierras, with easy accessibility to the park. The lake also has incredible salt formations, volcanic rocks, and craters!
El Mono Motel
A quaint destination near Lake Mono, with the robust organic coffee of Latte da Coffee Cafe sharing the grounds! Stop by for some organic brew with Lee Vining spring-fed water, or stay at the El Mono Motel for a great High Sierras experience.
Mammoth Lakes Lodging
A beautiful skiing, hiking and sightseeing destination in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
Rock climbing, fishing, sightseeing, hiking, and skiing are the primary reasons Mammoth Lakes attracts so many people, but the area also has some interesting salt formations in Lake Mono, along with some spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountain scenery all around. Most popular as a ski destination, the town is about an hour and fifteen minutes from the Tuolumne Meadows area and the east entrance of the park.
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Lakes, CA
“Luxury amidst breathtaking beauty” is how the Holiday Inn Mammoth Lakes describes the experience you’ll have at their accommodations. It’s one of the most popular hotels in the Crowley Lake-town in the Mammoth Lakes district and receives consistent praise in reviews from guests.
Quality Inn Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Lakes, CA
The Quality Inn offers a good basic place to stay at a reasonable price, along with being close to major ski slopes in the Mammoth Lakes area.
Juniper Springs Resort, Mammoth Lakes, CA
The beautiful condos at Juniper Springs resort offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to the village for skiing. Units offer decks with mountain views and ample space for many people to stay in the rooms.
The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Fresh, clean, comfortable, accomodating, and spacious, the Westin in Mammoth Lakes is the most popular hotel in the area, with great reviews. It has the perfect location for skiing in the winter and Yosemite sightseeing in the warmer months.
1849 Condos At Canyon Lodge, Mammoth Lakes, CA
1849 Condos at Canyon Lodge are a great base camp for your Yosemite journey. While in the winter months many stay here to enjoy the on-site skiing and gondola lift, the condos are perfect to stay at for a spacious place to enjoy the additional stunning scenery of the Eastern Sierras while you’re relaxing. Mountain biking and great hiking opportunities abound, while the full-service ski lodge offers the perfect resting place.
Sierra Lodge, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Clean rooms, open balconies, mountain views, and one of the most popular hotels in the Mammoth Lakes area, the Sierra Lodge is budget-friendly, rated as the best value for the money on many reviews on Trip Advisor.
Groveland Lodging
Accommodations in the old gold rush town, only 26 miles from Yosemite’s Eastern entrance
Groveland is one of the best places to stay for easy access to Yosemite. Only 26 miles from the gate, the town has a gold miner look to it — and that would be because of its authentic gold rush history! The town boomed with gold miners flocking to the area in hopes of gold in the early 1900s and late 1800s.
Americas Best Value Inn, Groveland, CA
Great value for the money, America’s Best Value Inn offers an affordable option with clean, comfortable, and reliable units. The hotel is close to the Yosemite entrance, so book early and reserve.
The Groveland Hotel
Located directly on Highway 120, the most direct way to the Northern Entrance of Yosemite, the Groveland Hotel offers plush featherbeds, free wifi, and California inspired cuisine, along with an award-winning wine list and a 3 diamond AAA status.
Hotel Charlotte
Right on the way to Yosemite, the Hotel Charlotte is only 24 miles west of the park. This is the #1 rated hotel on Trip Advisor in Groveland, for its great location, friendly staff, and an incredible restaurant right on location (the best in town!).
The Evergreen Lodge Yosemite
The Evergreen Lodge has a beautiful scenic backdrop, restaurant on-site, new cabins and upgrades for 2009, and an easy 45-minute drive to Yosemite. The 2nd most popular resort in Groveland on Trip Advisor, the reviews are outstanding.
El Portal Lodging
Only one mile from the Yosemite park boundary!
Yosemite View Lodge
El Portal is literally right outside Yosemite, just one mile from the park boundary. If you can’t stay within the park, this is the next best thing! Right along the Merced River, the Yosemite View Lodge has a decent three and a half star review on Yahoo.
More Information on Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park: The Crown Jewel of the Sierra Nevada There are over 3.5 million visitors yearly that come to take in the awe-inspiring panorama of Yosemite National Park. The California National Park of the High Sierras is one of the best places to camp, kayak, sig…