From amazing views and a sea of sea lions to chowder bread bowls and California wines, your visit to San Francisco starts at PIER 39. Kick off your visit by exploring two levels of dining, entertainment, shopping and attractions, all surrounded by unbeatable views of the city and the bay. Take it from the world famous sea lions: a visit to San Francisco starts at The PIER.See more..
4.0Santa Monica Pier(19.2k reviews) - Santa Monica Pier Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Piers & Boardwalks
This hundred-year-old wooden pier offers superb views of the bay and the surrounding mountains. Catch the sunset from the fishing platform at the farther end of pier, though be warned, it can get pretty busy at the height of summer. As one of the most famous wharfs in the L.A. area, there are plenty of eateries, souvenir shops, street performers and things to do—don't miss the adjoining amusement park, which features a giant Ferris wheel, a high-tech arcade, and other thrilling rides. You can visit Santa Monica Pier, along with L.A.’s other iconic spots such as Beverly Hills and Hollywood on a guided tour. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5Lombard Street(18.3k reviews) - Amazing street Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
San Francisco's most famous winding street showcases eight sharp switchbacks and stretches down a steep slope from the Presidio East to The Embarcadero.See more..
3.5Hollywood Walk of Fame(17.7k reviews)from $30.76 - Very busy Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Spot your favorite Hollywood stars among more than 2,700 plaques lining the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. Take an obligatory photo with the five-pointed brass stars, honouring accomplished personalities of the entertainment industry. Along the way, check out the handprints, footprints, and autographs of about 200 stars immortalized in the sidewalk of the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. While you can’t bring any of them home, you can pick up a souvenir at the countless gift shops lining the boulevard. Visit in the morning for a quieter experience or book a guided tour for fun anecdotes about its history. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5Downtown Disney District(8.819 reviews)from $285.00 - Another fun part of the Disney experience in Anaheim Friday: 7:00 AM - 1:00 AM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Disney Parks & Activities
Make way for more magic with unique eateries, upscale shops and exciting entertainment for Guests of all ages at Disneyland Resort's Downtown Disney District! Check out Disney fan favorite shops like World of Disney, Disneyland Resort Backlot Premiere Shop, & Disney Home; and unique restaurants like Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes & Salt & Straw. For the most up to date health and safety measures and top things to know, go to: https: //disneyland.disney.go.com / experience-updates / downtown-disney / Check out Disney fan favorite shops like World of Disney, Disneyland Resort Backlot Premiere Shop, & Disney Home; and unique restaurants like Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes & Salt & Straw. For the most up to date health and safety measures and top things to know, go to: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/experience-updates/downtown-disney/See more..
Perched atop Mount Lee, this global symbol of Hollywood glamour measures 450 feet in length with mammoth white letters, each standing 45 feet high, spelling out the name of the city. There is no access to The Hollywood Sign as it sits on restricted property however; there are several scenic view points which provide great photo opportunities . 1) Hollywood and Highland. Farther away but easy , especially if you are already in Hollywood. 2) The Griffith Observatory. Take the Metro Red Line at Hollywood and Highland to the Griffith Observatory stop. From here board the DASH Observatory shuttle operating 7 days a week ( beginning 3/21/17) to the front lawn of The Griffith Observatory for views of The Hollywood Sign. 3) The Sign is best viewed from the interior of Griffith Park. Trail signs will guide you to these sites. Please stay on the designated trails and enjoy the great views of The Hollywood Sign !See more..
4.5Ferry Building Marketplace(7.419 reviews) - Worth Visiting Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Shopping Malls
A city landmark transformed into a gourmet food emporium and farmers market.See more..
4.0Rodeo Drive(5.554 reviews) - Beautiful Little Walk Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Shopping Malls
Probably the most famous star-studded shopping street in the world.See more..
4.0Seaport Village(4.724 reviews) - Great half day walk with lunch Friday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks • Shopping Malls
Seaport Village is a vibrant harborside spot with stellar views of the San Diego skyline. There’s plenty to do here—stroll along the promenade, check out the art galleries, enjoy a meal at an upscale restaurant or do some shopping (local wines and souvenirs are good buys). Younger children will love the historic hand-carved carousel. Weekdays are the best time to visit when it’s less crowded and the vibe is more laid-back. The village is a stop on many hop-on, hop-off trolley tours of San Diego; include a visit to the USS Midway Museum and Maritime Museum along the way. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.0Coit Tower(4.543 reviews) - Historical tower worth visiting for amazing 360 degree views of San Francisco Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers • Monuments & Statues
Monument tower overlooking San Francisco. Tower includes murals from 1934 showing California business, agriculture and home life of the period. 360 Degree viewing platform at top of 212 ft tower.See more..
4.0Cannery Row(4.396 reviews) - The old and new Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Cannery Row is the Central Coast’s premier visitor destination. Home to some of the most luxurious hotels, world-class restaurants, boutiques & galleries, spas, premium wine tasting & exciting recreation Monterey has to offer, including the best nightlife. Walk everywhere. The breathtaking coastline of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the backdrop for every Cannery Row experience. Parking is never a problem, and everything is within walking distance.See more..
4.0Ghirardelli Square(3.575 reviews) - Great place to have a beer and walk around! Friday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Shopping Malls
A group of renovated factory buildings filled with shops, restaurants and galleries.See more..
4.5Walt Disney Concert Hall(3.068 reviews) - ENJOY THE OUTSIDE EXTERIOR OF THIS GEHRY DESIGNED HALL Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Theaters
Home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, this concert hall is designed to be one of the most acoustically sophisticated in the world.See more..
4.5Santa Barbara County Courthouse(2.993 reviews) - Moorish beauty in Santa Barbara Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Santa Barbara’s iconic Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse has been called, "The most beautiful government building in America.” It is open to the public 8:00am to 5:00pm weekdays and 10AM to 5pm weekends, and all holidays except Christmas. Visitors are not admitted after 4:45. Free docent-led tours are offered daily except Christmas Day. No reservation is required. For current tour schedules, please visit the Docent Council website, https://sbcourthouse.org. Self-guided & virtual tours are also available on the website or by using the QR codes at various locations in the Courthouse. Visit the website for information about private group tours.See more..
4.5Old Mission Santa Barbara(2.726 reviews) - Santa Barbara for a day Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Visitors can tour this historic Franciscan mission that features twin bell towers and lovely gardens.See more..
4.5Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial(2.476 reviews) - A unique memorial that also provides one of the best views in all of San Diego Friday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is a gem that awaits your discovery. In addition to honoring veterans, living or deceased, from the Revolutionary War to the current war on terrorism, with an image of the veteran, it offers one of the most spectacular views in the entire city. It's easy to find, has reasonable onsite parking and a portable restroom. Because of its height and proximity to the coast, the marine layer can limit your viewing pleasure. However, on clear days it's truly a spectacular place to visit. Weekends can be crowded, while weekdays improve your chances of locating a good parking spot. As with all outdoor activities in San Diego, a hat and sun screen are recommended. Also, a good pair of binoculars will add to your viewing pleasure.See more..
4.5State Street Underpass(2.392 reviews) - Do it especially on a bike Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Drives
4.5Huntington Beach Pier(2.347 reviews) - Amazing sunsets Friday: 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks
Huntington Beach Pier was first finished in 1904 but was damaged in storm and rebuilt in 1914 and in 1931 500 feet was added to the pier but it separated from the original pier in the earthquake of 1933. The pier was repaired but was damaged again by hurricane in 1938 but was repaired the following year. During WW1 the pier was taken over by the military and a submarine lookout and large machine gun was installed. After the war the pier was returned to the public and held up until the storms of 1983 & 1988 finally damaged pier to the point it needed to close. The current pier was finished July 18th, 1992 with a dedication with 500,000 people. The pier was built using much of the same 1914 design. Huntington Beach draws almost 4 million people annually who come for the surfing, volleyball, air show, food and even Segway Tours from Surf City Segway can be booked.See more..
4.5General Sherman Tree(2.197 reviews) - The Biggest Tree in the World - MUST SEE Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
An 249.9 foot ancient tree believed to be between 2,300 and 2,700 years old.See more..
4.0Universal CityWalk Hollywood(1.841 reviews)from $109.00 - Fun place to walk around Friday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Shopping Malls
Universal CityWalk is a dynamic entertainment, dining and retail promenade that reflects the area’s rich cultural diversity. The iconic open-air leisure and nightlife complex offers L.A.’s best movie-going experience and features a lively mix of dining choices, a collection of contemporary retail favorites, Telemundo and Mun 2 network offices and an exciting range of entertainment choices including mechanical bull-riding, iFly Indoor Skydiving and a variety of live music venues that help define it as "Always Unexpected."See more..
4.5Union Station(1.838 reviews) - Union Station to the Rose Parade Friday: 4:00 AM - 1:00 AM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Public Transportation Systems
Los Angeles Union Station is the main railroad station in Los Angeles, California, and the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western US. Union Station is a major transportation hub for Southern California, serving almost 110,000 passengers a day. The station is the hub of the Amtrak's California regional routes, Amtrak's long distance trains, Metrolink commuter trains, several Metro Rail subway and light rail lines, buses and coach services. History: Established in 1939. Built in 1939, Union Station combines Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, Mission Revival and Streamline Moderne styles. The architecture team included John and Donald Parkinson who also designed Los Angeles City Hall and other city landmarks. Originally intended as a transcontinental terminus station for the Union Pacific, Santa Fe and Southern Pacific Railways, the station was a major hub for troop movement during World War II. The station's historic 161,000 square foot terminal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and the station was restored in 1992. Beginning in the 1970s, growing use of Amtrak and expansion of local and regional rail revitalized the station as a major transportation hub of Southern California. Metro acquired the station in 2011, managing the property that currently serves as a transportation hub for Metro, Metrolink, Amtrak and other transportation services as well an urban mixed-use development site.See more..
4.5Old Town San Diego(1.832 reviews) - Nice bit of history in a beautiful setting Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
This old and historic town is not just the oldest neighborhood in San Diego but also the location of the first European settlement in California. Here, you can see over 200-year-old historic buildings, pan for gold at a museum, check out an art show, shop for handicrafts at the market, get spooked at the haunted Whaley House and take a hike through Presidio Park. You can explore all this and more on a living history tour, or even a food tour to learn about the town's Spanish roots through food. You can ride the San Diego Trolley to the Old Town from downtown and neighborhoods like Little Italy. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5VillageFest(1.805 reviews) - Thursday evening activity in downtown Palm Springs Friday: Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Flea & Street Markets
The place to meet new friends is at this old-fashioned street fair with sidewalk performers, musicians, farmer's market, gifts and lots of food.See more..
4.5The Wizarding World of Harry Potter(1.575 reviews)from $109.00 - Always fun to be part of the Harry Potter world Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
We have been to Universal Studios in FL, so the Harry Potter world wasn't new to us. It seems like an almost exact copy of what is in FL but it is still fun to be walking through Hogsmeade and the shops. You do feel like you are part of the Harry Potter books. The 2 rides couldn't be more different. One is a small roller coaster that is really not worth riding on. They really should do more with it. The other ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, can be pretty scary as you come really close to animatronic giant spiders and dementors. The ride mechanic is very cool and really not something you find in Disneyland. The stores in Harry Potter World are exactly what you would expect. The wand shop has walls stacked with wand boxes from floor to ceiling. You can buy house cloaks or Quidditch team uniforms in another store. And of course there is Honeydukes, where you can get candy that is described in the books.See more..
5.0Half Dome(1.485 reviews) - Fun and adventurous! Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Geologic Formations
4.0Olvera Street(1.355 reviews) - Li’l Mexico City Friday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Flea & Street Markets
The oldest street in Los Angeles is fun to visit, especially during special events like the "Blessing of the Animals" or "Dia De Los Muertos" (Day of the Dead.)See more..
5.0Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens(1.347 reviews) - Flowers and more! Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens • Scenic Walking Areas
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens offers everything from colorful displays to thunderous waves. The mild maritime climate makes it a garden for all seasons, attracting gardeners and nature lovers. With manicured formal gardens, a dense coastal pine forest, native flora and habitats, fern-covered canyons, camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias and conifers, heaths, heathers, and flower-filled coastal bluffs overlooking the blue ocean, the garden is a jewel on the Pacific Coast. Your visit is a show of support for our non-profit botanical garden and its mission!See more..
This is the type of stop where you can spend as much or as little time as you want. I think we spent about 45 minutes. There's no official trail so just park and walk around. Sand gets very hot so arrive early if you want to walk in sandals or you have kids who want to play in the sand. Parking and pit toilets available.See more..
4.5Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum(948 reviews)from $25.00 - Great museum. A must see Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
With a visit to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, guests can tour the most modern presidential museum in the country to learn about Richard Nixon the man, his life, and his presidency. The twenty-eight-year-old presidential museum went through a complete renovation less than two years ago. The all-new museum features nearly 70 new major exhibits, 30 unique multi-media experiences, 11 original films, 12 custom digital interactives, 10 curated archival film sequences, more than 600 photographs, 8,000 square feet of wall murals and more than 300 artifacts. There is so much history in itself at the Nixon Library. Enjoy tours of Richard Nixon's original birthplace and boyhood home, walk through the presidential helicopter that flew four Presidents, take in the splendor of the White House East Room and pay respects at the final resting places of President and Mrs. Nixon.See more..
4.5Sonoma Plaza(926 reviews) - Wonderful Historic Town Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
Bordered by several gourmet shops, this pretty town square is a perfect place for a picnic.See more..
4.5Anaheim Packing District(886 reviews) - Anaheim Packing District Friday: 10:30 AM - 12:00 AM Points of Interest & Landmarks
My wife and I were looking for somewhere unique to eat lunch and Anaheim Packing District was the perfect choice. There is a small parking lot adjacent to the building and street parking in the surrounding area. Inside is a food court type building with many different options as well as some small shops. We enjoyed walking around and seeing the various options. We each tried different places to maximize our options. We really enjoyed visiting here and would return if in the area again.See more..
4.0Jack London Square(858 reviews) - Lots of fun choices Points of Interest & Landmarks
Shopping, restaurants, and Jack London's cabin.See more..
4.0Malibu Pier(833 reviews) - Good place to stop in Malibu Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks
We visited this place on our way to San Francisco. Parking was not easily available but we got parking space for $15. The beach is clean and we walked all the way to the front to enjoy the scenery. The ocean looked clean and we some surfers in the water. We noted a number of lifeguard stations on the beach. The cafes there offered a variety of food but we decided to have lunch at our next stop in Santa Barbara. Nice place to stop. The restrooms were averagely clean. Munir DayaSee more..
4.5Santa Barbara Harbor(787 reviews) - Perfect scenic walk along the harbor Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks • Scenic Walking Areas
The Santa Barbara Waterfront is a gem within the City of Santa Barbara. Visitors can stroll from beach to beach by foot or bike, park in convenient waterfront parking lots, and experience Santa Barbara Harbor & Stearns Wharf. From boating excursions to standup paddle boarding, day fishing to excellent museums, fabulous restaurants to sweets, you can find everything you need to spend the day at the our waterfront. Managed by the City's Waterfront Department, our mission is to provide the community with a quality Waterfront for recreation and commercial use, along with mooring and landside services for boating. Approximately 252 acres of tidelands and submerged lands is managed by the Department. The area encompasses the Harbor and Stearns Wharf and the beaches within the city limits. These lands belong to the State and are held in trust by the City in order to provide preventative maintenance, capital improvements, parking services, staffing, public safety, slip and visitor boat services, special events, public education and more. For those visiting by cruise ship, Santa Barbara is a wonderful day trip destination. Cruise Ship Ambassadors welcome passengers and provide a wide variety of free information on all there is to do and see during your visit. There is also public transportation via MTD Downtown and Waterfront Shuttles along with access to taxis. Check out Visit Santa Barbara or Downtown Santa Barbara's websites for information to help you plan the best experience while visiting Santa Barbara.See more..
5.0Pacific Grove Oceanview Boulevard(750 reviews) - Designer Oceanview condo with Aquarium passes. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Best views in Pacific Grove. Across the street from the beach. It has two balconies that you can sit and watch and listen to the ocean. The first balcony is near the front door and has 3 Adrinick chairs with a small table. The second balcony has a higher table and four chairs and a ticket and stationary chair. It also has a BBQ to Grill. Comfortable reclining sofa and the other sofa opens to s bed.See more..
I have a friend whom like me had /has traveled I 10 and never knew what laid seven miles off the interstate.. at Palm Springs. She's a shopper and I definitely let her know it's available in bunches along with a variety of restaurant choices.See more..
4.0Chandelier Drive-Through Tree(629 reviews) - One of the coolest things to do Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives
The bottom of this tremendous redwood tree has been hollowed out so that cars can drive through it.See more..
4.5Lovers Point(570 reviews) - A beautiful walk to Lovers Point Points of Interest & Landmarks • Beaches
The beautiful clear, clean water. The seagulls and cormorants skimming the water. Paths to walk and places to sit. I found the soft ground more comfortable than the benches where I could listen to the ocean, watch The birds and the seals and deep breathe the clear air after a month of smoky skies. It was blissful.See more..
4.5Galleta Meadows(555 reviews) - weird and wonderful Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
Go early if you want to get photos without fellow tourists, most places have maps of what statues are where. The size of some of them is amazing. you can drive to some and have to walk to others. A real bizarre attraction thats worth the time to seeSee more..
4.5Scotty's Castle(537 reviews) - Closed, but a tour is available Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles
Scotty's Castle has been closed since 2015 as a result of a torrential rainstorm and flood, but the Park Service in conjunction with the Death Valley Natural History Association does offer two doors every Sunday through the spring. Advance reservations are essential. The tour involves a walk around the grounds with extensive history of the construction and familiar characters from Scotty's Castle as well as a look inside several outbuildings and the first floor of the main house. None of the furnishings or other decor are there, but the building itself is undamaged and even visiting the empty rooms is impressive. Our tour guide was outstanding—very well informed, entertaining, and personable. If you plan to be in the park for a few days including a Sunday, this is well worth the money and time.See more..
4.5Healdsburg Plaza(536 reviews) - Small Town Charm! Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
Everything about Healdsburg screams small town charm! Amazing restaurants, unique stores, wine bars and cocktails. There's something for everyone! Plus we lucked out with a musician just singing in the park while we enjoyed local pie and ice cream. Already planning a return back! See more..
4.0Yosemite Village(517 reviews) - Lots offered but better signage would be helpful! Points of Interest & Landmarks
Here you will find new/clean bathrooms right in the main parking lot then it’s a 5 minute walk to the village. Signage very poor, not very obvious how to get there. You’ll see cars parked closer but this is short term parking for the store. There are several options for food, our favorite was the pizza bar in Curry Village a little further east down the road. We also did a free bike rental via Yosemite Bike share (get app). Regular bike rentals are $30/person for 4 hrs. Good swimming areas available throughout the valley also.See more..
3.5Old Town Eureka(491 reviews) - Don't Drive - Hoof it! Friday: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
The bad news is Covid-19 has made Old Town Eureka a little shy of a ghost town ... but the silver lining is how wonderful it is to simply walk and have the streets of old town Eureka to yourself. It is very peaceful and at the same time a little melancholic and somber. The contrasts between the old buildings and the modern murals is palatable and would often stop us in our tracts. Its a strangely beautiful mix of old and new. Eureka is an amazing town. In spite of all this Covid related depression, the community optimism won't be squelched. Not everything is closed. There are some excellent places to eat too, from Jack's on the water front (do not miss the halibut fish n chips) to Five-Eleven. Many places have drive up / food pick up and other seat, but reservations are recommended. I wouldn't walk around old town at night, but the sun doesn't set till 9pm these days and we felt very safe.See more..
We strolled from Beverly Hills Hotel all the way to Amoeba Music over a few hours, taking in the evening bustle and vibrant atmosphere. We saw some of the most famous music venues such as Whiskey a Go Go and Roxy Theatre that have been the home for performances by renowned bands from the 1960s onwards. We adjourned to The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker for a delicious dinner, with a table in the pleasant courtyard. Later we stopped off at the Andaz Hotel for a cocktail and snack. Famed as hotel of choice for many performers such as Little Richard, who resided there for over a decade. Arrays of billboards were aglow promoting movies and other entertainments.See more..
The Point Arena Lighthouse stands as an iconic figure on the American Pacific Coast. Sometimes brilliantly sunny, other times fog-shrouded and mysterious, always ruggedly beautiful, the Lighthouse is a place to find something different, a place where the romance is real and the experience is profound. Surrounded by water on three sides, and shouldered adjacent to the Point Arena/Stornetta Public Lands, the Point Arena Lighthouse is the premier visitor destination in Mendocino County. Climb to the top of the tallest Lighthouse on the Pacific coast, visit the Light Station Store, Indoor Museum and Outdoor Museum and celebrate our 152nd year! It is also one of the best whale watching spots on the North Coast, with the annual Gray Whale migration from late November through May, Humpbacks throughout the year, the occasional pod of transient Killer Whales and even Blue Whales. Watch for the spouts, tails and breaches from the trails and gazebo. Tower Tours daily!See more..
My husband and I enjoyed our time here. Yes, it’s true that there are not a lot of sequoias to see (as compared to our trip to Sequoia National Park), but we still thought it was beautiful and a piece of history! The path down is easy and beautiful - at the bottom are picnic tables and a loop you can follow through the grove. As went went during 2020, reservations were limited and we had no trouble finding parking (even at 1pm) and had the place practically to ourselves. It was incredibly peaceful. We enjoyed the tunnel tree and the large sequoia that had fallen over and took a picture with its large root system. All in, it was a nice way to spend about an hour and twenty minutes on our way down Tioga Road. And what they say is true - the way back up is a little tough, especially in the heat and when you aren’t used to the altitude. We were glad we brought water with us. Highly recommend this stop!See more..
4.5Ahwahnee Historic Building(431 reviews) - Premier Lodging within a National Park Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
This is one of those historic NPS hotel that invokes both majesty of the location as well as the historic setting. It is an incredible and unique hotel set in an amazing setting. The exterior appears that it was carved out of the granite cliffs while the interior displays a size and scale of a glorious time past before technology made the world small. In today's world of tourism, grand public spaces like lobby's and retail areas are gone. However, here is a hotel that is as expansive as the valley itself. We stayed here one night and enjoyed it greatly. We also ate lunch and dinner at the restaurant which is just as amazing. While expensive, it is so nice to stay in the park and to enjoy its amazing amenities like a medieval banquet size fireplace. Again, I can not say enough great things about our stay here. It is simply one of the premier stays in the National Park system.See more..
4.0Tour-Through Tree(406 reviews) - Fun experience, well worth $5! Points of Interest & Landmarks
We enjoyed visiting here on a Wednesday in November - not crowded at all! How often can you drive a car through a tree?!? It took only 5 minutes, and it was well worth the $5 admission fee. I can imagine it would be crowded during the summer given how tight the parking area is. There is also a really cool tree section at the bottom that shows a 600-year-plus old tree, including all the rings. This was a much better experience than the Shrine Drive Thru Tree. Would highly recommend!See more..
4.5Olmsted Point(393 reviews) - G E T ... R E A D Y ... 2022 Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
When Glacier Point Road closes for 2022, this is one of the highest vantage points to appreciate Yosemite. Yes, there's always the Valley, but for extra perspective Glacier Point was the obvious road trip. That won't happen when cars and bicycles are stopped from going to Glacier Point for a season long construction project. TIP: Head to this Point! Olmsted Point is 2nd most obvious panoramic gateway to this majestic park. Pack a lunch or snack. Not much around here but nature and nuts.See more..
