Yosemite National Park 5-Day Adventure Itinerary

Grab a quick bite at Degnan's Kitchen before heading to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Spend the morning among these ancient giants, including the famous Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree.

Have a picnic lunch at the grove, then drive up to Glacier Point for a panoramic view of the park. Take in the grandeur of Half Dome and the surrounding peaks. On the way back, stop at the Sentinel Dome for a short hike and another stunning perspective.

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Wawona Hotel Dining Room, known for its classic dishes and warm ambiance. As the day winds down, take a peaceful stroll through the nearby Pioneer Yosemite History Center, where historic buildings and exhibits tell the story of early park life.

Start with breakfast at Big Trees Lodge Dining Room, located in the heart of the park's southern area. Post-breakfast, head to the Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall via the Mist Trail for an invigorating hike and close-up views of these powerful cascades.

Refuel with a packed lunch from Tuolumne Meadows Grill and Store as you venture into the high country. Drive along the scenic Tioga Road, stopping at Tuolumne Meadows for a leisurely walk and the chance to spot wildlife in the meadows.

Dine at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite - Embers Restaurant, just outside the park's south entrance. Their menu features locally-sourced ingredients and a range of flavors. After dinner, relax by the outdoor fire pits and share stories of the day's adventures.

Enjoy a breakfast sandwich and coffee from Rush Creek Lodge - Restaurant & Tavern to-go as you head to the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village. Spend the morning immersed in the works of this renowned photographer and other local artists.

For lunch, visit the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort - June Bug Cafe, a quirky spot with a focus on sustainability. Post-lunch, take the self-guided audio tour of the park, learning about its history, geology, and the efforts to preserve its natural beauty.

Dine at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel - The Majestic Yosemite Dining Room, where the elegant setting and the menu pay homage to the park's grandeur. After dinner, take a peaceful drive or walk to Half Dome or Taft Point to witness the evening light play on the granite cliffs.

Have a quick breakfast at Yosemite Valley Lodge - Base Camp Eatery before visiting the Yosemite Falls for a morning hike. Take the longer Upper Yosemite Fall Trail or the easier Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, both offering different perspectives of the tallest waterfall in North America.

For your final lunch in the park, enjoy the casual atmosphere and the pizza at Curry Village Pizza Deck. Afterward, take some time to relax and reflect by the falls or at the serene Mirror Lake.

As the sun sets on your Yosemite adventure, have a special dinner at Half Dome Village Pavilion Grocery Store & Gift Shop, where you can create a picnic from their selection and enjoy it at a spot of your choice, reminiscing about the amazing sights and experiences of the past five days.