Why Honeymoon in Yosemite
The scenery here is on a scale that is hard to describe until you stand under it. Granite walls rise straight from meadows, waterfalls drop in long white ribbons and the evening light turns Half Dome pink. That shared sense of awe is a good start to a marriage.
The park also offers enough variety to suit two different paces. One partner can tackle a big climb like the Mist Trail or the Upper Yosemite Fall trail while the other takes the flat Valley Loop, bikes the paved paths or reads by the river. Rock climbers spend days on El Capitan while photographers chase reflections in Mirror Lake. Evenings can be rustic in a tent cabin or polished in a grand hotel. And beyond the Valley, the Mariposa Grove has ancient giant sequoias, while the high country of Tuolumne Meadows offers alpine lakes that feel far from the crowds.
When to Go
May and June are prime for waterfalls, which peak with the snowmelt. Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall and Bridalveil Fall are at their loudest while the Valley is green. Crowds build quickly from Memorial Day onward.
July and August are warm and busy, often in the 80s or 90s in the Valley. Some waterfalls shrink to a trickle by late summer, but the high country is at its best and Tioga Road is usually open. Wildfire smoke is a real possibility in late summer and fall.
September and October are calmer, with cooler nights, fewer people and fall color on the Valley's oaks and dogwoods. Winter brings snow to the rim and occasional dustings in the Valley, a quiet and beautiful time for a cozy lodge stay. Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road typically close in winter, often from November until late spring. In mid to late February, Horsetail Fall can glow orange at sunset in the famous firefall, which draws large crowds.
Where to Stay
Staying inside the park saves hours of driving. The Ahwahnee, a 1927 National Historic Landmark in Yosemite Valley, is the classic honeymoon choice, with stone and timber public rooms, views of Half Dome and Glacier Point and a grand dining room. It books up far in advance. Yosemite Valley Lodge is more practical, near the base of Yosemite Falls. Curry Village has canvas tent cabins for a simple and inexpensive stay. The Wawona Hotel is a Victorian era property near the south entrance.
Just outside the park, several lodges are popular with couples. Rush Creek Lodge and Evergreen Lodge sit near the Highway 120 entrance on the west side. Tenaya at Yosemite is near Fish Camp by the south entrance, close to the Mariposa Grove. In Oakhurst, the Château du Sureau is a small European style inn with formal dining. Plan around an hour or more to reach the Valley from most of these.
Romantic Things to Do
- Stop at Tunnel View at sunset for the classic panorama of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome.
- Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, wearing a rain jacket for the spray in spring.
- Walk among giant sequoias in the Mariposa Grove, including the Grizzly Giant.
- Drive up to Glacier Point in summer and fall for views straight down to the Valley floor, then stay for the stars.
- Rent bikes and ride the flat, paved paths across Valley meadows.
- Float the Merced River on a raft in summer when water levels allow.
- Take a dip in Tenaya Lake or picnic in Tuolumne Meadows along Tioga Road.
- Book dinner in The Ahwahnee's Dining Room, even if you stay elsewhere.
Getting There and Around
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the closest sizeable airport, roughly 1.5 hours from the south entrance. Many couples fly into San Francisco (SFO), Oakland (OAK) or Sacramento (SMF) and drive about four hours, which pairs easily with wine country. In summer, Tioga Road connects the park to the eastern Sierra, Mammoth Lakes and Lake Tahoe.
A car is the easiest option, though YARTS buses run to the Valley from towns such as Merced, Mariposa and Fresno. Free park shuttles loop around the eastern Valley in season. Parking in the Valley fills by mid morning in summer, so arrive early and use the shuttle.
The park has required timed entry or vehicle reservations during peak months in some recent years and dropped them in others. Check the National Park Service website for the current rules before you go. Carry tire chains in winter, which can be required on park roads.
Food and Drink
Inside the park, the dining is mostly practical. The Ahwahnee's Dining Room is the exception, with tall windows, a high timbered ceiling and a dress code that asks for smart casual attire at dinner, so pack something nicer than hiking clothes. Its bar is a good place for a drink by the fire.
Elsewhere in the Valley, expect cafeteria style dining at Yosemite Valley Lodge, a pizza deck at Curry Village and grocery stores that carry picnic supplies at park prices. Bring snacks, water bottles and sandwich makings from outside the park if you want to save money and time.
The lodges just outside the gates often have the better restaurants. Evergreen Lodge and Rush Creek Lodge both have dining rooms and taverns where couples gather after a day on the trails. Towns such as Mariposa, Groveland and Oakhurst have a handful of casual restaurants and wine bars.
Honeymoon Tips
Book lodging early. Rooms inside the park can sell out the moment reservations open, which is often more than a year ahead for peak dates. Check back for cancellations if you miss out.
Start hikes at dawn. You will have cooler air, softer light and far fewer people. The Valley floor sits around 4,000 feet and the high country above 8,000, so drink plenty of water and pace yourselves if you are coming from sea level.
Stay out of the Merced River and away from waterfall edges in spring and early summer, when currents are swift and rocks are slick. Store all food properly, because black bears are common and clever. Cell service is limited in much of the park, so download maps offline. Finally, pack layers: a warm afternoon can turn into a cold evening, especially at Glacier Point or Tuolumne.
