Honeymoon at Yosemite

Congratulations 🎈🎊🎉🍾 on your engagement.

I would suggest looking at Groupon and / or an Air B & B.

How fun it sounds like Yosemite would be a good fit for your honeymoon

My family has been going backpacking in Yosemite for years. I’ve only gone a couple times but Middle Sunrise Lake is BEAUTIFUL! With that in mind - it is true back country. I mean you do not shower the whole time, your bathroom is a hole in the ground, etc. But if that’s your thing, it’ll be perfect! Just fair warning that getting permits for hikes can be difficult. It’s usually harder with bigger groups so just 2 shouldn’t be a huge issue, but something to be aware of.

Theres a town like 45ish mins out called Groveland. It’s a tiny town but it’s so cute. There’s a place called Iron Door Saloon that we always go the night before and you throw dollar bills with a pin on the ceiling - it’s a blast. And the Charlotte hotel is so cute too.

There’s also a hotel in the canyon (I think?) of Yosemite. I’ve never stayed but my family has and apparently is beautiful. Pricey though. I can’t think of the name but I think it has a Native American name to it.

I’m terrified of heights and honestly was never as in shape as I should have been, but the hike to Cloud’s Rest was doable and not quite as scary as I thought. I did the hike to Half Dome and go to the part with the cables and had a panic attack and had to turn back. So that’s something to keep in mind as far as hikes and that is one of the most famous ones).

Also keep in mind the time of year & potential for fires. Just something to be aware of because the last thing you want is to get there and your part of the park is evacuating.

Yosemite is amazing and even if you don’t go for your honeymoon, you should definitely go at some point. If you need more hiking or backpacking gear, sign up for REI emails on their sale page. You’ll probably be able to get a lot of stuff discounted.

Sorry for the long response - just wanted to provide as much info as I have! ☺️

Yosemite is AWESOME, but I would get on your reservations ASAP -- things book very quickly! Everything within the park is booked through National Park Reservations. Keep in mind the park is HUGE, so booking accommodations outside the park will mean you'll have fairly long drives into and out of the park each day, and in June, traffic will likely be heavy and parking can be a challenge. If you truly want to experience the park, I'd advise staying at least 3-4 nights at one of the park properties. You'll be able to wake up right there and take a shuttle bus within the park, rather than having to negotiate driving and parking. The NPS reservations website has information regarding things to do and how to plan your visit. The Sierra Nevadas are incredible. Depending on where you're coming from, consider stops in Mammoth Lakes, Mono Lake, and a visit to the ghost town of Bodie. All are within 15-45 minutes from the East gate to Yosemite.

View Quoted Comment Thank You Jordynn, this helps a lot! We are definitely going there! I think we are going to stay in a resort! He’s not much of a camping kind of person! But loves to hike!

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much for the information!

There is a gorgeous hotel in the heart of Yosemite called the Awahnee Hotel - though I think they just changed their name to the Majestic Yosemite Hotel. It is pricey but if you want that luxurious, Yosemite experience then that is the place to stay. Yosemite is usually very busy in the summer so book things early. Definitely go to Glacier Point - that is the place with the large rock that a lot of people take pictures on. It is scary for me because it is so high, but if heights don't bother you then it is a spectacular view.

I think Jordynn is talking about The Majestic Hotel (name recently changed from Ahwahnee), which is lovely. I live a little over an hour from Yosemite and I love it! I would definitely second staying in the park if you can, but you should also find rustic resorts outside the park that are easily accessible to YARTS, the public transport to the park.

I adore Yosemite. Advice #1 is to stay in the park, there are plenty of options for price/accommodations and it makes a big differences to be in the part itself. It books up quick so for best choice you'll want to book a year out.

Advice #2 get out of the valley. The valley is a great home base but its so crowded and it shows only a tiny bit of what Yosemite has to offering. We did Tuolumne Meadows last time wewere there and it was probably one of my favorite trips we've done in Yosemite.

View Quoted Comment Thank you! We will look into it!

View Quoted Comment Thank you! We love hiking!

We just spent 5 days in Yosemite for our honeymoon last week! Definitely book early especially if you are going during peak times. We we're planning on staying in a cabin with an open fireplace, but those were booked out. The cabin we did get was far too cold even with an extra heater, so we switched to the lodge instead. We stayed at the Majestic Lodge, a great experience. We were lucky that we were there during the BraceBridge dinner and show, so we bought tickets for this show and 7 course dinner. It was amazing, but we didn't have formal clothes to attend so we ended up borrowing items from the hotel staff which was so helpful. We just did the simple hikes but they were nice and being winter time, not too packed with people. It was a nice relaxing trip, which after a stressful week leading up to the wedding was much needed.

Thank you so much! We are going in June!

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Debbie, I had a question about which airport is the best to fly into for the Yosemite National Park. We are still figuring out were to stay, but we also don't want to rent a car for the week to drive there. Do they have a shuttle that can drive guest to different attractions? We want to stay on the property.

View Quoted Comment I would suggest Fresno, which is about two or so hours south of Yosemite and you could easily get to the Wawona entrance from there. You could also take a teeny plane from Oakland or L.A. to Merced, which is a little closer. You can get the bus to the park from either. There are several airports within two to four hours, but I think you would probably have to rent a car from the others or do a combo of train and bus. There is a shuttle in the park around Yosemite Valley and to Tuolumne Meadows. I'm not sure about other transport within the park, but I am sure there are options on the website; there are some paid tours as well.

Thank you so much! We are thinking of flying into Fresno!