The Best Places to Stay Near Yosemite, From Cozy Cabins to an Airstream
All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Yosemite National Park is one of the most-visited parks in the country, and it’s surrounded by some great accommodations. We have selected some of the best places to stay near Yosemite so you can enjoy stunning views in any season— from the roaring waterfalls in late spring, hiking granite domes and alpine lakes in the summer, and ice skating and snow on the valley floor in the wintertime. Though the park is perhaps best known for its towering cliffs of granite and glacially polished rock domes, this 747,956-acre expanse is also home to misty alpine meadows, giant sequoia groves, and trout-filled rivers.
Whether you’re hoping to cruise along the Yosemite Valley bike path on your one-speed or day hike to some of the park’s most impressive viewpoints, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite accommodations in the area, with a little something for everyone. From hot tubs under the Milky Way to fairytale castles to secluded cabins with mountain views, there’s something for travelers of all ages and interests. (If you prefer to sleep right under the stars, check out our guide to Yosemite camping.)
Note: Yosemite has renewed its mandatory vehicle reservations this summer. Book your slot now.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Kim Carroll/Firefall RanchFirefall Ranch at Yosemite
This brand-new, 300-acre hamlet of pet-friendly private cabins and spacious villas is the definition of modern mountain living. Opened in 2024, its indoor-outdoor fireplaces make for cozy hangs on the deck’s sofa, while creature comforts like Keurig coffee and Bluetooth speakers help you feel at home—when you’re not craning your neck up at Half Dome, that is. Firefall Ranch is also a fantastic spot for families and large groups of friends, as well-appointed one-, two-, and three-bedroom casitas and villas are available.
Modern cabin with a hot tub
Don’t be fooled by the humble exterior of this one-bedroom cabin; inside, you’ll find oodles of modern elegance and thoughtful amenities. A smart TV and ultra-fast Wi-Fi make it easy to stay connected on your nature-filled excursion, and a coffee bar with a pour-over, Keurig, and flavored syrups will help you get up and greet the day before exploring Yosemite Valley’s famous waterfalls. At night before hopping into the queen bed, soak your sore post-hike muscles in the wooden hot tub and gaze up at the stars.
Hilltop haven
Views for days are the top amenity at this cozy two-bedroom that features a woodburning stove, propane grill, and lofty ceilings. It is particularly great for families since one bedroom boasts a queen, while the other sports two twins. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room make for gorgeous Sierra sunset viewing, even if you skip the hot tub. No matter how you choose to unwind after a day in the park, you’ll find serene solitude here.
Secluded creekside cabin
Welcome to paradise. This three-bedroom home is chock-full of unique amenities and design features, like plush velvet comforters, a stone fireplace, and a full kitchen with locally-roasted coffee. Rise with the birdsong and sip a hot beverage under the deck’s shady pergola, which overlooks a babbling brook. After cuddling up for a projector-screened film on the mid-century sofa, a massive soaking tub awaits in the primary bathroom, ideal for a nightcap and a post-hike soak.
Aramark DestinationshotelThe Ahwahnee
$$ |
Readers' Choice Awards 2018, 2019Built in 1927, The Ahwahnee is a National Historic Landmark hotel situated amidst the towering granite cliffs and thundering waterfalls that have made Yosemite Valley a world-famous, iconic destination. This in-park lodge is famous for its antique “parkitecture,” featuring stone fireplaces, dark wood libraries, and a grand dining hall serving classic American cuisine. With recently remodeled rooms in the main building and a kitchen upgrade in the winter of 2023, it’s a timeless piece of classic park lodging ideal for hikers and bikers who want to stay as close to the action as possible.
Aaron LeitzhotelAutoCamp Yosemite
For the glamping fanatic with high standards, AutoCamp Yosemite offers refined Airstream suites and custom canvas tents that immerse park-loving travelers in the Sierra Nevada—without having to rough it. Located 25 miles from Yosemite’s El Portal entrance, each of the property’s modern Airstream trailers is bedecked with crisp white linens and spa-like bathrooms with sensuous Ursa Major bath products. The safari-style tents are no less luxe, with memory foam mattresses, high thread count sheets, and private campfire seating out front. A central clubhouse boasts healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, plus complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee, and tea.
Courtesy Château du SureauhotelChateau du Sureau
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2024Tucked away on nine private acres of lavishly landscaped Sierra Nevada foothills is a storybook castle that looks like it belongs in Provence. Chateau du Sureau is a boutique hotel that has been touted as “the most luxurious stay near Yosemite,” and it’s easy to see why. From its ten elegantly appointed guest rooms with fireplaces to its secluded two-bedroom villa and European-inspired spa (the lavender blossom body polish is a must), the Chateau effortlessly blends first-class service and the outdoors. After an adventurous day in the park, be sure to enjoy togarashi seared ahi and Maine diver scallops at the on-site Elderberry House restaurant.
- Courtesy Airbnb
A contemporary build right on the Merced River
The Moonstone is a newly constructed retreat on the western side of Yosemite that seamlessly blends modern comforts with the mountain splendor that brings adventurous souls to the Sierra year after year. Overlooking a gorgeous bend in the Wild and Scenic Merced River, this home is an architecture lover’s dream. Reclaimed teak wood floors lay the perfect foundation for rustic accents like sheepskin throws, Scandinavian-inspired furnishings, and boho artwork. An outdoor dining area with a brick pizza oven has enough seats for your whole crew, and the property’s sod-topped yoga studio and outdoor copper bathtub are just the icing on the cake.
Courtesy Rush Creek LodgehotelRush Creek Lodge & Spa
Readers' Choice Awards 2024Five minutes outside of Yosemite’s western entrance lies a full-service lodge fit for couples and families, with a year-round heated saltwater pool, private hiking trails, and a relaxed-yet-sophisticated restaurant with an elevated cocktail program. Kids will flip for the on-site zipline and complimentary nightly s’mores, while grownups will fall in love with the property’s Yosemite-themed spa, complete with hot waterfall coves, alpine meadow aromatherapy, and warm river rock beds.
- Courtesy Airbnb
A cheerful ranch on 70 acres
Color-loving travelers rejoice; The Yellow Fish House is here to shake you out of the doldrums of contemporary white and gray while still boasting a lavish space and amenities to spare. Set near the small community of Coarsegold, this cottage oozes charm, from its canary yellow and robin’s egg blue kitchen, to its clawfoot tub and vintage park posters. At the end of the day, from the bohemian daybed swing outside, crack open a cold one and watch the sun disappear behind the mountains.
- Courtesy Airbnb
A spunky A-frame surrounded by pines
This hip A-frame cabin is full of fun design details that are sure to make even the pickiest traveler smile. Lovingly nicknamed “The Yay-Frame,” it’s a five-bedroom, two-bathroom haven brimming with mid-century living room furnishings, artwork portraying Yosemite, a woodsy game room, and colorful outdoor seating. Included in the rental is a separate, 450-square-foot in-law cabin with a vintage wood-burning stove, muted jade cabinets, a private bedroom, and a full bath.
- Courtesy Airbnb
A three-bedroom with panoramic Sierra Nevada views
Part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains’ magic is the awe of watching light dance across the mountain peaks, a joy that continues even when your day in the park is done. Just a half-hour drive from Yosemite, this peaceful, pet-friendly three-bedroom offers nearly 360-degree glimpses of the Sierra foothills. Newly renovated with clean, modern interiors, a hot tub, and an al fresco dining deck, it’s the perfect escape for mountain lovers looking to bask in the California sunshine.
Courtesy Tenaya Lodge at YosemitehotelTenaya Lodge
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018Just a stone’s throw from Yosemite’s south entrance (the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a 12-minute drive away), Tenaya Lodge offers a plethora of amenities and group-friendly lodging with upscale mountain décor. This AAA four-diamond property has a little something for everyone, from spa-style soaking tubs to communal firepits and rustic cottages nestled between towering sugar pines and incense cedars. And for travelers who have a furry friend in tow, Tenaya even has a Fido-oriented upgrade, with dog bowls, a dog bed, and a “pet concierge” info sheet.
