Forbes: The Best U.S. National Parks To Visit In 2024–And Where To Stay Near Each One

By Alexandra Toto, July 8, 2024

Yosemite National Park, California

Who Will Love It: Group getaways; multilevel hikers; landscape photographers
All-Star Attractions: Mist Trail; Glacier Point; Mirror Lake
What Not To Miss: Biking Yosemite Valley
Where To Stay: Firefall Ranch; AutoCamp Yosemite; The Moonstone Retreat

There is a reason this global treasure was the first piece of protected land in the United States. Signed into preservation by President Abraham Lincoln under the Yosemite Grant Act in 1864, this destination was recognized as significant before the national park system even existed. The timeless beauty of Yosemite is evident in its vistas of enormous granite cliffs fitted with countless cascading falls (thousands, in fact) that break into powerful rapids. And unlike some parks that may lack amenities and infrastructure, Yosemite excels. Indulge in a tasty dinner and refreshing drinks (like the Half Dome pizza at Curry Village’s Pizza Deck) without leaving the park’s bounds after a day spent hiking to a panoramic vista, rafting Merced River or lounging at Mirror Lake.

Where To Stay:

Firefall Ranch: This elegant sister property to Rush Creek Lodge & Spa and Evergreen Lodge opened its doors in May 2024 where an original stagecoach stop once stood in the 1870s. The resort hotel already has a supercharged culinary program and a luxurious spa. It will soon open an 18-hole forest disc golf course alongside hillside sunset wine tasting decks.

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