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When travelers plan a California vacation, Yosemite National Park is often at the top of their must-see list. However, there may be times when the park is temporarily closed due to unforeseen circumstances or if you don't have a reservation (when required) and are waiting for your time to get in. There are plenty of exciting and unique activities to explore in the surrounding areas of Bass Lake, Oakhurst, Ahwahnee, Fish Camp, Coarsegold, Raymond, and Madera, ensuring that your trip to the region remains memorable. Here's a comprehensive guide on 41 things to do that are "more than" Yosemite National Park.
Bass Lake and North Fork Areas:
Enjoy Bass Lake: Take advantage of beautiful Bass Lake for boating, hiking, biking, fishing, shopping, and dining. Rent a speedboat, kayak, or paddleboard to explore the lake's serene ambiance.
Hiking: Discover breathtaking trails such as the Way of the Mono Trail, Goat Mountain from Teaford Saddle, Spring Cove campground, and Willow Creek-Angel Falls-Devils Slide. Each hike offers incredible views of Bass Lake and ranges from easy to moderate difficulty levels. Don't forget to watch for the majestic Bald Eagles of Bass Lake.
Pack a Picnic: Enjoy the Day Use Picnic areas for a serene and leisurely lunch. Each site features a table and a barbeque, perfect for a picnic and a swim!
Afternoon Pick-me-up: Savor a locally roasted coffee from Rebelz Coffee in North Fork.
Mountain Biking: Embark on scenic mountain biking adventures around the lake, suitable for intermediate and advanced riders.
Shop and Dine: Explore the unique shops and savor delicious meals with stunning lake views at various eateries in the area.
Sierra Mono Museum: Visit the Sierra Mono Museum and Cultural Center in North Fork to learn about local Native American culture and history.
The Center of It All: North Fork is known as the “Exact Geographic Center of California." Find the official marker and travel back through history at historic landmarks like the Old Mill Site and the Stagecoach Stop.
Locally Grown Products: Discover delicious local produce at The Gnarly Carrot
Visit Globe Rock: Drive the nearly 100-mile journey along the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, which offers many points of interest, picturesque vistas, and fresh alpine air.
Oakhurst, Ahwahnee, and Fish Camp Areas:
Adventure Activities: Try off-roading with Yosemite Adventure Company, test your lumberjack skills at Yosemite Axe Throwing, or play and sip at River Creek Golf Course.
Virtual Reality: Immerse yourself in Yosemite's beauty with virtual reality and other movie experiences at Yosemite Cinema.
Art Inspiration: Explore art galleries in Oakhurst, from paintings and photography to sculptures and folk art.
Shopping: Hunt for treasures at thrift and gift stores throughout the region.
Hand-Crafted Spirits and Brews: Try the amazing variety of spirits at Oakhurst Spirits and enjoy craft beer and pub fare at South Gate Brewing Company.
Family Fun: Enjoy family-friendly arcade games and putt-putt at Go Play Party Zone and activities like walking along the Oakhurst River Parkway or visiting the Talking Bear to hear what life was like for a California Grizzly.
All Aboard: Don’t miss this world-class attraction, with daily rides on the historic steam train at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.
Raise a Glass: Sip and savor local wines and scratch kitchen dishes at Idle Hour Winery & Kitchen, enjoy the outdoor ambiance at Queen's Inn by the River, and bring your four-legged friend to Yosemite Wine Tails.
Entertainment: Attend live music events at local venues and live performances at the Golden Chain Theatre.
Wellness: Book a forest bathing experience or practice yoga in the region.
Oakhurst, Ahwahnee, and Fish Camp Areas (Cont.):
Channel the Inner Cowboy: Go horseback riding with Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures, then shuffle your boots at The Snowline Saloon's line dancing nights.
Local Heritage: Step back in time at Fresno Flats Historic Village & Park, and explore Native American heritage at the Wassama Round House State Historic Park.
Outdoor Exploration: Pack a picnic and explore Ahwahnee Hills Regional Park. Nearby, walk, run, bike, and admire art structures at Sierra Meadows.
Cast a Line: Spend a day (or two) fishing in the many lakes and streams of the Sierra Nevada on your own or with a Sierra Fly Fisher expert.
Eureka!: Pan for real gold at the Angry Bear Mining Co at South Gate Station and the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.
Foodie Paradise: From farm-to-table dining to handmade ice cream and sweet treats, Oakhurst has breakfast, lunch, and dinner covered.
Dine like Royalty: Savor a food-lovers experience at The Elderberry House at Chateau du Sureau. The Cellar Bar offers craft cocktails and a light fare menu.
Relaxation: Treat yourself to a massage or body treatment at one of the many spas and holistic wellness providers.
Coarsegold and Raymond Areas:
Historic Village: Explore the shops, then grab lunch or coffee in the Coarsegold Historic Village. Learn about the eight-legged residents at the Tarantula Exhibit.
Land of Lakes: Hike around Eastman Lake and Hensley Lake and birdwatch to discover native bird species of Madera County.
Unique Museums: Explore the Charles Miller Museum and return to a bygone era at the Raymond General Store and discover the area's history at the Coarsegold Historic Society and Museum.
Strike Gold: Dine at a variety of restaurants, enjoy exciting concerts, explore table games and slots, and unwind with soothing spa time - all at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino.
Madera and Chowchilla Areas:
Wine Tasting: Sip award-winning wines in Madera's wine country, one of the oldest grape-growing regions in California.
Farm Fresh Delights: Discover delicious California produce at the Tesoro Viejo Farmers Market and farm-to-table dining at Axis Coffee Bar + Eatery and The Vineyard.
Dig This: Visit The Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County and explore their mammoth collection of Ice Age fossils.
Museums and Fine Art: Dive into history at the Madera Courthouse and Museum, and enjoy spectacular works of art at the Circle Gallery.
Natural Exploration: Enjoy fishing, kayaking, biking, and birding at Sycamore Island. Walk or bike the public trails in Tesoro Viejo.
Outdoor Fun: Explore the wide open spaces of the San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Area, then play 18 holes of golf.
Outside The Box
Aerial Adventure: Take an aerial tour of Yosemite National Park with Airborrn Aviation for a unique perspective.
Whether you decide to explore by foot, horseback, or ATV, there are plenty of memorable moments waiting for you in Madera County. We hope to see you soon!
