How To Celebrate The Fourth Of July In Or Near Yosemite

To set the record straight, the July 4^th weekend in Yosemite National Park can be a bit crowded. With that said, if you do visit, be sure to have a plan & head out early for some outdoor fun. Better yet, visit the park at a less busy period & check out one of these amazing Fourth of July festivities happening near Yosemite instead.

Nothing resonates as strongly as BBQ to celebrate the Fourth. Instead of having yourself do all the work and clean up afterward, why not let someone take care of it for you? There are a few places near Yosemite that offer this opportunity. First, the Tenaya at Yosemite features all your barbecue favorites: tri-tip, chicken, burgers, salads, corn on the cob, assorted pies & brownies, beverages, live music, and a giant dose of fresh Sierra air. Another option is to head over to Wawona Hotel for their summer BBQ. They allow you to choose a deliciously grilled barbecue item alongside all the fixings and desserts you could eat.

BBQ at Tenaya at Yosemite

Can’t make it on the 4th? That's not a problem. Each July, the Wawona Hotel commemorates being built on America’s centennial (1876), just eight years after John Muir visited Yosemite for the first time, with a symphonic concert on its lawn.

Wawona Hotel Summer BBQ

They say life at the lake is better and we happen to agree especially on this long weekend. Is that a bird? A plane? No, it’s the fireworks extravaganza happening at Bass Lake! Madera County’s LARGEST display will make sure this Independence Day is one to remember. The evening's patriotic-themed events kick off with the Bass Lake Boat Parade, where people dress up their boats to see who wins the ultimate bragging rights of winning the America’s Cup Trophy – Bass Lake Edition. 

Fourth of July Fireworks Over Bass Lake

Bass Lake Boat Parade

For those looking to step up their experience, don’t miss an all-you-can-eat tri-tip dinner at The Marina Bar and Grill; they sometimes feature a fire-dancing show and always finish off the festivities with a front-row view of the fireworks display.

Mana Fire Dancers

For those looking for more of a natural light show, consider participating in the Yosemite Conservancy’s stary night programs. Starting from the Ostrander Trailhead on Glacier Point, you’ll be guided to the perfect spot where you can literally sleep under a canopy of stars without needing a tent. This is a truly otherworldly and unique way to experience some celestial fireworks and sidestep the daytime crowds in Yosemite.

Camping out under Yosemite's Starry Skies with the Yosemite Conservancy

If camping out isn't part of your plans, check out star-watching "parties" at Glacier Point. Throughout the summer, various regional amateur astronomy clubs host weekend events at the amphitheater in cooperation with the National Park Service.  It's a great way to view and learn more about the fantastic night sky!

Star Party at Glacier Point

Of course, you can stay home and do nothing, but why? Instead, make it memorable!