Over the course of this California series, we are going to take a journey together throughout the state that has the capacity to fulfill the different travel desires that are scattered throughout our hearts.

The first stop is where we explore the beauty of nature, and I can’t think of a better place to do so than Yosemite National Park and Tenaya at Yosemite. 

Getting to Tenaya at Yosemite: Fly into Fresno and Arrive with Ease

You’ll want to fly into Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) — just a short distance from the park and Tenaya Lodge. There are direct flights from major cities like Dallas, making it an easy gateway for travelers. From Fresno, it’s about a 1.5-hour scenic drive to Tenaya, or you can opt for a 2.5-hour summer bus ride via YARTS, the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System.

Award-Winning Hospitality in the Heart of the Sierras

Located just outside Yosemite’s South Entrance, tucked in the soaring pines, is Tenaya at Yosemite. The perfect home base for Yosemite offers a blend between relaxation and exploration, because vacation can rejuvenate you while also being thrilling and adventure-seeking! 

One of the reasons that Tenaya truly feels like a home away from home is because it’s being run by a true hospitalitarian, General Manager Brett Archer. Not only does Brett go above and beyond to make sure that every guest is having a one-of-a-kind experience, but he sees and cares for each member of the Tenaya team. When there is true passion and heart behind a property, it shows. The Tenaya team goes above and beyond to make sure that each guest has an extraordinary experience and fond memories of the property. One of my favorite examples of this is the firepits scattered throughout the property and the s’mores bar located in the lobby. 

Tenaya Lodge Accommodations: Rustic Charm Meets Modern Comfort

Whether you are traveling with family, friends, a significant other, or a furry friend, there’s an accommodation for you at Tenaya: the Lodge, the cottages, and the explorer cabins. The Lodge is more of the staple hotel room experience and has you close to all of the fun amenities. The rooms in the Cottages are similar but a little further out and give more of the ‘out in the woods’ feeling. Each Cottage room also offers a fireplace and private balcony or patio to complete the serene experience. Their cabins are perfect for families and bigger groups, considering that they sleep up to six. It’s hard not to feel immersed in nature while staying in the cabins, especially when you can enjoy the rippling current of a creek, a mountain pond, or an alpine meadow from your master bedroom porch.

Pro tip: If you are staying in the cabins, grab your morning coffee from the clubhouse or make it in your coffeemaker, and enjoy it on your porch before your day gets started. 

Foodie-Friendly Options Without Leaving the Lodge

Whether you are grabbing a Starbucks coffee from Parkside Deli to start your day, or elevating your dining experience with an exclusive four-to-seven-course dinner menu at Embers, to everything in between at Jackalope’s Bar and Grill . . . there is something for everyone! 

Chef Freddie does everything he can to make sure that the dining experiences at Tenaya are stellar. A few personal favorites of mine include the Rocky Mountain High cocktail, the Harris Ranch Grilled Rib Eye (with truffle fries) from Jackalope’s, and the Spring Onion & Fennel Velouté from Embers.

I found summer to be an extra special time to be dining at Tenaya because of the seasonal offerings at Gold Rush BBQ, Timberloft Pizzeria (right by the cottages), and Bearfoot Bar (by the pool).

Unwind or Explore: What to Do Without Leaving the Lodge

Whether you are planning a day visit to Yosemite or staying on-site at the resort, the activity options are limitless.

For all of the explorers out there, the Yosemite 360° Tour is the right choice for you. Personally, national parks intimidate me because I have the thought process that I need to do all of this extra work to know the right spots to hit, and I still feel like I’m going to miss key components of the park experience. I loved doing the Yosemite 360° Tour because it takes the pressure off and allows you to just sit back and enjoy the experience with trust that you are being guided by a pro. In the tour, not only do you get to see all of the major sites, but you also get in on some of the insider secrets. For example, our tour guide took us to a natural spring on the side of the road and we got to fill up our water bottles with water completely clean and filtered by the earth. It was hands down some of the best water I’ve had!

Pro tip: Ask for Janet as your tour guide.  

As far as on-site activities go, choose from regular and premium. Some of the activities (at no extra charge) include biking, climbing the rock wall, archery, pickleball, and enjoyment of the indoor and outdoor pools. With so many activities to choose from, Tenaya’s activity planner is the easiest way to maximize your time and to see all of the current activities in season, regular and premium. 

An easy way to add to the relaxing atmosphere of Tenaya is to book yourself a spa treatment at Ascent Spa. The question you must ask yourself: Am I maximizing my vacation if I’m not treating myself to a lovely massage or facial? Along with the treatments, there are also amenities at the spa such as a relaxation room, a sauna, and a steam room, to enjoy before or after your relaxation of choice.

Interested in noctourism? Tenaya offers stargazing experiences led by a professional astronomer. Just staring up at a beautiful night sky, full of stars, is incredible in itself, but imagine getting to learn more about the mysterious sky from a pro. The learning process is interactive in a way that allows you to really soak in the experience and learn new things.

My encouragement to you is to stop allowing the Yosemite trip of your dreams to stay on your bucket list, but take the steps to turn it into a reality.

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Cover photo courtesy Tenaya at Yosemite – Delaware North Parks & Resorts.

A lover of all things travel, pretty running trails and good coffee, Analise Flatt graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University and is now a FOCUS Missionary in Louisiana. Check out her Instagram to stay updated on her latest travel adventures.