What are the five best things to see and do in Tahoe & Yosemite?
Yosemite and Tahoe’s infinite variety are enough to keep anyone busy for a lifetime, so it’s no task to spend a vacation soaking up the area’s wild beauty. Given all the activities you can pursue here, it’s hard to pick just five of the best things to see and do in Tahoe and Yosemite. Here are the things you definitely shouldn’t miss seeing, though:
1. Explore Yosemite National Park. In the spring and summer, Yosemite is home to some of North America’s highest and most breathtaking waterfalls, including famed Yosemite Falls. Take a park shuttle and walking tour around the falls, and be sure to keep an eye out for bears.
2. Lake Tahoe. If it’s summer, get out on Lake Tahoe. You can do something as quiet and peaceful as a dinner cruise, or rent a Sea-Doo and go wild, but either way, enjoying the water is paramount.
3. Take a hike, literally. Whether you’re near Lake Tahoe or in the middle of Yosemite, this area is home to some of the nation’s loveliest and best maintained hiking trails, and you’ll be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t see at least one or two of them.
4. Yosemite Valley Moonlight Tour. For an exciting nighttime adventure, don’t miss the Yosemite Valley Moonlight Tour, a late-night open tram ride through the park that allows you to see some of the park’s most iconic landmarks, including El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.
5. Tour the Ansel Adams Gallery. Walk around the space, which displays the acclaimed artist’s original photographs. It’s fitting that Adams’s memorial gallery is in the park, since his iconic nature photography put Yosemite on the map. It’s also amazing to see the photos in their “home,” and an excellent way to grab a moment of reflection during what could otherwise be a very busy vacation.
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On April 23Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What are the best restaurants in Tahoe and Yosemite?
Nothing goes better with a great view than a great meal. Here are two fantastic restaurants to try when you’re in the scenic Lake Tahoe and Yosemite areas:
Since 1984 — well before the farm-to-table movement gripped the U.S. culinary community — Erna’s Elderberry House has been serving its customers California cuisine made with farm-raised meats and local produce. The restaurant’s prix fixe menus change on a daily basis but always include six courses and several bottles from its 725-bottle wine list. Given that the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant is situated in Yosemite, it offers guests amazing views — windows frame vistas of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the valley. You can even enjoy your meal on the terrace to be closer to nature. If you’re staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, be sure to dine at Manzanita, which serves California cuisine with a touch of French flavor. The food is delicious and locally sourced, and the views from this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant’s perch are lovely — you can gaze out at the snowy slopes while you dine. The hardwood tables and centrally placed fireplace bring the eatery a warm look in the winter. Grab a more casual bite here between ski runs during the day, or dress up and dine at Manzanita for dinner — on something like rack of lamb or pan-seared salmon. -
On April 23Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What are the best restaurants in Tahoe and Yosemite?
Nothing goes better with a great view than a great meal. Here are two fantastic restaurants to try when you’re in the scenic Lake Tahoe and Yosemite areas:
Since 1984 — well before the farm-to-table movement gripped the U.S. culinary community — Erna’s Elderberry House has been serving its customers California cuisine made with farm-raised meats and local produce. The restaurant’s prix fixe menus change on a daily basis but always include six courses and several bottles from its 725-bottle wine list. Given that the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant is situated in Yosemite, it offers guests amazing views — windows frame vistas of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the valley. You can even enjoy your meal on the terrace to be closer to nature. If you’re staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, be sure to dine at Manzanita, which serves California cuisine with a touch of French flavor. The food is delicious and locally sourced, and the views from this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant’s perch are lovely — you can gaze out at the snowy slopes while you dine. The hardwood tables and centrally placed fireplace bring the eatery a warm look in the winter. Grab a more casual bite here between ski runs during the day, or dress up and dine at Manzanita for dinner — on something like rack of lamb or pan-seared salmon. -
On April 23Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What are the best restaurants in Tahoe and Yosemite?
Nothing goes better with a great view than a great meal. Here are two fantastic restaurants to try when you’re in the scenic Lake Tahoe and Yosemite areas:
Since 1984 — well before the farm-to-table movement gripped the U.S. culinary community — Erna’s Elderberry House has been serving its customers California cuisine made with farm-raised meats and local produce. The restaurant’s prix fixe menus change on a daily basis but always include six courses and several bottles from its 725-bottle wine list. Given that the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant is situated in Yosemite, it offers guests amazing views — windows frame vistas of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the valley. You can even enjoy your meal on the terrace to be closer to nature. If you’re staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, be sure to dine at Manzanita, which serves California cuisine with a touch of French flavor. The food is delicious and locally sourced, and the views from this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant’s perch are lovely — you can gaze out at the snowy slopes while you dine. The hardwood tables and centrally placed fireplace bring the eatery a warm look in the winter. Grab a more casual bite here between ski runs during the day, or dress up and dine at Manzanita for dinner. -
On April 15Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What are the best spas in Tahoe & Yosemite?
A day of skiing or hiking the gorgeous natural surroundings of Lake Tahoe and Yosemite calls for some downtime at the spa. For unmatched personalized service, make an appointment at the tiny but lovely, art deco-style Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Spa du Sureau. The exclusive spa has just three treatment rooms and one wet room, but that wet room features a special Hydrostorm shower that incorporates relaxing aromas and color therapy for a unique thermal experience. If you’re staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe on the lovely Northstar Resort, be sure to schedule in some Zen time at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Lake Tahoe. Unwind by the fire in the relaxation lounge, enjoy the heated lap pool, or sit for a while in a pine-scented steam room or dry-heat lodge. And of course be sure to enjoy a treatment or two — perhaps an organic seaweed wrap and massage. -
On May 27Château du Sureau answered the question:
What is Tahoe & Yosemite's restaurant scene like?
Tahoe and Yosemite's restaurant scene is considered rather casual. Erna's Elderberry House Restaurant definitely offers the best experience between the Sierra Nevada and San Francisco (the food and atmosphere are outstanding; it is not comparable to anything in the Fresno/Sierra Nevada area).
Most of the restaurants in our area are family-style places or chain/fast-food restaurants; they offer Mexican, Italian and Cajun/Louisiana, as well as American fare. In the vicinity there is also a restaurant called Narrow Gauge, which resembles the atmosphere of a cozy Swiss chalet and is located in the forest. Their cooking style is American with international influences.
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On May 27Château du Sureau answered the question:
What are the five best Tahoe & Yosemite food experiences?
Don’t leave the Tahoe and Yosemite area without having these five food experiences:
1. Erna's Elderberry House Restaurant. This is one of the best restaurants in California. Sitting on the outside patio and enjoying a wonderful dinner under the stars with the lit-up fountain and Château du Sureau in the background will definitely be a memory that you will cherish forever.
2. Narrow Gauge Restaurant. Their cuisine is American with Alpine influences, served in a cozy chalet-like atmosphere (on Road 41, near Sugar Pine Railroad, approximately a 20-minute drive north of Oakhurst).
3. Savory's Restaurant. Serves international cuisine (in Mariposa, approximately a 40-minute drive west from Oakhurst).
4. Woody's in Oakhurst. The owner/chef is from New Orleans and the atmosphere is smart-casual. If you enjoy rather spicy Southern-style cooking, this will be the place to go.
5. Ahwahnee Hotel Dining Room in Yosemite Valley (approximately a one-and-a-half-hour-drive from Oakhurst).
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On May 27Château du Sureau answered the question:
What Tahoe & Yosemite restaurants are best for brunch?
Here are some of the best restaurants for brunch in the Oakhurst area:
1. Erna's Elderberry House (Sunday brunch; located in Oakhurst).
2. Ahwahnee Hotel Dining Room (Sunday Brunch; located in Yosemite Valley, approximately a 90-minute drive from Oakhurst).
3. Woody's (Sunday brunch with Cajun-style cuisine; located in Oakhurst).
4. Nativo's (Sunday brunch; Italian restaurant at Chuckchansi Casino Resort; approximately a 20 minute-drive drive south of Oakhurst).
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On May 27Château du Sureau answered the question:
What are the five best romantic restaurants in Tahoe & Yosemite?
Due to our location in the countryside, the choices for different restaurants are rather limited. But here are a few romantic restaurants in the Tahoe and Yosemite area
1. Erna's Elderberry House Restaurant. One of the best restaurants in California, sitting on the outside patio and enjoying a wonderful dinner under the stars with the lit-up fountain and Château du Sureau in the background will definitely be a memory you will cherish forever.
2. Narrow Gauge Restaurant. The cuisine here is American with Alpine influences, and it’s served in a cozy chalet-like atmosphere (on Road 41, near Sugar Pine Railroad; approximately a 20-minute drive north of Oakhurst).
3. Savory's Restaurant. This spot serves international cuisine (in Mariposa; approximately a 40-minute drive west from Oakhurst). -
On May 27Château du Sureau answered the question:
What are the five best kid-friendly restaurants in Tahoe & Yosemite?
Here are our top restaurants to bring kids in Oakhurst:
1. El Cid's for Mexican fare.
2. Crab Cakes. This restaurant serves home-style cuisine, with mostly seafood specialities.
3. Di Ciccho's for Italian fare.
4. Ducey's Bar and Grill on the Lake. There’s an upstairs outdoor dining area overlooking Bass Lake.
5. Time for Tea. A small and cozy tea house with a fairy tale tea room for kids. Plus, the service is extremely friendly.
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On May 27Château du Sureau answered the question:
Where can I go to watch sports in Tahoe & Yosemite?
A few good spots to watch sports in Tahoe and Yosemite are in the Grand Salon of Château du Sureau; El Cid's, a Mexican Restaurant located on Road 41, at the northern end of town; Ducey's Bar and Grill on the Lake, at Bass Lake, located approximately 25 minutes from Oakhurst. Pizza Factory in Oakhurst.
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On May 27Château du Sureau answered the question:
Where are the best places to hear live music in Tahoe & Yosemite?
Oakhurst's live music scene is rather limited, please here a few suggestions:
1. Queen's Inn. A wine Tasting Bar with occasional live music in Oakhurst.
2. Tom Bopp, a pianist at the Wawona Hotel. Enjoy some true Yosemite entertainment at the bar of the historic Wawona Hotel (only during the summer months; approximately a 40-minute drive from Oakhurst).
3. Jazz on the Lake (Bass Lake) during the summer months (approximately a 25-minute drive from Oakhurst).
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On May 27Château du Sureau answered the question:
What is the best Tahoe & Yosemite nightlife?
Oakhurst is not really considered a place where you can have a “great night out in town.” It tends to get quiet down as the sun disappears (even during the summer months). However, some of the spots where you might be able to enjoy a little bit of a “nightlife feeling” are:
1. Queen's Inn. Wine Tasting Bar with occasional live music in Oakhurst.
2. Tom Bopp. A pianist at the Wawona Hotel. Enjoy some true Yosemite entertainment at the bar of the historic Wawona Hotel (only during the summer months; approximately a 40 minute-drive from Oakhurst.
3. Jazz on the Lake (Bass Lake) during the summer months (approximately a 25-minute drive from Oakhurst).
4. Chuckchansi Casino (approximately a 20-minute drive from Oakhurst). -
On May 27Château du Sureau answered the question:
What are the best places to stay in Tahoe & Yosemite?
Here are our suggestions for hotels in the area:
1. Château du Sureau. A highly acclaimed Relais & Chateaux property, which will definitely exceed your expectations by providing you with the feeling of Old World Europe.
2. Houndstooth Inn. A cozy B&B in Oakhurst.
3. Tenaya Lodge. A bigger property at the Southern Entrance of Yosemite National Park with a lodge atmosphere.
4. Ahwahnee Hotel. A famous hotel in Yosemite Valley.
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On May 27Château du Sureau answered the question:
What are the best Tahoe & Yosemite museums?
Our area's biggest attraction is the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park and the surrounding Sierra Nevada, but there are a few noteworthy museums: Mariposa Museum and History Center in Mariposa, California State Mining and Mineral Museum in Mariposa, Yosemite Museum about the culture of the native Miwok-Indians (located next to the Yosemite Visitor's Center) in Yosemite Valley and Columbia State Park (history of the California Gold Rush) in Sonora.
