Travel Budget for Yosemite National Park Visit Yosemite National Park on a Budget or Travel in Style

Yosemite National Park, California, United States of America

Yosemite National Park is a breathtaking national park known for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Yosemite National Park and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty.

How much does it cost to travel to Yosemite National Park?

You should plan to spend around $158 per day on your vacation in Yosemite National Park. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $69 on meals
  • $41 on local transportation
  • $129 on hotels

A one week trip to Yosemite National Park for two people costs, on average, $2,212. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $158
  • One Week Per person
    $1,106
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,212
  • One Month Per person
    $4,740
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,212
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $4,424
  • One Month For a couple
    $9,480
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Yosemite National Park cost?

A one week trip to Yosemite National Park usually costs around $1,106 for one person and $2,212 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Yosemite National Park on average costs around $2,212 for one person and $4,424 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Yosemite National Park will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Yosemite National Park on average costs around $4,740 for one person and $9,480 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Yosemite National Park expensive to visit?

Yosemite National Park is a well-liked national park that lures countless visitors with differing travel preferences and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

Although Yosemite National Park can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by taking public transit and enjoying the free hiking trails.

On average, budget travelers spend $67 per day, mid-range travelers spend $158 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $335 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Yosemite National Park.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Yosemite National Park is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Hope, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Key West.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Yosemite National Park Expensive?

Yosemite National Park, California, USA Yosemite National Park, California, USA

How much money do I need for a trip to Yosemite National Park?

The average Yosemite National Park trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Yosemite National Park travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Yosemite National Park cost?

Yosemite National Park on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$27 $64 $144
Local Transportation 1 $18 $41 $78
Food 2 $29 $69 $142
Entertainment 1 $8.13 $19 $35
Alcohol 2 $2-7 $5-16 $10-30

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Yosemite National Park on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $67 daily average that backpackers get away with.

Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Many visitors to Yosemite National Park are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $158 per person, per day.

Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?

If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $335 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the national park, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Family Hike in Yosemite - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Yosemite National Park

In Yosemite National Park, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak summer season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $706, but during peak season they jump to an average of $1,317. You can find budget options starting at $544 up to luxury rates at $1,881. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Yosemite National Park for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $129. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $64 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $64
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $129

Hotels in Yosemite National Park

Looking for a hotel in Yosemite National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Yosemite National Park

The average hotel room price in Yosemite National Park based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $706 in the low season and $1,317 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Yosemite National Park

While Yosemite National Park has a good public transit system, staying outside the national park to save on accommodation could mean higher transportation costs and less convenience if you're short on time.

As a family-friendly national park, Yosemite National Park is perfect for traveling with kids, so you may want to find an apartment with more room.

This national park provides numerous resorts to consider. You might find one that includes meals or at least breakfast, and many feature onsite dining options.

Many visitors stay in Yosemite National Park for a week, and if you're here for a longer time, renting a place with a kitchen could be a smart way to handle your own meals.

If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid summer, you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Yosemite National Park

Public transit in Yosemite National Park is reliable and reaches key landmarks. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley. For a budget-friendly way to travel, public transportation is ideal, provided it's near where you need to go. Taxis and rideshares are also easy to find.

Sadly, much of the national park is not particularly pedestrian-friendly. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (moderate)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $41 per person, per day, on local transportation in Yosemite National Park. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Yosemite National Park is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $41

Transportation Tips

If you're driving, it's essential to check if your hotel offers convenient parking.



Flights to Yosemite National Park
How much does it cost to go to Yosemite National Park? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Yosemite National Park
The price of renting a car in Yosemite National Park will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Yosemite National Park

Food choices in Yosemite National Park are restricted and lack quality. Rather than spending a lot on dining out, focus on other activities that are more fulfilling. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Yosemite National Park can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Yosemite National Park is $69 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $69

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Yosemite National Park is around $69 ($69) per person, with previous travelers spending from $29 to $142. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Yosemite National Park are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $7 to $21
  • Lunch: $10 to $28
  • Dinner: $21 to $48
  • Coffee: $6
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $10

Within Yosemite National Park you can find small grocery stores or restaurants in Yosemite Village, Crane Flat, Curry Village, Wawona, and Tuolumne Meadows. Yosemite Valley has the widest selection of options. Ahwahnee Dining Room is an upscale restaurant that has a large buffet on Sundays. It also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. More budget options in the area include Yosemite Lodge Food Court as well as several delis, cafes, and grills.

Wawona has it's on fine dining room that serves breakfast lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday brunch. There is also a lawn barbecue held every Saturday evening during the summer months. It's located on the lawn outside of the Wawona Lodge.

Tuolumne Meadows Lodge offers family style meals under tents. Reservations are required. There is also a grill where you can grab food to go. Another snack stand is found at Glacier Point.

Food & Dining Tips

Traveling with children? Look for dining spots that have a children's menu. This can lead to significant savings since those meals are often more budget-friendly. Some restaurants might not list these options, so it's wise to ask your waiter before you decide what to order.

Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.

Enjoying a picnic is a great way to save money while taking in the scenery. Find a local grocery store or market, gather fresh food, and head to a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.

Take a water bottle with you to save on drinks. It's also an environmentally friendly option.

If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Yosemite National Park

It's understandable that travelers choose Yosemite National Park, as it is famous for hiking, budget-friendly accommodations, resorts, and family-friendly activities.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Yosemite National Park typically cost an average of $19 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $19

Yosemite National Park (official website) is very large and offers many sights. If you only have a few days then you'll have time to see some of the major highlights, but will miss much of what the park has to offer. Natural beauty is what the park is all about. The waterfalls are at their peak during the spring, but the park is more accessible during the warmer summer months.

Famous sights in Yosemite Valley include Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Nevada Falls, Vernal Falls, and the Tunnel View. Wawona is where you'll find the historic Wawona Hotel, the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, and the Mariposa Grove. Glacier Point offers an excellent view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The Toga Road is a 39 mile scenic drive between Crane Flat and Tuolumne Meadows.



Outdoor activities in Yosemite National Park are countless. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, golf, and skiing. Yosemite is also great for families, so check out this family guide to Yosemite National Park.

Sightseeing Tips

Hiking:
Many hikers rave about the trails surrounding Yosemite National Park. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Yosemite National Park. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour for $180 details
  • Yosemite Winter Highlights Small Group Tour for $190 details
  • Yosemite Valley Full Day Small Group Tour for $299 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Yosemite National Park

The nightlife in Yosemite National Park offers a relaxed and calm vibe. There are some bars near the park that make a nice spot to grab a drink.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $11 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Yosemite National Park per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $11
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.



Travel cost data last updated: Oct 16, 2023

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Yosemite National Park

  • During summer, the national park experiences higher prices and larger crowds. To keep your expenses down and enjoy a calmer visit, consider traveling during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Since Yosemite National Park is quite expansive, you'll typically find a wide range of prices for hotels, food, and activities. By exploring your options, reserving in advance, and enjoying free attractions, you can keep your costs down.
  • Traveling slower can help save you money while letting you enjoy the beautiful surroundings. If you pack your days with activities, the costs can add up. However, taking it easy often results in a more enjoyable trip with lower expenses.

Budgeting Challenges

  • If you're on the road with little ones, you'll probably want to consider a private vehicle or taxi. It can often be simpler to bypass the complications of public transit, but be prepared to spend a bit more.
  • There aren't many hostels in Yosemite National Park, so if you're hoping for a budget dorm, it's best to rethink your plans. Instead, look for inexpensive hotels or an apartment rental.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Yosemite National Park.

How can you save money during your time in Yosemite National Park?

We visited during September when all of the kids are back in school. There are definitely still crowds, but nothing compared to the summer months so we were able to save a little money.

Julian590
-
May 14 2024

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Traveling in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park Yosemite Valley

Yosemite National Park is located in east-central California in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It's one of the most famous and popular parks in the country and is known for its breathtaking granite cliffs, dramatic waterfalls, clear streams, and giant sequoia groves. The park covers 750,000 acres, or 1,200 square miles, and includes thousands of lakes and ponds and an impressive range of biodiversity. There are 800 miles of hiking trails within the park as well. Yosemite National Park is the third most visited park within the United States with an average annual visitation of almost 4 million people.

Yosemite has variable weather depending on the time of year or the elevation within the park. It is best to plan for all types of weather during your visit. Rain gear is a must, as storms are common throughout the year. Summer is typically dry though, with the occasional dramatic thunderstorm. Temperatures can range from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to the low 90s. Fall and Spring are the transitional seasons within the park. Temperatures can be highly variable and rain is less common in late spring or early fall. You can expect snow during late fall through early spring. Winter is snowy or damp, although the sun does occasionally make an appearance. Temperatures range from 30 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and lows can dip into the high 20s.



Neighborhoods & Around

Yosemite National Park can be divided into the areas of Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Glacier Point, Badger Pass, Tuolumne Meadows, Crane Flat, and Hetch Hetchy Valley.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.