Central Interior California, CA

Travel Guide
Tunnel View which includes forest scenes, landscape views and mountains
Venture to the wild heart of California, a land of abundant natural beauty, vast national parks and towns steeped in Gold Rush history.

Central Interior California holds some of the state’s most well-known and well-hidden natural wonders. Travel from iconic Yosemite National Park to eerie Death Valley National Park to see some of the country’s most staggering landscapes. Visit long-abandoned gold-mining towns, enjoy luxury mountain resorts and explore Old West settlements.

Yosemite National Park is famed across the world for its ancient sequoia trees, towering granite formations and gushing waterfalls. Explore beautiful spots such as Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall. Stand atop Tunnel View for one of the park’s best vistas across Bridalveil Fall and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome. From sub-alpine meadows threaded by streams at Tuolumne Meadows to the remote canyons and peaks of Hetchy Hetchy Reservoir to Yosemite Museum, captivating vistas and attractions await around every corner.

For a change of scene, venture amid the surreal and mesmerizing landscapes of Death Valley National Park. One of the country’s lowest and hottest places, this park is packed with fantastical geological formations and vast desert landscapes.

Glide down the slopes of the luxurious Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, one of North America’s most acclaimed ski, snowboard and cross-country skiing destinations. In summer, the resort transforms into an adventure playground with hiking, biking, fishing and horseback-riding opportunities.

Gold Rush history abounds in Central Interior California. Dare to venture into the long-abandoned Bodie State Historic District near Mono Lake, where ghosts reportedly haunt the deserted mining town. Imagine you’re in the Old West as you walk up the historic main street of Mariposa, whose heritage is firmly attributed to California’s ambitious prospectors.

While good public transportation links exist between main towns and the national parks, you may want to rent a car to truly get the most out of a trip to Central Interior California. San Francisco or Sacramento make good jumping-off points. The seasons vary wildly here. Choose winter for snowy landscapes, skiing and roaring log fires or spring to fall for backcountry hiking and outdoor adventures.

Where to stay in Central Interior California

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Yosemite West

You'll enjoy the waterfalls and riverfront in Yosemite West. You might want to make time for a stop at Yosemite National Park or Sierra National Forest.

Yosemite West
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Starwood

Though Starwood might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sierra Star Golf Course and Eagle Express Ski Lift.

Starwood
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Stonegate

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Stonegate and surrounding area, you can visit Village Gondola Station and Sierra Star Golf Course.

Stonegate
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Mammoth Vista

5/5(2 area reviews)

While Mammoth Vista isn't home to many top sights, Eagle Express Ski Lift and Sierra Star Golf Course are some notable places to visit nearby.

Mammoth Vista
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West Village

5/5(8 area reviews)

While West Village isn't home to many top sights, Museum of the Sierra and Shaver Lake are some notable places to visit nearby.

West Village
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Granite Ridge

Though Granite Ridge might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Shaver Lake and Museum of the Sierra.

Granite Ridge
The Ranch at Death Valley – Inside the Park
The Ranch at Death Valley – Inside the Park
2.5 out of 5
Highway 190, Death Valley, CA
The price is NT$5,144 per night from Jun 17 to Jun 18
NT$5,144
per night
Jun 17 - Jun 18
Book a stay at this golf resort in Death Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and a golf course. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,171 reviews)
"Great!"

Reviewed on 2024/6/15

The Ranch at Death Valley – Inside the Park
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites
3.5 out of 5
40644 Hwy 41, Oakhurst, CA
The price is NT$6,820 per night from Jun 23 to Jun 24
NT$6,820
per night
Jun 23 - Jun 24
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Oakhurst. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,518 reviews)
Ok hotel but needs some work
"Overall ok experience, my one big issue was the loud creaking door hinges to the bathroom. When someone gets up to use the restroom in the moddle of the night, moving the door wakes everone up! All it taies is some wd-40. Breakfast overall ok, wheat vread was horrible.... barely edible, peanut butter ..."

Reviewed on 2024/6/14

Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites
Yosemite View Lodge
Yosemite View Lodge
2.5 out of 5
11136 Highway 140, El Portal, CA
The price is NT$9,022 per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
NT$9,022
per night
Jul 1 - Jul 2
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in El Portal. Enjoy free parking, 3 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,325 reviews)
"Only issue is we had to lug our luggage up and dowwnstairs"

Reviewed on 2024/6/15

Yosemite View Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Indian Flat RV Park - Tent Cabins & Cottages
Indian Flat RV Park - Tent Cabins & Cottages
1 out of 5
9988 Highway 140, El Portal, CA
Stay at this campground in El Portal. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and housekeeping. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,744 reviews)
Muchas gracias.
"Nos encanto, hay algunos insectos, pero es normal, nosotros llegamos a su habitat no podemos quejarnos por eso, ademas el clima fue extremo, en cuanto a lo demás fue un viaje inolvidable, el personal muy amable, los paisajes hermosos, estamos muy satisfechos, muchas gracias."

Reviewed on 2024/6/13

Indian Flat RV Park - Tent Cabins & Cottages
Heidelberg Inn
Heidelberg Inn
2.5 out of 5
85 Bolder Lake View Dr, June Lake, CA
Stay at this condo in June Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fireplace in the lobby. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (316 reviews)
"So much history on this property."

Reviewed on 2024/6/8

Heidelberg Inn
Yosemite Lakes RV Resort
Yosemite Lakes RV Resort
2 out of 5
31191 Hardin Flat Road, Groveland, CA
Book a stay at this family-friendly campground in Groveland. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Yosemite Big Oak ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (493 reviews)
"Fantastic"

Reviewed on 2024/5/25

Yosemite Lakes RV Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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