12 MUST DO things on Day One at YOSEMITE

Is this your first time at Yosemite? This will be a great guide to help you get familiar with the basics and make your initial arrival smooth. I've been coming to Yosemite for years and these are the things I wish I would have known on my first visit.

This video was filmed on April 2nd, 2021 in Yosemite National Park when the snow is melting from higher elevations so the waterfalls have their maximum water flow.

Here are the 15 things I would recommend doing:
1. Get there early!
2. Credit Card Only
3. Use the bathroom at the entrance gate
4. Pull off the road at El Capitan
5. Park in Yosemite Village
6. Visit the Village Store and Gift Shop
7. Eat lunch at the Loft Cafe
8. Fill your water bottle with fresh Yosemite water
9. Visit the park information tents
10. Hike to Lower or Upper Yosemite Falls
11. Take a cold dip in one of the streams
12. Tunnel view at sunset

Any drone footage featured in this video is STOCK FOOTAGE and was not filmed by me or anyone associated with The Places Beyond.

[maritesmacasadia]

Great video . Most informative Yosemite video and I’ve watched more than 20. Headed there next month. Thank you! Can’t wait .

[anitamadhoo]

Thank you so much for the tips, ive been wanting to go there for about 5 yrs now and cant reach yet but i look at the place everyday ....blessings 🙏❤

[wildforwaterfalls]

LOVE the opening shots of the waterfall!

[xachilles]

I was born and lived in the Bay Area most of my life and I've only been to Yosemite once 30 years ago. I need to go back.

[marianaafonso]

I have been there! Amazing! 3 days were not enough!

[권성순-ro]

I have been to Yosemite before by myself and I will go to Yosemite with my son next year! I miss Yosemite so much, which is, I believe, blessed by God.

[pierospec]

The best I found so far!! It was crystal clear to figure out what to concern about!!

[jessheung]

I bought a floatie and floated dwn the creek for two hrs it was so fun!

[cobracommander]

Your video is the best! The tips you share are 💎 gems. I watched 4 other Yosemite videos and don't mention things like only credit cards, and using the bathroom at the entrance. Thanks for sharing this info.

[josephhuynh]

glacier point is a must for me! about an hour drive from the valley an such an amazing view, and also the taft point hike isn't too strenuous and the reward is great

[MelchorMPena-ivpd]

I been at Yosemite National Park
Twice I want to come back someday

[melbaker]

The best time to go is late April thru May. Never on a weekend and NEVER near a holiday. That time of year is best for the waterfalls, which dry up in the Summer. If you want to stay in the valley book one year, yes one year in advance to stay during the main season. Curry Village tent cabins are the least expensive option, but bring a sleeping bag. Yosemite Lodge, just a short walk from Yosemite Falls is the mid range price for nice motel style rooms. The Awahnee is only for those who can afford a five star hotel, but you can still visit. One of the best options for outside the park is the town of Mariposa, with lots of accomadations and a charming Gold Rush era downtown.

[jeffp]

Just went to Yosemite last week. Unfortunately, due to the warm and very dry summer, all of the waterfalls and Mirror Lake were completely dry. Highly recommend visiting during spring if waterfalls are your thing. Also Glacier Point probably has the best view of the valley and surrounding area, so that is a must imo.

[TravelwithSuri]

Super list of things to do..) 90th friend! You captured the Yosemite brilliantly! Glad to connect with you 😊👍

[josiahtribble]

Glacier Point is a wonderful viewpoint to go to in Yosemite National Park whereby, you get a phenomenal birds eye view of Yosemite Valley looking down from above, before Glacier Point Washburn Point is great viewpoint whereby you’ll see the profile of Half Dome, view Liberty Cap, both Nevada and Vernal Falls, the Clark Range in the Distance, a peak known as Mount Starr King, and a portion of Little Yosemite Valley directly behind Liberty Cap, you’ll also view the granite cliffs that line the high Sierra valley of Little Yosemite Valley as the valley stretches towards one of the high Sierra lakes of Merced Lake of which cannot be viewed from Washburn Point, that would warrant the use of a backcountry permit to hike up in the high Sierra wilderness and from the valley floor, it’s a 14 1/2 mile hike to Merced Lake and one of the high Sierra camps at the east end of Merced Lake.

[srihariraobattineni]

I saw it on 2017 very good and nice place for tourists

[underavenue]

solid video, thanks for the recommendations - never knew about Tunnel View!

[tlnguyen]

Love your tips. We are going to Yosemite on May 26 😃😃

[pennypackmtb]

I can only imagine Heaven being any more amazing, except Yosemite you are visiting.

[Goodgo]

Great video, lots of helpful tips.
I'm planning to take my wife for a day trip to Yosemite soon. Just wondering which entrance did you take? My closest entry would be for hwy 120 east.