What to do and see in Wawona, United States: The Best Places and Tips

March 24, 2018 Venice Greaves

Wawona (formerly, Big Tree Station, Clark's Station, Clarks Station, Wah-wo-nah, and Clark's Ranch) is a census-designated place in Mariposa County, California. It is located 18 miles (29 km) east of Mariposa, at an elevation of 3999 feet (1219 m). The population was 169 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Wawona

1. Sierra Jeep Tours

Fish Camp, CA 93604
Excellent
95%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 213 reviews

Sierra Jeep Tours

Head off-road in a Jeep, ATV, or UTV and explore the Sierra's near Yosemite National Park. Choose your destination which includes: Giant Sequoias, Scenic Vistas, and Alpine Lakes. But it's not just about the destination, it's about the fun off-road experience to get there!!

Reviewed By Matt R

Our family visited in April. We wanted a sunset tour. There were concerns about the road conditions due to recent rain and snow. Kristina was great working with us and staying in contact about possible alternatives. We ended up seeing the sunset while overlooking Bass Lake. Chase was our guide and he was great. Love having locals show you the sites and tell you about the area! Definitely recommend this if you’re in the area!

2. Pioneer Yosemite History Center

Route 41, Wawona, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 +1 209-375-9531
Excellent
37%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 102 reviews

Pioneer Yosemite History Center

Reviewed By DONNAandJANET - Chesterfield, Virginia

We passed through the historic area on our way to a hike so didn't stop while the buildings were open. However, on our return pass-through, we were still able to walk past the historic buildings. The signage was excellent so we were still able to learn a lot about the beginnings of the area and Yosemite National Park.

3. Glacier Point

Yosemite Lodge Resort origin, Yosemite National Park, CA +1 888-413-8869
Excellent
89%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 3 reviews

Glacier Point

This rustic geological formation is most famous for the magnificent sunsets that can be viewed from its top.

Reviewed By 607TomP - Ontario, Canada

Make sure you are early enough to grab good spot to view the sunset. And use facilities before you drive up there. Stay away from toilets at the top if you want to live.

4. Big Trees Lodge, National Historic Landmark

8308 Wawona Rd, Wawona, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 +1 888-413-8869
Excellent
44%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 77 reviews

Big Trees Lodge, National Historic Landmark

This Victorian style lodge features beautiful white buildings, classic verandas and lush natural surroundings. At Big Trees Lodge, there’s something for everyone—including golf, tennis, horseback riding, or fishing. In the evening, wind down your fun filled day by gathering around the piano for musical performances in the lounge.

Reviewed By Judy O - Martinez, California

Back to the Wawona Hotel for our annual visit. Yes, I know, the name has been changed to "Big Trees", but, somehow, that just doesn't do it justice. This hotel and the outlying buildings take you back about 100 years. So - if it's peace and quiet that you want, with no TVs in the rooms, and no cell phone/tablet hookups, then this is the place for you. We stayed in the Annex building, close to the hotel with the dining room and the parlor with the piano. We had dinner in the hotel, and then strolled about 50 feet to the parlor for a night's rendition of some wonderful old tunes. And, of course, we will return again next year

5. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

56001 Highway 41, Fish Camp, CA 93623-9701
Excellent
60%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 373 reviews

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Four-mile excursion on a narrow-gauge railroad through Sierra National Forest's scenic landscape.

Reviewed By Glenda G - Coarsegold, California

There's a little something for the whole family. History buffs will enjoy riding on the original narrow gauge rails that were used her during the logging period that started California's boom. After riding the train through scenic sugar pine woods, enjoy a BBQ lunch serves family style on picnic tables and rub elbows with new friends. Then pan or gold, or shop in the one of a kind memento shop, or explore the old vintage fire engine. Caution: September 2017 there was a fire in the area so call first before going.

6. Tunnel View

Wawona Road, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 +1 209-372-1000
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 2 reviews

Tunnel View

Reviewed By AndiM74 - Eugene, Oregon, USA

Be sure to stop here for a drop-dead gorgeous view of Yosemite to get you excited for the day ahead. Simply follow directions toward Bridalveil falls and keep driving up. Stop in the parking lot just before the tunnel and look at the scene in front of you. This is the picture that put Yosemite on everyone's bucket list.

7. Ascent, the Spa at Tenaya Lodge

1122 Highway 41, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, Fish Camp, CA 93623-9600 +1 559-692-8954
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 106 reviews

Ascent, the Spa at Tenaya Lodge

Set against the inspiring backdrop of Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada range, Ascent Spa at Tenaya Lodge® is a new destination where guests can reach elevated levels of relaxation and rejuvenation. This luxurious Northern California spa creates bliss via 12 treatment rooms for massages, facials and body treatments, all of which are intended to nourish, heal, relax and protect. It is the ideal retreat after an extended day exploring the park, hiking the surrounding woods or skiing snowy slopes. The 10,000-square-foot spa also offers dry saunas, steam rooms and an enhanced wellness center featuring cardio stations and strength training equipment.Ascent features an exclusive line of handcrafted Kimberly Parry Organics – one of the highest-rated certified organic skin care lines available – that offers a combination of natural, local sustainable herbal blends from the Yosemite region, reminiscent of a peaceful and refreshing walk through the High Sierra forest. This signature line as well as other wonderful products, accessories and gift items are available for purchase in our spa boutique.Waterfalls and Zen-inspired décor and furniture establish a nurturing ambiance at every turn. Tenaya's large outdoor pool and year-round indoor pool are perfect for working out or just splashing around during your Yosemite spa vacation. Indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi hot tubs and a well-equipped fitness area complete Tenaya’s new "Ascent."

Reviewed By erich802 - Oakland, California

My wife and I had a couples deep therapy massage. The two therapists were very good and the spa itself is nicely decorated and furnished.

8. Yosemite Trails Saddle & Sleigh Company

7910 Jackson/Big Sandy Rd, Fish Camp, CA 93623
Excellent
77%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 121 reviews

Yosemite Trails Saddle & Sleigh Company

Buy your tickets online for a horseback ride at Yosemite's South Entrance. We offer 1 & 2 hour trail rides as well as our exclusive Half Day ride to the Giant Redwoods at Mariposa Grove. We also offer authentic Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides over the Christmas holiday.

Reviewed By LarnisLegend

Had a great one hour ride through the woods with the family. They were excellent at making sure everyone was comfortable with their horse before heading on the trail. Our guide was Jules, she was excellent!! Highly recommend!

9. Sentinel Dome

Glacier Point Road, Yosemite National Park, CA
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 640 reviews

Sentinel Dome

At 4,150 feet high, this peak offers an extensive view.

Reviewed By Tweetcoz - Melbourne, Australia

Great view of the valley and el capitan as well as for sunsets.

Quite a long walk from the car park but if you go further up the road to the fire road and park across from the gate, this is a much shorter and easier walk to the rock.
From the base of the dome, the walk up is on rocks and steep but the views are amazing.

10. Model T Tours

7730 Laurel Way, Fish Camp, CA 93623
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 17 reviews

Model T Tours

Reviewed By cormiclim - Singapore

David's Model T was fabulous! Well maintained and the engine purred so smoothly. Took turns at driving this beaut which didn't show any signs of its age once on the way. Even my kids had no problem handling it. A truly unforgettable experience for us all. Thanks David!

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