With its soaring ceilings, massive stone hearths, and windows framing Yosemite’s granite cathedrals, The Ahwahnee exudes a quiet grandeur that has drawn travelers for nearly a century. Many famous people have slept at this National Historic Landmark in Yosemite Valley, including John F. Kennedy, Greta Garbo, Queen Elizabeth II, and Winston Churchill. But you don’t have to be a celebrity, statesman, or royalty to experience it.
What to Expect at The Ahwahnee
Everything at this stately lodge is built on a grand scale, from the massive hand-stenciled timber beams to sandstone fireplaces so large you could hold a tea party inside. Adorning this hefty structure are colorful stained-glass windows, Native American tapestries and baskets, Turkish kilim rugs, and Yosemite-inspired 19th-century paintings depicting the park’s waterfalls and giant sequoia trees.
It’s all worth a look, and you don’t have to be a guest; there’s no charge for wandering inside to take in the splendor (free one-hour guided tours of The Ahwahnee Yosemite are offered throughout the year; check with the hotel's concierge desk for a current schedule).
You can also still book a table for the sumptuous Sunday brunch at The Ahwahnee Dining Room, or simply sit by the fireplace in the Great Lounge, look up at the wrought-iron chandeliers dropping from the dining room’s 34-foot, elaborately painted ceilings, or enjoy a cocktail at the bar. It’s a worthy splurge, though, to stay in one of its 123 rooms, suites, or cottages.
Things to Do at The Ahwahnee
Guests at The Ahwahnee can enjoy daily ranger-led talks and seasonal programs that bring Yosemite’s natural and cultural history to life. The hotel regularly hosts presentations on wildlife, geology, and the park’s early explorers, offering a deeper connection to the surrounding landscape. Evening lectures, films, and storytelling sessions held in the grand lounge provide an engaging way to unwind while learning more about Yosemite Valley.
To dive right into the Great Outdoors here, take advantage of The Ahwahnee’s direct access to hiking trails, from easy riverside paths to more strenuous treks toward Mirror Lake and the base of Half Dome. Guided nature walks help visitors identify native plants and wildlife, while sunrise photography outings showcase Yosemite’s shifting light and iconic scenery. In winter, guests can snowshoe through quiet forests or shuttle to nearby Badger Pass for skiing and snowboarding.
For those seeking a more mellow getaway, The Ahwahnee offers a range of relaxing onsite activities. Guests can settle into the solarium or Great Lounge with its soaring windows and fireplaces, perfect for reading or just taking it all in. Afternoon tea, wine tastings, and seasonal culinary events invite visitors to mingle and enjoy the hotel’s hospitality, while the terrace offers views of Yosemite’s dramatic granite walls.
Dining Options at The Ahwahnee
The Ahwahnee’s dining options mirror the hotel’s sense of grandeur and connection to Yosemite. The historic Dining Room, with its lofty ceilings, timber beams, and floor-to-ceiling windows, serves refined seasonal cuisine at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, often highlighting regional ingredients. Guests can also explore nearby spots throughout Yosemite Valley, from the casual yet hearty meals at Yosemite Valley Lodge to the variety of cafés and grab-and-go spots in Yosemite Village. At Curry Village, family-friendly eateries offer everything from pizza to Mexican food to pastries and ice cream.