Choose your own adventure: a rustic tent cabin at the base of Half Dome or a lavish lodge just outside the national park’s gate.

Definitely try to book space at Yosemite Valley Lodge, but if that's not possible, the Yosemite View Lodge is just a 20-minute drive away in El Portal, just outside the park gates.

Yosemite View Lodge, El Portal. ... Good to know: If you can’t score a river view room, bask in one of seven on-site hot tubs with mountain views to relax your hike-weary body. 4.