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Expand your horizons the next time you visit the magnificent Yosemite National Park! This beautiful attraction is surrounded by some amazing small towns that have a lot to offer. Take a look at some of the best towns near Yosemite to visit during your next vacation.
4 of the Best Towns Near Yosemite
1. Groveland
Located thirty minutes away from Yosemite National Park is the small, charming town of Groveland, CA. There are many things to do here, such as dining in one of the many distinguished restaurants located around the area. Eat at Fork and Love Restaurant to experience some of the finest local cuisine in an elegant environment or head to the Iron Door Saloon to dine in the oldest drinking establishment in California. You’d also enjoy a trip to Mountain Sage, where they serve fantastic coffee and even have live music. The Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum is also found in this small town, displaying fantastic exhibits related to the history and origins of this amazing area.
2. Jamestown
Once a thriving gold rush town in California, Jamestown, CA, is now a historic treasure. This area, about an hour from Yosemite National Park, contains the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park where you can take a tour by train to see all the sights and wonders of this one-of-a-kind town! You can even try your hand at gold panning here and learn all about how this precious commodity helped shape this town. Jamestown also contains some great restaurants for you to have a delectable meal.
3. Murphys
About an hour and a half from Yosemite National Park is the town of Murphys, CA. This beloved town is most well-known for its incredible vineyards! If you love wine tasting, this is definitely the place for you. Murphys contains over two dozen wineries, so you can treat yourself to a fun day of tasting exquisite wines, exploring beautiful vineyards, and enjoying live music.
4. Columbia
You don’t want to miss visiting Columbia, California, located just a little over an hour away from Yosemite National Park. This unique town has preserved much of its original buildings and design, so you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time when you take a stagecoach tour through this town. They host plenty of engaging events and activities, such as historic reenactments and Gold Rush Days, that you are bound to enjoy!
Where to Stay When Visiting Yosemite National Park
Find the comfiest accommodations to stay in while you’re exploring the best towns near Yosemite! Hotel Charlotte is a historic bed and breakfast in Groveland, California, located at the gateway of Yosemite National Park, that offers luxurious lodging and amazing amenities. Choose from staying in one of our twelve lovely rooms or renting one of our cozy apartment rentals. You can explore the many attractions of our surrounding town of Groveland, adventure through the magnificent Yosemite National Park, or simply spend time in our peaceful environment; we have a beautiful living room, friendly and helpful staff, and even our very own Fork and Love Restaurant to accommodate all of your needs! Don’t wait another minute to start planning your dream vacation; check our availability and book your stay today!
To learn more about the many things to do in Yosemite, such as exploring the many towns near Yosemite, download our free Vacation Guide!
Photo by Marco Rosario Venturini Autieri / Getty Images
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