Our guide to the best of Yosemite National Park.

The Ahwahnee's famous dining room (Ahwahnee Hotel)

Everyone should visit Yosemite at least once— preferably not all at the same time. Last year, 3.4 million flocked to the 760-acre park in California's Sierra Nevadas. Although you should be prepared for crowds on the valley floor during the summer, don't fret: No matter how many people are visiting, it's impossible to block those Ansel-Adams views of Bridal Veil Falls and Half Dome.

Where to Stay

Plan to spend at least two days in the park. You can camp at a drive-in site, stay in a cabin or a hotel like the Ahwahnee, or pack your tent and hike into the wilderness, which makes up 95 percent of the Yosemite.

Camping
During the summer, expect most of the 13 campgrounds to be full (click here for a list). If you want to sleep among the granite giants of Yosemite Valley, reservations are essential from April through September. Plenty of beautiful, more spacious sites lie outside the valley. Pets are allowed but must be leashed—bears and mountain lions live here, too. Reserve online through the park's reservation site or call (800) 436-7275 or (888) 530-9796 for TDD users.

Hotels
To reserve a room at the deluxe Ahwahnee, call (559) 252-4848.

The Wawona Hotel, built in 1879, is another Historic Hotel of America, with 104 European-style guest rooms, swimming pool, and golf course.

Curry Village, or Camp Curry, established in 1889, has 628 accommodations: 19 motel rooms, 102 cabins with private baths, 80 cabins with baths, and 427 canvas-tent cabins. Located near Half Dome and Glacier Point. (559) 252-4848.

Where to Eat

You won't starve in this land of ATM machines, delis, and grocery stores. In fact, you won't even have to give up lattes.

Ahwahnee Dining Room
At the park's most elegant and formal option, reservations are recommended, and sport coats are required. (209) 372-1489

Mountain Room Restaurant
Catch the park's best indoor views of Yosemite Falls. Open for dinner only.

Wawona Hotel Dining Room
Located near the southern entrance of the park, the Victorian dining room is open for breakfast, buffet lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Eat old-fashioned barbecue dinners on the lawn every Saturday night during the summer. (209) 375-1425.

Tuolumne Meadows Lodge
Open only during the summertime, this rustic tent beside the Tuolumne River is great for families. Dinner reservations required. (209) 372-8413.

Yosemite Lodge Food Court
Standard mall-type fare: breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and desserts. Open all year.

Curry Village
You?ll find burritos at the taqueria and pizza and ice cream nearby.

Yosemite Village
Multiple options here: Grab espresso beverages and deli fare at Degnan's Delicatessen or treat yourself to a post-hike pastry or smoothies at Degnan's Caf?. Also find The Loft, a casual family-style restaurant.