Holiday Villas to Rent in California, America

California Description

California (pronounced ) is the most populous state in the United States and the third-largest by land area, after Alaska and Texas. California is also the most populous sub-national entity in North America. It's on the U.S (...)

For further information please visit California.

California Key Facts

Country	United States
Languages	English, Spanish, French
Currency	US Dollar (USD)
Population	36.4 million
Continent	North America
Time Zone	America/Los_Angeles
Local Time	12:01 am

California Travel Information

Airports in or around California:

Code	Airport	Town / City	Distance
MAE	Madera Municipal Airport	Madera	27.0 miles
FAT	Fresno Air Terminal Airport	Fresno	32.8 miles
FCH	Fresno-Chandler Downtown Airport	West Park	36.0 miles
MCE	Merced Municipal Airport	Merced	42.0 miles
MER	Castle Airport Aviation and Development Center	Merced	45.7 miles
MMH	Mammoth Lakes Airport	Whitmore Hot Springs	56.3 miles
LSN	Los Banos Municipal Airport	Los Banos	63.0 miles
NLC	Stone Airstrip	Lemoore	63.5 miles
HJO	Hanford Municipal Airport	Hanford	64.7 miles
COA	Columbia Airport	Columbia	65.0 miles
VIS	Visalia Municipal Airport	Visalia	67.3 miles
MOD	Modesto City-County Airport	Modesto	71.0 miles
BIH	Bishop Airport	Shady Rest Trailer and Recreational Vehicle Park	76.5 miles
TLR	Mefford Field	Tulare	79.2 miles
CRO	Corcoran Airport	Corcoran	79.8 miles
CLG	Coalinga Municipal Airport	Coalinga	82.5 miles
PTV	Porterville Municipal Airport	Porterville	92.6 miles
SCK	Stockton Metropolitan Airport	Stockton	92.8 miles
HLI	Hollister Municipal Airport	Hollister	94.7 miles

California Weather

Current weather information:

Temperature	30.0°C
Visibility	Data Not Available
Conditions	Data Not Available

California Map

California Attractions

Yosemite Valley Visitor Center

The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center is the heart of Yosemite Village and is open daily, with hours varying with the season. The visitor center is immediately west of the main post office in the park at shuttle bus stops #6 and #9. You'll find information, maps, books, a series of great natural and cultural history exhibits, and helpful rangers to ge ...read more about Yosemite Valley Visitor Center

Insider Tips:
• The Yosemite Valley relief map is a really useful tool for planning excursions.
• A great education can be had between exhibits, the bookstore, the film and talking with rangers.

Half Dome Trail

• Website: www.nps.gov • Telephone: +1 209 372 0200

Don't try this incredible trail unless you're truly ready for a very challenging adventure.  You can do it as one-day epic or as a backpack trek but either way, you need to be in top condition, with comfortable walking shoes, start up early in the morning and take in plenty of water and food as you go.  If there's any chance of rain or l ...read more about Half Dome Trail

Insider Tips:
• Be smart and turn around if lightning or rain even threaten. Bring a filter to treat river water, so you can stay completely hydrated. Snack all day; you'll burn 5000 calories easy. Start really early and get to the cables before 11 unless you want to wait in line. New for 2011: you need to get a day hike permit for every day of the week from www.recreation.gov.
• Consider doing this hike as a 2-day backpacking trip, camping in Little Yosemite Valley. You'll get a get an early start and have the summit to yourselves, avoiding some of the dayhikers. Plus, you'll enjoy the Yosemite backcountry and won't have to submit to a single 16-mile day.

Mariposa Grove

• Website: www.nps.gov • Telephone: +1 209 372 0200

This grove was part of the world's first 'national park,' protected by the US government 8 years before Yellowstone.  It's open all year, but you can only drive in during the summer and fall.  In winter it's a couple mile walk, ski or snowshoe along the access road -very worthwhile.  These trees are huge, up to 300' tall, and 25-30' ...read more about Mariposa Grove

Insider Tips:
• Snowshoe or XC ski through these giants in the winter for an otherworldly experience.
• Along with Yosemite Valley, Abraham Lincoln protected these trees in 1864; the first time in history that a national government preserved land for the citizens simply because it was beautiful.

Ansel Adams Gallery

• Website: www.anseladamsgallery.com • Email: yosemite@anseladams.com

Yosemite's best known artist was trained as a classical pianist, but he married into a photography business and it is still run by the Ansel Adams family today.  The Gallery is located in Yosemite Village, right next to the Valley Visitor Center, and it's open all year.  Whether you're a photographer or not, the Gallery is worth a visit, ...read more about Ansel Adams Gallery

Insider Tips:
• Highly recommended whether you're into photography or not; you're guaranteed to learn something on a free camera walk.
• A must-stop in Yosemite Village

Bridalveil Falls Day Hike

• Telephone: +1 209 372 0200

This is the first big waterfall that most Yosemite visitors see.  When John Muir first spotted it from a distance he was delighted to think it might be as much as 70 feet high.  Bridalveil is 620 feet high - even Muir's sense of scale was thrown off by this canyon. Follow the signs to the parking area or park in the strip parking along So ...read more about Bridalveil Falls Day Hike

Insider Tips:
• You can do this thing in 5 minutes, but plan at least a half-hour to really enjoy the dynamic setting of Bridalveil Creek.
• Perhaps the best close approach to a classic Yosemite waterfall for many.

Tunnel View

• Website: www.nps.gov • Telephone: 209/372-0200

Along Highway 41, just a mile above Yosemite Valley is this jaw-dropping view of the length of the Valley's deep chasm.  Visitors entering the Valley from the south are regularly startled by this landscape as they pop out of the tunnel that descends toward the Valley floor - drive and walk defensively here.  There are parking lots on eith ...read more about Tunnel View

Insider Tips:
• Sunset is often the best time for lighting this view.
• If you only stop at one roadside pullout, this should be the one.

The Mist Trail

• Website: www.nps.gov • Telephone: +1 209 372 0200

The Mist Trail parallels the John Muir Trail from Happy Isles to the top of Nevada Fall and many people make a loop of the two.  Here we'll describe just the Vernal Fall section. The trail is paved or granite and is very popular for a good reason - astonishing scenery, a stiff ascent and an astounding 300' waterfall.  Bring water, sun pro ...read more about The Mist Trail

Insider Tips:
• The Mist Trail is closed in winter due to ice buildup.
• If you really only have time for one hike (and you're fit enough for this burly climb) this is the hike to do. Steep cliffs, the crashing Merced River and one gorgeous waterfall.

Lower Yosemite Falls Day Hike

• Website: www.nps.gov • Telephone: +1 209 372 0200

The trail to Lower Yosemite Falls is one of the easiest walks in the park, with the biggest payoff: staring up at a 300' waterfall.  During the spring's snowmelt you may find yourself getting drenched as you gaze at this famous waterfall and listen to the amazing roar of the pounding water. By contrast, if you come in August there may not be a ...read more about Lower Yosemite Falls Day Hike

Insider Tips:
• Even in the busy summer, you'll have it to yourself if you go before 8 a.m.
• An enthralling stroll for any ability.

Yosemite Theater

• Website: www.yosemiteconservancy.org • Telephone: +1 209 372 0200

Located right in Yosemite Village the Yosemite Theater is organized by the non-profit Yosemite Conservancy during the summer season.  Live performances, sometimes accompanied by film, deliver world class entertainment that is Yosemite-centered.  You'll be delighted with how much you enjoy this learning experience - or how much you learn d ...read more about Yosemite Theater

Insider Tips:
• Expect entertaining education
• Unique and powerful performances make this a national park experience not found in many places.

Dining at the Ahwahnee

• Website: www.yosemitepark.com • Telephone: 209 372-1000

Most people wouldn't want to spend the money to stay at the Ahwahnee hotel, but you can enjoy this grand lodge by dining there.  Dinner is fancy, with dress code expectations and reservations required.  Lunch is more casual and breakfast is quiet and sedate - and more affordable.  Sunday brunch is a legendary feast.  The Braceb ...read more about Dining at the Ahwahnee

Insider Tips:
• Breakfast is easy, but no less grand than dinner.
• Taking a meal at the Ahwahnee is a special delight.

Frazil Ice

• Website: www.nps.gov • Telephone: 209/372-0200

Frazil ice is a very transient natural phenomenon, best seen on early mornings in April on Yosemite Creek below Yosemite Falls.  It doesn't happen every day or even every year, but if you see frazil in action, you'll be astounded.  A portion of the mist falling from Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls will freeze while it's falling during the ...read more about Frazil Ice

Insider Tips:
• The NPS frazil ice video has been a viral sensation. Seeing it on screen is much easier than seeing it in person.
• A freaky show of natural power - you have to be lucky to get the right conditions for it to form.

Ranger Programs

• Website: www.nps.gov • Telephone: 209/372-0200

The tradition of going on ranger walk started in Yosemite and continues strongly today.  Yosemite's rangers are great interpreters of the natural and human stories of Yosemite and you'll learn something no matter how many of these programs you've been on.  In summer, there are ranger programs throughout the park: Mariposa Grove, Wawona, G ...read more about Ranger Programs

Insider Tips:
• Bring sunscreen and camera, and prepare to be delighted.
• A must for any park visit.

Exploring Yosemite Natural History

• Website: www.yosemiteconservancy.org

David Lukas, naturalist, will be your guide for this popular course in (and about) the diverse Yosemite high country. The adventure includes lessons in zoology, ecology, botany and geology, and is a great course for friends to experience together. Attendees participate in daily hikes (easy to moderate) of two to four miles; once in the field, natur ...read more about Exploring Yosemite Natural History

Insider Tips:
• Free camping and park entry are included.
• David Lukas is one of America's top naturalists.

Parsons Memorial Lodge

• Website: www.nps.gov • Telephone: +1 209 372 0263

This rustic granite and timber building near Soda Springs is a good place to visit while exploring Tuolumne Meadows, the place where John Muir and Robert Underwood Johnson conceived the idea of establishing Yosemite National Park. Walking to and from Parsons will give you a sense of why Muir called the Sierra the "range of light." The former Sierra ...read more about Parsons Memorial Lodge

Insider Tips:
• You have at least a half mile walk to reach Parsons Memorial Lodge. Bring water and sun protection - this is 8600'
• Look at the NPS or YA website in June for details on each season's Parsons Summer Series of top-notch speakers.

Glacier Point

• Website: www.nps.gov

Glacier Point is the only spot on the rim of Yosemite Valley to which one can drive in a car.  It provides a breath-taking view almost 3000' down to the floor of Yosemite Valley, and of the high country stretching miles to the east.  Waterfalls, domes, miles of granite, snowfields, Half Dome, meadows and forests comprise the view. The dr ...read more about Glacier Point

Insider Tips:
• Stay for sunset - glorious!
• A dramatic view worth the trip.

Yosemite Outdoor Adventures

• Website: www.yosemiteconservancy.org • Email: info@yosemiteconservancy.org • Telephone: +1 209 379 2321

Sponsored by the park's non-profit Yosemite Conservancy, this series of field courses, "Yosemite Outdoor Adventures" changes annually and includes courses in snowshoeing, winter natural history, birding, geology, botany/wildflowers, backpacking, photography, plein air painting, history, writing, Indians, and more.  Family camping programs in t ...read more about Yosemite Outdoor Adventures

Insider Tips:
• Photography courses tend to fill months ahead of time.
• If you want to learn more, this is the best quality outfit to go with.

Yosemite Conservancy

• Website: www.yosemiteconservancy.org • Email: info@yosemite.org • Telephone: 209/379-2646

The U.S. Congress authorized this non-profit to support interpretive, educational, research, scientific, infrastructure and environmental programs in Yosemite National Park. It works closely with the National Park Service and has 30,000 members worldwide. In addition to supporting the park, members receive considerable benefits including: a magazin ...read more about Yosemite Conservancy

Insider Tips:
• Have a look at the 4 webcams on YC's site, www.yosemiteconservancy.org. Besides the scheduled Outdoor Adventures programs, they hire out naturalists for guided hikes.
• One of the top such organizations in the world.

Shuttle Buses

• Website: www.nps.gov • Telephone: +1 209 372 0200

Yosemite's popularity means there's potential for traffic problems and the air pollution that goes with it.  The park service and concessioner have arranged an easy solution in the Valley's shuttle system.  Leave your car in the Day Use Parking at Yosemite Village or Curry Village, and take a shuttle to 90% of the places you want to go: c ...read more about Shuttle Buses

Insider Tips:
• You can learn from fellow passengers about good hikes and good places to eat.
• A genuinely superb way to avoid parking hassles and to spare the air.

Yosemite Facelift

• Website: www.yosemiteclimbing.org • Telephone: 209/372-0200

The Yosemite Facelift was started by the climbing community, as an effort to give back to this place where so many have gained so much from the vertical granite.  Hundreds of volunteers show up to spend several days picking up litter and old junk throughout the park.  In the evenings there are films, music, and some very special guest pre ...read more about Yosemite Facelift

Insider Tips:
• A great way to give back to the park.

Wawona

• Website: www.nps.gov • Telephone: 209/372-0200

Wawona is a small settlement in the southern part of Yosemite National Park.  Travelers on Highway 41 will pass by it on their way between Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias - or make it their base camp for a Yosemite visit.  There's a nice campground beside the South Fork of the Merced River that's open year-round. ...read more about Wawona

Insider Tips:
• Wawona is pleasant and interesting twelve months a year.

Lembert Dome Trail

• Website: www.nps.gov

This 2-mile round-trip trail begins from the Dog Lake/John Muir Trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows. Find it by going in on the side road to Tuolumne Meadows Lodge.  Bring water, snacks and a camera. Begin hiking uphill and north from the trailhead. Soon you cross the highway and continue on up through forested switchbacks.  Take your time at t ...read more about Lembert Dome Trail

Insider Tips:
• If you have time for just one hike (2 hours) in the high country it should be this one.

Lyell Canyon Trail

An underrated delight running south from Tuolumne Meadows

Insider Tips:
• Miles of flat travel; unusual amidst all this alpine relief. No camping until you're at least 4 miles upcanyon.
• The Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River runs crystal-clear down the valley from the snow and glaciers around Yosemite's highest point --- Mt. Lyell. Far up the valley you'll find beautiful subalpine meadows and great campsites. Consider taking the spur to camp at Ireland Lake, a deep blue lake at the head of a huge alpine plateau and surrounded by an amphitheater of peaks. Or, continue up to the meadows below Mt. Lyell or Mt. McClure for the ultimate Yosemite backcountry experience.

Mountain Shop

• Website: www.yosemitepark.com • Telephone: 209/372-1000

The Mountain Shop at Curry Village is fun for a casual visitor to poke around in and look for hiking socks or a hat that keep ears warm or face shaded.  But it's also a place where a serious climber or mountaineer can acquire high-quality clothing, camping supplies, climbing rope or other technical gear for a Yosemite adventure.  Maps, tr ...read more about Mountain Shop

Insider Tips:
• Look for sales as the seasons change.
• A top-notch outlet for real hardware.

Ask-a-Climber

• Website: www.yosemiteclimbing.org • Telephone: 209/372-0200

A service provided by the Yosemite Climbing Association and the Yosemite Conservancy, here's a great way to learn about the bold men and women who ascend Yosemite's big walls.  In summer only, take the free shuttle to El Capitan Bridge where you'll find a helpful fellow with a big telescope pointed up at the cliff.  Though nearly invisibl ...read more about Ask-a-Climber

Insider Tips:
• Bring your own binoculars to look for other parties on El Cap.
• Here's a cool way that big wall climbing can be a spectator sport.

Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Dining Room

• Website: www.yosemitepark.com • Telephone: 1 209 372 0200

The Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Dining Room is entered from the lodge lobby.  Except for the bear-proof kitchen, this building is a large white tent structure.  You'll be seated with other park visitors (and locals) for family style camaraderie.  The napkins have trail maps on them and conversations are easily started about eachother's Yo ...read more about Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Dining Room

Insider Tips:
• A great place to enhance your visit by meeting others.

Degnan's Delicatessen

• Telephone: 1 209 372 1000

Degnan's is a social hub for Yosemite Village and it's overflowing at lunchtime.  There's a lot to chose from, but their sandwich selection (all named for park landmarks) is great and the soups are just the thing on a chilly mountain day.  Lots of beverage fridges, ice cream novelties, chips and candy can round out a meal for a picnic tab ...read more about Degnan's Delicatessen

Insider Tips:
• If you're lunching outside, don't let those ground squirrels get any crumbs; keep them wild.

Curry Village Pizza Patio and Bar

• Telephone: 209 372 1000

The pizza deck is a lively place in the summer, with families milling and sports fans swilling.  Big screen TV's draw lots of folks for basketball playoffs in the spring and Giants or A's games all summer.  All manner of draft and bottled beer and filling pizza is available for recovering from a day on the trail.  The view up to Glac ...read more about Curry Village Pizza Patio and Bar

Insider Tips:
• Do NOT feed the raccoons, which may be lurking nearby.
• A social place for pie and brew with a view.

Wawona Hotel Dining Room

• Website: www.yosemitepark.com • Telephone: 801 559-4884

Fine Food & 19th-Century Decor

Insider Tips:
• Check out the lampshades overhead, with sequoia cones dangling from them.
• Extra points for a historic structure and setting.

Mountain Room Restaurant

• Website: www.yosemitepark.com • Telephone: 1 559 252 4848

Good food with great views

White Wolf Lodge Restaurant

• Website: www.yosemitepark.com • Telephone: 1 209 372 8416

Large, enticing portions

Insider Tips:
• Bundle up for breakfast on the outdoor deck.
• Your napkins have trail maps on them, so you can plan a day's outing at your table.

Yosemite Lodge Food Court

• Website: www.yosemitepark.com • Telephone: 1 559 252 4848

Convenience and selection

Charles Street Dinner House

• Website: www.charlesstreetdinnerhouse.com • Email: Chef@charlesstreetdinnerhouse.com • Telephone: 1 209 966 2366

Californian and American cuisine

Insider Tips:
• Mocha Ice Cream Pie - oh, yes
• Certainly one of Mariposa's nicer places to eat.

Cafe at the Bug

• Website: www.yosemitebug.com • Email: bughost@yosemitebug.com

The Bug is loved by locals, by international visitors and by anyone open to a different kind of casual dining.  People are friendly, most are there to see Yosemite, and it's easy to find a conversation with someone from Ireland or a group of rangers gathering off duty.  Good coffee, wine, beer and always a different menu of tasty entrees ...read more about Cafe at the Bug

Insider Tips:
• You'll always find locals here; a good sign.

Groveland Hotel Restaurant

• Website: www.groveland.com • Email: info@groveland.com

California-style dining

Yosemite Village Grill

• Telephone: 1 209 372 1000

Lunch on the run

Insider Tips:
• Do NOT let the ground squirrels get your leftovers! Beware of yellowjackets in late summer.

Pavilions (The)

• Telephone: 1 209 379 2681

"The View" as locals know it, has a nice restaurant with a fine location right on the park boundary in El Portal.  Traditional American fare of steak and salad will refill you after a day out in the park, or set you up with a good breakfast beforehand, and there's a full service bar, too.  Seating on the patio next to the rushing Merced R ...read more about Pavilions (The)

Insider Tips:
• Pizza place next to the restaurant is quite worthy.

Glacier Point Snack Stand

• Website: www.yosemitepark.com • Telephone: 209/372-1000

Not a restaurant, but largely a gift shop that also has ice cream novelties, trail mix, hot dogs, chips, sodas, coffee, possibly some pre-made sandwiches or salads.  The best thing is taking your munchies outside and over to the granite amphitheater.  Sit on the massive stone blocks and take in the view of Nevada and Vernal Falls below yo ...read more about Glacier Point Snack Stand

Insider Tips:
• Watch out for the yellowjacket wasps that love to come to our picnics.

Tenaya Lodge Sierra Restaurant

• Website: www.tenayalodge.com • Telephone: +1 888 514 2167

Elegant California Cuisine

Duceys on the Lake

• Website: www.basslake.com • Email: pines@basslake.com

Spectacular views

Tuolumne Meadows Grill

• Website: www.yosemitepark.com • Telephone: 209/372-1000

Right beside the road in Tuolumne Meadows, and just through the woods from the Tuolumne Meadows Campground is the Tuolumne Meadows Store and the Tuolumne Meadows Grill.  These two summer-only facilities share a large white tent.  The grill serves up a quick breakfast and fast crowd pleasers like burger, fries, nachos, etc.  There are ...read more about Tuolumne Meadows Grill

Curry Village Pavilion Buffet

• Telephone: 1 209 372 0200

Buffet with a fireplace

Chefs' Holidays

• Website: www.yosemitepark.com

Guest chefs bring culinary delights

Yosemite Coffee and Roasting Company

• Website: www.yosemitecoffee.com • Telephone: 1 559 683 8815

Good food, coffee and ice cream

Yosemite Theater

• Website: www.nps.gov • Telephone: +1 209 372 0200

Here's a great way to learn something while being entertained by some top-notch performers; not something you might expect to find in a national park visit.  You may have seen some of the Yosemite Theater's performers in the Ken Burns documentary, 'America's Best Idea.'  Check the park's newsletter, the Yosemite Guide for what's playing w ...read more about Yosemite Theater

Insider Tips:
• Playing only in summer, get your tickets early for Ron Kauk or Lee Stetson.
• An evening at this theater is worth planning into your park visit.

Lower Yosemite Falls Day Hike

• Website: www.nps.gov • Telephone: +1 209 372 0200

Mysterious moonbows appear at full moons in April, May and June.  Lower Yosemite Falls is jammed with people each summer day, but at night the power of rock and water take over and human things are diminished to a proper scale.  If you go in May or June, you might bring a rainjacket, and expect a deafening roar.  The falls actually i ...read more about Lower Yosemite Falls Day Hike

Insider Tips:
• A unique and humbling experience.

Mountain Room Bar & Lounge

• Website: www.yosemitepark.com • Telephone: 559 252 4848

Cocktails and wine with a view

Cafe at the Bug

• Website: www.yosemitebug.com • Email: bughost@yosemitebug.com

A Great Place to Relax

Insider Tips:
• So many locals are found here, you know it's a good place.

Glacier Point Sunset

• Website: www.nps.gov • Telephone: 209/372-1000

Summer sunsets at Glacier Point are so nice that dozens of people stick around to watch the light change and the stars come out.  Rangers like it, too; they'll stay on duty into the evening, talking with other admirers, presenting an outdoor talk and identifying constellations as they become visible.  Some summer nights a cadre of amateur ...read more about Glacier Point Sunset

Insider Tips:
• Bring long pants, a good jacket and a warm hat. And a headlamp or flashlight.

Ahwahnee Lounge

• Website: www.yosemitepark.com • Telephone: 209/3720200

The Ahwahnee Lounge is right off the lobby and a great place to meet fellow travelers for a drink or a snack after a day on the trail or a business meeting.  In warm weather, they'll have doors open to a patio that has a nice view up toward Glacier Point (and allow ground squirrels to dash in to beg peanuts).  Many visitors will take a me ...read more about Ahwahnee Lounge

Insider Tips:
• Don't feed those ground squirrels!

Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino

• Website: www.chukchansigold.com • Telephone: +1 866 794 6946(Toll Free)

If you're looking for something different after an overdose of nature in Yosemite, you could find it at this Indian casino a short way outside the park on Hwy. 41.  The Chukchansi Gold Casino is a fairly new facility that has been growing for the past ten years.  It has a spa, conference/meeting rooms, a regular cycle of well-known musica ...read more about Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino

Black Oak Casino

• Website: www.blackoakcasino.com

Casino in the Sierra Foothills

Yosemite Coffee and Roasting Company

• Website: www.yosemitecoffee.com • Email: yosemitecoffee@sti.net • Telephone: 1 559 683 8815

Good food and coffee in Oakhurst