Central Interior California Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Death Valley
Tunnel View which includes forests, mountains and landscape views
Death Valley
Death Valley
Glacier Point showing mountains and landscape views

Venture to the wild heart of California, a land of abundant natural beauty, vast national parks and towns steeped in Gold Rush history.

Central Interior California holds some of the state’s most well-known and well-hidden natural wonders. Travel from iconic Yosemite National ParkOpens in a new window to eerie Death Valley National ParkOpens in a new window to see some of the country’s most staggering landscapes. Visit long-abandoned gold-mining towns, enjoy luxury mountain resorts and explore Old West settlements.

Yosemite National Park is famed across the world for its ancient sequoia trees, towering granite formations and gushing waterfalls. Explore beautiful spots such as Nevada FallOpens in a new window and Vernal FallOpens in a new window. Stand atop Tunnel ViewOpens in a new window for one of the park’s best vistas across Bridalveil FallOpens in a new window and the granite cliffs of El CapitanOpens in a new window and Half Dome. From sub-alpine meadows threaded by streams at Tuolumne MeadowsOpens in a new window to the remote canyons and peaks of Hetchy Hetchy ReservoirOpens in a new window to Yosemite MuseumOpens in a new window, captivating vistas and attractions await around every corner.

For a change of scene, venture amid the surreal and mesmerizing landscapes of Death Valley National Park. One of the country’s lowest and hottest places, this park is packed with fantastical geological formations and vast desert landscapes.

Glide down the slopes of the luxurious Mammoth Mountain Ski ResortOpens in a new window, one of North America’s most acclaimed ski, snowboard and cross-country skiing destinations. In summer, the resort transforms into an adventure playground with hiking, biking, fishing and horseback-riding opportunities.

Gold Rush history abounds in Central Interior California. Dare to venture into the long-abandoned Bodie State Historic DistrictOpens in a new window near Mono LakeOpens in a new window, where ghosts reportedly haunt the deserted mining town. Imagine you’re in the Old West as you walk up the historic main street of MariposaOpens in a new window, whose heritage is firmly attributed to California’s ambitious prospectors.

While good public transportation links exist between main towns and the national parks, you may want to rent a car to truly get the most out of a trip to Central Interior California. San FranciscoOpens in a new window or SacramentoOpens in a new window make good jumping-off points. The seasons vary wildly here. Choose winter for snowy landscapes, skiing and roaring log fires or spring to fall for backcountry hiking and outdoor adventures.

Where to stay in Central Interior California

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Yosemite West

You'll enjoy the waterfalls and riverfront in Yosemite West. You might want to make time for a stop at Yosemite National Park or Sierra National Forest.

Yosemite West
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Mammoth Village

While Mammoth Village isn't home to many top sights, Village Gondola Station and Sierra Star Golf Course are some notable places to visit nearby.

Mammoth Village
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Old Mammoth

When in Old Mammoth, you can plan a visit to Eagle Express Ski Lift and Sierra Star Golf Course, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Old Mammoth
Central Interior California which includes mountains and hiking or walking as well as an individual female

Downtown Mammoth Lakes

While there might not be top attractions in Downtown Mammoth Lakes, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Sierra Star Golf Course and Village Gondola Station.

Downtown Mammoth Lakes
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Starwood

Starwood might not have many top sights, but Sierra Star Golf Course and Eagle Express Ski Lift are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Starwood
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Stonegate

Though Stonegate may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Village Gondola Station and Sierra Star Golf Course.

Stonegate
Yosemite View Lodge

Yosemite View Lodge

2.5 out of 5
11136 Highway 140, El Portal, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$462 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
AU$462
31 Oct - 1 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in El Portal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,695 reviews)
"My experience with hotels near national parks is usually subpar. Yosemite View Lodge ticks all the boxes, I would come back again. - Location: 4min drive from Yosemite park entrance Fast EV charging: Tesla chargers in the parking lot, in October there were plenty available - Easy check in and checkout ..."

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025

Yosemite View Lodge
The Ranch at Death Valley – Inside the Park

The Ranch at Death Valley – Inside the Park

2.5 out of 5
Highway 190, Death Valley, CA
The price is AU$405 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
AU$405
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf resort in Death Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and a golf course. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,066 reviews)
"Property was ideally located inside Death Valley national park. Rooms were clean, but walls a little thin - could hear neighboring rooms."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

The Ranch at Death Valley – Inside the Park
Tenaya at Yosemite

Tenaya at Yosemite

4 out of 5
1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp, CA
The price is AU$363 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
AU$363
20 Nov - 21 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Fish Camp. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,831 reviews)
"We are not pet people. There were other patrons that had dogs there. But the place was kept so well that even my wife who is allergic to dogs was not having an issue."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Tenaya at Yosemite
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sierra Meadows

Sierra Meadows

3 out of 5
46513 Opah Dr., Ahwahnee, CA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Ahwahnee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (861 reviews)
"Very, very nice. We will be back."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Sierra Meadows
Heidelberg Inn

Heidelberg Inn

2.5 out of 5
85 Bolder Lake View Dr, June Lake, CA
Stay at this condo in June Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fireplace in the lobby. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (497 reviews)
"Great place, we stayed in the summer and easy to explore from the hotel - lots of character, recommended."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Heidelberg Inn
Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping

Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping

1 out of 5
4808 California 140, Mariposa, CA
Stay at this campground in Mariposa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch and California ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (214 reviews)
"Friendly staff"

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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