Central Interior California

Travel Guide

Death Valley featuring desert views, a gorge or canyon and off road driving
Tunnel View featuring mountains, forests and landscape views
Death Valley showing tranquil scenes and signage
Death Valley showing forests and tranquil scenes
Glacier Point showing landscape views and mountains

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

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Mammoth Village and surrounding area, you can visit Village Gondola Station and Sierra Star Golf Course.

Mammoth Village
Central Interior California featuring hiking or walking and mountains as well as an individual femail

Downtown Mammoth Lakes

While Downtown Mammoth Lakes might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Sierra Star Golf Course and Village Gondola Station.

Downtown Mammoth Lakes
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Starwood

Though Starwood might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sierra Star Golf Course and Eagle Express Ski Lift.

Starwood
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Stonegate

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Stonegate and surrounding area, you can visit Village Gondola Station and Sierra Star Golf Course.

Stonegate
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Mammoth Vista

While Mammoth Vista isn't home to many top sights, Eagle Express Ski Lift and Sierra Star Golf Course are some notable places to visit nearby.

Mammoth Vista
Yosemite View Lodge
Yosemite View Lodge
2.5 out of 5
11136 Highway 140, El Portal, CA
The price is P17,196 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
P17,196
P19,799 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in El Portal. Enjoy free parking, 3 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,313 reviews)
"The location was beautiful and close to Yosemite."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Yosemite View Lodge
Vagabond Inn Bishop
Vagabond Inn Bishop
3 out of 5
1030 N Main St, Bishop, CA
The price is P6,342 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P6,342
P7,524 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bishop. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,491 reviews)
"Property and room are clean and quiet. Would love to see charging station for phones, fortunately the office staff had an extra and allowed me to charge my phone. Shower faucet not working properly, plus tiny ants were out and about. Otherwise, clean and quiet."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Vagabond Inn Bishop
Cedar Lodge
Cedar Lodge
2 out of 5
9966 Highway 140, El Portal, CA
The price is P14,056 per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
P14,056
P16,236 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in El Portal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,864 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly and areas were clean and it was peaceful. I didn't like that breakfast was not included. Overpriced at the restaurant."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Cedar Lodge
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.
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! (459 reviews)
This family is definitely coming back!
"A wonderful family experience for our Yosemite trip! We had the family 2-bedroom with kitchenette that was airy and refreshing with *gorgeous* lake views from every room. The kitchen was very well appointed (even had a cuisinart!) and we even grilled steaks on the available property grill :). The ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 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! (156 reviews)
"With the beautiful view, spotless room, and great barbecue facilities, I had an unforgettable, relaxing stay."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping
Indian Flat RV Park - Tent Cabins & Cottages
Indian Flat RV Park - Tent Cabins & Cottages
1 out of 5
9988 Highway 140, El Portal, CA
Stay at this campground in El Portal. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attraction ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,857 reviews)
"The deluxe tent cabin was nice, came with a private outdoor shower, which was not expected but still worked. The restroom was the shared campground restroom, no issues with that, it was clean and fairly close to the cabin. Cute little place that was great for an overnight stay. The front porch was ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Indian Flat RV Park - Tent Cabins & Cottages
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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