Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, one of California's most formidable natural landscapes, spans nearly 1,200 square miles of sheer awe, with towering waterfalls, millennia-old sequoia trees, striking, intimidating cliff faces, and some of the country's most unique rock formations. Despite its enormous size, Yosemite Valley's 8-square-mile area hosts the majority of tourist activity. Half Dome and El Capitan, two of the park's most famous landmarks, are located here, as are excellent hiking trails through the natural monuments.

Yosemite is accessible to even inexperienced hikers: local adventure outfitters offer guided tours and climbing lessons (such as those featured on our list of the best California tours). Just don't expect to be able to do it on your own. Crowds are the biggest obstacle to an enjoyable Yosemite vacation, as they are in many other American tourist destinations – approximately 4 million people visit each year. Mother Nature's wonders will reveal themselves to you in a miraculous and serene way if you go at the right time (and start your day a little earlier than usual).

• Best Times to Visit:May and September
  
• Best Things To Do:hiking, trekking, climbing and skiing
  
• Location: Tuolumne, Mariposa, Mono and Madera Counties, California, United States