Yosemite National Park (Photo: Thinkstock)Yosemite National Park
A natural high
Park it at one of the natural wonders of the world, awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park. Spring is one of the best times to visit Yosemite, if you want to avoid the crowds. And there's plenty to see, whether or not there's snow on the ground. Waterfalls will roar, the lakes will mirror the crystal clear sky and Half Dome will rule over its subalpine domain.
One of the first wilderness parks established in the United States, Yosemite is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, there are deep valleys, wide meadows, ancient giant sequoias and a vast wilderness area. Many areas are closed in spring—in fact, some may not open until summer—but Yosemite Valley is accessible by car all year. Year-round lodging is available, ranging from tent cabins to a high-end motel, and shops, museums and information centers welcome guests.
The park has about 145,000 visitors during March, about one-quarter what it gets in August. So you won’t have to fight crowds, and in some parts of the valley, you may find yourself staring up at a thundering waterfall with no one else around to spoil your photo.
