A sprawling complex just 2 miles from Yosemite’s south entrance, this large resort, conference center and upscale spa is ideal for families looking for a rustic luxury feel. Activities range from mountain biking and flashlight hikes to archery and movie nights. It has three pools, a games room kids won’t want to leave, four restaurants and a general store.
There are also five sleek and contemporary, adults-only suites (no pets either) with a sort of Scandinavia-meets-Miami-meets-mountain aesthetic and top-of-the-line boutique touches and small patios. Across the road, surrounded by towering pine and cedar trees, is a village of family-style cottages with outdoor decks, all renovated in 2017. An additional 50 contemporary, stand-alone cabins opened in 2019, part of a 30-acre expansion.
The breakfast buffet is massive and the Jackalopes restaurant, especially recommended, has lured a talented chef from San Francisco who’s especially good with innovative and tasty small dishes. S’mores, snowshoeing and ice-skating are on offer in winter.
Tenaya offers all-day tours (per person $150) and half-day tours (per person $95) of Yosemite in Mercedes buses. They've got retractable roofs that offer better views than windows would allow.
Two dozen baby giant sequoias have been planted around the property. One day maybe they’ll grow to rival the specimens in nearby Mariposa Grove.
