13 Best Affordable California Vacations

"The iconic heart of a national park where towering granite monoliths and cascading waterfalls define the landscape and inspire awe. Guided valley-floor tours highlight famed vistas such as Tunnel View and Bridalveil Fall, while on-foot exploration reveals meadows and classic routes under El Capitan and Half Dome. Staying inside the valley ranges from comfortable lodge rooms within walking distance of major falls to canvas-tent accommodations and seasonal riverside “housekeeping” units that offer quieter mornings — though securing lodging requires planning well in advance, as reservations open a year and a day out." - Chelsee Lowe Chelsee Lowe Chelsee Lowe is a Los Angeles-based writer with an obsession with good eats and interesting stories. She regularly contributes to Travel + Leisure, TravelAge West, Ventura Blvd, and L.A. Parent, writing about food, family travel, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines