- Of course, the primary reason most people visit this area of California is to see Yosemite National Park with its stellar hiking and breathtaking waterfalls. Unlike some of America's other great National Parks, Yosemite is open 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. Visitors are encouraged to visit whenever they like, but should be aware of the weather conditions, especially in the winter as many roads in the park will be closed due to snowfall. It is extremely helpful if you are planning on visiting the park to thoroughly read the National Park Service's Yosemite web pages. Information on the website includes road closings, activities, hours of particular gates and climate details plus fees and reservations for staying within the park.
- Even if you are not planning on visiting Yosemite and want a weekend away from either the Fresno or Modesto area, Ahwahnee is a short drive away and has many bed and breakfasts that are geared towards intimate getaways. Oak Cottage Bed and Breakfast has three rooms, a pool and a Jacuzzi. Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast is located about 10 miles from the main gate at Yosemite and offers many amenities including a petting zoo and rooms with private Jacuzzi tubs. Sierra Mountain Lodge, a large rambling bed and breakfast with a turn of the century feel, offers a stunning view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and a private cabin available for rent for guests seeking an extra level of privacy.
- Yosemite dominates the local tourism and its size and stature can cause travelers to overlook one of the true gems of Ahwahnee which is the Wassana Round House State Historic Park, home of the Wassana Round House, a gathering place for California's Native American tribes. The location for the Round House dates back to 1860 and still contains pieces of the original two Round Houses. The Round House serves the site for several Native American festivities which are available to the public. They include demonstrations of crafts and basket weaving, dancing and textile weaving. Gathering Day is the largest gathering at the Round House and is held the third Saturday of October.
- Fresno Flats Historic State Park is a great place to tour the history of northern California and the gold rush. It contains a museum in the form of two preserved houses from the 1870s and has a volunteer organization that maintains the facility while in proper historical attire. Although the museum closes for January and February to change exhibits and conduct repairs, you can participate in a tour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day and also rent the facility for weddings and family reunions. Also available for tour is the Coarsegold Historic Museum, a one-room schoolhouse perfectly preserved, an 1880s Adobe Stage Stop and other smaller historic sites such as Ross Cabin, one of the oldest cabins from the mid 1900s.
- Within the Ahwahnee area is some of the best sport fishing in California. Bass Lake, a smaller unincorporated adjacent community to Ahwahnee, has some of the best bass, salmon, crappie and bluegill fishing in the area. Visit the Kokanee.net website for more information on guided services. You can also participate in winter sports in Ahwahnee by enjoying skiing, winter hiking, cross country and snowmobiling. Mammoth Snow Adventures, hosted by D. J.'s Snowmobiling Adventures, is available for families and offers rides, rentals, guided tours and also hosts film productions. Golfing is available at the nearby Sierra Meadows Country Club.
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