Between the Matches: Discover Yosemite & Madera County
Whether you call it soccer or football, fans from around the globe will soon be crisscrossing California between matches in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
But away from the stadiums lies a different kind of thrill—one filled with epic waterfalls, giant trees, alpine lakes, and small-town charm. Welcome to Yosemite’s southern gateway, where the real goal is making memories.
Kick Off Your Adventure in Oakhurst
Situated just 17 miles from Yosemite National Park, Oakhurst is the ideal basecamp for those looking to break up their journey. This cozy mountain town offers a wide range of accommodations, craft breweries, art galleries, farm-fresh dining, and outdoor activities. There’s nothing quite like a peaceful evening beneath the stars or a hike among ancient trees.
Make a Play for Bass Lake
Just minutes from Oakhurst, Bass Lake is your perfect post-match escape—a shimmering alpine lake where the only goal is total relaxation. Whether you're casting a line at sunrise, enjoying a classic lakeside hamburger, or kicking back with a cone of old-fashioned ice cream, Bass Lake delivers all the laid-back vibes you didn’t know you needed.
With three full-service marinas, you can rent a pontoon, kayak, or paddleboard and spend the day drifting between coves or cruising to lunch on the water. Resorts like The Pines Resort, Miller’s Landing Resort, and The Forks Resort offer lakeside dining, general stores, and that old-school summer feeling—with a touch of mountain magic.
Stay your way—from fishing cabins to luxury vacation homes with room for the whole team. Whether you're at Yosemite Bass Lake Suites, a hillside chalet, or a short-term rental with sunset views and a hot tub, Bass Lake is the kind of timeout everyone can agree on.
Enter Yosemite Through the South Gate
Yosemite’s South Gate entrance puts you on the fast track to some of Yosemite’s most breathtaking highlights: the towering Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, the panoramic views from Glacier Point, and the historic charm of Wawona—all easily accessed from the friendly foothill towns of Madera County.
Along the way, don’t miss a stop at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. This beloved attraction offers narrated steam train rides through the Sierra National Forest, giving visitors of all ages a fun and nostalgic way to experience the beauty of the region.
Whether you're coming from a cozy cabin in Oakhurst, a lakefront lodge at Bass Lake, or a scenic short-term rental tucked into the hills, Yosemite’s southern gateway makes it easy to turn your road trip into a full-blown Sierra escape.
Savor the Journey Through California’s Heartland
Madera County is one of California’s oldest grape-growing regions. Along the Madera Wine Trail, you'll discover family-run wineries, scenic vineyards, and the warm hospitality that defines the Central Valley. Sip estate-grown wines, enjoy wood-fired meals, and meet the makers who pour their passion into every bottle.
From farm-fresh produce to sunset tastings and charming country roads, this is where the journey becomes just as memorable as the destination.
A Trip You’ll Remember Long After the Final Whistle
Whether you’re here for the big matches or the journey in between, exploring Yosemite and Madera County adds so much more to your California adventure. This summer, detour off Highway 99 for views, trails, and moments you’ll never forget.
Want more? Take the scenic route between Three National Parks in California on the Majestic Mountain Loop Road Trip.
About the Author of this Article: Brooke Smith is the Director of Sales and Marketing for Visit Yosemite | Madera County. She is committed to positioning the region as a top travel destination and loves helping people craft incredible itineraries. Her favorite thing to do is exploring the backroads to find quirky, off-the-beaten-path locations like the exact Center of California, the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County, and Globe Rock.
