Exploring Yosemite National Park and Bass Lake

We have one of the most beautiful lakes and national parks literally in our backyard and are guilty of not taking advantage of it enough!

This weekend we decided to take a break from work and unpacking and escape up to Bass Lake. It was so much fun exploring one of my favorite childhood destinations and getting to experience the beauty literally 30 minutes from my driveway. If you are planning a trip to Yosemite National Park, then this blog is for you!

WHERE TO STAY:

We booked the CUTEST cabin only 45 minutes from the entrance to Yosemite and less than 5 minutes to Bass Lake and the nearest boat launch.

The Ray’s Cabin is an Airbnb that was built in the late 1950’s. From the guest book left in the cabin, we learned the Ray family is only the 3rd owner! They have taken so much pride in the up-keeping of this cabin and was the cleanest Airbnb or even hotel, that we have EVER stayed in. When I say it was spotless- I MEAN IT WAS SPOTLESS!

The cabin is 1,080 square feet with 2 bedrooms, a sunroom, and one bath on a half acre lot, with plenty of parking in the front, and ample privacy in the back.  Bedroom 1 has a queen bed, bedroom 2 has a twin and double bed, and there is a pull-out twin in the sunroom couch so it comfortably fit us 3 and my mom and step-dad!

The kitchen is equipped with a variety of cooking equipment including pots, pans, dishes, cups, toaster, and crockpot. The grill with side propane burner is a great way to feel close to nature while enjoying the outdoor space. We were able to make breakfast and then later that night grill up some Cattle 8 Wagyu Beef Burgers! The host provided everything we needed (including propane!).

Every morning we were greeted by deer roaming the backyard and wild turkeys in the front yard. Although the cabin was nestled in a quiet neighborhood, the wildlife was abundant and really gave us the mountain experience we were looking for!

I HIGHLY suggest booking the Ray’s Family Cabin for your Bass Lake and Yosemite getaway! You can learn more about their cabin and availability here! 

WHAT TO DO:

We checked into the cabin around 5pm on Friday and decided to head to the opposite side of the lake for Bloody Marys at Ducey’s! From the cabin to the notorious Ducey’s was only a 20 minute drive!

Ducey’s Bar & Grill At The Pine’s Resort is perched above Bass Lake, Ducey’s on the Lake offers upscale lakeside dining and scratch-made California cuisine. Executive Chef, Johnathan Frabotta, cooks with a farm to table approach using locally grown and organic produce and beef from Harris Ranch. The menu offers steaks, seafood, pastas, seasonal dishes and house-made soups. We joke that it is a 5-Star restaurant that you can wear swimsuits and hats in without being turned away.

Ducey’s is also infamous for their Bloody Mary. I DARE you to try to find a better Bloody Mary…I’ll wait.

After dinner at Ducey’s we drove around the other side of the lake on the way back to the cabin. We ran into the old PGE Campgrounds that I grew up going to! As soon as we turned the corner I told Chad there was an Ice Cream shop somewhere around here and we literally ran into Miller’s Landing!

Miller’s Landing is a staple to my childhood where we would always stop and grab a scoop of Ice Cream! Now they offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner on their deck that looks out to the boat docks. It is such a fun area and so many families and dogs are either stopping in the store, renting a boat, or grabbing a bite to eat. It is such a fun area that we even went there for lunch & beers the next day!

We stayed in the cabin Fri-Sun and wanted to relax but also explore. So after lunch on Saturday, we drove up to the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad since I have been wanting to take Addy here. It was such a fun ride for the whole family! On the property they have a toy shop, museum, and some old timey dancers! The entire staff was so nice and it was such a fun experience being able to take a tour on history railroad tracks! 

No matter what you decide to do, just being in the area is always a good time. Surprise yourself with some incredible food in unknown places, relax at the cozy cabin, lay out by the lake, or hike Half Dome. You will have an unforgettable weekend.

If you have hidden gems we need to check out in the area, drop them below!

Xoxo,

Mariah