My husband found us a bed and breakfast cabin, at a private home about 10 miles from the park’s west entrance. The west entrance, by the way, has awe-inspiring views of the valley, so it’s a great way to enter the park for the first time. As I recall, you come around a bend and a vista opens up that is so breathtakingly stunning, it’s hard to believe your eyes. We were there in October and it was great, because the summer crowds had thinned out and we had almost no traffic in the park.

I think he just searched Yosemite cottages and Yosemite bed and breakfasts to find it.

My husband and I stayed at the Awahnee last August. We were fortunate to get a room on the 6th floor of the main lodge, previously private quarters. It was unmatched, and since you are only there for a couple days, I would highly recommend staying in the valley if at all possible. Awahnee is $$$, but well worth it. We were only able to reserve one day and subsequently reserved 2 days elsewhere, but when explained at arrival, they were able to switch our reservations and we stayed there for the full 3 nights. They do get last minute cancellations, so don’t give up hope. Recommended activity depends on how fit you and/or your traveling companions are. My husband and I are realtively fit, and we found the hike down 4 Mile Trail from Glacier Point fairly challenging. The first 2/3 of the trail (down) is switchbacks with incredible vistas, and the view from the top allows you to see most of what the valley has to offer from one vantage point. We took a bus up to Glacier Point from the Yosemite Lodge and then hiked it down. The hike down took us about 3 hours, the trail is actually more than 4 miles. We also approached the entrance of the park from the west and be warned, this is NOT for the faint of heart. The road is narrow without any guard rails and 2 way traffic without any way to turn around should you have second thoughts. (Glad my husband was doing the driving!) It IS breathtaking, but VERY scary – we opted for an alternate route out of the park back to San Francisco at the end of our stay. Overall, Yosemite was a trip of a lifetime…and do whatever you can to stay in the valley if at all possible – you won’t regret it. Ask if you have more specific questions.