| overlooking the middle tuolumne river near yosemite national park, this unassuming hotel is less than a mile from rainbow pools and 2 miles from the rim of the world viewing point. there's also a fire pit and picnic areas. upgraded rooms come with microwaves and minifridges. suites add full kitchens and dining tables, plus separate living spaces with fireplaces. private cabins with full kitchens are also available. check-in time: 3:00 pmcheck-out time: 11:00 am. straightforward rooms offer wifi (surcharge), satellite tv and coffeemakers. perks include complimentary continental breakfast and parking
San Francisco International Airport 53 min
Heather Farm Park (13 min)
This 102-acre preserve offers a swimming complex, dog park, sports fields & a skate park. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord (16 min)
Large waterpark featuring attractions such as thrill slides, a lazy river & play areas for kids. The Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery (12 min)
Water-conserving, 3-acre garden with succulents, aloe & more first planted in 1972 by Ruth Bancroft. Lindsay Wildlife Experience (20 min)
Environmental education center housing 50+ species of live, nonreleasable California wildlife. Pixieland Amusement Park (9 min)
Whimsical amusement park offers a range of carnival rides for young kids, party space & casual fare. Mount Diablo (1 hr 1)
Landmark mountain offering hiking trails & camping, plus a summit visitor center & observation deck. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Park (37 min)
5,000+ acres of wilderness with a trail system & remote areas for hikers & horseback riders. Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (1 hr)
Scenic natural area at river confluence for watching diverse birds, wildlife & sunset views. Briones Regional Park (24 min)
Pastoral, 6,255-acre park with rolling hills, wildlife viewing, campgrounds & other features. Mount Diablo State Park (53 min)
Sizable park with a summit visitor center & observation deck, plus trails, campsites & picnic areas. Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve (20 min)
Former coal mining site featuring expansive green space, underground tours & hiking trails. The Gardens at Heather Farm (13 min)
This 6-acre destination with botanical gardens hosts special events & offers classes. Carquinez Strait (26 min)
Lighthouse and marsh John Muir National Historic Site (20 min)
A 2.4-mile hiking trail loop that begins near the John Muir house, with scenic mountain views. Shell Ridge Open Space (15 min)
This grassland & forest area features 31 miles of trails, plus fishing ponds, a playground & cattle. | 
