The celebrities of majestic Yosemite National Park - Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridal Veil Falls - are all in Yosemite Valley, a spectacular glacier-carved, seven-square-mile canyon where most of the tourist action takes place.  The historic Ahwahnee Hotel is in the valley too, where you can enjoy first-class, four-star service while you take advantage of everything Yosemite has to offer summer and winter. 

This stunning stone and timber structure was first opened in 1927 and it looks today much like it looked back then with native American motifs and a world-class collection of kilim rugs. Its "Great Lounge" has a massive stone hearth, 24-foot ceilings, stained glass panels, and elegantly rustic furnishings, and is an inviting stop for afternoon tea and evening refreshments.

Of course it's important to try the more adventurous activities in Yosemite, besides sipping coffee while you enjoy the views that make Yosemite the most revisited national park in the country. After you've wandered along hiking trails past massive redwood trees, granite domes, glacial lakes and crashing waterfalls, you can raft, ride, or climb your way through the park's splendor.

Half-day raft trips on the Merced River can be arranged right there at the park (209/372-8319) or longer trips can be set up through OARS (800/346-6277). Guided half-day horseback rides for families depart from Yosemite Valley Stables (209/372-8348), and climb up out of the canyon to a breathtaking viewpoint of waterfalls at Clark Point; kids must be age 7+.

Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite National Park, California www.yosemitepark.com; (559/253-5635) $$$      A+      A      A      A Extra Credit:  Entertainment every night Comments:  Reserve as early as possible.