The Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn sits in Oakhurst, about 15 miles south of Yosemite National Park’s main entrance, surrounded by live oak trees that give the property a genuinely quiet, park-like feel. If you’re driving to Yosemite with your dog, this is a solid place to base yourself—close enough for day trips into the park but far enough that you’re not fighting the crowds in Yosemite Village.

The rooms here are straightforward and comfortable, with air conditioning that works and beds that feel good after hiking. They welcome dogs without fussing about it, which means you can actually relax instead of worrying about rules. A complimentary breakfast comes with your stay, which is helpful when you’re trying to get an early start on the trail. The seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub are there if you want to cool off or warm up depending on the season, though obviously your dog won’t be joining you in either.

What makes this location practical is the setup. Oakhurst itself is the kind of small town where you can grab supplies and eat, and the inn’s staff can point you toward dog-friendly trails in the surrounding areas. Highway 41 runs right through town, so getting to Yosemite’s south entrance is straightforward. The Sierra Nevada landscape around here is genuinely pretty—you get some of that mountain scenery without the intensity of being inside the park proper.

One thing to keep in mind is that Yosemite has specific rules about where dogs can go (mostly frontcountry areas, not backcountry trails), so your hiking options within the park itself will be limited. But the national forest and other public lands nearby offer plenty of places where dogs are welcome. The inn staff can help you figure out what’s accessible. If you’re looking for a comfortable, no-nonsense place to stay while exploring the Yosemite area with your dog, this works well without the premium price tag of staying closer to the valley.