Best place to have a meal: The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite

Why we love it: Yes, the Ahwahnee typically books up a year in advance. Too hard to get a room? Fine. But you can still visit the dining room, which, with its lofty beamed ceiling and views of the valley, is one of the most beautiful public spaces in the world.

Don’t miss: The regular breakfast, which is less of a production than Sunday Brunch. Get here early, say 7 a.m., and enjoy the room in blissful calm. Breakfast $$, brunch/dinner $$$$; yosemitepark.com