Lee Vining

Climate

• Yosemite Area Regional Transit SystemThe YARTS shuttle travels on Highway 395 and 120 from Mammoth Lakes to Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley, with stops in Lee Vining at the Mono Basin Visitor Center, the Lake View Lodge, and the Tioga Mobile Gas Mart. Ticket prices include park entry, and can be purchased in advance at the Cedar Lodge in town or from the shuttle driver.

Mono Lake, with its strange and wonderful tufa formations, as well as millions (no exaggeration) of migratory gulls.

• Mono Cone

  phone: +1 760 647-6606
  address: 51508 US-395
  With the appearance of a traditional American hamburger stand serving burgers, fries, and soft-serve ice cream, they do serve all that. Plus they serve more adventurous versions with vegetarian options, crab cakes, a gazillion types of ice cream, and more. Closed during winter.

• Whoa Nellie Deli

  phone: +1 760 647-1088
  address: 22 Vista Rd
  Open from the end of April through November 1. The finest cuisine at a gas station in America (that's right, "cuisine"). Chef (right again, "Chef") Matt Toomey prepares such unexpected entrees as Lobster Taquitos, Ragin' Cajun Chicken Jambalaya, Buffalo Meatloat, Salmon Salad and other tantalizing treats. Do not fail to eat here at least once; it's good enough to have attracted reviews in Sunset and Gourmet magazines. On a weeknight expect to see as many as 30 other diners enjoying the views overlooking the lake. Due to the somewhat limited off-season options this stop may be the best bet in the area.

• Nicely's

  phone: +1 760 647-6477
  A modest, friendly diner, with large breakfasts and a cocktail lounge. The only restaurant open in town during the Winter (when it's open Thursday-Monday).

Campgrounds can be found outside of town in the Mono Lake area.

• Lake View Lodge

  phone: +1 760 647-6543
  address: 51285 Highway 395

• Murphey's Motel

  phone: +1 760 647-6316
  address: 51493 US-395
  Open year-round.

• Yosemite - the famous granite domes of the iconic national park are located to the west on Highway 120.
• Bodie - historic ghost town with over one hundred buildings, now preserved in "arrested decay" by the California park system.
• Mammoth Lakes