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Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes in Summer

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:36:50 GMT

Lakes, waterfalls, hiking, biking and road trips from the Eastern Sierra

Mammoth Lakes is just as good in summer as in ski season. Warm days, cool nights, alpine lakes and trails start right outside town. Here are our family's favorite things to do in Mammoth Lakes in summer and fall.

The Mammoth Lakes Basin

About five miles up Lake Mary Road, the Lakes Basin is a chain of alpine lakes, including Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, Lake George and Horseshoe Lake. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, fish for trout, or hike to viewpoints like Crystal Lake and TJ Lake. Get there early on summer weekends, when parking fills up.

Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls

Devils Postpile National Monument protects a wall of near-perfect basalt columns, and nearby Rainbow Falls drops over a 100-foot cliff. During the summer season, which typically runs from late June to September, most visitors must ride the Reds Meadow shuttle from the Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge area. Tickets are required and reservations are strongly encouraged, so check the National Park Service website before you go.

Mountain biking and the gondola

When the snow melts, Mammoth Mountain becomes the Mammoth Bike Park, with lift-served trails for every level. Not a rider? Take the scenic gondola to the summit at 11,053 feet for views across the Sierra Nevada and the Ritter Range.

Hiking

Duck Pass Trail: a longer climb from the Lakes Basin past several lakes.
Crystal Lake: a short, steep hike with big views over the basin.
Convict Lake: an easy loop around one of the most photographed lakes in the Eastern Sierra, about 15 minutes south of town.

Day trips

Yosemite National Park: when Tioga Pass (Highway 120) is open, usually late spring through fall, Yosemite's east entrance is about an hour's drive. Check road status and any park entry requirements before you go.
June Lake Loop: a scenic drive past four lakes, about 30 minutes north.
Mono Lake: see the tufa towers near Lee Vining.

Back at the condo

After a day outside, cool off in the seasonal pool at Sierra Manor, fire up the grill, or walk to restaurants and shops in town. The town shuttles run in summer too, including a route to the Village.

Stay with the Flynn family

Our Mammoth Chalet and Cozy Mammoth condo are a great base for summer adventures. See availability and book direct for our best rates, or contact us with any questions.

Best Beaches Near Red Hook, St. Thomas

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:36:45 GMT

Our favorite East End beaches, all a short drive from Cabrita Point

The East End of St. Thomas has some of the calmest, clearest water in the Virgin Islands, and you do not need to go far to find it. Our oceanfront condo at Cabrita Point is a few minutes from Red Hook, so all of these beaches are an easy drive. Here are the best beaches near Red Hook, St. Thomas.

Sapphire Beach

A long, sandy beach with calm water, good snorkeling along the rocks and views of St. John. There is a beach bar and water sports rentals, which makes it an easy day for families.

Secret Harbour

A small, sheltered cove facing the sunset. The water is usually flat, and the snorkeling around the edges of the bay is excellent. It is a favorite for an evening swim.

Lindquist Beach (Smith Bay Park)

Often called the prettiest beach on the island, Lindquist is undeveloped, with soft white sand and turquoise water. It is part of a protected park, so there are few facilities and a small entry fee for visitors. Bring snacks, water and shade.

Coki Point

Next to Coral World Ocean Park, Coki is known for snorkeling. Fish come right up to the shore. It is lively and can be busy when cruise ships are in port, so go early.

Magens Bay

On the north shore, Magens Bay is the island's most famous beach: a calm, mile-long arc of sand. It has an admission fee, restrooms, food and chair rentals. It is about 30 minutes from Red Hook and well worth the drive.

Beach tips for St. Thomas

Use reef-safe sunscreen. The Virgin Islands ban sunscreens containing certain chemicals that harm coral.
Popular beaches are busiest on cruise-ship days. Mornings are usually quieter.
Do not leave valuables in your car.
Drive on the left, and take it slowly on hilly roads.

For more island tips, read our St. Thomas guide , or see how to spend a day trip on St. John .

Stay with the Flynn family

Our oceanfront condo at Cabrita Point puts you minutes from Red Hook and these East End beaches. See availability and book direct for our best rates, or contact us with any questions.

Day Trip to St. John from St. Thomas

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:36:34 GMT

How to take the ferry from Red Hook and what to see on St. John

St. John is a short ferry ride from St. Thomas, and much of the island is protected as Virgin Islands National Park. Its beaches are some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Staying on the East End of St. Thomas makes a St. John day trip easy, because the ferry leaves from Red Hook, a few minutes from our condo.

Taking the ferry from Red Hook

Passenger ferry: ferries run from Red Hook to Cruz Bay roughly every hour, from early morning until late evening. The crossing takes about 20 minutes. At the time of writing, adult fares were about $8 each way, plus a small fee per bag. You can buy tickets at the terminal, but booking ahead is recommended in peak season.
Car barge: to bring a car, take a car barge from Red Hook (about 30 minutes). Reserve ahead and check that your rental company allows its cars on the barge. Many visitors simply rent a car or take a taxi in Cruz Bay instead.

Beaches to see on St. John

Trunk Bay: famous for its underwater snorkeling trail. The National Park Service charges a small entrance fee here.
Cinnamon Bay: a long beach with paddleboard and kayak rentals.
Maho Bay: calm, shallow water where sea turtles are often spotted grazing on sea grass.
Honeymoon Beach: reached by a short hike or from Caneel Bay, with clear water for snorkeling.

A simple St. John itinerary

Catch a morning ferry from Red Hook to beat the crowds.
Pick up a rental jeep or taxi in Cruz Bay and head to the North Shore beaches.
Snorkel at Trunk Bay or Maho Bay, then have lunch at a beach bar.
Stop at a scenic overlook on North Shore Road for photos.
Browse the shops and restaurants of Cruz Bay before the ferry back to Red Hook.

Tips

Bring cash, reef-safe sunscreen, water and snacks. Facilities at some beaches are limited.
Roads on St. John are steep and winding, and traffic drives on the left.
Check the latest ferry schedule before you go, as times and fares can change.

Want more ideas? See the best beaches near Red Hook and our St. Thomas guide .

Stay with the Flynn family

Our oceanfront condo at Cabrita Point is a few minutes from the Red Hook ferry dock. See availability and book direct for our best rates, or contact us with any questions.

Planning a Mammoth Lakes Ski Trip

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:36:03 GMT

Where to stay, how to get there and how to make the most of ski season

Mammoth Mountain is one of the biggest ski resorts in California, with one of the longest seasons in North America. It often opens in mid-November and, in big snow years, keeps lifts spinning into June. The 2026-27 season is scheduled to open on November 13, 2026. Here is how to plan a smooth Mammoth ski trip, from the family that owns two condos in the heart of town.

When to go

Early season (November to mid-December): fewer crowds and lower lodging rates, though not all terrain is open yet.
Holidays (Christmas, New Year's, MLK and Presidents' Day weekends): the busiest and most expensive weeks. Book lodging months ahead.
January to March: the heart of winter, with the deepest snow and the most terrain open.
Spring skiing (April onward): sunny days, softer snow and some of the best value of the year.

Getting to Mammoth Lakes

Driving: most visitors drive up Highway 395. From Los Angeles it usually takes about five to six hours; from Reno, about three. In winter, Tioga Pass through Yosemite is closed, so drivers from the Bay Area go around through Lake Tahoe or Reno.
Flying: United flies to Bishop Airport (about 45 minutes south) from San Francisco year-round and from Denver in winter. Advanced Air runs public charter flights to Mammoth Yosemite Airport from Hawthorne (Los Angeles) and Carlsbad in winter. Eastern Sierra Transit's Airport Flyer connects both airports with town.
Chains and four-wheel drive: storms can bring heavy snow and chain controls. Carry chains or drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle with snow tires, and check Caltrans road conditions before you leave.

Where to stay: near the free shuttle

Parking at the ski lodges fills up on busy days, so staying on a free town shuttle route makes ski mornings much easier. Our two condos are at Sierra Manor on Old Mammoth Road, in the middle of town. The Red Line shuttle stops right out front and runs to the Village, where the gondola takes you up the mountain, and the Green Line to Eagle Lodge is half a block away.

Mammoth 1BR Chalet by the Village : a cozy one-bedroom with shared hot tubs and a seasonal pool.
Cozy Mammoth Lakes 1BR : a one-bedroom with an in-unit washer and dryer, handy for drying ski gear.

Both sleep up to four guests, with full kitchens so you can save on meals after a long ski day.

Lift tickets and passes

Mammoth Mountain and nearby June Mountain are both on the Ikon Pass. If you are not a pass holder, buy lift tickets online in advance; prices are usually lower than at the ticket window, especially on peak days.

Tips for a better ski day

Take the first shuttle and be in line before the lifts open.
The town sits at about 7,900 feet. Drink plenty of water and take it easy on your first afternoon.
Soak in the hot tub after skiing to ease sore legs.
On a storm day, June Mountain, about 30 minutes north, can be a quieter alternative.

Off the slopes

Try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at Tamarack in the Lakes Basin, snow tubing, or a night out in the Village. For more ideas, read our Mammoth Lakes guide .

Stay with the Flynn family

Our two Mammoth condos are on the free shuttle line and book up quickly for holidays and powder weekends. See availability and book direct for our best rates, or contact us with any questions.

Mammoth Lakes Guide

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:35:48 GMT

Tips from the Flynn family for ski season, summer and everything in between

Our two Mammoth condos are at Sierra Manor on Old Mammoth Road, right in the middle of town. Here's how to make the most of your stay, from the Flynn family.

Getting around

Free town shuttles: the Red Line stops right in front of Sierra Manor and runs to the Village, where the gondola goes up the mountain. The Green Line to Eagle Lodge is half a block away. Schedules change by season, so check Eastern Sierra Transit before you go.
Winter driving: storms can bring heavy snow. Four-wheel drive or snow chains are strongly recommended, and chain controls are common on Highway 395 and around town.
Parking: both condos have parking at the complex. Details are in your check-in instructions.

Winter

Mammoth Mountain: start your ski day at Main Lodge, Canyon Lodge, Eagle Lodge or the Village gondola.
June Mountain: a smaller, family-friendly mountain about 30 minutes north.
Off the slopes: cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Tamarack in the Lakes Basin, snow tubing, and a soak in the shared hot tub back at the condo.

Summer and fall

Lakes Basin: Lake Mary is about five miles up the road, with Lake Mamie, Lake George and Horseshoe Lake nearby for hiking, kayaking and fishing.
Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls: reached by a seasonal shuttle from the Village area.
Mountain biking at the Mammoth Bike Park.
Yosemite: when Tioga Pass (Highway 120) is open, usually late spring through fall, Yosemite's east entrance is about an hour's drive.

In town

Restaurants, bars and shops are within walking distance, and the Vons grocery store is just down the road, so you can stock the kitchen as soon as you arrive.

More Mammoth trip ideas

Stay with the Flynn family

Check availability for our two Mammoth condos, steps from the free shuttle. See availability and book direct for our best rates, or contact us with any questions.

St. Thomas Guide

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:35:30 GMT

Beaches, ferries and island tips for your stay on the East End

Our oceanfront condo is at Cabrita Point on the quiet East End of St. Thomas, a few minutes' drive from Red Hook. Here's what we tell friends before they visit.

Getting here and around

Flying in: you'll land at Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on the west side of the island. The drive to Cabrita Point takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
No passport needed for U.S. citizens traveling from the mainland. Bring a government-issued ID.
Drive on the left: cars are left-hand drive, but traffic keeps to the left. Take it slow on the hills.
A rental car is the easiest way to explore the island. Taxis are also available.

Beaches near you

Sapphire Beach and Secret Harbor: both a short drive away, with calm water that's great for snorkeling.
Lindquist Beach: one of the island's most beautiful, undeveloped beaches.
Coki Point: a popular snorkeling beach next to Coral World Ocean Park.
Magens Bay: the island's famous north-shore beach, worth the drive.

Red Hook and St. John

Red Hook has restaurants, beach bars, shops and groceries, all a few minutes away.
Day trip to St. John: the passenger ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay takes about 20 minutes. Much of St. John is Virgin Islands National Park, with beaches like Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay.

Good to know

The busiest, sunniest season runs from December through April. Hurricane season is June through November, so consider travel insurance for summer and fall trips.
We recommend bottled water for drinking.

More St. Thomas trip ideas

Stay with the Flynn family

Check availability for our oceanfront condo at Cabrita Point. See availability and book direct for our best rates, or contact us with any questions.