Starbucks Opened A Location In Yosemite National Park And Not Everyone Was Happy About It

What could make a visit to Northern California's idyllic Yosemite National Park even better? A cup of java, perhaps? Amongst the utterly jaw-dropping scenery, waterfalls, waterways, and wildlife is now, you guessed it: a Starbucks. And, when it was added in 2018, not everyone was thrilled, nor did everyone welcome it with open arms. Yosemite National Park is a must-see National Park in Northern California, and now you can get coffee there, too.

If you’re planning a visit to this incredible national park, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!

More than 330 million visitors pass through Yosemite each year.

Tourists come from all over the world to see the park's incredible beauty.

It encompasses almost 750,000 acres and is known for its geographic diversity.

Almost 95% of the park is designated wilderness.

The park has about $12 million in backlogged maintenance, and food and beverage purchases can help.

Visitor spending is up 30 percent, which can help fund needed repairs and upkeep of the national treasure.

The Starbucks was added, in part, based on requests of visitors.

This unique location, which opened in March 2018, was part of renovations to existing buildings to provide more dining and concession options for visitors.

Not everyone was happy with the familiar coffee shop addition, however.

More than 25,000 people signed a petition against it! While most understood why the shop would help improve the infrastructure, those opposed to it didn't like what they claimed was "government's increasing dependence" on major corporations.

The store was carefully designed from a renovated building already within the park, and is not marked with branded signage.

It has received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. It encompasses reclaimed redwood as part of its build, and it's quite low-key.

Yosemite is the company's first location in a National Park. Do you have thoughts about whether this coffee giant having a store in Yosemite is good for the park and its guests? Why or why not? Other dining options are available there, so is offering a coffee option in a beautiful setting a big deal? We'd love for you to share your thoughts!

Coffee debates aside, here are more incredible facts about Yosemite and seven little-known things to do at Yosemite National Park.