Need a charming base for Yosemite adventures? Head to Mariposa! This historic Gold Rush town offers small-town hospitality, scenic drives, and easy access to Yosemite National Park. Whether you’re into hiking, history, or wine tasting, Mariposa makes a relaxing and affordable gateway to the Sierras.
Mariposa, CA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Day trip to Yosemite National Park – Hike iconic trails, view waterfalls, or climb Half Dome just an hour away.
- For History Buffs: Tour the Mariposa Museum & History Center – Learn about Gold Rush heritage, mining life, and early settlers.
- For Shoppers: Explore Mariposa’s historic downtown – Browse antique shops, art galleries, and local boutiques in restored 19th-century buildings.
- For Couples: Sip wine and watch the sunset at Casto Oaks – Enjoy local varietals on a patio with mountain views.
- For Families: Visit the California State Mining and Mineral Museum – See real gold nuggets, gems, and mining exhibits in this fascinating collection.
Best Time to Visit Mariposa, CA
The best time to visit Mariposa is from April to October, when weather is mild and Yosemite is most accessible. Spring brings wildflowers and flowing waterfalls, while fall offers golden hills and fewer crowds. Winter offers snow-capped views and off-season quiet.
How to Get to Mariposa, CA
- If you are traveling by car: Mariposa is located on Highway 140, about 1 hour from Fresno and 1 hour from Yosemite Valley.
- By Plane: The nearest airport is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), about 1.5 hours away by car.
- By Bus: YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) offers seasonal bus service between Mariposa and Yosemite.
Where to Stay in Mariposa, CA
- Mariposa Hotel Inn – Historic hotel in a restored 1901 building with period charm and downtown convenience.
- Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station – Comfortable option with pool and breakfast near the center of town.
- Autocamp Yosemite – Modern Airstream and luxury tent glamping experience just outside town.
Best Things to Do in Mariposa, CA
1. Mariposa Museum and History Center
Rating: ★★★★★
If you are wondering about what the history of the small town of Mariposa could possibly be, you’ll get all the answers you’re looking and even more amazing stories at the Mariposa Museum and History Center. The museum was founded in 1957 and is a non-profit corporation run by the passion and love of volunteers. Dubbed the “Best Little Museum of Its Size West of the Mississippi” by none other than the Smithsonian Institution, the museum and history center portrays with great detail and authenticity the history and lifestyle of Mariposa County from the era of Native Americans up until the modern age.
5119 Jessie Street, Mariposa, California 95338, Phone: 209-966-2924
2. California State Mining and Mineral Museum
“There’s gold in the hills of California!” It was these words, cried out in 1848, that birthed a massive migration of people into the great interior wilderness of California. One of the greatest repositories of this much sought after gold were in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, in the town of Mariposa. Today, the California State Mining and Mineral Museum showcases the rich history of Mariposa as a mining town as well as the rest of California as a whole. Additionally, the museum teaches all of its visitors the importance of mining not just to the history of California, but the environment and the future of society as well. A trip to the museum is like taking a journey back in time to the height of the mining culture and certainly leaves an impression.
5005 Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa, California 95338, Phone: 209-742-7625
3. Mariposa County’s Old Stone Jail
Although it is by no means a large attraction, the Mariposa County’s Old Stone Jail is undoubtedly a cultural gem and a special point of interest to see whether you’re just passing through or in Mariposa for an extended vacation. The jail was built in 1858 and features granite blocks that were quarried in an area close to the Mormon Bar. Operational until 1963, the Old Stone Jail has seen its fair share of action with several exciting escapes, the most prolific of which was probably in 1935 when two inmates escaped by somehow cutting rivets, removing an iron plant and working a stone block loose without any outside help.
5379 CA-49, Mariposa, CA 95338
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