If you’re heading on a California road trip to Yosemite National Park or planning a weekend in California Gold Country, the historic town of Mariposa should be on your radar. To help you get to know it better, we’re sharing more than 10 things to do in Mariposa, CA.
The town of Mariposa (pronounced “Mair-eh-pose-ah” by locals, FYI) is a great place for exploring the western Sierra Nevada. Set in central Mariposa County, it is about a one-hour drive to the Yosemite Valley floor and near some of the best rock climbing and hiking in the area. The town is well worth visiting thanks to a quaint historic quarter that’s tiny but big on Old West pioneer vibes. Even so, many California residents have never heard of it.
On a recent visit to Mariposa, I explored the Sierra Foothills wine scene and all the other things the town offers, from shopping and historic buildings to museum visits. Here is a bit about the town, where to stay, where to eat, and various things to do in Mariposa.
As a travel planner and editor at Salt & Wind Travel, I’ve spent over a decade researching and writing about travel. I was born and raised in California and have grown up hiking, camping, and skiing outdoors. I now live in Mammoth Lakes, which means I frequent nearby Yosemite and the other Sierra Nevada towns. As a travel planner who provides custom California trip planning, I often arrange road trips for people heading to Mariposa and Yosemite National Park.
10 Things To Do In Mariposa California
One of the main reasons visitors head to Mariposa is its access to all the natural beauty within Yosemite National Park and the surrounding Sierra foothill area. But the town is worth your time too, from its fantastic museums and art galleries to the boutiques on the main street.
Here are ten of the things to do in Mariposa CA to get to know it better:
California State Mining & Mineral Museum
Head to the Mariposa County Fairgrounds, a few miles south of town, and check out the California State Mining and Mineral Museum. Highlights include gems, minerals, and historic artifacts like the 13-pound “Fricot Nugget” — the most significant crystallized gold piece from the California Gold Rush.
Casto Oaks Fine Wine
Try a wine from the local winery, Casto Oaks, at their tasting room in historic downtown. Then, cross the street to the Local Grape to try even more local wine.
CostaLivos Mountain Gold Olive Oil
Head a few blocks down the road to keep things hyperlocal and do an olive oil tasting of local oil at CostaLivos Mountain Gold Olive Oil.
The Hideout Saloon
Dive into the Gold Rush vibes by sidling up to the bar at the Hideout Saloon, a classic from CostaLivos. Head here for comfort food, beers on tap, and live music.
Mariposa Farmers Market
If you’re in town between May and October, visit the Mariposa Farmers Market, a certified farmers market on Wednesday evenings. Enjoy what grows in California, from honey and meat to artisan goods.
Mariposa Museum & History Center
Make time to explore the Mariposa Museum and History Center, named one of the country’s best small museums by the Smithsonian Institute. It has an incredible collection of local artifacts, and the staff is passionate about their region’s history.
Old Mariposa County Jail
This historic jail was built in the mid-1800s and operated until 1963. The granite blocks used to build the jail were even quarried near Mormon Bar.
Mariposa County Courthouse
The historic Mariposa County Courthouse dates back to 1854 and is the oldest superior courthouse west of the Mississippi and the oldest courthouse in continuous use west of the Rockies.
Shop Local
For such a small town, Mariposa has a surprising amount of shopping. The best places to shop locally include Anahata Fair Trade, Brickwall Boutique, Chocolate Soup, and Mae It Be Home.
Yosemite Climbing Association Museum
The Yosemite Climbing Museum opened just a few years ago, thanks to the help of climbing pioneer Ken Yager. Visit to check out historical gear and photos and learn about those who helped make Yosemite a world-renowned climbing spot.
Where To Eat In Mariposa, California
Of course, among the various things to do in Mariposa is to check out the local food! In downtown Mariposa, you’ll find a mix of places to eat, from casual cafes and throwback saloons to steakhouses and breweries. Here are a few places to check out:
1850 Restaurant And Brewery
Named for the year the town was founded, 1850 Restaurant And Brewery is a lively restaurant. Come here for house-crafted beer, local wine, delicious fried chicken, and properly made burgers.
Charles Street Dinner House
A few blocks down the road, you’ll find Charles Street Dinner House, a classic steakhouse in a historic building with an Old West vibe.
Frederick’s of Savourys
This upscale (but laidback) spot, Savoury’s is the nicest restaurant in town. Go for perfectly cooked steaks and comforting dishes like wild mushroom ravioli, and stay to enjoy the lively bar and the well-curated wine list.
Happy Burger
Just a block from 1850 Restaurant and Brewery, you’ll find the nostalgic diner Happy Burger. Here, they serve all the requisites like fries, shakes, and, of course, burgers. Their extensive menu even includes Mexican food and numerous ice cream desserts.
High Country Health Foods
The main gourmet grocery store in town, High Country Health Foods, also has a small cafe. This family-owned spot serves breakfast and lunch, including loads of sandwiches, soups, and salads.
Little Shop of Ramen
As the name suggests, the Little Shop of Ramen is all about ramen. Their top-notch homemade broth makes it a perfect spot to refuel after a day of adventuring. Also, check out their on-site wine shop, the Local Grape, for a taste of local wine.
Pony Expresso Coffee House
This long-standing coffee shop is a local favorite. It has been voted the best coffee in Mariposa for over a decade. Head to Pony Expresso Coffee House for house-roasted coffee and pastries.
Sticks Coffee
Dive into the local scene by grabbing a cup at Sticks Coffee, part of the River Rock Inn. Open all day, this spot serves quality coffee, housemade bread, and excellent pastries. In the evenings, they often have live music!
5 Day Trips From Mariposa
While there are plenty of things to do in Mariposa, it’s also an excellent jumping off point for day trips. Adventure outside Mariposa for everything from hiking to waterfalls, wine tasting, and visiting Yosemite National Park.
Enjoy El Portal
The small town of El Portal is just outside the Yosemite entrance along the Merced River. Take a page from local hikers and head to Hite Cove Trail (great for wildflowers in the spring!), then peruse the shops, galleries, and restaurants in El Portal.
Explore Mariposa County Waterfalls
The county of Mariposa is home to some of the region’s most prized waterfalls, from Vernal Fall and Bridallveil Fall in Yosemite to Wildcat Falls near the Briceburg Recreation Area. The falls are at their mightiest in the spring, so plan to visit then to see their beauty.
Go Wine Tasting In The Sierra Foothills
Though the northern part of the Sierra Foothills is best known for wine, there are a handful of wineries near Mariposa that you can visit, including Casto Oaks and Butterfly Creek Winery.
Adventure On Bass Lake
If you drive south toward the towns of Oakhurst and Fish Camp, be sure to make time to explore Bass Lake. In addition to fishing, hiking, and camping, it’s also one of many locals’ favorite spots for fireworks viewing on the 4th of July.
Where Is Mariposa California?
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Mariposa has 1,100 full-time residents at the southern end of California Gold Country. Most think of historic cities like Placerville, Jackson, and Sutter’s Creek when you say “Gold Country,” but the region extends south to the southern edge of Mariposa County.
Mariposa is around 2,000 feet in elevation, meaning it’s above the heat of the San Joaquin Valley but low enough that it rarely snows. It’s about 30 miles west of the Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance and due east of the Central Valley city of Merced.
California’s Highway 49 — a two-lane highway that weaves north to south along the west side of Yosemite, past remote lakes and creeks. and through other small historic towns — runs right through downtown Mariposa.
What Is The Background Of Mariposa California?
The town and country share the same name, and the county is nicknamed the “Mother of Counties” because it once covered 1/5 of the state. The main indigenous group who inhabited this area was the Miwok, who, FYI, also occupied most of Gold Country and the area that is now Yosemite National Park.
Mariposa was founded in 1850 as a mining and railroad town at the height of the California Gold Rush and was a major player in the era’s history, thanks to the likes of John C. Frémont.
Frequently Asked Questions
Locals joke that there are two seasons in the Sierra Nevada: green (wet season) and brown (dry season). In reality, Mariposa's elevation means that it has four seasons, with temperatures topping out around 95°F in the height of summer and dropping to the low 30s in the middle of winter. It rarely snows in Mariposa, and rain is infrequent like in most of California.
While the high season runs from May to October, Mariposa is worth visiting year-round. If you want to avoid crowds, head there from November to January. We prefer the early spring when the famed Yosemite waterfalls are at their fullest though the fall months allow you to take in the fall foliage.
Most visitors end up in Mariposa because of its proximity to Yosemite, but there are loads of things to do in town. For a small town, Mariposa is a popular destination because it has a lot of culture including three museums and a symphony orchestra!
The easiest way to get to Mariposa is to drive via the 99 to Highway 140 from the west or to drive up Highway 41 from Fresno. These are well-maintained highway that is very easy to drive. If you continue on Highway 140 you will pass the small outposts of Midpines and El Portal before reaching the Yosemite Arch Rock entrance.
Meanwhile, Highway 49 is known as the Golden Chain Highway and it passes through other small historic towns like Oakhurst, Bootjack, and Coulterville.
Where To Stay Yosemite
Are you trying to decide where to stay near Yosemite National Park? You’ll want to check out our pick of spots near every primary park entrance, including options for Mariposa lodging, such as the Mariposa Hotel Inn, or nearby spots like Autocamp Yosemite.
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Photo Credit: Mariposa Museum Stamp Mill photo by Tony McDaniel; Road photo by Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz; Arch Rock Entrance photo by N8Allen; all other images by Salt & Wind Travel
