History Meets Charm in Mariposa
A charmingly preserved Gold Rush town in Central Mariposa County surrounded by beautiful scenery, the town of Mariposa, California, will have something to offer to every traveler. Take a scenic hike, go on a culture-filled museum tour, or try one of Mariposa County’s delicious small-town restaurants and breweries.
The town of Mariposa, first settled in 1849, is one of the southernmost of the Gold Rush towns.
Many of today’s structures in the historic downtown area of Mariposa were constructed by the late 1850s, and the original buildings are still in use today.
Mariposa is the largest town in Mariposa County but is home to just 1,100 people. The historic town sits at the crossroads of Highway 140 and Highway 49 making it an ideal place to stop or stay on the way to Yosemite.
From attending the local Butterfly Festival to exploring the museums and hiking trails of the town, find out what Mariposa, California, has in store for you.
Things to Do in Mariposa, California
Hiking and Adventure
It’s a quick step from the charming streets of the town of Mariposa into the Stockton Creek Preserve. This area, managed by the Sierra Foothill Conservancy, contains more than 5 miles (8 km) of rolling trails that meander across hillsides and along Stockton Creek for a quick dose of natural beauty. In early spring, you’ll find blooming wildflowers, and the colorful butterflies that give Mariposa its name. This trail more than earns the title of one of the best hikes in and around Yosemite.
Mariposa is also the best place to get a view of Yosemite from above. Way above. Skydive Yosemite operates out of the Mariposa Yosemite airport, and is unquestionably the most thrilling view of Yosemite. You get full 360 panoramas the moment you’re free of the plane on a tandem skydive. And if you would like to stay inside the plane, be sure to check out Airborrn Aviation Services for more flightseeing options.
Museums
Experience pioneer history in the exhibits at the Mariposa Museum and History Center , named one of the best small museums in America by the Smithsonian Institute.
Get a fascinating glimpse of California’s mineral wealth, colorful history and geologic diversity at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum. The State’s official collection contains over 13,000 gems, minerals, and mining artifacts, including the “Fricot Nugget,” a rare and beautiful 13.8-pound piece of crystalline gold found in the American River in 1864.
Or combine the amazing rocks of Yosemite Mariposa County with tales of pioneers of a different type at the Yosemite Climbing Association Museum & Gallery. The trailblazers of Yosemite rock climbing pioneered new routes into the vertical world of Yosemite’s steep granite walls.
Restaurants and Dining
Find local brews at Mariposa’s 1850 Restaurant, along with gourmet burgers that are literally the talk of the town. Sit down to a celebratory meal at Charles Street Dinner House where you’ll find delectable fare in a comfortable and welcoming setting. Visit the Butterfly Creek Winery, the largest vineyard in the country, to sample locally made wines. Or get into the groove at the Grove House with live music, 16 craft beers on tap, and a rotating farm-to-table menu the whole family will love.
Explore more Yosemite restaurants for the best places to eat in Mariposa County.
Where To Stay in Mariposa
As spectacular as the surroundings are, you can also find a great place to stay in the town of Mariposa. The hotels in Mariposa span the range from spacious accommodations at Miners Inn, through the reliable quality of the Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station, to special stays at historic hotels located in Mariposa, like the Mariposa Hotel Inn or the River Rock Inn. You can’t beat the Mariposa Hotel Inn for an authentic historic western experience.
For a personal experience you won’t forget, try one of Mariposa’s welcoming Bed and Breakfasts, like the Restful Nest, or Yosemite Plaisance. Or choose the privacy of one of Mariposa’s many vacation rentals, like the Yosemite Mountaintop Retreat on 100 acres of private land with an outdoor pool and jacuzzi overlooking the mountains, or a cozy home away from home in town like The Loft at 1850.
Get a full run-down on the best places to stay in Mariposa, CA, and get excited about the many things to see and do in town.
Mariposa, CA History and Landmarks
The first Europeans, the Spanish, left no settlements in present-day Mariposa County. However, the expedition of Gabriel Moraga in September 1806 bestowed Las Mariposas, the Spanish name for butterflies, on the region because of the incredible number of these beautiful bugs they encountered.
Instead, today’s visitors to Mariposa will find many remnants from the Gold Rush, from preserved landmarks to obscure ruins – like the Old Stone Jail, a preserved jail built in 1858 that’s a perfect taste of the town’s Wild West history.
Feel the Old West as you stroll up the historic main street or take a tour of the 1854 Mariposa County Courthouse, completed in 1854, the Mariposa County Courthouse is the oldest superior courthouse west of the Mississippi and the oldest courthouse in continuous use west of the Rockies.
Mariposa and Yosemite National Park
The town of Mariposa is located just 32 miles from Yosemite National Park, making it an integral part of Yosemite history. The proximity presence of Yosemite meant that tourism, as far back as the 1870s, played a role in the life of the Mariposa county. In a short time, the area drew 19th Century influencers such as John Muir, a naturalist who fell in love with the Yosemite Valley. Muir helped local ranchers better tend to the land without destroying it by encouraging the use of domesticated livestock. His vigorous defense of the valley helped Americans see Yosemite in a new light, and his efforts eventually led to the establishment of Yosemite National Park in 1890. As a result, growth in the area has been limited and the beauty of the region has been preserved for generations to come.
Ready to explore? Learn more about the top 100 things to do in Mariposa County.