Mariposa is a historic Gold Rush town and gateway to Yosemite National Park. It’s brimming with Old West charm and is filled with brick, stone and adobe buildings. Stroll along the historic main street, visit the 19th-century courthouse and learn about early prospectors at the local museum. Yosemite National Park is a stone’s throw away and features larger-than-life landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters.
Things to do in Mariposa
Instead of chain stores, Mariposa is home to charming mom-and-pop shops. Walk along the main street and browse independent gift shops and galleries. Enjoy lunch at an American-style diner and wrap up your day of sightseeing with live music at a local saloon.
The pint-sized Yosemite Climbing Museum celebrates the long history of rock climbing and bouldering in the park. Inside, you can see everything from vintage carabiners and ropes to state-of-the-art harnesses. The walls are decorated with iconic climbing photographs taken by local artists and climbers.
Learn about the town’s gold rush past at the Mariposa Museum and History Centre. Exhibits cover a variety of topics, ranging from Native American history and culture to the California Gold Rush. For an immersive experience, time your visit to coincide with one of the live blacksmithing demonstrations.
Tours take you behind the scenes of the historic Mariposa County Courthouse. It was completed in 1854 and is one of the oldest in California. Head to the California State Mining and Mineral Museum to admire shimmering gemstones. You’ll be dazzled by the Fricot Nugget, an enormous chunk of crystalline gold found in the 1860s.
Use Mariposa as a launchpad to Yosemite National Park. Founded in 1890, the park is one of the oldest in the United States and protects ancient sequoia forests, tumbling waterfalls and immense granite cliffs. There are adventures for every age and fitness level, from family-friendly walks to epic backcountry hikes.
Getting around Mariposa
Downtown Mariposa is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is a 1.5-hour drive from Fresno and 3.5 hours from San Francisco. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Mariposa County at your own pace.