Overview
Mariposa is in the Sierra Nevada region of California near Yosemite National Park.
2 sights · 2 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Mariposa
California State Mining and Mineral Museum
Learn about the California gold rush, mining and minerals in this museum. See gold formations, gold nuggets, minerals and gems.
Mariposa Museum & History Center
Museum showcases the history of Mariposa County. It has several old buildings including a working blacksmith shop. Inside the museum are objects from Chinese immigrants who looked for gold and objects belonging to the Mi…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 28°F. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Yosemite National Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MCE Merced Regional Macready Field, Merced — 33 mi away. Directions
- FAT Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Fresno — 51 mi away (major hub). Directions
The closest Amtrak station is in Merced where you can transfer to a YARTS bus. You can book a thruway bus with an Amtrak agent or at Amtrak.com. The bus trip from the Merced Amtrak Station to midtown Mariposa takes about 45 minutes.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning California State Mining and Mineral Museum
- Lunch Charles Street Dinner House
- Afternoon Mariposa Museum & History Center
- Dinner Happy Burger Diner
- Evening Hideout Saloon
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
One of many Gold Rush towns founded in the area in the 1850s, Mariposa has found a new gold mine in servicing visitors to Yosemite: it's the nearest town of any size to the main western entrance, offering inexpensive motel lodging an hour away from the park and some remnants of Gold Rush charm.
Visitor Information
Get in
By car
- Mariposa is about three hours away from San Francisco. To get there, take Highway 140 east out of California's San Joaquin Valley. Highway 140 crosses both Interstate 5 and State Route 99, which are the main north-south routes within the valley.
- From Yosemite, take Highway 140 west out of Yosemite Valley. Mariposa is about an hour's drive away.
By train
The closest Amtrak station is in Merced where you can transfer to a YARTS bus. You can book a thruway bus with an Amtrak agent or at Amtrak.com. The bus trip from the Merced Amtrak Station to midtown Mariposa takes about 45 minutes.
By bus
By plane
Go Mariposa-Yosemite Airport (RMY)
A General aviation airport. A company offers charter aerial tours of Yosemite ($200 a person)
Get around
Walk. The commercial district about 10 blocks long and runs along Central Yosemite Highway, Route 140.
See
See Mariposa Museum & History Center
Museum showcases the history of Mariposa County. It has several old buildings including a working blacksmith shop. Inside the museum are objects from Chinese immigrants who looked for gold and objects belonging to the Miwuk Indian Tribe. Also inside is a reproduction of a miner's cabin and a replica of the county courthouse.
Eat
Eat Happy Burger Diner
Has a big menu with all day lunch and dinner, and breakfast till 11:30AM. Offers Wi-Fi, and vegan options.
Eat Charles Street Dinner House
Fine dining with steaks and a large wine selection.
Drink
Drink 1850 Brewing Company
Brewery and diner. Brewery specializes in beers with nature inspired tastes. Diner specializes in burgers.
Drink Hideout Saloon
Tucked away on a side street, this aptly named dive bar is where the locals come to drink. Every available surface indoors and then some is plastered with dollar bills, and there's a small patio as well. Cheap drinks, craft beers on tap, surprisingly tasty pizzas.
Sleep
Stay Mariposa Hotel Inn
A wonderful alternative to the usual cookie-cutter brands, this tiny operation located up a flight of stairs dates to the 1850s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. All 6 rooms are decorated in kitschy Grandma-meets-boudoir style and the price includes a continental breakfast.
Go next
Nearby
El Portal
City / town · 3 listings · 16 mi away
Yosemite West
Park · 6 listings · 18 mi away
Fish Camp
City / town · 8 listings · 18 mi away
Coulterville
City / town · 3 listings · 20 mi away
Oakhurst
City / town · 23 listings · 20 mi away
Coarsegold
City / town · 6 listings · 21 mi away
Groveland
City / town · 6 listings · 28 mi away
Yosemite National Park
Park · 114 listings · 29 mi away
My experience
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