Situated in the heart of the Sierra Nevada at the southern end of the “Mother Lode,” Mariposa has a compelling blend of history and natural beauty. This Gold Rush-era town is the gateway to Yosemite National Park, but Mariposa has enough to do to make it worth a day trip. This under-the-radar Northern California town is a place you should know about!
A group of Spanish explorers in the early 1800s named the area Las Mariposas, which is Spanish for butterflies, due to the abundance of Monarch butterflies.
As the mid-1800s approached, the Gold Rush spurred the development of towns across California, including the establishment of present-day Mariposa. Mariposa has some historical and notable landmarks from that era, including the courthouse and stone jail.
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Visitors to this historic town should explore the Mariposa County Courthouse, immortalized through the lens of the iconic Ansel Adams.
It features numerous exhibits showcasing artifacts from the Gold Rush era, along with exhibits from the first Spanish settlers and local Native American tribes.
Take a stroll down the main street, which is actually just a quiet section of California Route 49 that cuts right through town.
This cottage is within walking distance to downtown Mariposa and is only a 45-minute drive from Yosemite. Enjoy all the small-town charm of Mariposa and have quick access to one of the most beautiful parks in the world.
For some more privacy, the Windmill rental offers a hilltop view of Mariposa and is only a 2-minute drive from downtown.
This wheelchair-friendly rental features a gazebo, dining table, and BBQ.
Book a spring vacation to Mariposa, an under-the-radar Northern California town! Whether you stay one night in a charming downtown cottage, or a small and quiet property just outside of town, a vacation to Mariposa is sure to be one filled with special memories.
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