Food scene
Charles Street Dinner House
5043 Charles StGood food, friendly, and relaxing.
Good food. Menu changes daily, posted on their FB page. Includes vegetarian and vegan dishes. Order at the counter and they bring food to your table. A place with character. Part of Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort ("The Bug" to locals). Sometimes has live music. Great place for one person or a group.
23 locals recommend
June Bug Café
6979B CA-140Good food. Menu changes daily, posted on their FB page. Includes vegetarian and vegan dishes. Order at the counter and they bring food to your table. A place with character. Part of Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort ("The Bug" to locals). Sometimes has live music. Great place for one person or a group.
Not only do they have good food, but they brew their own beer. Indoor and outdoor seating. You can bring your dog on the patio.
107 locals recommend
1850 Restaurant and Brewery
5114 Yosemite All-Year HwyNot only do they have good food, but they brew their own beer. Indoor and outdoor seating. You can bring your dog on the patio.
"Hole in the wall" would not be an inaccurate description of this tiny bar built into the side of an incline in a historic building in town. Eclectic dinner menu and lots of atmosphere. They sometimes have live music.
35 locals recommend
The Hideout Saloon
5031 CA-140"Hole in the wall" would not be an inaccurate description of this tiny bar built into the side of an incline in a historic building in town. Eclectic dinner menu and lots of atmosphere. They sometimes have live music.
Located in the historic Gold Coin Saloon building. Features handmade ramen noodles. Shares space with The Local Grape wine bar, specializing in Sierra foothill wines.
Little Shop of Ramen
Located in the historic Gold Coin Saloon building. Features handmade ramen noodles. Shares space with The Local Grape wine bar, specializing in Sierra foothill wines.
Great variety of teas, coffees, bobas, lemonade, and other nonalcoholic drinks. Open late if you want an evening coffee.
The Lemon Drop
4998b 7th StGreat variety of teas, coffees, bobas, lemonade, and other nonalcoholic drinks. Open late if you want an evening coffee.
Neighborhoods
Mariposa is a quaint old gold-rush town, one mile from end-to-end. There are a lot of artists and crafters in the area and some of their items are available in local stores.
There are also several wineries, a brew pub, a store selling olive oil and vinegar they make, a couple of antique stores, and other great places to shop for gifts or just browse for local treasures. Plus, there are some wonderful restaurants!
92 locals recommend
Mariposa
Mariposa is a quaint old gold-rush town, one mile from end-to-end. There are a lot of artists and crafters in the area and some of their items are available in local stores.
There are also several wineries, a brew pub, a store selling olive oil and vinegar they make, a couple of antique stores, and other great places to shop for gifts or just browse for local treasures. Plus, there are some wonderful restaurants!
Sightseeing
Great place to learn about the history of Mariposa, the local Me-Wuk Indians, the gold rush, etc.
73 locals recommend
Mariposa Museum & History Center
5119 Jessie StGreat place to learn about the history of Mariposa, the local Me-Wuk Indians, the gold rush, etc.
It has the Fricot “Nugget” on display, a rare specimen of crystallized gold nugget.
55 locals recommend
California State Mining & Mineral Museum
5005 Fairgrounds RdIt has the Fricot “Nugget” on display, a rare specimen of crystallized gold nugget.
Yosemite Climbing Museum
5180 CA-140Historic photos and information about rock climbing in Yosemite.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Don't drive over 60 MPH to avoid speeding tickets.
California Highway Patrol particularly loves to give tickets on CA-140.
Getting around
YARTS buses are available to Yosemite
Rather than driving to Yosemite National Park, consider taking the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) bus. It's less stressful than driving, and there are shuttles in the park that you can take to get around. Visit yarts.com for info.
Getting around
Pull over to let cars pass
California requires that if you are driving under the speed limit (55 MPH on highways) and have 5+ cars behind you, you must pull over and let the cars pass you. This is for safety, especially on winding rural roads.
What to pack
When hiking, bring lots of water!
It is easy, even in winter, to get dehydrated when hiking. Please plan to take sufficient water with you on hikes. If you plan to hike a full day, a gallon of water per person is recommended. More, if it's particularly hot.
Getting around
Bring tire chains in winter
It can snow in the Mariposa area and in Yosemite Valley in winter. With heavier snows, chains will be required on CA-140 and in the park.
Also, the driveway at Fremont's Corner is fairly steep, so 4WD, AWD, or chains are recommended if snow is expected.
Chains can be purchased and rented, while available, in Mariposa.
Book before you go
Yosemite National Park
The park now requires reservations. This is because last year there were lines of cars waiting 2-4 hours to get into the park, and some having to be turned away. Check their website for details. **Tip: Log into the reservation website several minutes before the reservations are available. They are gone in a few minutes.**