Day One: Make the most of Mariposa

Morning

After waking up to comfy accommodations, switch into vacation mode before a charming, low-key day in Mariposa, which blends Gold Rush history, mountain scenery, and solid local food. Grab a quick coffee and complimentary granola from the Clubhouse before exploring the grounds outside. A heated pool, lounge chairs, and firepits nestled among the pines set the tone for the relaxing days to come.

When you’re ready (there’s no rush!), make the short 10 minute drive into historic downtown Mariposa for breakfast. Try Jantz Cafe & Bakery for a scratch-made menu, or Sticks Coffee for excellent espresso, lighter breakfast bites and local vibes.

Day One

Afternoon

Then jump right into Mariposa. Consider kicking off your exploration at the refreshed Yosemite Climbing Museum, home to fascinating exhibits and stories of Yosemite’s fearless climbers. To keep the museum momentum going, you may also check out Mariposa Museum & History Center, one of California’s best Gold Rush museums including an outdoor complex with original 1800s buildings, blacksmith shop, jail and courthouse.

After the museums, explore the main street lined with quirky antique shops and local art galleries. Pop into Chocolate Soup for handmade chocolates and gifts and Mariposa Marketplace for local goods and souvenirs.

Once you’ve built an appetite, drop by 1850 Restaurant and Brewing Company for a mouth-watering steakhouse burger and order of garlic fries.

Day One

Evening

When golden hours rolls around, sticking close to AutoCamp is always a solid option. Take a dip in the pool, play a few rounds of cornhole or bocce, and unwind in the Clubhouse lounge with a glass of California wine. As night falls, spark up your fire pit and throw on a grill kit for an easy bite.

Looking to get out for dinner? Check out Hideout Saloon–a gastropub in an 1850’s Gold Rush saloon with casual comfort food, craft brews and live music, or Little Shop of Ramen offering Japanese-inspired housemade noodles.

No matter the choice, once back at AutoCamp, catch a rotating event on the happenings calendar, from live music and craft workshops to bingo under the Sierra sky.

Day Two: Traverse Yosemite and catch the show

Morning

Wake up with the smell of mountain air and complimentary coffee, tea, and granola at the Clubhouse. If you’re visiting on a weekend, start the morning with yoga on the lawn. In our opinion, sun salutations are the perfect warm-up for a big Yosemite day.

After a good morning flow, plan to hit Yosemite National Park early—arriving ahead of the crowds makes all the difference. The 25 miles journey to the park entrance can take between 40 minutes to 1 hour depending on the traffic. Make sure to grab snacks, lunch and beverages from the General Store before beginning your journey–you’ll thank yourself later.

From the El Portal entrance, it’s another 40-minute drive to your first stop: Tunnel View, just outside the Wawona Tunnel on Highway 41. Take in the iconic vista of El Capitan and Half Dome, the kind of view that never gets old.

Make your way into Yosemite Valley and get your waterproof gear ready for a hike along the Mist Trail. Even a short trek will pay off with a close-up view of Vernal Falls in all its refreshing, misty glory. Up for a longer adventure? The trail continues alongside Nevada Falls until it reaches the high-point, approximately 2,000 feet of elevation gain over roughly 3.4 miles.

Day Two

Afternoon

After your hike, drive to Bridalveil Fall on your way toward Glacier Point. The cascade you spotted from afar is even more powerful up close, and the short, easy walk from the parking lot to the viewing area makes it perfect for a quick stop. Now is the time to break out those packed lunches you stashed. Nothing beats a picnic with these iconic views.

Now, one of the best viewpoints in all of Yosemite: Glacier Point. This spot offers a sweeping panorama of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and several waterfalls sure to leave you starstruck. While it’s not much of a hike, the short paved walkway leads to a view that is truly breathtaking. From left to right, you can take in Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley below, Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and even Vernal and Nevada Falls.

Looking for further guidance? Uncover the magic and beauty of Yosemite National Park with a privately-guided adventure by Balanced Rock–they offer customizable day hikes and walking tours tailored to match your unique vision. And, booking a guided adventure in Yosemite guarantees access into the park for 3 consecutive days, beginning on the day of your booked trip.

Day Two

Evening

When you’re ready to leave the park and grab a bite, loop back to AutoCamp for a quick relax and refresh before going into Mariposa for dinner and a show at The Grove House. Part music venue, part restaurant, part beer garden and patio, it’s an ideal place to chill after a busy day in the park. The menu changes seasonally to highlight the freshest ingredients, so rather than a rec, we’ll leave it to you to discover your favorite.

Day Three: Follow the Merced

Morning

After grabbing coffee from the Clubhouse, or making it cowboy-style on the campfire, kick off your final morning with a float or kayak on the Merced River, a local favorite when the sun is high and the water is cool. Rentals are available nearby, or find a quiet swimming hole to splash around and shake off any end-of-vacation scaries.

If you’re looking for a thrill, check out the rumble and tumble of whitewater rafting. Having an experienced guide at the helm is essential, and there are several professional whitewater tour companies that offer half and full-day trips each spring.

For something mellow, kayak from Lake McSwain, or choose your fav boat launch at one of the four campgrounds on Lake McClure.

Day Three

Afternoon

If you’re looking for another afternoon immersed in the park, head to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, home to some of the planet’s largest and oldest trees, including the awe-inspiring Grizzly Giant, estimated at 2,700 years old. During peak season (spring through fall), visitors must use the park shuttle from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza or the designated parking lot, as private vehicles are limited. The shuttle drops you near the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail, a 2-mile roundtrip hike that meanders past iconic trees and towering canopies. Even on a short walk, the sunlight filtering through the sequoias makes it feel magical—not a bad way to soak in Yosemite’s splendor one last time.

If you’d rather stay local to Mariposa, consider a walk at the Stockton Creek Preserve. Located just four blocks from downtown, the oak and wildflower-dappled foothills of this peaceful sanctuary will set the mood for the rest of your trip.

Day Three

Evening

It’s time to wind (wine?) down and taste Mariposa! From full-bodied wines to delicious craft brews, Mariposa’s vintners and brewers love to share their craft with visitors. Ideally situated in the Sierra foothills, Mariposa wineries are thriving and producing topnotch vintage. The location is excellent for growing wine grapes, which ripen during hot summer days and cool in the night air from the Sierras. Try The Local Grape for a selection of wine grown in the Sierra foothills, or Sierra Cider to relax in a 40-foot shipping container transformed into a chill place to hang out after you’re hiked out.

For a full-er list of options, check out this full list of tastings and breweries from Yosemite Mariposa County.

After it all, make your way back to AutoCamp Yosemite where s’mores kits are calling your name. Who can resist an ooey, gooey, perfectly toasted marshmallow? Not us. Enjoy your last night around the campfire and take in the stargazing–Mariposa has minimal light pollution, making for epic views of the constellations above.

Three days at AutoCamp Yosemite and “back to normal” won’t sound nearly as nice. Come back soon.

Looking to dive deeper into Yosemite? Check out Wildsam’s field guide to Yosemite National Park: 145 pages of expert itineraries and campsite recs, rock climbers and actors, basecamp towns and park traditions.