The town of Mariposa, first settled in 1849, is the southernmost in the Gold Rush chain of towns.  The streets follow the original street grid laid out by John C. Fremont in 1850. Known as a popular Highway 141 waystation to Yosemite National Park, this dog-friendly town was a USA Reader’s Choice 10Best Small Town Cultural Scene in 2022.

Mariposa is the perfect base camp for day trips into the Sierra National Forest and Yosemite. You can also take a walk on the Mariposa Creek Parkway, a shady creekside path by downtown that passes through the Mariposa Art Park right in Mariposa.  Back in town, many patios happily host dogs while you sample local menus or wines. When it’s time to crash, Mariposa has reliable pet-welcome stays like the River Rock Inn, Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station, Mariposa Lodge, and several dog-friendly cabins and rentals.