Travel with purpose in Yosemite Mariposa County

Yosemite Mariposa County is naturally a bucket list option for the responsible traveler.

Wandering in the shadow of Half Dome and El Capitan, visitors feel at home in this this citadel of conservation.

The benefits of national park travel are many – to the traveler through unmatched experiences and to the local tourism economy through economic impact.

In addition to respecting the environment, there are easy ways for visitors to maximize their stewardship. From hotel booking to dining and shopping, making mindful choices can drive dollars deeper into local communities. Here’s how you can travel with purpose in Yosemite Mariposa County.

Hotels: Book Direct to Support Local Businesses

It all starts with the hotel reservation. Is it better to book directly with a hotel? Absolutely.

Yosemite.com’s Book>Direct is a top resource for local lodging availability by connecting travelers directly to the hotel owner’s reservation system. Booking this way puts more revenue in the hands of local ownership and avoids extra fees paid to the corporate OTAs. The Book Direct search offers a choice of hotels & motels, Airbnb, cabin rentals, bed & breakfast, or camping/campgrounds. You’ll be able to quickly filter by region, budget, and must-have amenities.

Further, by selecting an independent, locally-owned and operated lodging option, you’ll keep more dollars within the local economy. Places like the historic River Rock Inn, just off main street in the heart of downtown Mariposa next to its adorable onsite coffee shop, Sticks Coffee, are independent businesses that employ local workers. It’s steps away from shopping, dining, drinks and the YARTS bus. The Yosemite View Lodge is another locally-owned property, the closest resort to Yosemite Valley just minutes from the Park’s Arch Rock entrance.

Yosemite Mariposa County has abundant private vacation home and cabin rentals for visitors – and supplemental income to local owners. Locations are available both inside and outside of Yosemite National Park. Inside, there are plenty of options in Yosemite West, Foresta and Wawona. The Loft at 1850 is an excellent outside-the-park example, a Mariposa vacation rental owned by the same family behind the popular 1850 Restaurant.

Dining and Shopping: Go Local

Support local businesses by opting for independent kitchens and merchants. This is another simple step, as the great majority of restaurants and shops are “mom and pop,” independent businesses.

Homegrown dining options abound, including 1850 Brewing Company. 1850’s awesome, from-scratch omnivore menu complements its rotating taps of flagship and seasonal brews. Coulterville’s Coulter Café & General Store is a foodie oasis where visitors can enjoy chicken & waffles for brunch or grab a bottle of local wine for a Mariposa County picnic.

Locally-sourced gifts bring part of your travel experience home with you. The local artisan game is strong, with places like Chocolate Soup, Nativearth Footwear, and gift shops at Mariposa Museum & History Center and Yosemite Climbing Association Museum & Gallery. Inside the Park, the Ansel Adams Gallery sells original and authentic works of art, handicrafts and Native American jewelry.

Many local shops have online stores, including old town Mariposa’s Brick Wall Boutique featuring a dedicated Made in Mariposa tab.

Going Deeper with Purpose

Thinking differently about how we travel opens up new real-world opportunities. The simple act of staying longer in one destination (“slow travel”) as opposed to the whistle-stop tour lessens your environmental footprint, keeps fuel bills lower and fully activates a “vacation state of mind.”

Voluntourism is another way to dive in, a work-play hybrid that gives back and enhances your connection to local places, people and culture.