Romantic Things to Do in Yosemite Mariposa County

When it comes to two hearts beating as one, Valentine’s Day and fairy tale winters align perfectly for a romantic getaway to Yosemite Mariposa County. Here, snowflakes slow-dance between the pines, waterfalls whisper sweet somethings and celestial bodies glow.

From full service resorts where spa treatments reign supreme to cozy cabins where firelight makes your wine glass sparkle, love grows stronger with Yosemite as your stage. Whether your heart is set on Valentine’s Day, or gushes for any romantic day in winter, book a table for two and the mood is set. There’s no place with more natural chemistry than Yosemite Mariposa County.

Valentine’s Play: Romantic Things To Do

Ice skating mitten-in-mitten under the approving eye of Glacier Point is a lovers’ dream on Valentine’s Day, or any winter day in Yosemite Valley.  Warm up with an Irish Coffee around one of the fire pits and imagine the epic pageantry of the historic Yosemite Firefall at this Curry Village hot spot.

The soothing touch of a Yosemite Mariposa County spa treatment is sure to elevate your mood whether it’s a couples massage, guided meditation or aromatic wellness soak for two. From the Ascent Spa to the Wellness Nook and the Yosemite Health Spa, all paths connect on the way to relaxation.

Coffee shop cortados…hard cider in an apple orchard tasting room…a healthy pour of local reds…the town of Mariposa is the heart & soul of Yosemite Mariposa County tastings. It’s the perfect way to recount all the amazing sights you’ve seen together, and plan for what’s next.

A couple that snowshoes together, stays together.  Okay, that might not be a real saying but there’s definitely something powerful that occurs during a shared Yosemite snowshoe adventure.  Take that cloud-kissing pic of you and your lover at Dewey Point with Yosemite Valley 3,000 feet below, or pad your way to the Faithful Couple Tree in Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. It’s a healthy distance, but love knows no bounds!

A private ski lesson or guided backcountry trip may be a splurge, but this unforgettable Yosemite experience will be one to share with your grandkids someday. Half day, full day, overnight…time flies beneath Sierra skies. Whoosh, there it is!

Romantic Lodging & Elegant Dining

Having an elegant meal that’s just downstairs from your well-appointed room makes for a grand entrance and a stylish clink of cocktail glasses.  The historic Ahwahnee Hotel offers this unbeatable pairing with their famed Ahwahnee Dining Room.  The setting is timeless as vaulted-ceilings, exposed beams and picture windows create a winter masterpiece with Yosemite Valley just outside.

Perhaps a bit more rustic but on-point for its alpine setting is the Yosemite Valley Lodge.  Couples can walk out their door and search for frazil ice forming on the Merced River, or see the streaks of winter on the 2,425 ft face of Yosemite Falls just a quarter mile away.  A V-Day dinner on-site at the Mountain Room features such hearty fare as filet mignon with mushroom demi-glace and wild forager risotto, while the rose-infused creme brûlée is sure to elicit a sparkle in your lover’s eye.

Without a doubt, Tenaya at Yosemite offers the broadest palette of amenities in a setting that feels like it’s pulled from a winter fairytale. Check into their spacious Contemporary Suite for adults-only flair, or for privacy try their Explorer Cabins, then reserve a table on-site at Embers restaurant.  Set around a stone fireplace, Embers treats guests to such offerings as pan-seared scallops and New York strip steak with chimichurri. Top it off by asking for one spoon and sharing the hot chocolate chip cookie à la mode. Add to this outdoor fire pits dotting the property and its own covered ice rink, and Tenaya at Yosemite becomes a one-stop romance shop.

The Yosemite gateway town of Mariposa offers a variety of accommodations, including romantic cabin rentals such as the Moonstone Retreat, where a private chef and private on-site yoga lessons can be arranged to accent your affections. Afterward, walk Mariposa’s historic main street and indulge in some Valentine’s Day shopping, then celebrate one another with a tasty meal at Frederick’s of Savourys or the Charles Street Dinner House. Cheers to love!

Candlelight Advice

• Valentine’s Day in Yosemite Mariposa County is a popular holiday, and for good reason.  Be sure to make your reservations early for lodging, restaurants and spa treatments.

• Check our Special Offers page to see if there are any Valentine’s Day or winter deals that catch your eye, or contact the property directly to inquire.

• For couples ready to take their love to new heights, consider a winter wedding in Yosemite.

• While Valentine’s Day is pure magic, celebrate your love all winter long in the romantic and rugged mountainscape of Yosemite Mariposa County. After all, the heart wants what the heart wants!