Welcome Back: The Return of the Yosemite Bed & Breakfast

The Yosemite bed & breakfast combines the best elements of California travel: a quiet, nature-forward setting; the shared knowledge of a local host; and all the personal touches of home. Operated by thoughtful owners (many being semi-retired) who are deeply committed to running their small inns, these oases of comfort are the perfect gathering spot for like-minded guests. The result? A symphonic stay where rest meets relaxation.

Yet these distinctive qualities are the very reason bed & breakfasts were particularly hard hit by the pandemic. So now as the world opens up and visitors return to this magical landscape of massive rock and waterfall mist, of museum hopping and bird watching and strolls in the woods, we are once again promoting the virtues of travel with a personal connection. To the Yosemite bed & breakfast, and all the free-spirited travelers out there, we say….welcome back.

Seasons & Regions

Finding the right B&B near Yosemite is all about what you like to do, and when you like to do it. With its nearly 1,500 square miles and elevations that range from under a thousand feet in western Mariposa County to over thirteen-thousand feet in Yosemite National Park, every season brings out a new mood and unique things to do. From a serene winter stroll in Yosemite Valley as snowflakes flutter down to a post-lunch birdwatching session at the Stockton Creek Preserve, from autumn leaf-peeping in the High Country to cooling off in one of our seven museums during summer, there’s an only-in-Mariposa activity waiting. Of course, just relaxing on the porch of your B&B and chatting with other guests is another popular pastime, especially in a setting as tranquil as this.

With over 30 properties, searching for the perfect B&B near Yosemite National Park is just a click away. Filter by region, budget, and amenities such as fireplace and hot tub to make the search ultimately personalized. Here are just a few B&B’s to get you started on your Yosemite Mariposa homecoming.

Central Mariposa County

On the flank of the mighty Sierra Nevada mountain range, Central Mariposa County is just a short distance from Yosemite National Park and features a range of spirited pursuits and delightful diversions. With deep Gold Rush history, frame-worthy landscapes, and local foodie fare, it’s easy to see why visitors enjoy this mountain paradise year-round.

Located in El Portal, the Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn is the closest bed & breakfast to Yosemite Valley. Featuring a deck overlooking the Wild & Scenic Merced River, there are four suites classically decorated in the Arts & Crafts style, not to mention a full gourmet breakfast served daily along with “properly prepared” British tea. Make the short 12-mile drive to the granite cliffs and signature waterfalls of Yosemite Valley, and during your stay be sure to explore El Portal’s history as a railroad hub in the early days of Yosemite tourism.

For guests wanting to be close to the action, the Yosemite Plaisance Bed & Breakfast offers visitors three individually-appointed suites in the heart of downtown Mariposa. With names like Redwood, Janette and Soleil, all suites have private baths, Wi-Fi and there’s a Tesla charging station for your EV. Better yet? It’s only 32 miles to Yosemite National Park’s Arch Rock Entrance. A little time in the “city,” a little time in the country. Now that’s a well-balanced visit.

Highway 41 brings B&B guests to the quiet majesty of the southern part of Central Mariposa County. With stops at historic Fish Camp (just 2 miles from the Park’s southern entrance) and Wawona, this approach enjoys a mild, mid-elevation climate (4,000-5,000 feet) and features less-visited Chilnualna Falls not to mention the arboreal grandeur of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

Lovingly run by “Yosemite Lovers” Ron and Bette, Bette’s Yosemite Bed & Breakfast in Fish Camp offers 2 rooms (the Bubble Suite and the Sentinel Dome Room) each with a large private bath. The spacious, 3-level home was architecturally-designed (Ron is a retired architect, after all) to expand on the original 1946 cabin and is adjacent to the Sierra National Forest. The hosts’ local knowledge — especially of Yosemite hiking trails — is freely shared around the fireplace or out on the deck. Glass of local wine, anyone?

The Big Creek Inn Bed & Breakfast is nestled in a meadow-side setting along — you guessed it — Big Creek. Located in Fish Camp, each of the 3 second-floor guest rooms (Mariposa, Madera, and Merced) has unobstructed views where bird and wildlife watching are matched only by stargazing the Sierra night sky. Check out the Big Creek Meadow webcam to get a preview of the beauty that awaits.

Northern Mariposa County

Fun & funky is the name of the game in less-populated Northern Mariposa County, with the historic Gold Rush town of Coulterville being a nugget in the rough. This pristine region also boasts the Stanislaus National Forest and its network of winding backroads that feel untouched by time.

Located just 14 miles from Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat Entrance, the Blackberry Inn Yosemite epitomizes the spirit of the Yosemite bed & breakfast. Set on a 36-acre Arabian horse ranch overlooking the Stanislaus National Forest, there are 10 suites in two farmhouse-style buildings each with a large wraparound porch. Guests are served a full hot breakfast at 8 a.m., or they can request an earlier breakfast (24-hour notice required) if they’re hot to trot for exploring the surrounding beauty.

Southern Mariposa County

Southern Mariposa County is where the Great Central Valley begins to roll up to the foothills in undulating waves as farming gives way to ranching and the first glints of the Sierra Nevada range come into view. An austerely beautiful setting straight out of a Mark Twain novel, this is where B&B guests can explore the Gold Rush boomtown of Hornitos & the Ghost of Joaquin Murrieta.

With an affinity for gardening, cooking, and bird-watching, hosts Rob & Mariana designed and built Posada Mariana Bed & Breakfast. Approximately one hour from Yosemite National Park and 20 minutes from old town Mariposa, Posada Mariana’s four private guest rooms are named after quaint Mexican towns and have private baths. The Spanish hacienda-style of the property includes a beautiful central courtyard and is set on 25 acres, with breathtaking sunsets to cap off your day of exploration. Hosts speak Spanish and welcome visitors from across the globe.

Glacier Point Road Region in Yosemite

Torn between wanting a bed and breakfast experience and wanting to stay as close to the sights of Yosemite National Par as possible? Here’s your solution: Yosemite West High Sierra Bed and Breakfast, conveniently located inside the park gates in the community of Yosemite West. From here you’ll be roughly equidistant from the major Yosemite destinations of Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (each less than a 30-minute drive away), and only 15 minutes from Yosemite’s Badger Pass Ski and Snowboard Area in the winter.

With hosts who are part of a legacy of Yosemite-lovers who have been exploring the park together for decades, you’ll be able to get expert advice on customizing your Yosemite visit to suit your interests and abilities. Enjoy the camaraderie and the spectacular sunset-watching decks from this welcoming bed and breakfast destination.

Yosemite B&B Tips

• Look for certification from the Yosemite-Mariposa B&B Association and rest easy knowing that the property has been inspected for standards of comfort and cleanliness.
• When searching for Yosemite Mariposa Lodging, look for the banner at bottom of each listing to unlock the latest deals.
• Be sure to check individual properties for their current Covid-19 protocols.
• Before booking your stay, always check Yosemite National Park for any entry reservations that might be required.
• Explore the complete lineup of the Yosemite Mariposa bed & breakfasts to find the right property for you.
• New to the B&B world? Check out this helpful how-to on bed and breakfast etiquette.