Things to do in Mariposa

Mariposa Grove

Mariposa Grove is also translated as Butterfly Valley. It is named after the giant sequoia, the world's largest book species distributed in the forest. These trees that have been standing here since the Ice Age have a history of nearly a thousand years, which makes people feel their own insignificance. The trekking route of the giant sequoia forest is about 1.5 hours, and tourists who are interested in geology, flora and fauna can visit.

2026 Global 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is characterized by its glacier-carved granite landscapes, with most of the area designated as wilderness, preserving its pristine natural environment. Yosemite Valley is the core area for visitors, bringing together many of the park's iconic views. El Capitan is a massive granite monolith that rises from the valley floor, with a vertical height of approx. 900 m, making it a classic challenge for rock climbers from around the world; Half Dome is the symbol of the park with its unique semi-domed shape; Yosemite Falls cascades down in three sections—upper, middle, and lower—with a total drop of approx. 740 m. Tunnel View, located near the entrance to the valley, offers a vantage point where you can see El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all in one frame. The park also features several giant sequoia groves, including Mariposa Grove, home to giant sequoias that are hundreds to thousands of years old. Glacier Point is a high-elevation observation deck for panoramic views of the valley, while hiking up the Mist Trail allows you to experience the spray of the waterfalls up close. Hiking in the valley, taking in the views from Glacier Point, and capturing photos at Tunnel View are all classic ways to experience the park.

Mariposa Fairgrounds

Mariposa Museum & History Center

Skydive Yosemite

California State Mining and Mineral Museum

Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in San Francisco

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island stands isolated in San Francisco Bay, facing Fisherman's Wharf across the water. To reach the island, visitors must take a ferry from nearby Pier 33. In 1775, Spanish explorers mapping the bay named it "Isla de los Alcatraces" (Island of the Pelicans) due to the abundance of seabirds. However, this small island later became world-famous for its "devilish" reputation: from 1850, it first served as a military fortress guarding the bay entrance, then became a military prison. From 1934 to 1963, it operated as a high-security federal penitentiary housing over a thousand inmates including Al Capone. No escape attempts were ever confirmed successful. The island served as a filming location for "The Rock," and its English name inspired "Azkaban" in Harry Potter. From 1969 to 1971, a 19-month Native American occupation made it an important landmark in the American civil rights movement. Now the entire island is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where abandoned prison cells, old lighthouses, and weathered barracks still retain their original layout. The prison cells along the main corridor, "Broadway," are open to visitors, with permanent exhibitions recounting the island's past. Put on headphones, and the audio guide plays firsthand accounts from former guards and inmates. Between the cliffs and shrubs, seabirds like western gulls, cormorants, and black-crowned night herons nest and thrive. The blend of profound history and bay wildlife makes it one of San Francisco's most distinctive destinations.

Yosemite Climbing Museum

2026 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do

Fisherman's Wharf

A landmark of San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf is a strip extending from Ghirardelli Square all the way to Pier 35 and close to popular destinations such as Chinatown and the Lombard Street. This is home to a wealth of shops and restaurants and lively street shows can be seen everywhere. Famous sites such as Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge can also be sighted in the distance. The Fisherman's Wharf is close to the bay, so do not miss out on the fresh and delicious seafood. At Pier 39, sea lions can also be seen lying idly on rafts for a bit of sunbathing, making a most adorable scene.