The Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel in Mariposa sits just outside Yosemite National Park, making it a convenient base if you’re planning to spend time hiking or exploring the area with your dog. The location puts you close enough to get into the park for day trips, but far enough away to find more affordable lodging and a quieter place to rest afterward.

The motel allows up to two dogs per room, with each dog able to weigh up to 80 pounds. You’ll pay $20 per day for each dog, plus a $50 refundable deposit for cleaning and damage. If you have cats or other pets, it’s worth calling ahead since they sometimes approve additional animals on a case-by-case basis.

One of the best things about staying here is the park directly across the street. It’s genuinely useful—you can take your dog over anytime to burn off energy or handle bathroom needs. The staff keeps waste bags available, which takes one thing off your plate. The motel’s own grounds are pretty spacious too, so there’s room to wander around the property with your dog.

You’re also within walking distance of seven different restaurants, and several have patios where dogs are welcome. This matters more than you’d think when you’re traveling with a dog and want to actually sit down for a meal without planning logistics for hours.

The 24-hour front desk staff can give you decent advice about what to do in the area, and they’ve clearly dealt with plenty of traveling dogs before, so they understand the questions you’ll actually have. Mariposa itself has some solid attractions nearby—the mining museum, the old courthouse, and the history center—if you want a break from hiking days or weather turns bad.

The rooms are clean and straightforward, nothing fancy, but that’s fine when you’re really just using it as a place to sleep and keep your dog comfortable. If you’re heading to Yosemite with a dog, this is a sensible choice that saves you money compared to lodging closer to the park.