10 Lovely Small Towns to Visit in California's Sierra Nevada This Summer
The Sierra Nevada is full of lovely small towns, perfect for those looking to go somewhere unique. From mountain towns to old mining villages, the Sierra Nevada range has so many charming towns to explore. This lush landscape includes impressive mountain peaks, lush valleys, and towering forests, making it ideal for outdoor lovers. Come for a day trip or weekend, or explore the whole range on an epic road trip. There is so much to see and discover in this beautiful section of the Golden State, California.
Angels’ Camp
Angels’ Camp is an old settlement that has become an excellent travel destination. The area is particularly popular in summer when visitors flock to the lovely New Melones Lake. Families enjoy water sports, beach days, and fun in the sun as the region has everything from boat rentals to fishing, hiking, biking and exploring. Many choose to stay overnight in one of the nearby campsites that offer great opportunities for enjoying the impressive landscape. Sleep under the stars at Glory Hole recreation Area, or one of the over 100 campsites in the area. Check out the main museum and Carriage House in town to learn the history of this old settlement camp and its gold rush roots. The carriage House is also home to the largest collection of wagons and carriages anywhere in the US. It is also worth visiting the Mark Twain exhibit or visiting during the Mark Twain Wild West Fest to see the town’s tribute to the famed author. One of his short stories, The Celebrated Frog of Calaveras, was set in Angels Camp.
Tahoe City
Lake Tahoe is arguably the most well-known lake in California, making Tahoe City a great travel place. Its gorgeous bright blue waters bring visitors from all around during the warm summer months. Many enjoy lounging on the sandy beaches or enjoying water sports like jet skiing and boating on the water. Several paths and hiking trails, like the Eagles Falls Trail, offer impressive views of the lake and surrounding area. Explore the D.L. Bliss State Park or book a hired pontoon charter or guided kayak excursion to take it all lakeside. Downtown, visitors can experience the culture of Tahoe City at the Tahoe Art Haus and Cinema or the Gatekeeper’s Museum. The city is also a great place to visit in the winter, and it was even the host of the 1960’s Winter Olympics. Visitors can enjoy the Museum of Sierra Ski History or take to the nearby slopes for excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions.
Truckee
Truckee is just north of Tahoe City and is another great option in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is rich in history and a great option for those looking to learn more about this region's interesting roots. The whole town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Truckee specifically has strong ties to the Paiute Indians and a chief (who settlers referred to as Truckee) who led a westward movement along what is now called the Emigrant Trail. The Emigrant Trail Museum outlines this journey and the background of the Paiute people in the area. Truckee was also home to the Donner Party, American Pioneers trapped in a snowstorm during the winter of 1846-47 as they attempted to travel west through the area. Visitors can learn more about their unfortunate fate at Donner Memorial State Park or visit the scenic Donner Pass and Donner Lake, named after the traveling party.
Recreational activities include kayaking on the Truckee River, fishing at Sawmill Lake, or skiing on the nearby slopes in the winter. Excellent accommodation options include Northstar California Lodge and Truckee Donner Lodge, both of which have great mountain views.
Murphys
Murphys is another former gold rush town in the Sierra foothills. It is located halfway between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. The town is a hotspot for wine lovers and is home to a wide variety of wine-tasting rooms and nearby vineyards. Enjoy the scenery while sipping on a local wine at Locke Vineyards or the Frog’s Tooth tasting room, Four Winds Cellars, or Lavender Ridge Vineyards, to name a few. Murphys has great dining options, including Murphys Grade, Cured Belly BBQ, and Murphys Historic Hotel and Restaurant. Visitors can enjoy the Calaveras Big Trees State Park or Yosemite National Park. Calaveras is a great option for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature. Enjoy stunningly tall sequoias and towering pine trees with various hiking trails and walking paths. Another option for an even more unique experience is the Mercer Caverns. Just outside Murphys, the caverns are a series of underground caves and tunnels. Walk alongside stalagmites and cave pools and enter a new world of quiet mystery.
Auburn
Auburn is another foothills town with beautiful views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. It is just over 30 miles from Sacramento, making it a great option for a weekend away or road trip destination. The village dates back to the 1880s and, like many towns in the region, is listed as a California Historic Landmark. Notable attractions include the Placer County Museum and the historic courthouse.
Like Murphys, Auburn is also an excellent option for wine lovers, including some of California’s best wineries and vineyards. Book a guided wine tour, or take a self-guided trip along the Placer Wine Trail, which stops in several nearby towns and runs right through dozens of the wine hotspots of Auburn, including Viña Castellano Winery, Mt. Vernon Winery, and PaZa Estate Winery. For those who love exploring the distinct Sierra Nevada landscape, the Hidden Falls Regional Park is a must-see. Beautiful valleys and scenic views await, where secluded waterfalls add tranquil sounds and peaceful rushing water. The Auburn State Recreational Area is another great option and includes several lookout points, hiking trails, and the Black Hole of Calcutta Falls.
Lee Vining
Lee Vining is one of the best options for those looking to explore Yosemite National Park, one of the most popular parks in California. Lee Vining is in the Tioga Pass region of the Sierra Nevada range, an area often referred to as Yosemite Park’s “Heavenly Gate”. The pass offers impressive views, rising some 10,000 feet in a near-vertical rock face to the highest vehicle pass in the state. Sit amongst the clouds at the top of this impressive pass, which has one of the best views in the whole park. An average of 3.5 million people visit the park yearly to see the amazing mountain and cliff face views, towering trees, and beautiful waterfalls. Popular spots within the park include the Bridal Veil Falls, Yosemite Falls, Elley, Tioga Lake, Saddlebag, and Yosemite Valley. Many of these locations also have camping options for those who want the full Yosemite experience. Mono Lake is also a perfect destination for those staying in Lee Vining, and visitors can enjoy the bright blue waters and tufa tower rock formations that make Mono Lake so distinct.
June Lake
June Lake is only 12 miles outside of Lee Vining and is an excellent quieter option for those exploring the Sierra Nevada region. It features gorgeous clear waters, peaceful meadows, and the impressive June Mountain, creating a scene that looks straight out of a postcard. Take the view from Oh Ridge, which has one of the most impressive lake and mountain views. Like in Tahoe, the lake is the biggest draw to the area, and it is one of the largest lakes in the region. Visitors enjoy boating on the bright waters, fishing, or relaxing lakeside on the beautiful beaches. Other attractions outside town include the Ansel Adams Wilderness with its rustic woodlands and the Rush Creek Trail.
Mammoth Lakes
Another town that is known for its lakes is Mammoth Lakes. This area includes several picturesque lakes, including Lake Mary and Crystal Lake. The blue waters paint a scenic background for kayaking or paddle boarding. Be sure to visit the Rainbow Falls and Twin Falls, which lead from the lakes into the tranquil Agnew Meadows beyond. Another geographical must-see is the Devil's Postpile National Monument, which is a natural rock formation that seems out of this world. Camp in one of the nearby campgrounds, or take a day trip for hiking and exploring. In town, explore the Mammoth Consolidated Mines to learn more about the old mining community and the town's history.
Bishop
Bishop, California, is near Mammoth Falls, in the North end of Owens Valley along Bishops Creek. Bishop is a smaller town and a lesser-known travel destination, making it ideal for those looking for somewhere off the beaten path. Despite its quieter atmosphere, Bishop has much to explore, see and do. It has many historical landmarks, including the Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site, which details the old railstop that sparked Bishop’s growth in the past. Another excellent historical stop is the Owens Valley Paiute Sohane Cultural Center, which looks back beyond the railroad to the early days of settlements and Paiute occupation in the region. Adventure and nature lovers can enjoy the nearby Bishops Creek Canyon. Stately forests populated the area, blending seamlessly into the grassy shores of the winding Bishops Creek. Overlooking it all are the impressive mountain peaks, creating a striking scene. Various trails, like the Little Lakes Valley Trail and Bishop Pass Trail, offer lookout points to take in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and nearby lakes.
Three Rivers
Three Rivers sits along the San Joaquin Valley, in the southern part of the Sierra Nevada range. The valley is full of impressive natural wonders and places to explore. Take in all the southern California landscape offers, from the nearby Ash Mountain entrance of Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park and the General Grant Tree trail. The region has some of the best examples of old-growth Sequoia trees around, offering a wonderful escape into the solitude and wonder of the old forests. Another must-visit is the stunning Lake Kaweah, which is particularly breathtaking during its sunsets.
The town of Three Rivers is also picturesque. The main streets follow the banks of the Kaweah River. Walk along the riverside and stop in for a bite and a drink at the Sequoia Coffee Co. or enjoy a beer at Three Rivers Brewing Co. A number of unique cabins and lodges, including Buckeye Tree Lodge, the Getaway Lodge and Restaurant, or Cort Cottage, can be found in the area for accommodation.
Whether visiting northeastern Tahoe, offbeat towns like Bishop, or exploring the national and state parks, the Sierra Nevada mountain range has much to see, do, and enjoy. Camp among towering sequoia trees, get away from it all on one of the bright blue lakes, or learn the vast mining and gold rush history of the region. No matter what you love to do, there is something for everyone to enjoy in these lovely small towns of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
