11 Best Downtowns In California's Sierra Nevada

Although most people know the California Sierra Nevada as where nature pours beauty in big, bubbly doses, that poetic landscape is also generously dotted by small, charming towns with postcard looks. Far from serving as jumping-off points to epic-level outdoor adventure, these cute locales are destinations by themselves, especially because some have unbelievably beautiful downtowns, which almost look surreal. It is a cutthroat contest; however, without a doubt, the following are the 11 best downtowns in the Sierra Nevada.

Nevada City

Nevada City is in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, in an area of meandering rivers and peaceful, pine-speckled forests. It is lovely and unique because of a downtown peppered with carefully preserved Victorians. Once a Gold Rush town, Nevada City is today known for epic outdoor adventure. It has also morphed into a hub for experimental film and Old West architecture. With the entire downtown a National Historic Landmark (and you don't get that often), the air here is rich with whispers of yesteryears. Kitkitdizzi is a cute little gift shop on Broad Street that keeps a variety of unique items, including tarot and oracle cards, oils, and locally-made art pieces. Cross the street to Nevada City Chocolate Shoppe, and flavor your day with some pumpkin ice cream. Check out the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum for a bit of local railroad history and interesting steam engines, then hit up Hirschman's Pond Trailhead, which has wonderful scenery and plenty of rocks.

Grass Valley

Grass Valley is in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, about 57 miles northeast of Sacramento. Its historic district keeps a colourful history of the Gold Country with elements of 19th-century flashbacks. The shopping area is neat and beautiful, and has buildings that predate the Civil War. It has today been transformed into a center for arts and culture and boasts some of the most unique retail establishments in western Nevada County. It is one of California’s 14 official cultural districts, with places like the iconic Del Oro Theatre contributing to that reputation. With its Art Deco architecture, legends of untimely deaths, and illuminated 70-foot tower, this nostalgic space should be on everyone's itinerary. There is the Center for the Arts, a comfortable space to enjoy an afternoon show, and Bicycle Thief, which serves some of the best pizzas in the world. Meanwhile, Condon Park is a cool, shaded space with miles of nice trails to walk. Not just that, you can also play disc golf on a beautiful course.

Truckee

Downtown Truckee is an absolute gem, regardless of whether you attribute it to the landscape’s Alpine charm or the shimmering allure of Donner Lake, an outdoor playground loved for its stunning views. A mid-morning stroll along Commercial Row-Brickelltown Historic District, an enchanting space with handsomely preserved 19th-century buildings, is a fantastic journey back in time. Once a dusty lumber and railroad town, Truckee has kept much of its Old West charm, although it has also morphed into a vibrant hub of culture, dining, and outdoor adventure. The downtown offers quick access to world-class ski resorts like Northstar, Palisades Tahoe, and Sugar Bowl, as well as endless hiking, biking, and water activities at nearby Donner Lake and North Lake Tahoe. Many downtown restaurants have sunny outside patios and are cool places to enjoy a meal with a street view. You can turn back the wheels of time at the Truckee Railroad Museum, then admire some mind-rousing artwork at Piper J Gallery, a colorful space with local gems to elevate your home's aesthetic appeal.

Murphys

Of all the Gold Rush towns, Murphys is one of the locations that has most closely maintained its original character. This is partly because it is not on a major thoroughfare and was bypassed by the highway. In retrospect, far from being a death knell, it turned out to be a blessing; no mini-marts, no strip malls. Today, the town is loved for its tree-lined streets, charming courtyards, and historic architecture. It has a narrow Main Street shaded by tall locust trees, a lovely stretch to explore on foot. Murphys Historic Hotel, conveniently located on Main Street, is an evocative slice of history.

It was built in the 1850s and was once considered one of the finest hotels outside of San Francisco. It has been patronized by men like Mark Twain, U.S. Grant, Henry Ward Beecher, and J.P. Morgan. You can enjoy a meal on the patio, preferably a filet mignon or turkey sandwich. That said, Murphys is also huge on wine, and Main Street has more than 20 tasting rooms. Ironstone Vineyards, a hair out of downtown, is a cool place to sit down with a sparkling glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. They host car shows and musical concerts from time to time. There is Murphys Community Park, where you can rest or float on the water all afternoon.

Sutter Creek

Although Sutter Creek’s Main Street is just a quarter-mile stretch, it has so much colour and character and is among the most charming spaces to explore in the Sierras. The downtown has a step-back-into-time feeling and has elements that effortlessly transport the mind to a slower, saner era. It is generously peppered with antique stores, although restaurants and cute little shops aren't in short supply, either. Stand-outs include Hein & Company Books and Antiques, which has a cool sense of timelessness that a contemplative shopper will find hypnotic, and Antique Gardener, an eclectic garden supply shop with lots of gift items. The Sutter Creek Theater is a cozy, personalized venue for plays and music. It predates the Great Depression years and retains its original Art Deco ceiling designs. Pass by La Mesa Sutter Creek, an outstanding wine tasting room on Main Street with a well-curated tasting list and scrumptious reds.

Sonora

Sonora is quietly tucked away on the Western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and should pop up if looking for a location with an away-from-it-all vibe. It is at the edge of both the Stanislaus National Forest, known for its pristine and dramatic scenery, and the world-famous Yosemite National Park. It has a well-preserved historic center full of 19th-century architecture, and an exceptional culinary scene, thanks to the many local farms, wineries, and expansive ranches that ring it. Visit the centrally located Tuolumne County Museum and History Center, where you will learn fun facts about the California Gold Rush, and then sit down to mouthwatering ramen noodles at Yoshoku, a Japanese restaurant known for cucumber-fresh ingredients and generous portions. After this, pass by Legends Books, Antiques & Soda Fountain, which has a mini bar to enjoy a drink while slowly flipping the pages of an interesting read.

Placerville

When driving to Placerville on U.S. Highway 50, you will notice a conspicuous welcome sign emblazoned with some spine-tingling words: WELCOME TO PLACERVILLE, THE OLD HANGTOWN. Placerville was once the site of a vigilante justice system that occasionally ended with residents tying a noose around suspects’ necks and hanging them on an oak tree at the centre of town. Today, the word “hangtown” finds an eerie echo in the eye-catching murals that dot the town and in several buildings and shops in the downtown area.

Some businesses in the downtown area, like Hangtown Originals and the historic Placerville Hardware, ostensibly the second-oldest operating business in the entire state, sell Hangtown and noose-themed apparel. Its offbeat history aside, Placerville is today known for its charming downtown, historic buildings, and heart-gripping beauty. You will find Sweetie Pie's if you're looking for a place that whips up delicious French toast and other offerings. Otherwise, for a deep dive into the town's history, the Fountain & Tallman Museum should be on your itinerary.

Mariposa

Mariposa is Spanish for “butterfly,” and a visit here often comes with bouts of goosebumps typical of beautiful locations. Mariposa has preserved aspects of its original character, and the historic buildings that ring Main Street are flashbacks to the days when prospectors were still finding gold nuggets in nearby streams. With not a single traffic light and a majestic courthouse that stands as the crown jewel of the town’s historic architecture, this town is quite a discovery. Mariposa County Courthouse was built in 1854 and is the oldest superior courthouse west of the Mississippi. It is also the oldest courthouse in continuous use west of the Rockies.

Mariposa Museum & History Center, situated on Jessie Street, has well-curated displays that tell Mariposa's story in interesting depth and detail. It features a variety of artifacts, including mining equipment, clothing, and personal belongings from the era. Not to be outdone, the 5-star-rated Yosemite Climbing Museum keeps a fascinating collection of climbing artifacts and is full of beautiful pictures and gear that are tastefully and artistically arranged. If you miss fajitas, follow your nose to Don Ruben's Mexican Restaurant.

Jamestown

With a downtown that feels like stepping into an Old West film set, Jamestown is home to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, a one-of-a-kind attraction that combines industrial heritage and railroad history with the lore of Hollywood's film industry. It is an incredibly beautiful place with a pretty decent interpretative centre, an authentic roundhouse, and a depot store that serves as a railroad specialty gift shop. The roundhouse is one of only two working roundhouses in the entire country. It may not be your version of a blast from the past, but the Jamestown Historic Jail is always an evocative place to tour, especially after a decadent eggplant sandwich at Smoke Cafe, a Main Street establishment with a warm, casual atmosphere and a dog-friendly patio. Check out the Emporium Antiques & Espresso as well, especially if you want to admire a decent collection of unique finds, including some turn-of-the-century knick-knacks.

Auburn

You only need to work your way to Old Town Auburn to know that this town is an underappreciated gem. Its handsomely preserved buildings and charming streets will transport you back to the Gold Rush era, while the environment around is filled with nostalgia, as if you have travelled back into a time of steam locomotives and cowboys. Places like the Placer County Museum provide a glimpse into the town's early years and will hold the attention of history lovers. That said, Auburn has been called “the Endurance Capital of the World” and is home to some of the most challenging and historic endurance events on the globe. Highlights include the Tevis Cup, which has been lighting up the town since the 1950s, and the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run.

Outdoor pleasure spots include the Western States Trail, Lake Clementine Trail, and the swoon-worthy Auburn State Recreation Area, with its delightful network of trails. The trick is to start with a hearty breakfast at The Baker and the Cakemaker, a friendly place known for delicious sandwiches and croissants.

Bishop

Although you can use Bishop as a jumping-off point to an incredible range of outdoor recreational venues, the downtown itself is no pushover. Downtown Bishop looks like a quintessential western American mountain town with an old-fashioned Main Street with heart-melting vistas and majestic atmosphere. It is walkable and offers a delightful mix of lodging, dining, shopping, and entertainment. While the appearance is punctuated with flashes of the old, swanky modern touches also give it colour and character.

You can start with a hot meal at Great Basin Bakery, a Main Street establishment known for delicious bagels, sandwiches, and sourdough bread. After this, a visit to the Owens Valley Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center will involve mingling with talented artists with enviable weaving and beading skills. Still in town, Bishop City Park is a peaceful recreational hub with neat bike paths and a duck pond. Next in line should be Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site, an outdoor museum with a vast collection of train parts, carefully restored buildings, including a schoolhouse and a blacksmith shop, and several other interesting artifacts.

So, next time you are in the Sierras, don't limit yourself to the outdoors, although you will likely enjoy a phenomenal experience because of all the alpine lakes, pine-speckled forests, and majestic mountain landscapes. The foothills of the Sierras are home to a cornucopia of small towns with big character, and some of the most beautiful downtowns in the West.