7 Of The Most Charming Small Towns To Visit In California's Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada region is between Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. This 400-mile mountain range rose to prominence in 1848 during the Gold Rush, and eventually, towns started to sprout up. Today, it is a celebrated part of California's heritage. The area has plenty of quaint mountain towns, but these seven are the most charming. From historic downtown areas to beautiful natural preserves, these towns embrace the mountain culture and Old West aesthetic like no other.
Truckee
Truckee is a railroad town and a burgeoning destination for winter sports. From June to October, it is one of the coldest spots in the US, and with the Sierra Nevada views and towering pine trees, it can make anybody an outdoor enthusiast. Lake Donner is here, which made its tragic claim to fame during the Donner party in the harsh winter of 1846-1847. The historic downtown includes a walking tour and 19th-century brick buildings reminiscent of an Old West mining town. Events like Truckee Thursdays or the Wine Walk and Shop are always happening downtown. Truckee is a classic mountain town proud of its roots, and the locals are warm and friendly to guests who visit their sleepy town.
South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is a gorgeous resort town on the shores of Lake Tahoe. There are ski resorts and beaches like El Dorado, and the sophisticated dining options merge seamlessly with the casinos of Stateline and Nevada. The Van Sickle Bi-State Park is a free state park straddling the state line with Nevada that preserves the memory of a prominent founder of the area. There are historical sites here, like the Tallac and the Vikingsholm. The Tallac property has two historic homes, and the exhibits are open seasonally. The Vikingsholm is a 38-room mansion on the National Register of Historic Places. Lake Tahoe is a legendary destination for its resorts and dining options. The South Lake area offers these same amenities along with camping, historic sites, and breathtaking scenery.
Bishop
Bishop is a quaint mountain town that looks like a movie set. It is famous for its natural beauty, hiking, camping, and delicious local bakeries. Though it is a small town, Bishop is the commercial hub of Inyo County, primarily because of tourism, where it can attract 30,000 tourists for festivals or events. Among the numerous natural attractions, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest has the world's oldest trees and is popular for hiking and bird watching. There are also historical sites and museums worth exploring. The Laws Museum and Railway was donated by the Pacific Railway after its service was discontinued and is registered on the National Historic Registry.
Auburn
Auburn is on the western side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and is known for its gold rush history. Today, the former mining town blends modern amenities with natural beauty and historic attractions. It attracts extreme athletes and boasts some of the most extreme competitions in the world, such as the 100-mile Western States Endurance Run. A growing number of vintners and wineries are joining the area known as the "Gold Crush," which pairs well with the art galleries and antique shops like The Gold Rush and the Bernhard Museums. Another attractive museum is the Placer County Museum, a former courthouse with Native American exhibits and local artifacts highlighting the town's prominence.
Murphys
Murphys, originally named Murphys New Diggings, is a small village in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It was one of the richest boom towns during the Gold Rush and today is known as a quaint town with big-city appeal. Strolling down Main Street, you will find tasting rooms and restaurants featuring vintages from over two dozen local wineries. The town has a historic feel thanks to the 19th-century brick buildings, and Mark Twain gave Calaveras County a nod in the short story, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County. Since Murphys is a celebrated wine destination, the locals host the annual Grape Stomp Competition and Gold Rush Street Fair. Combined with the cooler fall temperatures, this free event should be added to the calendar.
Nevada City
Nevada City is a charming railroad town near Sacramento, Reno, and San Francisco. The entire downtown area is a National Landmark and California's best-preserved Gold Rush Town. The hamlet is distinctively Victorian and known for the carefully preserved Victorian-era homes with beautiful natural scenery. Downtown is filled with historic buildings like the Nevada Theatre, built in 1865, that has hosted everyone from Mark Twain to Motley Crue. There is also a bell-tower firehouse with a Victorian gingerbread front and various 19th-century buildings with wooden balconies downtown. Nevada City is one of the most famed mining towns in the state and today offers sophisticated dining and wine tasting intermingled with the historic sites for a memorable experience.
Quincy
Quincy is a family vacation destination offering plenty of camping, tubing, and hiking opportunities. Photographers flock to the area for the abundant natural photography opportunities, especially in the Fall. There are also historic sites to explore, such as the Plumas County Museum and a historical movie theater. The walkable historic downtown residents have a strong connection to the arts and have gorgeous art galleries like the Main Street Artists Galleries. The town hosts many events yearly, including the Crawdad Festival, Mountain Harvest Festival, and more. Quincy is a pleasant town for family vacations and offers many outdoor and in-town historical activities.
The Sierra Nevada mountain range is amazing, with natural scenery, quaint towns, and historical sites. These seven towns are among the most charming and offer a small-town atmosphere surrounded by stunning scenery. Along with outdoor opportunities like camping, tubing, and hiking, these towns are easily walkable and offer sophisticated tasting rooms, museums, and historic homes.
Nevada City and Murphys have significant Gold Rush history, while small towns like Bishop are known for having some of the oldest trees in the world. Resort towns like South Lake Tahoe include attractive beaches and casino action. This unique area has done well preserving its history while including modern-day amenities to attract visitors for future generations.
