8 Best Towns In California's Sierra Nevada For A Two-Day Recharge
The Sierra Nevada is a major mountain range in western North America, straddling the eastern edge of the state of California in the United States. It spans over 250 miles northward from the Mojave Desert to the Cascade Range of northern California. Due to the proximity of the Pacific Ocean, the Sierra Nevada experiences an unusually mild mountain climate.
The Sierra Nevada is a year-round hub of outdoor recreational activities, drawing visitors from larger urban areas in California, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, for hiking and lake activities in the summer and skiing in the winter. These are the 8 best towns in California’s Sierra Nevada for a two-day recharge.
Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes, located in the eastern Sierra Nevadas, is a year-round alpine playground with snow lovers hitting the slopes in the winter at Mammoth Mountain, then swapping their skis for hiking boots in the summer. If you are looking for a relaxing recharge instead, the Mammoth Mountain Panoramic Scenic Gondola will take you directly to the summit at 11,053 feet, where you can take in the views for over 400 miles. For direct access to the gondola, stay at The Westin Monache Resort, which features heated outdoor pools and hot tubs for year-round enjoyment.
In the summer, buses are available to shuttle visitors to scenic wonders close to town, such as Devils Postpile National Monument, which protects a 60-foot basalt column formation displaying striking symmetry, as well as 101-foot Rainbow Falls. Back in town, Lakanuki, California’s highest-elevation tiki bar, brings a unique island experience to the mountains with oversized mai tai cocktails and late-night entertainment.
South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is located on the shores of Lake Tahoe, North America’s largest alpine lake. South Lake Tahoe is a great place for a two-day recharge thanks to its outdoor activities and upscale urban comforts. Travel a few miles north of town to reach Emerald Bay, known for its green, blue, and turquoise water framed by a mountainous backdrop. There’s no better way to enjoy the water than from the sandy shores, in a kayak, or on a stand-up paddleboard.
Vikingsholm, one of Lake Tahoe’s most photographed landmarks, is located nearby. It is a stone and timber castle which is open for tours in the summer, and the path leading to it is dotted with benches overlooking Emerald Bay. South Lake Tahoe’s bustling craft beer scene will lure you back into town after your day of adventures. South Lake Brewing Company offers more than a dozen craft beers and seltzers that can be enjoyed in their large beer garden, front patio, or indoor taproom. To ensure an adequate recharge, stay at Black Bear Lodge, which is nestled amongst pine trees, ensuring you are free from distractions.
Sonora
While Sonora is one of the closest towns to Yosemite National Park, it is also a historic Gold Rush town with plenty of charm and attractions to keep you entertained. The town's history can be explored on Washington Street, the historic main street with buildings that have retained their architecture from more than 150 years ago. Washington Street is home to many boutiques, shops, bars, and restaurants, such as Emberz, where you can enjoy burgers and wood-fired pizza alongside hand-crafted cocktails.
For access to the outdoors, Dragoon Gulch Trailhead is located in town and spans along creeks, through woodlands, and up to vistas that provide panoramic views of Sonora and the surrounding mountains. Meanwhile, the Sierra Repertory Theatre regularly hosts live events, including classic shows, musicals, and dance performances. For those seeking unparalleled hospitality and comfort, a stay at The Sonora Inn promises unmatched modern comfort.
Truckee
Truckee is a charming mountain town located near the north shore of Lake Tahoe. What was historically a logging town has transitioned into an artistic hub with many galleries located downtown, such as Mountain Arts Collective. The gallery showcases high-quality work from artists closely connected to the Truckee-Tahoe community.
Other than the arts, Truckee is known for its vibrant food scene, with sophisticated dining options such as Tangerine, a French bistro that offers an experience blending comfort and sophistication. For those looking to recharge in the outdoors, Truckee has over 22 miles of paved paths and trails, including the Truckee River Legacy Trail, which parallels the Truckee River for over 9 miles. When it's time to call it a night, book a stay at the Tahoe Star Hotel, a historic boutique hotel that blends historic lodging with modern amenities.
Nevada City
Nevada City is located 60 miles northeast of Sacramento, California’s capital city. It is rich with history and culture, being home to California’s oldest continuously operating performance venue, the Nevada Theatre. For over 155 years, it has hosted live shows, music, film, and theatre. No trip to Nevada City is complete without a wine-tasting, and there is no place better than the Nevada City Winery, the oldest operating winery in the Sierra foothills. Visit their tasting room and sample their diverse range of award-winning wines.
Sierra Nevada offers a wealth of opportunities to explore the outdoors, and Nevada City is no exception. Beyond hiking and mountain-based recreation, you can also relax at Crystal Hermitage Gardens, where springtime visitors can take time to stop and smell the 19,000 tulips. To make the most of your two-day recharge, stay at Broad Street Inn, which offers a peaceful garden setting and is only a short walk from dining and entertainment options.
Murphys
Murphys became a boom town during the gold rush of the mid-1800s, and it still retains a historic look, which gives it a small-town charm. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature at the nearby Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The park protects two groves of giant sequoias and offers camping, fishing, hiking, and swimming. For a true sense of the town's heritage, stay at Murphys Historic Hotel, which is one of California's longest operating hotels and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visit Ironstone Vineyards to tour the 1100-acre grounds, view the world’s largest gold leaf, weighing 44 pounds, then stop at their tasting room to sample a variety of up to 30 different wines. Every year on the first Saturday of October, Murphys hosts the annual Grape Stomp Competition and Gold Rush Street Faire. The fair is California’s oldest and longest-running grape stomp. It also hosts a wine-making competition and has several vendors selling goods.
Bishop
Bishop is an outdoor paradise for skiers, hikers, and climbers, with easy access to some of California's highest peaks, including Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous United States. Bishop is an ideal place to witness the Eastern Sierra wildflower bloom, which lasts for more than six months. Visitors to Bishop can view these wildflowers from as early as mid-February in Owens Valley. To take in more of the Sierra Nevada, stay at Wayfinder Bishop, which boasts natural features like Bishop Creek and rooms with rustic yet elegant touches.
Bishop has more to offer than its natural wonders, however; it also has a vibrant history and food scene. Lovers of locomotives and the Old West won’t want to miss Laws Railroad Museum and Historic Site, which is located just five minutes outside of Bishop. To fuel your day's adventures, indulge in freshly baked bread and treats at Erick Schat’s Bakkerÿ.
Auburn
Auburn is located between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe and is often used as a pit stop between the two; however, this historic gold rush town with a booming beer and wine scene is great for a two-day recharge in its own right. Enjoy the tasting room and both indoor and outdoor seating at Moonraker Brewing Company, which has a welcoming atmosphere and rotating food truck offerings. History buffs can visit the Gold Rush Museum, which features a mining tunnel and many hands-on interactive exhibits.
For a unique stay, book a room at Park Victorian, a historic mansion that boasts refinished original fir floors, wallpapers, and marble fireplaces in order to pay homage to the period it was built in. Meanwhile, visitors can recharge in nature at the nearby Auburn State Recreation Area, which grants river access for boating, fishing, and swimming, as well as trails for hiking and biking.
Recharge in California's Sierra Nevada
You don’t have to be outdoorsy to enjoy the Sierra Nevada, although the options are endless if you are. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the outdoors, view seasonal alpine fauna, sample great wine, or enjoy all the urban amenities of a big city in a smaller setting, these 8 towns in the Sierra Nevada have something for everyone.
