Get a glimpse of the stunning scenery to see and activities to do in the Sierra Nevada. Gold Country is located in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevadas and is one of the best regions for taking a . Vintage-cover posters, coffee mugs, jigsaw puzzles, tote bags, and more. An epic photo-op spot along your trek through the Sierras. The true treasure of this historic district, besides the friendly locals, is its signature apple pie, made with apples plucked from the surrounding orchards that sprouted once the gold was gone. Soak up more gorgeous ocean views from the San Clemente Beach Trail that runs alongside an Amtrak railway. Though most stick around the General Sherman, the best sequoia grove in Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks stands on the Congress Trail. Mokelumne Hill Mokelumne Hill was one of the richest sites in California. Lake Arrowhead is a beautiful lakeside oasis in the mountains of Southern California, great for a summer escape on the water or a cabin escape in the winter! Population 16,948. The best apple pie in town is a hotly debated title, and the perfect excuse to visit a few shops, notably Moms Pie House and Julian Pie Company, where oven-fresh pies are served however you fancy, from plain and Dutch crumble to creative renditions mixed with berries. Mammoth Mountain Resort is a massive draw for people all over California in the winter, but in the summer, Mammoth Lakes is also a great mountain getaway spot with tons of High Sierra hiking trails laid out at your feet. Just walk down the stairs to Commons Beach for a dip or listen to some free, live outdoor music. Placerville is a historic Gold Rush town in the mountains of California, but its got more to offer than just its Gold Rush history and adorable Main Street. Look at any map of the state, and the mountains occupy a huge swath of the state400 miles north to south and 70 miles east to west. Below you will find a Sierra Foothills Northern California Map of the areas we write about. Charming indeed. sacramento river. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Instead, take a weekend for a road trip on States 4 and 108. In the winter, there are a host of unique natural phenomena to see and things to do. In addition to that, Ojai is a great wine-tasting region, and youll also love all the wonderful hiking trails that are laid out at your feet to enjoy. Go boating or fishing out on the water, or head to Mariposa Grove in Yosemite to walk among towering giant sequoias just 30 minutes away! Blowing Rock NC. No matter where you are, a mountain escape in California is never far from reach! Best small towns to visit in California. It also is home to a botanical garden and it has easy access to Mt. Couple that with hot springs, thousands of acres of wilderness to explore (Yosemite, Ansel Adams, & John Muir Wilderness areas), and events like the Bluesapalooza & you cant go wrong. Dining in the Sierra Foothills wine country In Sutter Creek Cavana's Pub & Grub 36 Main Street Sutter Creek, 209-267-5507 Elements Restaurant - Breakfast only - Best 61 Hanford Street Phone: 209-267-0747 Hotel . Founded in 1911, this small Danish village set in the Santa Ynez Valley is the epitome of charming, in the European sense. Lone Pine is also the gateway to Mt. The park lends access to historic mining sites, gold panning opportunities, and numerous hiking trails that navigate the verdant river canyon. Also voted as one of the best small towns to visit in California by The Crazy Tourist, this passageway to the Pacific Northwest combines gorgeous coastline with cloud-kissing redwood forests. Grass Valley fits the bill in the Sierra Nevada foothills northwest of Lake Tahoe. It has its own charm and character. The Old Mission Santa Ins is another piece of history that has survived centuries of cultural shifts and remains active in the community today. By fall, the crisp changing leaves are irresistible to chase, and in winter, you can join the quiet ski scene at June Mountain. AddThis sets this cookie to ensure that the updated count is seen when one shares a page and returns to it, before the share count cache is updated. Its southern border is approximately 55 miles north of the State's capital in Sacramento. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. It's a place full of history, with lots of cute little towns and winding roads. Geology meets geometry in a massive rock formation of hexagonal columns formed by an ancient lava flow more than 100,000 years ago. Will You Like Gold Country? Then theres Kit Carson Lodges parlor, which has knotty pine walls, a stone fireplace, and landscape paintings by local artists. A short drive from either Los Angeles or San Diego, Idyllwild is a great place to play in the snow and stay in a charming cabin in winter or enjoy the hiking trails in summer. More than 10 years ago, Barbara Zierten and her husband retired to a small town in California's scenic "gold country," in the Sierra Nevada foothills . Along with its year-round temperate weather, San Clemente is known for having consistently shred-worthy waves. Trips can climb up to 3,000 feet (or more) higher, uphill treks that shed light on the appeal of the pack trip, a Sierra Nevada tradition that dates back to 19th-century surveyors, miners, and anyone who needed to haul stuff: Its better to have a four-footed animal lug you and your gear upward than it is to carry it all on your own two feet. This is merely a sampling of the foodie fun you can have along with your hiking, biking, and skiing adventures. You might think you know the Sierras inside-out, but many of the mountains best sights are waiting for you to discover them. Numerous safe bike paths are a fitting addition to the laid-back, earth-friendly tone. Located just 14 miles from the Southern entrance to Yosemite National Park, Bass Lake is a beautiful lake getaway in the mountains of California. Ask for a la mode, then cruise downtown, where Main Street resembles a Western film set, with its pioneer-storefronts selling antiques, Native American handicrafts, local art and more. AUBURN, CA. Most of the Cedarville wines are sold out of . Murphys Grammar School, listed on the National Register of Historic Places for Calaveras County, California (Photo: Jeffrey Beall via Flickr). One of the most popular attractions here is Hangtowns Gold Bug Park, where you can learn about the citys mining history. But St. Helenas half-mile-long downtown, with its lovely shops and gourmet haunts housed in historic buildings, effuses that unmistakably inviting, small-town feel that makes you want to linger longer. And in summer, the town feels equally classic, with July Fourth roping and barrel-racing contests at the rodeo grounds, old-timers debating the latest fishing report over prime rib at the 1877 Bridgeport Inn, and backpackers filing out of the mountains for a post-wilderness soft-serve at the Jolly Kone, easily spotted by its firehouse red paint. Along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, between Los Angeles and San Diego, this quaint, affluent enclave was once the home base of an eponymous MTV reality television series. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The town of Oakhurst is the perfect place to setup your basecamp not just for Yosemite but the treasure trove of adventure to be had in the foothills of the Sierra. Primary Sidebar. For some, going on vacation is to get away from it all. Copyright 2023 S Media International Corporation. Lower Slaughter is home to one of Britain's most romantic streets, Copse Hill Road. You can stroll the main street or head out to New Melones Lake for hiking, mountain biking, & even amazing fishing. In summer you can slip in a raft and bob down the Merced River. Its charming no matter the time of year and a great place for all sorts of outdoor activities. Or traverse the city and beyond by way of the Ojai Valley Trail. At Lakeshore Resorts marina, Olympic gold medalists rub elbows with Girl Scouts in Sunfishes. The adorable downtown is perfect for strolling, shopping and snacking at the array of unique shops, art galleries, local restaurants and coffee shops. Julian, California is another mountain town in Southern California known for its apple orchards! Its BIG backyard is the envy of so many other cities Yosemite National Park. Much of Bridgeports Main Street is vintage 1880, from the old brick general store to the stately white Mono County Courthouse, built to serve the silver and gold mines that sprang up nearby. No list of the best swimming lakes in Northern California would be complete without the charming Whiskeytown Lake. Another perk of the winter season is the Victorian Christmas Celebration, when the streets come to life with twinkling lights, Victorian singers and minstrels, roasted chestnuts, crafty vendors, horse-drawn carriages, a live nativity and a boon of holiday cheer. Do you love spending time in the great outdoors? But locals argue about which other mountain pass boasts the best scenery. Allison Green is a travel blogger, writer, and podcasterwho grew up in the Bay Area of California. The Best Places to Stay in the Sierra Nevada National Park The foothills of the Sierra Nevada National Park are sprinkled with charming little villages and hamlets, but the higher elevations are dramatic, snowcapped and a bit wild, craggy and exciting. Beyond the waves and the white sandy beaches and bluffs, the Flower Capital of the World is home to the San Diego Botanic Garden, where the green-thumbed can meander through the largest bamboo grove and largest interactive childrens garden in the country while snapping shots of thousands of plants from across the globe. View RV park reviews, photos, campground pricing & more. Later the same day you could tackle the mountain trails on foot or on a mountain bike. There are also several great museums and art galleries to explore. Its also located near the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park where youll find Sutters Mill: the place that sparked the California Gold Rush in 1848. Some might argue that a side effect of the areas popularity is that it feels less charming and more commercial. The few-block downtown is devoid of chains and flavored instead by local eateries, art galleries and characterful shops, like the custom leather outfitter Mountain Mike. Gourmet food and wine shops provide the goods for a memorable picnic in Devendorf Park or any of the 60 courtyards within the one-square mile village (where, fun fact, youll need a permit to wear heels higher than two inches). Its also quite close to Hetch Hetchy for those looking to explore a quieter part of Yosemite, far away from the crowds of the Valley. If youre looking for amazing live music venues, Nevada City wins the prize for me. Apr 15, 2020 The city of Sonoma is a perfect start for any wine-tasting adventure, as the Buena Vista Winery here was the states first winery, founded in 1857. USA , Sierra Foothills. Why Should You Go? Heres just a sampling of the best mountain towns in California High Sierra to visit ANY time of year. . Cap off the trip with a swim at Pinecrest Lake, and dream of doing it all again in reverse. Write if you have any specific questions. 2 Renwood Winery One of the biggest and best wineries in the Foothills, Renwood offers an extensive tasting menu, snack options and comfortable indoor and outdoor areas to chill with friends.. Check WineCountryGetaways.com and see which wineries are the best to visit in the Sierra Foothills. It does not store any personal data. A great literary getaway, Jack Kerouac and his dharma bums once used Bridgeport as a base to explore the Eastern Sierra of the California Sierra Nevada. . There are several art galleries and live performance venues, as well as a lovely downtown area with a variety of shops and restaurants. Less than two hours away from Los Angeles, the desert town of Ojai is a popular weekend destination for city dwellers looking for a peaceful . For others, though, it serves a slightly different purpose, as a gateway to a natural spa paradise: Hot waters gush to the surface in abnormally high concentration between the towns of Bridgeport and Mammoth Lakes, 60 miles south. For those craving the sound of crashing waves, whether whilst riding on a surfboard or lounging on the beach with a book in hand, youll find ample opportunities along Lagunas seven-mile stretch of coastline. Discover the beauty and history during your stay at a Gold Country bed and breakfast in the Sierra Foothills. The 5 Best Hikes in Muir Woods National Monument, 15 Beautiful Desert Towns in California for a Unique Getaway. Sip on wines grown within the county or enjoy a frosty pint brewed locally. 25 Most Mysterious Monuments on Earth. What are some of the cities in the gold country in the foothills of northern California? Snowstorm in Nevada County and the Historic City of Colfax, California, Sierra Foothills Living: Northern California, Exploring the Sierra Foothills After a Snowstorm - Downtown Grass Valley, CA, Living in the Sierra Foothills: What You Need to Know About the Current Storm in Nevada County, Bullmastiff Brewery: A Must-Visit Spot for Craft Beer Lovers in the Sierra Foothills, Skiing and Snowboarding Up the I-50 Corridor: Your Ultimate Winter Sports Guide, Rock Climbing and Bouldering in Nevada County: Best Spots and Tips, A Guide to Airports Near Nevada County, California, The Best Swimming Holes and River Access on the Yuba River in Nevada County, California, YouTube Video VVVwTW5IV3ViUU5pLTlhUEJ6UlBzYkRRLjBTMFBxMmhPUlVv, YouTube Video VVVwTW5IV3ViUU5pLTlhUEJ6UlBzYkRRLlMyamp0cHlBbUcw, YouTube Video VVVwTW5IV3ViUU5pLTlhUEJ6UlBzYkRRLkJBa3hud21CMmFn, living in the Sierra Foothills in Northern California. For others, its about getting inspired. You can also drive, but the more adventurous may prefer a bike ride over the Golden Gate Bridge before riding along the bay toward the waterfront or downtown. Rugged mountains and awe-inspiring canyons in the area's national parks and forests are truly part of the United States' national . Nearby charmers like Monterey and Big Sur are a short, breathtaking drive away. Bodega casablanca. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Fun fact: This little frontier town in Owens Valley is sandwiched between national parks that are home to the highest and lowest points in the contiguous United States Mount Whitney (to the west) and the Bad Water Basin in Death Valley (a little southeast), respectively. The Sierra Foothills AVA (established in 1987) is an American Viticultural Area in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in the U.S. state of California in the United States. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The town is known for its beautiful scenery nearby, as well as its many historical buildings and landmarks. Pretty much any time of year you can hop on a mountain bike and feast on more than 2,000 vertical feet of singletrack in Bass Lake. Whether youre wiggling your toes in the sand or pausing roadside to breathe in the salty ocean air and snap yet another photo of the tree-covered hills, pristine beaches and gurgling sea, you may understand why. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); California Crossroads is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Indian paintbrush carpets the hillsides on sections of this Sierra Foothills wildflower hike. The winery is open by appointment only. Max Whittaker for The New York Times. In the end, youll come home reenergized and inspired to make something as everlasting as Bret Harte & Mark Twain themselves. SUNSET is a registered trademark of S Media International Corporation. And dont forget the explosion of wildflowers each season on the Hite Cove Trail. View from the San Clemente Pier (Photo: Tony Hoffarth via Flickr). Sushi, Japanese $$ - $$$ Menu. 1. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Back in town, enjoy people-watching in the central plaza along with the interesting juxtaposition of Victorian-era homes and the edgy cafes, shops and galleries that cater to students attending Humbolt State University. Looking for lodging recommendations for the area? If youre in the mood for some live tunes, head on over to Old Town Auburn, they have some of the best options. South Lake Tahoe is known for its proximity to gorgeous state parks in the summer, like D.L. Entirely located within Yosemite National Park, Wawona is a great base for Yosemite adventures! Victorian homes dot the area, and residents love their picturesque hiking trails and biking trails. Grass Valley is like a sister city to Nevada City, bigger in population but with a similar chilled-out vibe that still offers quite a bit to do and see. The valley of La Puebla, which it heads, is a natural spectacle in which the human elements are perfectly . Shes obsessed with bouldering, houseplants, other peoples pets, and anywhere she can see the ocean. Your email address will not be published. Not to be missed is a chance to peer up at the giant sequoia groves at the nearby Calaveras Big Trees State Park, which has drawn folks into the wild since the early 1850s (a very, very long time ago by Californian standards!). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Day 1: From Arnold, drive State 4 to Bear Valley. Christmas Traditions In The High Sierra From the foothills to the highest peaks, this is your chance to explore the . The picture-postcard streets are lined with limestone cottages, built in the classic Cotswold style. Baiocchi Wines 2013 Viognier (El Dorado); $30, 92 points. This little world is made all the more enchanting by the scent (and taste!) 2021 High Sierra Visitor's Council. And yet Mariposa has kept its small-town charm and wears it well. Then head down to Main Street and stop for a drink at Bar of America, located in a beautifully restored 19th century historic building. During the summer, the ski area morphs into a mountain bike haven offering over 80 miles of lift-accessed singletrack, kids adventure center, a Via Ferrata and serves as the gateway to Devils Postpile National Park and the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park . She has spent time living in New York, Prague, and Sofia, but has returned to live in the East Bay. Jamestown in Tuolumne County is one of California's most prominent Gold Rush towns. Known best as an overlook/picnic area along the McCloud River Three Falls Hike, Upper Falls offers a quieter, . Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Tahquitz Rock stands tall above the village of Idyllwild (Photo: Don Graham via Flickr). It is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills and was founded in 1848. Get fresh recipes, wine pairings, weekend getaway ideas, regional gardening tips, home design inspiration, and more. Step back in time to the logging days of the late 19th century and set off on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. A stroll down the wooden pier for a break from the sand and waves reaps rewards when looking back; the view of the beach and the hill that rises behind it is reminiscent of a Mediterranean coastal village, a puzzle of white, red-roofed apartments and a sprinkling of slim, fringed palm trees. Another draw to the area, besides the leisurely shopping downtown, is hiking in the Marin Headlands and amongst the towering redwoods in the Muir Woods. And yet Bishop is a town that embraces its past. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park, as well as its wealth of winter adventure activities. Locals have their favorite beach spots, but an easy go-to for a perfect beach day is the city beach, recognizable by the San Clemente pier. My grandtwins live there, so I visit at least once a month. Sierra Foothills real estate offers bucolic surroundings and easy access to the state's best outdoor attractions. You too may be inspired like Otis Redding, who wrote (Sittin on) the Dock of the Bay on a houseboat here, to lose track of time, watching the tide roll away., A peak into Sausalitos unique houseboat communities (Photo: Miwok via Flickr). Best Lodging Sutter Creek Hanford House, Bed & Breakfast P.O. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Where to stay in Sierra Foothills? Two right turns take you first over State 89s Monitor Pass, then south on U.S. 395 through the rugged Walker River canyon. Surfers only? Cruise along the Ventura River on this old Southern Pacific Railroad track-bed on foot, horseback or by bike. Those 700 turns? So whatever you find in Ojai will be unique. Check out our survey results below for the scoop on the oft lesser-known, little gems in The Golden State. Spooning Carlsbad's southern border, Encinitas is one of the best beach towns in California, with miles of coveted coastline. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The historic Presidio Neighborhood provides a peek into some of the states oldest homes. Your next hometown could be one of these 25 Best Places to Live. Its a must-stop on a an adventure through the California Sierra Nevada. Latest. Its definitely not secret, but you cant skip this classic sight in the California Sierra Nevada. This city is home to some great shops and restaurants, as well as a few historic landmarks. This area is located in Northern California and is home to some of the most historic cities in the state. We have them! This California Historic Landmark, with its vine-draped stone walls, launched long before the area became a wine production mecca. You can hike amongst these beauties along trails traversing the 575-acre Arcata Community Forest. Grass Valley has a distinctly hippie-ish vibe, as opposed to many of the more sports-focused mountain towns in California, making it a great choice for people who want a more relaxed getaway. The High Sierra includes world renowned destinations, including Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Mammoth Lakes, and much more. Sierra Foothills 2.8 miles to Sierra Foothills. How to Order Grass Fed, Pasture Raised Meats Directly From the Farmer, Kings Beach: Grab a Bite at White Caps Pizza. In the summer, youre just steps away from fun. Which is why you shouldnt drive just one. Just be careful with the altitude it can sneak up on you! In Julian, you can even tour the underground tunnels at Eagle Mining Co. and practice gold panning. 10 Downieville. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Auburn- This city is located in the heart of Placer County and is known for its charming downtown area. Being only twenty minutes from the shores of big blue, this cozy town is usually lumped in as part of Tahoe, but it shouldnt be. Arcata is known for being its own ultra-progressive, eco-minded little world along the banks of Humbolt Bay in Northern California (NorCal). The town itself has lots of historic places to visit, including the historic Old Town district and the Gold Rush Museum. The discovery of gold in the area in the mid-1800s brought thousands of people to the region, and many small towns sprang up to accommodate them. Be sure to help yourself to some delicious Danish pastries for which this mountain town is known, like the local favorite aebelskivvers! Yet the The American Riviera has a flavor of its own, with cooler evenings and characteristic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Many mountain ranges have ski towns focused only on one time of year. Her writing and podcast have been featured in Forbes, CBC Canada, National Geographic, the Huffington Post, and CNN Arabic, amongst others. The test_cookie is set by doubleclick.net and is used to determine if the user's browser supports cookies. This post guides you through all the best mountain towns in California. Part of the drama of Mineral King, a small town gem in the California Sierra Nevada is in getting there. If youre looking for a beautiful mountain getaway in California, theres no shortage of places to visit! The Sierra Nevada region of California is its alpine region, covering a large portion of the state's inland territory. Our New Newsletter Will Help, A Montecito House with an English Garden Vibe Gets a Modern Facelift, The New Cult Cabs Are from Wineries Youve Never Heard Of. Book now. Sonoma Plaza(Photo: Sonoma County Tourism, www.sonomacounty.com). Burney is best-known for being the closest town to McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, which is home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in California. Every so often, stand back and feel the whoosh of a passing train, as its rumbling wins over the roar of the waves crashing nearby. Read on for our pick of the Sierra Nevada's most beautiful towns and villages. Later, savor samples at local wineries, while chatting it up with those who grew the grapes and produced the wine. The town is known for its unparalleled access to outdoor adventures like redwood gazing, whitewater rafting, cave exploration, and waterfall hikes. This pocket of paradise, once run by Hollywood-star-turned-Mayor Clint Eastwood (1986-88), along the Central Coast ranks as one of the best beach towns in the United States.