Located near Donner Lake and Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee is home to a wealth of beautiful outdoor activities and scenery, plus lots of great Tahoe area hikes in summer. The town is known for its beautiful scenery nearby, as well as its many historical buildings and landmarks. This cookie is installed by Google Universal Analytics to restrain request rate and thus limit the collection of data on high traffic sites. 21 Beautiful Places to Discover in California's Sierra Nevada, Peter Fish, Ann Marie Brown, and Matthew Jaffe, Photo by jerici cat (on Flickr Creative Commons), Photo by Kenny Karst / DNC Parks & Resort at Yosemite, Photo by puliarf (on Flickr Creative Commons), Photo courtesy of Facebook fan Suzanne Gladkoff Stephen, The Happiest Place to Live in the U.S. Is This California City, Want a Garden That Saves Water? The town of Bishop in the Eastern Sierras is a great base camp for all kinds of mountain adventures in the region. Not too far from the cozy town of Angels Camp is a quaint cabin that some of the GREATEST literature of the American West was written, by the likes of Bret Harte & Mark Twain. What has earned the areas title of the happiest city in America is the combination of its congenial, community vibe and bounty of hiking and biking trails, wineries, micro-breweries and famed farmers markets. An Amador County Winery in California. The beautiful Southern California mountain town of Oak Glen is a beloved place to visit in the fall for apple-picking as well as in the winter for a spot of snow, if youre lucky! The Sierra Nevada covers much of California's center and includes a patchwork of protected lands: Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park s, Lake Tahoe (the largest alpine lake in North America) and the Desolation Wilderness, Ansel Adams and John Muir Wildernesses. Instead, take a weekend for a road trip on States 4 and 108. 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. Much like Murphys, this former frontier town in the Sierra Nevada foothills feels like a preserved relic of American history. A vineyard barn in Healdsburg (Photo: ddedit via Flickr). These lovely towns are sure to fit whatever youre looking for! 51 reviews. 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 . All woo in their own Cali-way, with historic main streets, echoes of the Wild West, or natural wonders that invite wandering; where the sound of honking cars is traded for the concert of birds or gracious silence. Home to the Fricot Nugget, a 13.8 POUND monster that was found in the American River in 1864. Placerville Another charming gold rush town, Placerville is definitely worth a visit. This area is located in Northern California and is home to some of the most historic cities in the state. If so, then youll definitely want to check out the charming towns in the Sierra Foothills. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Escape the noise of daily life and reconnect with nature by visiting the scenic town of Markleeville. Sierra Foothills Escape to Rustic California Living Live in California's historic Gold Country in the rustic Sierra Nevada Foothills where the towns are picturesque and rich with history. The scene gets progressively more beautiful as you approach Grouse Lake on the roughly 2-mile trek. 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. Sierra Foothills AVA. It's near some of the best places for whitewater rafting in the western U.S., and you can go kayaking . Its a great place for shopping since chain stores are essentially banned in the town! To learn more about cookies, you can consult our. For the more ambitious, a 3.6-mile trail ascends Thunder Mountain. Then head down to Main Street and stop for a drink at Bar of America, located in a beautifully restored 19th century historic building. 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 . Once the snow flies, get your adrenaline fix on the slopes of Dodge Ridge, or for some frosty fun, visit the biggest snow play park in California Leland Snow Play. Mokelumne Hill Mokelumne Hill was one of the richest sites in California. Pack up a picnic and head to a park, wander along the Art and Farm Trails, kayak down the Russian River or hike the Ridge Trail for majestic mountain views. By fall, the crisp changing leaves are irresistible to chase, and in winter, you can join the quiet ski scene at June Mountain. The Fresno Yacht Club holds its High Sierra Regatta here, but Huntington sailors arent snobby. Theres something for everyone here, so be sure to check out all of these amazing towns! Heading east, 4 curlicues up and over Ebbetts Passs 8,732-foot summit. The 25-mile, nearly 7,000-foot climb starts innocently enough in Three Rivers, one of Sequoia National Parks gateway towns. There are all sorts of cabins in Yosemite National Park, many of them located in Wawona, as well as the historic Wawona Hotel. Visit the Railroad Museum, go leaf-peeping in the fall, go climbing, explore nearby hot springs, or explore the magnificent bristlecone pine forest, home to some of the most ancient trees on planet Earth! Chances are that youve seen this unfold on screen. When sommelier Guy Tucker moved to the Sierra Foothills, a vast region in the northeastern part of California where the Sierra Nevadas peter out into the Central . In the summer, youre just steps away from fun. Just beyond, Lake Alpine Resort serves up a hearty trout-and-eggs breakfast, and rents kayaks. Dont just stop here, explore all the towns that exist in the foothills, mountains, and valleys in this area. Anyone that enjoys spending their time outdoors doing lots of activities filled with fresh air 2,000 vertical feet of singletrack in Bass Lake, towns & communities surrounding the Lake Tahoe region, Stroll the main thoroughfare and pick up a gift for a friend or family, wines grown within the county or enjoy a frosty pint brewed locally, California State Mining and Mineral Museum, perfect basecamp to the High Sierra in any season, gateway to Devils Postpile National Park, New Melones Lake for hiking, mountain biking, & even amazing fishing, new dining options available in Markleeville. Its charming no matter the time of year and a great place for all sorts of outdoor activities. Not all of the park is completely discovered and busy. Gold Country is located in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevadas and is one of the best regions for taking a . Entirely located within Yosemite National Park, Wawona is a great base for Yosemite adventures! Where you should stay depends on the season, which walks you want to do, whether you prefer a big town or a small village, what other activities you want to do and, of course, prices and availability. by Breawna Power Eaton|Published October 29, 2017, Where to Find Short Term Furnished Rentals in Jersey City or New Jersey, A Comparison of Bus Services from Dallas to Houston, 10 Exhibitions to Visit in Indianapolis and Indiana this Spring, 7 of the Best Patagonia Down Jackets for Women. 27 Top Tourist Attractions in San Francisco. #7 Best Places to Live in Santa Cruz County. 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. Wikimedia/ Bobak Ha'Eri. Your next hometown could be one of these 25 Best Places to Live. Tucked at the base of the eastern Sierra Nevada, this little mountain town offers you complete solitude. A few miles past Silver City Mountain Resort, the only non-camping option along the way, the road rounds the last of its nearly 700 turns then dead-ends at Mineral King Valley. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors. Ive broken this post into four sections for ease of use: This is an imperfect way to classify things, as many of the Northern California mountain towns are also part of the Sierras, such as the mountain towns in Lake Tahoe. Youll catch a shuttle to get to Devils Postpile from Catch the shuttle Mammoth Adventure Center at Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge. This area is located in Northern California and is home to some of the most charming towns in the state. Here is our list of the top lodging establishments in the Sierra Foothills area of Sutter Creek and Plymouth. Shimbu Rebel Sushi and Music. As a gateway to Yosemite, Groveland has all sorts of amenities for travelers and is the quintessential Low Sierra mountain town. Lone Pine is located at the intersection of Death Valley and the Eastern Sierra region, and its a charming mountain town with an Old West feel. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Later, savor samples at local wineries, while chatting it up with those who grew the grapes and produced the wine. Finishing off our list is another High Sierra favorite. Nevada County towns are Grass Valley Nevada City French Corral Smartsville Timbuctoo Rough and Ready Relief Hill Washington El Dorado County cities are Cameron Park Camino Coloma 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. At Donnell Vista, walk the path that shows off the Yosemite-like gorge of Donnell Reservoir. 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. 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. Julian is also a great place for stargazing in California, with some of the darkest skies and a great observatory/inn to stay at and check out the night sky from your secluded mountain oasis. Its close enough to Yosemite that you can visit on a day trip, but it also has enough happening on the lake for it to be worth a visit all on its own. 2021 High Sierra Visitor's Council. The Truckee River outlet in Tahoe City (Photo: Luke H. Gordon), We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience and save your preferences. Check out the best RV camping options in Gold Country. Even the trails of Mt. Just outside of Murphys, Courtwood Inn is a grand log lodge that sits on a five-acre hilltop with commanding views of the Sierra Foothills and unobstructed views of the skies overhead. 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). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. When looking out over the wood-fronted bars and shops downtown and the awe-inspiring rock formations stacked across the Alabama Hills, one could easily imagine cowboys on horseback, stirring up a sudden cloud of dust. Yet the The American Riviera has a flavor of its own, with cooler evenings and characteristic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Check out Hotels.com to find the best hotel deals, from cheap to luxury & more! Youll also find the Wawona Covered Bridge and the Swinging Bridge, as well as the Pioneer Yosemite History Center. Named for two brothers (hence, no aprostrophe), Murphys does not disappoint. Lovely mums for sale at a San Luis Obispo farmers market (Photo: San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce). For other places with the same name, see Sierra Nevada (disambiguation). Worth it, every one of them. It is the Sierra Foothills' best kept secret. 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. of freshly baked pastries. While California is better known for its beaches and coastal cities, people often forget just how much of the state is mountainous. The unique boutiques and eateries that line its historic downtown, along with the friendly chatter of locals, add to its appeal. The departure point for a horse packing trip, McGee pack station sits at 7,600 feet. 3. This post guides you through all the best mountain towns in California. Then theres Kit Carson Lodges parlor, which has knotty pine walls, a stone fireplace, and landscape paintings by local artists. You might think you know the Sierras inside-out, but many of the mountains best sights are waiting for you to discover them. Once you exit 80 at Foresthill / Auburn Ravine . Summer at Lake Tahoe is the same as it ever was, too. Dont miss the House and Senate groups as the paved trail loops for two miles with giant trees all around. "Worth the walk up for great sushi". By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Chains are legally banned here, a loyalty to local that also purposefully preserves its community-oriented, eco-minded charm. As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through my links. The glacier-carved valley is the jumping-off point for hikes in meadows of wildflowers, along creeks that tumble through stands of aspen, up to alpine lakes. The beautiful town of Mammoth Lakes is a wonderful all-season California mountain town. Roseville is only 20 minutes away from Sacramento and is a short ride away from the nearby Sierra Nevada foothills and Folsom Lake. Good morning, Alabama Hills (Photo: Fred Moore via Flickr). Easier rides await on the paved bike paths that lead through the city and along the lake and river. Try your hand at prospecting with Prospect Yosemite. It is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills and was founded in 1848. 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 dont forget the explosion of wildflowers each season on the Hite Cove Trail. And not a stop light or fast food joint in sight. Each of the 20 coves, linked beneath dramatic cliffs, has its perks. This is merely a sampling of the foodie fun you can have along with your hiking, biking, and skiing adventures. 9 Best Mountain Towns In California High Sierra To Visit Any Time Of Year Many mountain ranges have ski towns focused only on one time of year but that's not the case in the High Sierra. 2. Inn at Eagle Mountain 3.5-star. For example, set off on a pair of cross-country skis to get a taste of what Yosemite was like when Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir visited. This historic city is full of charm, from its quaint downtown area to its picturesque Victorian homes. Charming indeed. Read: 6 Underground Mine Tours in California 10. Geology meets geometry in a massive rock formation of hexagonal columns formed by an ancient lava flow more than 100,000 years ago. Its also close to the McCloud Waterfalls a short drive away. You can stroll the main street or head out to New Melones Lake for hiking, mountain biking, & even amazing fishing. Its BIG backyard is the envy of so many other cities Yosemite National Park. The first Napa winery was built here and wine and kitchen trends continue to bloom. The active community is also home to the world-renowned Carlsbad Triathlon and the states first skateboard park (built in 1976), as well as the skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and the Olympic snowboarder Shaun White. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Blowing Rock NC. So incredible that nearly 400 films have been shot in a place called Alabama Hills just outside of town. | Privacy Policy | French Website. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. . Being in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country makes it easy to try the local wines featured at village tasting rooms. This is but a glimpse as to why Bishop is one of the best mountain towns 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. Truckees mountain cuisine is just as elevated as its elevation. Its no wonder this small city was once the Hollywood of the silent-cinema era and continues to attract film and photo shoots. A taste of the Wild West and apple pie in Julian (Photo: Julian Chamber of Commerce). In the hot summer months, dips in secret swimming holes along the river likewise feel priceless. Where to stay. Write if you have any specific questions. South Lake Tahoe is known for its proximity to gorgeous state parks in the summer, like D.L. Here, the trees give way to the fall-rainbow of colors, snow falls just enough to make the town that much more picturesque, and the bounty of spring flowers to come (along with the lingering view of snow-capped peaks) makes the winter chill more endurable. Amador Vintners Association. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Many gold-seekers visit Downieville and other locations in Sierra County for gold panning but also river sluicing, dry washing, and metal detecting. The _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. Kirkwood Kirkwood is a small mountain town best visited during winter. Youll also find some very small communities nestled in the mountains that offer a true escape from city life. In the winter, youre located mere minutes from an assortment of ski resorts like Palisades Tahoe, Homewood Resort, and Granlibakken Ski & Sled Hill. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Here, the California Sierra Nevada rises from Owens Valley in a sheer 3,000-foot wall that shouts, We are what mountains are all about. 10 Best River Cruises around the World. Region Characteristics Area Amenities Things to Do, Recreation & Fitness Tuolumne County offers a wide range of amenities for every age group. Box 395 (209) 267-5500 Reaching 3,428 meters, the Pico de Veleta Mountain is the second-highest peak in the Sierra Nevada range after the Cerro de Mulhacn Mountain, which soars to 3,481 meters. There are plenty of great shops and restaurants to check out, as well as historic buildings and a beautiful river spots to explore. Though mostly lacking the cobblestoned, antiquated aesthetic of Colonial towns on the opposite coast, California can also be charming in its own varied ways. Sierra del Lobosillo or Rincn forms part of the eastern foothills of the mountains of Madrid. There are many locally owned businesses within the neighborhood, including gyms and cafes. With 5 lakes in Mammoth Lakes itself and over a hundred in the immediate area, a beautiful hike is never far away. 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. Day 2: From Bridgeport, State 108 runs west to climb steep switchbacks past thick stands of aspens and craggy volcanic outcroppings to the 9,624-foot Sonora Pass.