6 Most Laid-Back Small Towns In California's Sierra Nevada

If you’ve not yet visited California’s Sierra Nevada region, you might want to add it to your bucket list of places to visit in the United States. Stretching approximately 400 miles from the southern end of the Cascade Range of mountains all the way to the Mojave Desert, the Sierra Nevada has played a major role in the history of the “Golden State” from the early days of the Gold Rush era to its becoming the country’s most populous state, with a population a tad bigger than that of Canada.

Tourism plays a vital role in the region’s economy and draws millions of visitors yearly to its stunning national parks, vast forests, and scenic mountain backdrops. Adding to Sierra Nevada’s appeal are its many laidback small towns. Some of the best of these chill communities are worth including in your California travel itinerary, as they also serve as great bases from which to venture out and explore. Find out more about six of the most laid-back small towns in California's Sierra Nevada.

Truckee

Situated at the northern end of Lake Tahoe, one of the prettiest corners of California, Truckee is a town steeped in railroad history. Established in the 1860s during the construction of the transcontinental railroad, a nearly 2,000-mile stretch connecting the existing eastern network to the Pacific Ocean, Truckee was a vital stop for trains crossing the Sierra Nevada. This railroading legacy and the prosperity it brought the town lives on in laidback Historic Downtown Truckee. Lined with many finely preserved buildings, it's a delight to explore on foot.

For a laidback break from all that walking, pop into the quirky Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats for some live music, gourmet food, and a lively yet unhurried ambiance. Try to visit during the Truckee Thursdays, a summer-long street festival with live music, art, and local vendors filling the streets.

Nevada City

Located in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada, historic Nevada City was founded during the Gold Rush in 1849 and remains one of the best places to visit in California for those seeking a taste of the classic “Old West.” This quirky town played a pivotal role as a center of commerce and culture during the height of the gold mining era, with much of the original architecture from this period remaining intact. Examples include the Nevada Theatre, built in 1865 and California’s oldest continuously operating theater, and the Miners Foundry Cultural Center, built that same year and now used for community events and performances.

Some of the town’s local businesses further enhance its laid-back ambiance. Check out the popular Heartwood Eatery for its delicious farm-to-table cuisine and the Nevada City Chocolate Shoppe, a favorite for those with a sweet tooth or two. Also worth checking out is the weekly farmers' market, which offers fresh produce and artisanal goods and offers an opportunity to engage with laid-back locals, vendors, and visitors alike.

Bishop

When it comes to the quirkiest towns in California, Bishop certainly ranks highly. Located along the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada and only a short distance from the state border with Nevada, Bishop is known as the "Mule Capital of the World," a title earned in the late 19th century when it served as a major hub for ranchers and miners who relied on these hardy beasts of burden for their livelihoods.

This legacy continues each May at the town’s Mule Days event, which draws visitors from across the country to celebrate these endearing animals with music and food. It is also the world's longest non-motorized parade, complete with around 700 or more mules. The town’s location along U.S. Route 395 is another plus, making it a convenient base for exploring nearby Owens Valley and the Eastern Sierra, including the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to some of the world’s oldest trees, including one known to be over 5000 years old.

Grass Valley

Grass Valley, like Nevada City, was founded during the Gold Rush and quickly became a significant mining town. Located in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada and only an hour’s drive northeast of Sacramento, tourists flock here for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and to get a taste of what life was like in the state’s early years. Must-visits include Empire Mine State Historic Park, once the richest hard rock gold mine in California, which now offers a unique glimpse into the town’s mining past (tours are available).

Grass Valley’s laid-back charm is also evident in its thriving arts scene and some of its quirkier local businesses. The historic Del Oro Theatre is a must-visit for its Art Deco architecture and remains an entertainment hub with a mix of mainstream and arty independent films. For a laidback meal, visit Tofanelli’s Gold Country Bistro, a trendy café that’s known for its hearty breakfasts. For a fun winter getaway, come back in late November and December for the town’s annual Cornish Christmas celebration with its relaxed festive atmosphere featuring music, food, and traditional crafts, as well as the Downtown Holiday Market.

Mariposa

Looking for a base from which to explore Yosemite National Park? Then, Mariposa could be just what you’re looking for. Founded in 1849 in the southern Sierra Nevada foothills, this popular town is deeply connected to the Gold Rush, with several historical landmarks waiting to be explored. Topping the list is the Mariposa Museum & History Center, with its fascinating displays about the lives of local Native Americans, the first settlers, and the countless miners who came to stake their claim.

The town’s laid-back vibe is certainly complemented by its charming local businesses and events, making it perfect for a Sierra Nevada getaway. The Mariposa Coffee Company is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its hand-roasted blends and hip vibe, while Butterfly Creek Winery offers a tranquil setting for wine tastings and tours with great views of the surrounding hills. Perhaps the town’s most laidback event is the Mariposa Butterfly Festival. Held each summer, it’s named after the translation of the town’s name from the Spanish word for “butterfly” and features parades, arts, live music, and food vendors.

Auburn

Easy to get to from Sacramento via the I-80 (the highway literally dissects the town), Auburn’s location in the western Sierra Nevada foothills ensured it was to play a key role in the California Gold Rush. Founded in 1848, this friendly town quickly grew into a bustling town, with its historic downtown still retaining much of its original 19th-century architecture. A first stop should be The Gold Rush Museum with its displays relating to the town’s role in California’s early development (there’s even a huge statue of a miner that makes for a great selfie).

The nearby Auburn State Recreation Area provides outdoor enthusiasts with ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and rafting, as well as a few quiet corners for a little laid-back introspection. For the ultimate in chill, check out the Knee Deep Brewing Company for its craft beers and relaxed atmosphere (live music is sometimes available). The town also puts on the annual Auburn Art Walk, a summer-long self-guided walking tour which visitors can do at their own pace around notable art-related landmarks, galleries, and laid-back artist studios.

The Final Word

When it comes to laid-back experiences, few areas of California can quite match the Sierra Nevada. This attractive and historically rich region is home to many towns that boast a slower pace of life, making them ideal for relaxation and getting away from the hustle and bustle of the state’s larger and better-known tourist destinations. From historic gold rush towns to gateways of natural wonders like Yosemite, these destinations provide a unique blend of culture, history, and tranquillity all just waiting to be explored. Find out what you’re missing with this list of six of the most laid-back small towns in California's Sierra Nevada.