7 Coolest Small Towns in California's Sierra Nevada for a Summer Vacation
Between the Great Basin and the Central Valley of California awaits the greatest geological gift given to the US. The majority of the Sierra Nevada Mountains were bestowed upon California. However, Nevada does get most of the Carson Range spur. The landmass hides nooks and crannies featuring the best kept hiking, kayaking, and cycling opportunities in North America. Find out why California’s Sierra Nevada towns are the prettiest part of the American Cordillera and the absolute coolest way to spend a summer vacation.
Mammoth Lakes
Mary, George, and Mamie are the names of just some of the lakes living the shadow of Mammoth Mountain, a breathtaking ski resort in the winter that becomes a top destination for outdoor escapades once the snow melts. The change in landscape means backcountry roads become open to adventure. Discover the grittiest, most awe-inspiring route one can find to Yosemite National Park, and the Devil’s Postpile National Monument and its 101-foot tall Rainbow Falls. The Mammoth Lakes Basin is a renowned hiking destination. The stunning and steep Crystal Lake Trail is worth training for.
Reflect with a tranquil stroll by Mammoth Creek once the all the hiking, swimming, and kayaking has taken its toll on the muscles. Between beer tasting and live music festivals on the main stage at the Village, there’s never a dull moment at sunset in Mammoth Lakes.
Tahoe City
Tahoe City awaits on the western shores of Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America. Look no further than Christy Hill Restaurant for a stellar tasting menu and a breathtaking view of the big lake. Sleep beneath the pines, mere steps from a Truckee River adventure, at the Cottage Inn Bed and Breakfast. Nearly all Tahoe City accommodations are located downtown where the nightlife churns and the bars wait to be hopped.
Visitors ought not to forget to stop by the North Tahoe Art Center in Kings Beach, just 15 minutes away. The North Tahoe Art Center has a thought-provoking rotation of galleries planned for the year, as well as remarkable pieces of jewelry that cannot be found elsewhere.
Grass Valley
Discover how Grass Valley has maintained its allure after being the richest Gold Rush boomtown in the Sierra Nevada. Join the likes of Grover Cleveland, Ulysses S. Grant, and Mark Twain by staying in the historic Holbrooke Hotel, built in 1862. Grass Valley makes a relaxing basecamp for a journey to South Yuba River State Park, which is only a 20-minute drive away. The tectonic activity from the gold rush continues to give with rich soil that produces stunning wildflowers.
Grass Valley wildflower hikes take travelers through phantasmagoria of colors. Make this vacation unconventional: the forgotten skill of gold panning can be learned by demonstrations at Malakoff Diggins State Park.
Auburn
Get away to the joyful downtown and inspiring Old Town districts of Auburn. The North and Middle Fork American Rivers run through the town and the long Lake Clementine awaits in the east. Discover what’s beneath the water’s surface with High Sierra Divers, a local company providing tours and certification for varying levels of diving experience.
Auburn’s iconic State Cinema suffered a roof collapse in 2023 but has somehow only gained in stature as the fundraisers for the renovation project have proven to be the most impressive parties in the Sierra Nevada for the past year. The next Cocktails and Cinema fundraiser in June will be worth planning a trip around.
South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is a bumping resort town of approximately 20,000. It rests on the southern shore of the big lake, abutting California’s border with Nevada. Do not be dismayed by its presence on travel brochures. South Lake Tahoe has maintained its small town vibe despite its popularity.
Golfers can develop their short game on the oldest golf course in the region. According to the town’s website, Bijou Golf Course provides “lush fairways and manicured greens against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains.” Regan Beach is a gorgeous spot for swimming and the perfect launching point for kayakers looking to explore Lake Tahoe.
Bishop
The gold rush left a legacy of mules in the town of Bishop. The town welcomes the change in seasons with Mule Days, featuring a spectacle that purports to be the world’s largest non-motorized parade down beautiful Main Street. Bishop is the essential landing pad for anyone hoping to explore Inyo County.
Be sure to appreciate the hieroglyphs carved into Chalk Bluffs from a safe distance as the history of humans in the region is one worth preserving. For relaxation, rent an inner tube and float down one of the many creeks that carve Bishop from every direction.
Truckee
Indulge in an inspiring stroll through the streets and trails of Truckee with a copy of the town’s inventory of public art in hand. Truckee is the top summer vacation destination for cyclists. Miles of paved paths usher forth the scenic Sierra, making promises on the uphills that pay off double on the downhills. Swimmers love Truckee too. The town’s Donner Lake is six degrees warmer than Lake Tahoe in the summer. Let the hours ooze by on sunny days at West End Beach. Visitors planning on staying longer than a week may find a season pass for West End is well worth the money.
The Sierra Nevada remains one of the least exploited natural wonders in the US. The California Gold Rush of the mid-19th century merely explored the range’s foothills. Help protect this pristine biome this summer by picking up trash found at state and national parks. Several communities existed in the region before the arrival of Europeans. There are over a dozen federally recognized tribes that continue to inhabit and enrich the Sierra Nevada. Consider supporting Native American businesses whenever possible on a Sierra Nevada summer vacation this year.
