7 Most Idyllic Small Towns in California's Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada is a long (400 miles) and narrow (50 miles) mountain range that runs almost entirely in California and includes Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. Known for stunning natural features like Mount Whitney and the “General Sherman” giant sequoia tree, the Sierra Nevada is also home to a wonderful collection of idyllic mountain towns. Most of the seven towns on our list date back to the California Gold Rush of the late 1840s and all of them exude historic charm.
Quincy
Quincy is the offshoot of a Gold Rush community formerly called Elizabethtown and has maintained much of the look and feel of its Old West heritage. The Plumas County Museum recounts the history of the area, while the quaint downtown includes historic buildings such as a classic movie theater and a schoolhouse from 1905. Main Street is also home to several art galleries, which reflects the fact that artists and photographers flock to Quincy for stunning natural vistas, most especially of fall foliage. Autumn also marks the arrival of Quincy’s popular Mountain Harvest Beer Festival.
Nevada City
Located only about 60 miles from Sacramento, Nevada City is a genuine step back into the past as a well-preserved town from the Gold Rush era. The entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places and is filled with Old West Victorian homes and historic structures like the 1865 Nevada Theater. For visitors seeking outdoor recreation, Tahoe National Forest and South Yuba River State Park are close by, and the Lake Tahoe ski areas are less than two hours away. Along with several fine dining establishments and wineries, Nevada City is also home to the Nevada City Film Festival each June.
Murphys
Settlers originally came to the Sierra Nevada foothills that surround Murphys looking for gold, but today, those same hills are covered with grape vines. Both gold and wine brought wealth to Murphys, as reflected in the numerous fine 1800s brick buildings along Main Street, several of which now house tasting rooms and restaurants. Murphys is great to visit any time of year but really comes to life in autumn with the wine harvest when the town hosts popular events like the Calaveras Grape Stomp and Gold Rush Street Faire. When winter hits, the nearby Bear Valley Ski Resort takes center stage.
Auburn
The seat of Placer County, Auburn, sits along the west side of the Sierra Nevada and is yet another Gold Rush mining town. Visitors can explore this history in the restored Old Town section of Auburn, as well as at the Placer County Museum in the former county courthouse. Auburn is also gaining a reputation for its surrounding wineries, but the area’s outdoor attractions still serve as the main draw for visitors. The Auburn State Recreation Area offers hiking trails for all skill levels, while extreme athletes come each summer for the Western States Endurance Run, a single-day, 100-mile race that ends in Auburn.
Bishop
Downtown Bishop looks like a classic Hollywood western movie set slightly updated for modern times, and more than 400 movies have been filmed in the beautiful Alabama Hills just outside of town. This idyllic setting is perfect for parades and festivals, such as the annual Mule Days celebration. Also downtown, the Laws Museum presents the important history of the railroads in the Sierra Nevada. Meanwhile, lovers of outdoor beauty and natural wonders simply must explore the nearby Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to the world's oldest trees, some more than 5,000 years old. Now, that is some history!
South Lake Tahoe
Unlike the Gold Rush era towns that populate this list, South Lake Tahoe is a true resort town. As its name indicates, the town sits on the southern shore of famous Lake Tahoe, and South Lake Tahoe is directly adjacent to Stateline, Nevada—the border would be indistinguishable if not for all the casinos on the Nevada side! Whether you prefer boating, skiing, hiking, shopping, fine dining, or gambling, South Lake Tahoe offers an essentially endless supply of things to do and see. You can also find some history amidst all the glitz, such as the opulent Vikingsholm Mansion, which is open for tours.
Truckee
Truckee is only about 20 minutes away from Lake Tahoe but has a different vibe than the resort towns along the lake. Famous in earlier times as the endpoint of the tragic Donner Party and as an important railroad hub, Truckee is best known today as a center for outdoor adventure. Premier ski slopes and hiking trails surround the town, and the lovely Lake Donner holds up well compared to its bigger and more famous neighbor. Downtown Truckee still has several Old West buildings, now housing wineries and eateries, making it perfect for an evening stroll after a day of enjoying the outdoors.
From ancient trees to towering mountains to shimmering lakes, the Sierra Nevada region offers one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world. In addition to tapping into the tourist potential of the surrounding environment, several of the small towns in the Sierra Nevada effectively showcase the region’s Gold Rush and Old West history. These idyllic towns let you step back into the past, step out into nature, and step away from everyday life for a little while. So, make your travel plans today!
