8 of the Most Welcoming Towns in California's Sierra Nevada
The Golden State is more than the bustling metropolises of Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is a land abounding in the wonders of nature and welcoming spirits. The state really has it all, from its warm beaches, dry, healing deserts, and majestic mountains to its lush forests and wild rivers. One area worth exploring is California’s Sierra Nevada.
Rich in the history of Native American tribes and the Old West’s gold-rush era of the mid-1800s, there are museums, natural history, and period architecture to uncover. The ski resort of Lake Tahoe, with its captivating blue waters of the lake, is something to behold. Then there’s Yosemite National Park, which has stood the test of time as one of the world's most fascinating natural landmarks.
Poet Norman Schafer, who explored the Sierra Nevada for over four decades, wrote, “Those years of higher learning at boarding school and college: better to have spent them here reading the mountains like a book” (Alameda Press). One commonality between the towns that make up the region is their rich cultures and their friendly locals. Put down the books and come read the mountains in California’s Sierra Nevada!
Nevada City
The historic and charming town of Nevada City is roughly equidistant between the Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. The town’s economic history has centered on gold mining and timber. Today, it has become a center for young artists. The historic district has many well-preserved gold-rush era buildings and period architecture.
Artistic youth tend to cultivate a happening live music scene and this town doesn’t disappoint. Golden Era Cocktail Bar is the place to grab a cold one and enjoy some tunes. One will quickly discover how open and warm the town’s people are. The National Exchange Hotel is a must-see historical landmark from the 1800s. Outside the city there’s the Empire Mine State Historic Park for the mining experience. Or consider a hike in the South Yuba River State Park where one will see nature and unique bridges.
Truckee
The most famous historical event in this area, known today as the Donner Party, is not one that recalls a welcoming spirit. In the mid-1800s, settlers from Illinois, the Donner-Reed Party encountered an early, harsh winter and became snowbound, in the area now known as Donner Lake. The winter weather, lack of supplies and scarce game for hunting, led to starvation and ultimately cannibalism. The good news is, Truckee is now one of the more welcoming, friendly towns in the Sierra Nevada. One’s biggest decision today will be where to eat (not who!), as there are many fine restaurants in this town. The Sawyer at Schaffer’s Mill Club for its atmosphere, views, and delicious cuisine, is hard to beat. This is the place to visit for outdoor adventure. From the lake and nearby ski resorts to the Donner Memorial State Park, there’s so much nature to discover. In town, there’s the Cultural District and the Old Jail Museum. Mixing with the approachable locals, one will feel right at home.
Grass Valley
Known for their two historical mines, the Empire Mine and the North Star Mine, Grass Valley was the richest and most famous gold mining town in California. The total output is estimated to be north of $300 million dollars’ worth of gold. Presently, it’s a “postcard town” in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, abounding in outdoor adventures. The fitting town motto is “Explore. Live. Thrive.” This is a small, convivial town, where everyone knows everyone. The two mines are worth seeing, as is the Bourne Cottage and Naggiar Vineyard and Winery. Nearby Beale Falls is another worthy sightseeing adventure. Besides its illustrious gold rush history, Grass Valley is known for its hospitality. Come check it out!
Bishop
Bounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains to the West and the White Mountains to the East, Bishop is a gateway town to all the mountain and snow fun one can experience. Said to be “a small town with a big backyard,” Bishop has so much to offer for those that thrive in nature. Downtown is full of historic, Old West buildings and remarkable murals. One will find many coffee shops, restaurants, and independent stores, but a must-visit location is Erkick Schat’s Bakkery, which has been serving their famous sheepherder bread since 1938. The town’s people are known for their sociableness, making guests feel like family. Bishop also serves as the perfect basecamp for nearby bouldering at the Buttermilk Boulders or the Happy and Sad Boulders at the Volcanic Tableland. There’s hiking, fishing, and birding at the Owens River and other nearby lakes. Pine Creek Road from Highway 395 offers a scenic drive. A visit to the Bristelcone forest will afford one the opportunity to see trees, with their twisted unique shapes, that are more than 4,000 years old.
Mammoth Lakes
A lovely mountain town, Mammoth Lakes plays host to nearby Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain ski resorts. The town is also close to Devils Postpile National Monument, with its unique basalt formations. Other nearby sightseeing locations include Rainbow Falls, Mono Lake and of course, Yosemite National Park. The town itself is charming and full of independent shops, restaurants and holiday events and festivals. Known for their tree lighting ceremony at Christmas and fireworks display on the 4th of July, this is truly a four-season town. As in nearby Bishop, there’s also a Schat’s Bakery that is worth visiting in any season, but if one finds themselves in Mammoth at Thanksgiving, let the chef in your house take a break and consider having Schat’s cater the holiday meal. You won’t regret it. The town’s residents are so open and generous, one will feel instantly at ease.
Sonora
While Sonora is known as the gateway to Yosemite National Park, it is an attraction in its own right. Rich in gold rush era history, the historic downtown is full of period buildings and is included among the popular Highway 49 gold rush towns to visit. It is also close to two State Historic Parks, Railtown 1897 and Columbia State Historic Park. Settled 170 years ago by miners from Sonora Mexico, the Old West charisma remains, but today there’s fine dining at restaurants like Yoshoku and the nearby Indigeny Reserve with its craft hard cider. The Reserve is known for their beautiful orchards, where outdoor musicals are enjoyed in the warmer months. Sonora is a town celebrated for its kindly culture, where everyone is family.
Placerville
Placerville is an underappreciated town in Northern California. The historic downtown has many period buildings, with the crown jewel being the belltower. There are sweeping views of the town and surrounding area to be enjoyed from the top of the tower. Placerville is a town that does holidays and festivals right. There are many events throughout the year that are worth checking out, including Bell Tower Brewfest, the Art and Wine Festival, the Antique and Crafts Fairs and of course the Festival of Lights around the Christmas holiday. If one enjoys apples and everything that can be made and baked with them, stop by High Hill Ranch and experience a taste of Placerville. This is gold country after all, so be sure to have some “panning-fun” for the whole family at Gold Bug Park. For the more adventurous consider whitewater rafting on the American River. The one thing people consistently say about this town is how friendly the people are. Ready and willing to lend a hand or give directions.
Mariposa
The town of Mariposa is another excellent gold-rush era town with easy access to Yosemite National Park, however it has its own unique charms. The historic Old Western town of Mariposa boasts period architecture to admire, but the historical landmarks of the Courthouse and Stone Jain, are a must. Consider all the Mariposa County Parks & Rec has to offer. Pitch a tent and delight in some spectacular stargazing on cloudless nights. The Sierra National Forest is one’s best bet for first-rate hiking, fishing, and beautiful vistas. Besides the usual river rafting and outdoor activities, an aerial tour is the way to see it all from above. Let Airborrn Aviation Services be your guide to a bird’s eye view of the encompassing splendors. While there’s so much to see outdoors, the people of Mariposa are a group of warm, welcoming nature lovers, who take visitors into their hearts.
Welcoming Towns of the Sierras
Whether one is looking for a holiday getaway, a ski excursion, a near-spiritual journey through Yosemite or an Old Western historical experience, these warm, welcoming towns of California’s Sierras won’t let one down. Each town has plenty to entice the eye, along with fun activities for the whole family and friendly faces to brighten one’s trip.
