There are so many fun things to do in Nevada County, in the Sierra Foothills of California! Nevada County is home to gold mines, walking trails, wineries, and is an hour’s drive from popular mountain destinations like Lake Tahoe and Gold Lakes near Downieville. Here are just a few tried and true things that my family and I recommend for fun activities:
Visit the Empire Mine State Historic Park
Empire Mine State Historic Park is the site of one of the oldest, deepest, and richest gold mines in California. The mine was active for more than 100 years, and was the source of 5.8 million ounces of gold before it closed in 1956. The park contains many of the mine’s buildings, the beautiful owner’s home and restored gardens, as well the entrance to 367 miles of abandoned and flooded mine shafts. The park covers 856 acres of forested backcountry with fourteen miles of trails – including easy hikes (for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding). And also includes the “Secret Room”!
Visit the South Yuba River State Park:
This park is home to some of the most beautiful stretches of the Yuba River and has hiking trails, swimming spots, and picnic areas. The South Yuba River is famous for its pristine swimming holes surrounded by smooth granite rocks. In the summer, advanced swimmers travel up the trails from Bridgeport, 49 Crossing, Purdon Crossing, and Edwards Crossing for sunning and swimming. Family Beach and Kneebone Beach at Bridgeport are ideal for families with children and picnicking. Keep in mind, the river current can be extremely dangerous and cold much of the year especially in spring and early summer! But even in summer the current remains strong in certain locations.
Explore the historic town of Nevada City
The quaint downtown district of Nevada City is a national historic landmark where guests enjoy quality restaurants, comfortable lodgings and a variety of fine shops, boutiques, galleries and museums. There’s a vibrant art scene, with frequent live music and theater events, and lots of street festivals including major crowd-pleasers Hot August Nights (August) and Victorian Christmas (December).
Attend the Nevada County Fair:
There’s always something happening at the beautiful, pine-shaded Nevada County Fairgrounds. But if you happen to be here in August, you must check out the Nevada County Fair. This annual event features carnival rides, livestock shows, food vendors, and a variety of entertainment. It is quaint county fair at its finest!
Take a wine tasting tour:
With 15 wineries and over 40 varietals, the Sierra Vintners wine region is an ideal location for wine enthusiasts to taste award-winning wines, meet the winemakers and enjoy a bucolic setting. Though Sierra Vintners is an emerging wine region, its historic roots have made it a century-old destination for visitors looking to explore the heart of the state’s Gold Rush.
Float down the Truckee River, Tahoe City
This is fun for all ages because it is really more of a float than a rafting adventure. You can part at Tahoe City, get into your boats and have a fun afternoon of floating down the Truckee River. You finish at River Ranch pond and a shuttle will return you to your car in Tahoe City. There is also a bike path along the river that goes from Squaw Valley to Tahoe City in both directions. While there one great place to eat is at The Bridgetender Restaurant in Tahoe City along the river.
Play golf at one of the numerous golf courses in the area
Nevada County is home to several beautiful golf courses, including the acclaimed Dark Horse Golf Course. which was listed #16 in Golf Digest’s 2022 list of best courses to play in California. I live in Lake of the Pines, and play regularly. I’d be happy to host you for a round – just contact me.
In addition to these, of course there are lots of trails to hike in Grass Valley, Nevada City and Tahoe. Also, Lake of the Pines has great parks and beaches.
