Just outside of Murphys, Courtwood Inn is a grand log lodge that sits on a five-acre hilltop with commanding views of the Sierra Foothills and unobstructed views of the skies overhead. No approach to the Sierra is unimpressive, but if you want to be hit over the head with the magnitude of the range, the eastern side is your best bet. Fiddletown, 8 miles from Plymouth, remains off the beaten path, and a midweek visit will often present no competing tourists to admire the old city. For other places with the same name, see Sierra Nevada (disambiguation). As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through my links. A peaceful picnic in St. Helena (Photo: St. Helena Chamber of Commerce). Drive west from Redding and dip your toes in the warm, crystal-clear waters, enclosed by 36 miles of shoreline. And for generations, its been Californias backyard mountain range. Schmitz 24 Brix Wines. In the summer, youre just steps away from fun. This California Historic Landmark, with its vine-draped stone walls, launched long before the area became a wine production mecca. And not a stop light or fast food joint in sight. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park. The small mountain town of Mt. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Or traverse the city and beyond by way of the Ojai Valley Trail. The 25-mile, nearly 7,000-foot climb starts innocently enough in Three Rivers, one of Sequoia National Park's gateway towns. The park lends access to historic mining sites, gold panning opportunities, and numerous hiking trails that navigate the verdant river canyon. The town of Oakhurst is the perfect place to setup your basecamp not just for Yosemite but the treasure trove of adventure to be had in the foothills of the Sierra. Each of the 20 coves, linked beneath dramatic cliffs, has its perks. 21 Best Luxury . In town, scour antique shops for treasures and tap your toes to live jazz playing in the town square. Two right turns take you first over State 89s Monitor Pass, then south on U.S. 395 through the rugged Walker River canyon. "Worth the walk up for great sushi". YouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video. Book now. We have them! Set by addthis.com to determine the usage of addthis.com service. YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. But spend time lingering in Mono County and its charming small towns, Fresnos stellar lakes, and the mountains under-the-radar state and national parks; and youll discover a million little Sierras. Before you know it, Mineral King Road is leading you on a succession of twists and blind corners with drop-offs above a seemingly bottomless canyon. The 5 Best Hikes in Muir Woods National Monument, 15 Beautiful Desert Towns in California for a Unique Getaway. But where? Grass Valley This city is perfect for those who love the arts. The top choice is definitely Yosemite National Park with its immense and smooth monoliths that the park is famous for. English EnglishGermanSpanishFrenchChinese (Simplified) Menu Explore Regions Lake Tahoe Western Sierra Eastern Sierra Southern Sierra Close Trip Ideas Native American Information Getting Here Contact Us Itineraries Itineraries Western Side: National Parks and Large Sequoias Vernal Falls The western side of the Sierra Nevada has 3 of the most famous national parks in all of California. Locals have their favorite beach spots, but an easy go-to for a perfect beach day is the city beach, recognizable by the San Clemente pier. . Location : Downieville CA 95936. Another draw to the area, besides the leisurely shopping downtown, is hiking in the Marin Headlands and amongst the towering redwoods in the Muir Woods. Come in the spring to see all the apple blossoms, or in fall to pick your own apples. Numerous safe bike paths are a fitting addition to the laid-back, earth-friendly tone. Just walk down the stairs to Commons Beach for a dip or listen to some free, live outdoor music. Your email address will not be published. Reaching 3,428 meters, the Pico de Veleta Mountain is the second-highest peak in the Sierra Nevada range after the Cerro de Mulhacn Mountain, which soars to 3,481 meters. All Rights Reserved. The Beach Boys hit Surfin USA even gives a shout out to the now legendary surf spot Swamis. There are many good bases for hiking around the Sierra Nevada. Not too far from the cozy town of Angels Camp is a quaint cabin that some of the GREATEST literature of the American West was written, by the likes of Bret Harte & Mark Twain. Lower Slaughter. Mokelumne Hill Mokelumne Hill was one of the richest sites in California. The county is situated on the eastern side of the Sacramento Valley, extending from the Sacramento River, on its western border, east into the foothills and western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The town of South Lake Tahoe is the largest in the Lake Tahoe area, but it still maintains its small California mountain town vibe. SUNSET is a registered trademark of S Media International Corporation. The town is known for its beautiful scenery nearby, as well as its many historical buildings and landmarks. The charming Santa Barbara wine country town of Solvang is located in the Santa Ynez Valley, amidst rolling hills and Figueroa Mountain in the background. Thinking about making a move to the area? The small town of Groveland, California is one youll pass through if youre heading to Yosemites Big Oak Flat Entrance, the one you reach if you are visiting from the Bay Area. Sierra Nevada National Park. Yosemites other great valley, flooded to create Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in the early 1900s. These lovely towns are sure to fit whatever youre looking for! The Sierra Nevada region of California is its alpine region, covering a large portion of the state's inland territory. The Sierra Foothills, which run from the eastern edge of the Central Valley to the crest of the Sierra Nevada, were once home to a booming gold rush industry. Search this website. The beating heart of Sonomas neighbor, Napa Valley, St. Helena has been nicknamed Napas Main Street. Shes obsessed with bouldering, houseplants, other peoples pets, and anywhere she can see the ocean. Or push yourself to the limit with a road biking adventure to the top of Monitor Pass. It is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills and was founded in 1848. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Stroll the main thoroughfare and pick up a gift for a friend or family. Healdsburg is one of the best towns in California to visit where you can taste a variety of local wines in a gorgeous setting. A few miles past Silver City Mountain Resort, the only non-camping option along the way, the road rounds the last of its nearly 700 turns then dead-ends at Mineral King Valley. Box 1450 (209) 267-0747 Eureka Street Inn, Bed & Breakfast 55 Eureka Street P.O. Thick, hazy smoke from the American Fire can be seen billowing above the hills in the Tahoe National Forest, eventually . You too may be inspired like Otis Redding, who wrote (Sittin on) the Dock of the Bay on a houseboat here, to lose track of time, watching the tide roll away., A peak into Sausalitos unique houseboat communities (Photo: Miwok via Flickr). Summer at Lake Tahoe is the same as it ever was, too. We have them! The Best Places to Stay in the Sierra Nevada National Park The foothills of the Sierra Nevada National Park are sprinkled with charming little villages and hamlets, but the higher elevations are dramatic, snowcapped and a bit wild, craggy and exciting. There are gorgeous mountain cabins to rent, and the downtown area of Truckee is full of great restaurants and bars to enjoy a California mountain getaway. Its charming no matter the time of year and a great place for all sorts of outdoor activities. A requisite for being in the Sierra is enjoying the outdoors. Chains are legally banned here, a loyalty to local that also purposefully preserves its community-oriented, eco-minded charm. The road to the Pico de Veleta is an enchanting trip into the glorious mountain world of the Sierra Nevada. You can also drive, but the more adventurous may prefer a bike ride over the Golden Gate Bridge before riding along the bay toward the waterfront or downtown. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. Another beauty to behold is the restored 18th century Carmel Mission Basilica, which still holds mass today. Making four crossings within South Yuba River State Park, Highway 49 explores California's Gold Country and historic mining . This cookie is used by Facebook to control its functionalities, collect language settings and share pages. What are some of the cities in the gold country in the foothills of northern California? sacramento river. The charming mountain town of Auburn is also great for nature lovers, as there are so many great hikes in the vicinity, as the area is home to the Auburn State Recreation Area. The historic Presidio Neighborhood provides a peek into some of the states oldest homes. This designated historical landmark is about an hour's drive from Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest - great for those who want to explore both natural neighborhoods. Grass Valley has a distinctly hippie-ish vibe, as opposed to many of the more sports-focused mountain towns in California, making it a great choice for people who want a more relaxed getaway. Guest rating . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Another draw for young, curious minds is Cal Poly University, a nationally ranked institution uniquely keen on a learn-by-doing philosophy. 3. Shasta is full of classic charm, with restaurants, accommodations, and bars creating a lively scene in winter and summer alike. Check out the best RV camping options in Gold Country. This city is home to some great shops and restaurants, as well as a few historic landmarks. Heres just a sampling of the best mountain towns in California High Sierra to visit ANY time of year. 1. This is but a glimpse as to why Bishop is one of the best mountain towns in California. Truckees mountain cuisine is just as elevated as its elevation. #36 Hike to the 6th Highest Waterfalls in U.S.A. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The charming town of Burney is a great base for Northern California mountain adventures! A short drive from either Los Angeles or San Diego, Idyllwild is a great place to play in the snow and stay in a charming cabin in winter or enjoy the hiking trails in summer. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Being in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country makes it easy to try the local wines featured at village tasting rooms. An epic photo-op spot along your trek through the Sierras. Visit the Railroad Museum, go leaf-peeping in the fall, go climbing, explore nearby hot springs, or explore the magnificent bristlecone pine forest, home to some of the most ancient trees on planet Earth! Good hospitals and doctors. Facebook sets this cookie to show relevant advertisements to users by tracking user behaviour across the web, on sites that have Facebook pixel or Facebook social plugin. Downtown Encinitas (Photo: Brett Shoaf Artistic Visuals). We have numerous lakes perfect for fishing, swimming and boating as well as hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails. Shops on State Street (Photo: Mark Weber, courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara), A fun way to get to this charming city-escape, while simultaneously experiencing some remarkable views, is to take the 30-minute ferry ride from Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco. Gourmet food and wine shops provide the goods for a memorable picnic in Devendorf Park or any of the 60 courtyards within the one-square mile village (where, fun fact, youll need a permit to wear heels higher than two inches). The Northern California mountain town of Mt. Shallow, salty2 1/2 times as salty as the oceanand shadowed by eerie tufa formations, Mono is Northern Californias second-most famous lake; where Tahoes beauties are clear and obvious, Monos are more mysterious. No matter where you are, a mountain escape in California is never far from reach! No list of the best swimming lakes in Northern California would be complete without the charming Whiskeytown Lake. Be sure to help yourself to some delicious Danish pastries for which this mountain town is known, like the local favorite aebelskivvers! "Incredible Dining Experience". Once you exit 80 at Foresthill / Auburn Ravine . Burney is best-known for being the closest town to McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, which is home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in California. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website. For a taste of a quintessential Southern Californian beach town, look no further than Laguna Beach. The Sierra Foothills are a great place to visit if you love spending time in nature. Carmel Beach (Photo: Sarah Tz via Flickr). VIP. Or tide pools? Go boating or fishing out on the water, or head to Mariposa Grove in Yosemite to walk among towering giant sequoias just 30 minutes away! The beautiful town of Mammoth Lakes is a wonderful all-season California mountain town. The glacier-carved valley is the jumping-off point for hikes in meadows of wildflowers, along creeks that tumble through stands of aspen, up to alpine lakes. Outdoor activities abound, but for something different, visit nearby ghost towns, like Cerro Gordo, to witness the remains of the areas mining past. Its no wonder this small city was once the Hollywood of the silent-cinema era and continues to attract film and photo shoots. At 14,494 feet, its the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. 6. The 25-mile, nearly 7,000-foot climb starts innocently enough in Three Rivers, one of Sequoia National Parks gateway towns. It is in Fair Play, a tiny town in El Dorado County. The perfect Sierra lodge should at once give you lots of things to do and make it hard for the outside world to annoy you. Darling Solvang (Photo: Prayitno via Flickr). Browse 1,064 sierra foothills stock photos and images available, or search for californian sierra nevada or folsom lake to find more great stock photos and pictures. More outdoor exploration awaits at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary; a paradise for birders. Related Links: 9 Suburbs You'll Actually Want to Visit 11 Brooklyn-esque Neighborhoods in Cities You Wouldn't Expect 10 Cutest Small Towns in the South Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Yes, windmills too, even statues of the famed writer Hans Christian Andersen and a replica of The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen. There is the BEST civic park in the world-Bidwell Park, along the river which runs through the center of town. Looking for dining recommendations? This peaceful escape in the San Jacinto Mountains, 100-miles east of Los Angeles, is yet another California gem that has retained its small-town character. AddThis sets this geolocation cookie to help understand the location of users who share the information. World-renowned surf spots here T-street, Trestles, Church and San Onofre draw and produce top surf talent. American Fire Now 1,200 Acres, Covering Parts Of Sierra Foothills In Smoke. While you can surely visit both in one trip, it is impossible to visit every winery: there are over 400 in Sonoma County alone, ranging from rustic family-run wineries serving out of their homes (by appointment only), to fancy wine castles. Step back in time to the logging days of the late 19th century and set off on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. But St. Helenas half-mile-long downtown, with its lovely shops and gourmet haunts housed in historic buildings, effuses that unmistakably inviting, small-town feel that makes you want to linger longer. The neighborhood is in close proximity to the coast.. View nearby homes. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Finishing off our list is another High Sierra favorite. It is, of course, celebrated for the unusual rock formation that is the town's namesake- a huge stone thrust over the Johns River. This list wouldnt be complete without including this adventure mountain town. In the summer, its elevation provides naturally air-conditioned air yet low enough to provide mild winters. Where to stay. During the summer, the ski area morphs into a mountain bike haven offering over 80 miles of lift-accessed singletrack, kids adventure center, a Via Ferrata and serves as the gateway to Devils Postpile National Park and the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park . Of course, theres more to do here than swirl a glass. Along with its year-round temperate weather, San Clemente is known for having consistently shred-worthy waves. And yet Mariposa has kept its small-town charm and wears it well. 4. The park's dramatically eroded landscape is a remnant of the world's largest hydraulic mine, where water cannons were used to wash away whole mountainsides in. Many mountain ranges have ski towns focused only on one time of year. A 2,500 square-foot deck wraps the entire length of the lodge, offering a perfect perch for not only watching sunsets but also the stars at night. Dont just stop here, explore all the towns that exist in the foothills, mountains, and valleys in this area. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Like Garrick (above), we often trade the beauty of the coast for the history and laid-back vibe of the foothills. Though most stick around the General Sherman, the best sequoia grove in Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks stands on the Congress Trail. This serene setting is rich with the cultural influences of its Native American, Portuguese, Spanish and Mexican history. Grass Valley fits the bill in the Sierra Nevada foothills northwest of Lake Tahoe. While California is better known for its beaches and coastal cities, people often forget just how much of the state is mountainous. Best small towns to visit in California. Worth it, every one of them. Its also located near the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park where youll find Sutters Mill: the place that sparked the California Gold Rush in 1848. Amongst the towering pines and situated at 4,000 feet above sea level, Twain-Harte provides a perfect basecamp to the High Sierra in any season. Nevada City If youre looking for a true gold rush town, then look no further than Nevada City. ), wild clematis and others. Redding, a medium-sized city of 90,000 in Northern California, is underrated as a retirement destination.