To find out, TravelMag asked more than 300 locals, travel gurus, writers and photographers to name their top three most charming towns and small cities in California, with populations of more than 1,000 and less than 200,000. And every afternoon, colorful spinnakers fan out among the whitecaps. One particularly fun visit was to Columbia State Historic Park, where we settled into a campground cabin for two nights with our two kids and two dogs.A clean, comfortable two-bedroom cabin with full bathrooms and a small kitchen costs about $100/night. Stroll through North Grovethe first stand of giant sequoias visited by nonNative Americans. 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. The faulted Paleozoic and Mesozoic rocks are . A fishermens dream. Day 2: From Bridgeport, State 108 runs west to climb steep switchbacks past thick stands of aspens and craggy volcanic outcroppings to the 9,624-foot Sonora Pass. Heres just a sampling of the best mountain towns in California High Sierra to visit ANY time of year. Couple that with hot springs, thousands of acres of wilderness to explore (Yosemite, Ansel Adams, & John Muir Wilderness areas), and events like the Bluesapalooza & you cant go wrong. Healdsburg is one of the best towns in California to visit where you can taste a variety of local wines in a gorgeous setting. In summer you can slip in a raft and bob down the Merced River. The __gads cookie, set by Google, is stored under DoubleClick domain and tracks the number of times users see an advert, measures the success of the campaign and calculates its revenue. The Sierra Foothills AVA (established in 1987) is an American Viticultural Area in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in the U.S. state of California in the United States. But where? Entirely located within Yosemite National Park, Wawona is a great base for Yosemite adventures! Its home to several great museums, a delicious cidery called Indigeny Reserve, beautiful hiking trails, and an excellent downtown shopping scene. In Julian, you can even tour the underground tunnels at Eagle Mining Co. and practice gold panning. Though mostly lacking the cobblestoned, antiquated aesthetic of Colonial towns on the opposite coast, California can also be charming in its own varied ways. At Lakeshore Resorts marina, Olympic gold medalists rub elbows with Girl Scouts in Sunfishes. This is but a glimpse as to why Bishop is one of the best mountain towns in California. A taste of the Wild West and apple pie in Julian (Photo: Julian Chamber of Commerce). Shes obsessed with bouldering, houseplants, other peoples pets, and anywhere she can see the ocean. While in the summer, the waters of Bass Lake provide a perfect backdrop for paddling or any water sport you can imagine. The town is known for its unparalleled access to outdoor adventures like redwood gazing, whitewater rafting, cave exploration, and waterfall hikes. Capileira Clinging to the dramatic foothills of Mount Mulhacn, Capileira is the highest of a three-strong cluster of villages in the Poquira valley, on the Sierra Nevada 's southern edge. Sip on wines grown within the county or enjoy a frosty pint brewed locally. 0.1 mi. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". In the winter, youre located mere minutes from an assortment of ski resorts like Palisades Tahoe, Homewood Resort, and Granlibakken Ski & Sled Hill. Her writing and podcast have been featured in Forbes, CBC Canada, National Geographic, the Huffington Post, and CNN Arabic, amongst others. And not a stop light or fast food joint in sight. Dont miss the House and Senate groups as the paved trail loops for two miles with giant trees all around. All woo in their own Cali-way, with historic main streets, echoes of the Wild West, or natural wonders that invite wandering; where the sound of honking cars is traded for the concert of birds or gracious silence. The winery makes less than 3000 cases of wine a year. There are many locally owned businesses within the neighborhood, including gyms and cafes. Downtown Truckee is also full of cute shops and restaurants. We nibble at them. For a taste of a quintessential Southern Californian beach town, look no further than Laguna Beach. Here are some of the Sierras top hits and best-kept secrets, wonders waiting to be explored. The true treasure of this historic district, besides the friendly locals, is its signature apple pie, made with apples plucked from the surrounding orchards that sprouted once the gold was gone. It is in Fair Play, a tiny town in El Dorado County. The adorable downtown is perfect for strolling, shopping and snacking at the array of unique shops, art galleries, local restaurants and coffee shops. When sommelier Guy Tucker moved to the Sierra Foothills, a vast region in the northeastern part of California where the Sierra Nevadas peter out into the Central . Locals mingle weekly at the lively State Street Farmers Market in the Village; the town center that is packed with interesting shops and restaurants. West of the summit, Kennedy Meadows Resort has hamburgers and horseback rides. 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. blue dicks don't ask. #1 Best Places to Live in Placer County Olympus Pointe Neighborhood in Roseville, CA 13 reviews Niche User: There are a few very isolated incidents, but this area is very safe and neighborhood watches are common.. Read 13 reviews A Overall Niche Grade A+ Public Schools Population 2,316 Some might argue that a side effect of the areas popularity is that it feels less charming and more commercial. Thats just what Robert Luis Stevenson did long before he wrote the classic Treasure Island. For example, set off on a pair of cross-country skis to get a taste of what Yosemite was like when Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir visited. The Beach Boys hit "Surfin' USA" even gives a shout out to the now legendary surf spot Swami's. Its southern border is approximately 55 miles north of the State's capital in Sacramento. So whatever you find in Ojai will be unique. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Geology meets geometry in a massive rock formation of hexagonal columns formed by an ancient lava flow more than 100,000 years ago. Whitney, and the Alabama Hills just outside of Lone Pine is the perfect place to peep the highest peak in the Lower 48! Charming indeed. Youll find everything from historic cities to small communities nestled in the mountains. Trips can climb up to 3,000 feet (or more) higher, uphill treks that shed light on the appeal of the pack trip, a Sierra Nevada tradition that dates back to 19th-century surveyors, miners, and anyone who needed to haul stuff: Its better to have a four-footed animal lug you and your gear upward than it is to carry it all on your own two feet. 14. Amidst the oak and pine forests of the Cuyamaca Mountains, northeast of San Diego, find yourself transported back to the gold rush that lured early settlers to California in the 1800s. South Yuba River State Park is parceled along the South Yuba River north of Sacramento, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Guest rating . 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. An epic photo-op spot along your trek through the Sierras. Victorian homes dot the area, and residents love their picturesque hiking trails and biking trails. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. Craft beer fans can sample the countys growing micro-brew scene at Pizza Port, a local brewer with crave-worthy pizza and a bounty of other celebrated local brews to boot. Try your hand at prospecting with Prospect Yosemite. Dont believe us? The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors. Normally at this elevation your Sierra foothills wildflower hike will include a mix of lupine, Indian paintbrush, poppies, purpleheads (a.k.a. The first Napa winery was built here and wine and kitchen trends continue to bloom. To see the terrain immortalized in Ansel Adams photographs in person is humbling. You can get out on the lake in a boat, kayak or standup paddle board and admire the impressive views of the surrounding mountains. Ask for a la mode, then cruise downtown, where Main Street resembles a Western film set, with its pioneer-storefronts selling antiques, Native American handicrafts, local art and more. The few-block downtown is devoid of chains and flavored instead by local eateries, art galleries and characterful shops, like the custom leather outfitter Mountain Mike. It's a place full of history, with lots of cute little towns and winding roads. You wont be disappointed. Here, the trees give way to the fall-rainbow of colors, snow falls just enough to make the town that much more picturesque, and the bounty of spring flowers to come (along with the lingering view of snow-capped peaks) makes the winter chill more endurable. The Route to Pico de Veleta. 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 . For those with a hankering for more history, a guided walking tour (which includes the home of the famed physicist Albert Michelson, the first American Nobel Prize winner) runs every Saturday morning from the Old Timers Museum on Main Street. Its a great place for shopping since chain stores are essentially banned in the town! Schmitz 24 Brix Wines. My grandtwins live there, so I visit at least once a month. Just beyond, Lake Alpine Resort serves up a hearty trout-and-eggs breakfast, and rents kayaks. Though most stick around the General Sherman, the best sequoia grove in Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks stands on the Congress Trail. The cabins in Big Bear are a great place for a mountain escape, and the town has tons of great bars, restaurants, and shops to enjoy no matter the weather. Some of the ground was so rich that the claims were limited to 16 square feet per man! You can wander Main Street, admiring the early 19th century stone buildings crafted by those who survived the death-defying wagon ride over the Sierra Nevada Mountains, while sipping a fancy, locally roasted coffee drink or nibbling on a tasty food truck find. Chances are that youve seen this unfold on screen. 10 Downieville. The Wine that is the perfect companion for your dinner. Sierra Foothills AVA. Look at any map of the state, and the mountains occupy a huge swath of the state400 miles north to south and 70 miles east to west. Much like Murphys, this former frontier town in the Sierra Nevada foothills feels like a preserved relic of American history. Skip to header Skip to header; Skip to search Skip to search; . Murphys is located in Gold Country in the foothills of the High Sierra just minutes from a wealth of outdoor adventures with multiple alpine lakes to play on, world-class rivers for fishing, hiking and biking. How to Order Grass Fed, Pasture Raised Meats Directly From the Farmer, Kings Beach: Grab a Bite at White Caps Pizza. You might think you know the Sierras inside-out, but many of the mountains best sights are waiting for you to discover them. 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. In our opinion, there are two very cool reasons to stop in Auburn. 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. Other ways to embrace being out in the wild include mountain biking, fishing, and rock climbing on Suicide Rock and Tahquitz Rock, the intimidating monolith that comes into view long before you exit the highway. The town of Idyllwild is another wonderful mountain escape in California! Good hospitals and doctors. Like Garrick (above), we often trade the beauty of the coast for the history and laid-back vibe of the foothills. Along with its bucolic setting, Ojai boasts many retreats dedicated to rejuvenating the mind and body, including the five-diamond Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, from where you can catch a sightseeing trolley ride to the charming downtown village. The active community is also home to the world-renowned Carlsbad Triathlon and the states first skateboard park (built in 1976), as well as the skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and the Olympic snowboarder Shaun White. 5. Best to go off-season, though to help balance out the crowds. Equally true: Its impossible to know the California Sierra Nevada. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Shopping and dining in the European-style village is equally luxurious, offering a mix of high-end brands and boutiques along stone-paved streets in buildings with adorably curly-cued roofs. A deep yellow-gold color and rich aromas of fig, marzipan and pear indicate this will be a concentrated, full-bodied wine, which it is . If speeds your goal, set cruise control and take I-80 over Donner Summit. Darling Solvang (Photo: Prayitno via Flickr). This serene setting is rich with the cultural influences of its Native American, Portuguese, Spanish and Mexican history. California Gold Country is a big place, loosely defined as the Sierra foothills along California Highway 49. The neighborhood is in close proximity to the coast.. View nearby homes. The test_cookie is set by doubleclick.net and is used to determine if the user's browser supports cookies. In addition to the natural beauty you find in this part of the Sierra, what really makes it stand head and shoulders above the rest is its historic and vibrant downtown. Baiocchi Wines 2013 Viognier (El Dorado); $30, 92 points. It's near some of the best places for whitewater rafting in the western U.S., and you can go kayaking . The town of South Lake Tahoe is the largest in the Lake Tahoe area, but it still maintains its small California mountain town vibe. 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. AddThis sets this cookie to ensure that the updated count is seen when one shares a page and returns to it, before the share count cache is updated. 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! You can hike amongst these beauties along trails traversing the 575-acre Arcata Community Forest. This area is located in Northern California and is home to some of the most historic cities in the state. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. John Muir called the park a rival to Yosemite, and you can see why when you find yourself hiking under the towering sequoias, admiring the unspoiled valley, and searching for falls. There are all sorts of cabins in Yosemite National Park, many of them located in Wawona, as well as the historic Wawona Hotel. But what sets this North County San Diego favorite apart is its chill, congenial vibe. Being in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country makes it easy to try the local wines featured at village tasting rooms. One good option is to spend a few days in two different places . A great literary getaway, Jack Kerouac and his dharma bums once used Bridgeport as a base to explore the Eastern Sierra of the California Sierra Nevada. Mokelumne Hill Mokelumne Hill was one of the richest sites in California. As one local put it, the beauty of Murphys is that it lends the feeling of stumbling upon an oasis of old-fashioned, gold country charm that has yet to be found by other outsiders, yet without a shortage of modern comforts. Its no wonder this small city was once the Hollywood of the silent-cinema era and continues to attract film and photo shoots. There are also several great museums and art galleries to explore. Lets just say the fun never stops it just evolves based on the time of year. Another beauty to behold is the restored 18th century Carmel Mission Basilica, which still holds mass today. For a break from imbibing, explore the enticing eateries and shops in the Sonoma Plaza, a National Historical Landmark surrounded by historic buildings like the Mission San Francisco Solano, the last of the missions to be built in California, and the nearby Sonoma Barracks, an adobe building once used by the Mexican military. Placerville is a historic Gold Rush town in the mountains of California, but its got more to offer than just its Gold Rush history and adorable Main Street. Location : Downieville CA 95936. Dont just stop here, explore all the towns that exist in the foothills, mountains, and valleys in this area. For the more ambitious, a 3.6-mile trail ascends Thunder Mountain. In the winter, ski, snowboard, sled, build a snowman or get out into the white wonderland in a snowmobile. This city is home to some great shops and restaurants, as well as a few historic landmarks. Allison Green is a travel blogger, writer, and podcasterwho grew up in the Bay Area of California. "Incredible Dining Experience". Fortunately, theres much more to this seaside city than teenage drama. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Those 700 turns? 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. In the hot summer months, dips in secret swimming holes along the river likewise feel priceless. It is the Sierra Foothills' best kept secret. Mammoth Mountain covers over 3,500 acres and often boasts some of the deepest annual snowpack in the country. Lower Slaughter is home to one of Britain's most romantic streets, Copse Hill Road. Jamestown in Tuolumne County is one of California's most prominent Gold Rush towns. Living in the Sierra Nevada Foothills For the tens of thousands of folks who live in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the region is the best of many worlds: a great climate (usually above the Central Valley winter fogs and below the snows of the high Sierra), relatively inexpensive cost of living, spectacular scenery, and easy driving distance to the mountains and seashore. 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! Travel Inspiration. The mountain town of Sonora on the western edge of the Sierra foothills, north of Yosemite, is yet another interesting Gold Country town worth a visit. American Fire Now 1,200 Acres, Covering Parts Of Sierra Foothills In Smoke. 8. Over a dozen waterfallsat their most bountiful in springsplash here; Half Dome and El Capitan lure world-class climbers, artists and photographers. Step back in time to the logging days of the late 19th century and set off on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. . 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The Sierra Nevada covers much of California's center and includes a patchwork of protected lands: Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park s, Lake Tahoe (the largest alpine lake in North America) and the Desolation Wilderness, Ansel Adams and John Muir Wildernesses. This tiny town tucked into the Sierra foothills of Calaveras County, just 18 miles north of Sonora, offers visitors a wide range of things to see and do, making the short side-trip up Highway 4 well worth the effort. For other places with the same name, see Sierra Nevada (disambiguation). 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. Most of the Cedarville wines are sold out of . Google DoubleClick IDE cookies are used to store information about how the user uses the website to present them with relevant ads and according to the user profile. 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. If youre looking for amazing live music venues, Nevada City wins the prize for me. Karen and Mike Riddles version of this ideal retreat sits on Silver Lakea sapphire blue lake where you can swim, or rent a kayak and paddle out to the lakes Treasure Island. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. Swimming is on offer here too, and you can rent tubes and pontoon boats for more leisurely floating. Ojai. Finishing off our list is another High Sierra favorite. Spooning Carlsbad's southern border, Encinitas is one of the best beach towns in California, with miles of coveted coastline. Truckee This charming mountain town is perfect for those who love outdoor activities. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States, can seem like a thoroughfare on a summer weekendmore than 20,000 attempt to reach the summit each year. Anyone that enjoys spending their time outdoors doing lots of activities filled with fresh air 2,000 vertical feet of singletrack in Bass Lake, towns & communities surrounding the Lake Tahoe region, Stroll the main thoroughfare and pick up a gift for a friend or family, wines grown within the county or enjoy a frosty pint brewed locally, California State Mining and Mineral Museum, perfect basecamp to the High Sierra in any season, gateway to Devils Postpile National Park, New Melones Lake for hiking, mountain biking, & even amazing fishing, new dining options available in Markleeville. Another perk of the winter season is the Victorian Christmas Celebration, when the streets come to life with twinkling lights, Victorian singers and minstrels, roasted chestnuts, crafty vendors, horse-drawn carriages, a live nativity and a boon of holiday cheer. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Due to its location, you can enjoy pleasant weather in the winter and do things like rock climbing or hiking and still see snow-covered peaks from a distance. Youll catch a shuttle to get to Devils Postpile from Catch the shuttle Mammoth Adventure Center at Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge. 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. Enjoy the historic European-inspired half-timbered houses that were built when the town was settled by Danish immigrants. You dont know the Sierra until youve seen it from a saddle. So says a rider on a horse packing trip, which lets you travel like a forty-niner and cover plenty of ground in a weekend. And it doesnt take any mountain climbing expertise or technical climbing equipment (at least not from mid-July to early October) to tackle the 22-mile round-trip trail to the summitjust lots of stamina. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); California Crossroads is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. There are plenty of great hiking and biking trails in the area, as well as several ski resorts nearby. #7 Best Places to Live in Santa Cruz County. Read on for our pick of the Sierra Nevada's most beautiful towns and villages. Grass Valley fits the bill in the Sierra Nevada foothills northwest of Lake Tahoe. of freshly baked pastries. The third largest state in the U.S. is also home to snow-crested mountain ranges, fertile farmlands and vineyards, and long stretches of sparse, thirsty desert. In the summer, youre just steps away from fun. Auburn- This city is located in the heart of Placer County and is known for its charming downtown area. Its a must-stop on a an adventure through the California Sierra Nevada. We see the Sierra Nevada only in bits. Easier rides await on the paved bike paths that lead through the city and along the lake and river. Whatever you do, be sure to leave some time to explore all the new dining options available in Markleeville. 3. Back in town, enjoy people-watching in the central plaza along with the interesting juxtaposition of Victorian-era homes and the edgy cafes, shops and galleries that cater to students attending Humbolt State University. VIP. While many visitors arrive with hearts set on summiting Whitney, with coveted trail permits in-hand, Lone Pine has a pull of its own. A dreamy California sunset (Photo: Scott McCracken via Flickr). June Lake is another favorite California mountain destination all year round, offering something unique in each season. Set by addthis.com to determine the usage of addthis.com service. 11. Also voted as one of the best small towns to visit in California by The Crazy Tourist, this passageway to the Pacific Northwest combines gorgeous coastline with cloud-kissing redwood forests. A fun way to tour the area, especially for families, is a ride on the horse-drawn trolley. View RV park reviews, photos, campground pricing & more. sacramento river. Its charming no matter the time of year and a great place for all sorts of outdoor activities. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Family-friendly Activities Fun for All Ages Historic Towns, Eastern Sierra Lake Tahoe Western Sierra. Tahquitz Rock stands tall above the village of Idyllwild (Photo: Don Graham via Flickr). Though it's a reservoir, it still has the heart of a natural lake. Its also home to the annual frog jumping jubilee & is one of the most picturesque downtowns your eyes will ever see. A view of the coastline from Heisler Park, a three-quarter mile stretch that runs alongside Cliff Drive in Laguna (Photo:www.VisitLagunaBeach.com). Includes Cities/Towns: Columbia, Groveland, Jamestown, Sonora, Twain Harte. Check WineCountryGetaways.com and see which wineries are the best to visit in the Sierra Foothills. Our New Newsletter Will Help, A Montecito House with an English Garden Vibe Gets a Modern Facelift, The New Cult Cabs Are from Wineries Youve Never Heard Of. Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park. It holds annual events such as Mule Days which plays host to the largest non-motorized parade in the world. 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). But locals argue about which other mountain pass boasts the best scenery. This is just a taste of the best mountain towns in California High Sierra. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We have numerous lakes perfect for fishing, swimming and boating as well as hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails. The lakeside mountain town of Big Bear Lake is a SoCal favorite in summer or winter! Many gold-seekers visit Downieville and other locations in Sierra County for gold panning but also river sluicing, dry washing, and metal detecting. The former gold rush town is now rich in local art, theater and foodie-delights, yet still lures travelers away from the city to escape into the humbling grandeur of the mountains and to swirl a pan in the Yuba River, one of the famed golden rivers where little sparkling nuggets can still be found today. Later, savor samples at local wineries, while chatting it up with those who grew the grapes and produced the wine. Its also quite close to Hetch Hetchy for those looking to explore a quieter part of Yosemite, far away from the crowds of the Valley. The Sierra Foothills are also know for an abundance of vineyards and wineries. Tahoe City is a quaint mountain community that hugs the shores of Lake Tahoe. Julian is also a great place for stargazing in California, with some of the darkest skies and a great observatory/inn to stay at and check out the night sky from your secluded mountain oasis. It's home to several great museums, a delicious cidery called Indigeny Reserve, beautiful hiking trails, and an excellent downtown shopping scene. 2 Renwood Winery One of the biggest and best wineries in the Foothills, Renwood offers an extensive tasting menu, snack options and comfortable indoor and outdoor areas to chill with friends..