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Copyright 2023 S Media International Corporation. Proper lake attire is flip-flops and a bathing suit, but come evening, when the scent of campfires and roasting smores wafts along the shore, its jacket weather until bedtime. Dont believe us? And yet, for every famous Yosemite site, the Sierra holds hundreds of equally lovely but barely known alpine valleys; for every Tahoe, dozens of high mountain lakes. Finishing off our list is another High Sierra favorite. For backcountry hikers, this area provides a perfect gateway to the High Sierras. They are fundamental to who we are: Without the foothills gold-festooned gravel, few would have crossed the continent to get here. Auburn This city is located in the heart of Placer County and is known for its charming downtown area. If youre looking for amazing live music venues, Nevada City wins the prize for me. 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. Lets just say the fun never stops it just evolves based on the time of year. And for generations, its been Californias backyard mountain range. 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. SUNSET is a registered trademark of S Media International Corporation. The winery is open by appointment only. Book now. Youll find everything from historic cities to small communities nestled in the mountains. Stroll through North Grovethe first stand of giant sequoias visited by nonNative Americans. 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. To learn more about cookies, you can consult our. Search this website. 25 Most Amazing Ancient Ruins of the World. 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. Even the trails of Mt. Sierra Nevada National Park. Roseville is only 20 minutes away from Sacramento and is a short ride away from the nearby Sierra Nevada foothills and Folsom Lake. The city of Sonoma is a perfect start for any wine-tasting adventure, as the Buena Vista Winery here was the states first winery, founded in 1857. As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through my links. Auburn- This city is located in the heart of Placer County and is known for its charming downtown area. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. AddThis sets this geolocation cookie to help understand the location of users who share the information. Heading east, 4 curlicues up and over Ebbetts Passs 8,732-foot summit. 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. Clear, blue, and still a classic: Tahoe is a sparkling gem in the California Sierra Nevada. 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. This California Historic Landmark, with its vine-draped stone walls, launched long before the area became a wine production mecca. 4. Good morning, Alabama Hills (Photo: Fred Moore via Flickr). This makes it the most isolated of the towns mentioned in this article. Why not combine them both into one! If youre looking for a beautiful mountain getaway in California, theres no shortage of places to visit! 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. Fittingly, the region is . Do as the locals do here and get around by bike or on foot (or craft a mobile masterpiece for the annualKinetic Grand Championship race). Victorian Christmas in Charming Nevada City (Photo: Nevada City Chamber). Just be careful with the altitude it can sneak up on you! Lower Slaughter is home to one of Britain's most romantic streets, Copse Hill Road. The discovery of gold in the area in the mid-1800s brought thousands of people to the region, and many small towns sprang up to accommodate them. Come in the spring to see all the apple blossoms, or in fall to pick your own apples. 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. This pocket of paradise, once run by Hollywood-star-turned-Mayor Clint Eastwood (1986-88), along the Central Coast ranks as one of the best beach towns in the United States. In the hot summer months, dips in secret swimming holes along the river likewise feel priceless. 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. No matter where you are, a mountain escape in California is never far from reach! The 25-mile, nearly 7,000-foot climb starts innocently enough in Three Rivers, one of Sequoia National Parks gateway towns. . And dont forget the explosion of wildflowers each season on the Hite Cove Trail. Not all of the park is completely discovered and busy. For the more ambitious, a 3.6-mile trail ascends Thunder Mountain. Where to stay in Sierra Foothills? A fishermens dream. . Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. Its also in the up-and-coming Gold Country wine region, and there are several great vineyards located in town so you can experience both history and wine while enjoying a mountain getaway. Prefer less people? More than 10 years ago, Barbara Zierten and her husband retired to a small town in California's scenic "gold country," in the Sierra Nevada foothills . Region Characteristics Area Amenities Things to Do, Recreation & Fitness Tuolumne County offers a wide range of amenities for every age group. It is, of course, celebrated for the unusual rock formation that is the town's namesake- a huge stone thrust over the Johns River. While many visitors arrive with hearts set on summiting Whitney, with coveted trail permits in-hand, Lone Pine has a pull of its own. Just walk down the stairs to Commons Beach for a dip or listen to some free, live outdoor music. Three Rivers Population: 2,182 A gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, Three Rivers is nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills. There are many good bases for hiking around the Sierra Nevada. Making four crossings within South Yuba River State Park, Highway 49 explores California's Gold Country and historic mining . Later the same day you could tackle the mountain trails on foot or on a mountain bike. 10 Downieville. Part of the drama of Mineral King, a small town gem in the California Sierra Nevada is in getting there. Shasta as well. Wikimedia/ Bobak Ha'Eri. Yosemites other great valley, flooded to create Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in the early 1900s. Write if you have any specific questions. . 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. 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. South of San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara, like many of its neighboring coastal cities, boasts picturesque beaches along with an average of 300 days of sunshine. 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. Heres just a sampling of the best mountain towns in California High Sierra to visit ANY time of year. Mammoth Mountain Resort is a massive draw for people all over California in the winter, but in the summer, Mammoth Lakes is also a great mountain getaway spot with tons of High Sierra hiking trails laid out at your feet. 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. The quaint downtown area is worth a day (or few) of wandering. 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 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. 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. Placer County has the towns of Auburn Colfax Foresthill Meadow Vista Newcastle. It's home to several great museums, a delicious cidery called Indigeny Reserve, beautiful hiking trails, and an excellent downtown shopping scene. Septembers Secret Season boasts leaf peeping hikes, high-altitude training and races including the World Championship Spartan Race, locally-sourced menus, and the renowned Autumn Food & Wine Festival. Ventura Countys smallest city is set in an oak-filled valley that dips into the Los Padres National Forest and has long been known as one of the best cities in California to visit for a peaceful escape. 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 You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. A fun way to tour the area, especially for families, is a ride on the horse-drawn trolley. Think slender palm trees sprinkled between white-washed buildings topped with red-tile roofs. 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. Theres something for everyone here, so be sure to check out all of these amazing towns! At Lakeshore Resorts marina, Olympic gold medalists rub elbows with Girl Scouts in Sunfishes. One of the best hot springs in the West, Travertine Hot Springs, mineral pools in an alkali-encrusted meadow just east of Bridgeport, isnt one of those placesits accessible. Amador Vintners Association. Dining in the Sierra Foothills wine country In Sutter Creek Cavana's Pub & Grub 36 Main Street Sutter Creek, 209-267-5507 Elements Restaurant - Breakfast only - Best 61 Hanford Street Phone: 209-267-0747 Hotel . So whatever you find in Ojai will be unique. 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. The Northern California mountain town of Mt. The 5 Best Hikes in Muir Woods National Monument, 15 Beautiful Desert Towns in California for a Unique Getaway. 11. No list of the best swimming lakes in Northern California would be complete without the charming Whiskeytown Lake. Sonoma Plaza(Photo: Sonoma County Tourism, www.sonomacounty.com). 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. 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. Its close enough to Yosemite that you can visit on a day trip, but it also has enough happening on the lake for it to be worth a visit all on its own. 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Below you will find a Sierra Foothills Northern California Map of the areas we write about. Grass Valley fits the bill in the Sierra Nevada foothills northwest of Lake Tahoe. A sure highlight, though, are the unique house boat communities, where the floating homes range from upscale to creatively revamped to how is that still floating? vessels dating back to World War II. Dunsmuir is a charming mountain town located in the Trinity Mountains of Northern California. This serene setting is rich with the cultural influences of its Native American, Portuguese, Spanish and Mexican history. Located at the Northern edge of Lake Tahoe, Truckee is one of the best-loved mountain towns in NorCal. #7 Best Places to Live in Santa Cruz County. Shasta lays in the shadow of the eponymous mountain itself, but its certainly not overshadowed by it! But surrounding mountains remain gorgeous and uncrowded. Easier rides await on the paved bike paths that lead through the city and along the lake and river. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The picture-postcard streets are lined with limestone cottages, built in the classic Cotswold style. Tucked at the base of the eastern Sierra Nevada, this little mountain town offers you complete solitude. Here are a listing of 5 Sierra Foothills towns you should explore: 1. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Old Mission Santa Ins is another piece of history that has survived centuries of cultural shifts and remains active in the community today. Location : Downieville CA 95936. Check WineCountryGetaways.com and see which wineries are the best to visit in the Sierra Foothills. Go for a sunset sail, take a shot at paddleboarding, or find a slice of beach and take in the to-die-for beauty. 2. Pack up a picnic and head to a park, wander along the Art and Farm Trails, kayak down the Russian River or hike the Ridge Trail for majestic mountain views. Grab sandwiches to-go and picnic at Yee Tok Chee Park, Via Del Mar Plaza or Rodeo Beach, with its picturesque off-shore rock formations. Just beyond, Lake Alpine Resort serves up a hearty trout-and-eggs breakfast, and rents kayaks. You can get out on the lake in a boat, kayak or standup paddle board and admire the impressive views of the surrounding mountains. Its charming no matter the time of year and a great place for all sorts of outdoor activities. Lovely mums for sale at a San Luis Obispo farmers market (Photo: San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce). Only a few roads cut through the Sierra Nevada in California from west to east. At one time it boasted a population over 15,000 which was quite high for the time. While California is better known for its beaches and coastal cities, people often forget just how much of the state is mountainous. Tahoe City is a quaint mountain community that hugs the shores of Lake Tahoe. 10 Best River Cruises around the World. 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. It's known for its nearby natural wonders and burgeoning wine industry. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. This area is located in Northern California and is home to some of the most charming towns in the state. Set by addthis.com to determine the usage of addthis.com service. 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. The Sierra Nevada region of California is its alpine region, covering a large portion of the state's inland territory. She has traveled to 60 countries before the age of 30 while running several digital travel publications. A stroll down the wooden pier for a break from the sand and waves reaps rewards when looking back; the view of the beach and the hill that rises behind it is reminiscent of a Mediterranean coastal village, a puzzle of white, red-roofed apartments and a sprinkling of slim, fringed palm trees. Ive broken this post into four sections for ease of use: This is an imperfect way to classify things, as many of the Northern California mountain towns are also part of the Sierras, such as the mountain towns in Lake Tahoe. 3. Schmitz 24 Brix Wines. 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. Downtown Encinitas (Photo: Brett Shoaf Artistic Visuals). 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. The adorable downtown is perfect for strolling, shopping and snacking at the array of unique shops, art galleries, local restaurants and coffee shops. 11. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Or traverse the city and beyond by way of the Ojai Valley Trail. 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! Victorian homes dot the area, and residents love their picturesque hiking trails and biking trails. folsom lake. Pretty much any time of year you can hop on a mountain bike and feast on more than 2,000 vertical feet of singletrack in Bass Lake. Another draw for young, curious minds is Cal Poly University, a nationally ranked institution uniquely keen on a learn-by-doing philosophy. Find out more about living in the Sierra Foothills in Northern California. My grandtwins live there, so I visit at least once a month. All Rights Reserved. South Lake Tahoe also has a great food scene, but an even better beer scene, thanks to the South Lake Tahoe Beer Trail! Thinking about making a move to the area? Fortunately, theres much more to this seaside city than teenage drama. Main Beach is smack dab in the middle of downtown action, making it easy to take a break from the sun for a bite and wander through the many art galleries and tempting boutiques. 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. The steeply dipping to vertical component faults trend northwestward through an area about 200 miles long and 30 miles wide north of 3730 north latitude. Thats just what Robert Luis Stevenson did long before he wrote the classic Treasure Island. 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. Dont miss the House and Senate groups as the paved trail loops for two miles with giant trees all around. The Truckee Cultural District, located in the High Sierra, is well-known for its forests, waterways, and spectacular mountain views, attracting visitors and residents alike. Every so often, stand back and feel the whoosh of a passing train, as its rumbling wins over the roar of the waves crashing nearby. The beautiful town of Mammoth Lakes is a wonderful all-season California mountain town. Its no wonder this small city was once the Hollywood of the silent-cinema era and continues to attract film and photo shoots. Charming indeed. Check out our survey results below for the scoop on the oft lesser-known, little gems in The Golden State. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Travel Inspiration. Those 700 turns? Terramar Point at Carlsbad State Beach (Photo: Brett Shoaf Artistic Visuals). Once the snow flies, get your adrenaline fix on the slopes of Dodge Ridge, or for some frosty fun, visit the biggest snow play park in California Leland Snow Play. This area is located in Northern California and is home to some of the most historic cities in the state. Mokelumne Hill Mokelumne Hill was one of the richest sites in California. Your next hometown could be one of these 25 Best Places to Live. Drive west from Redding and dip your toes in the warm, crystal-clear waters, enclosed by 36 miles of shoreline. 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. Includes Cities/Towns: Columbia, Groveland, Jamestown, Sonora, Twain Harte. Alex Silgalis is an outdoors travel writer who enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, or having a cold one from a local mountain brewery. Find it 13 mile south of Bridgeport. Box 395 (209) 267-5500 Truckee This charming mountain town is perfect for those who love outdoor activities. 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). 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. Cruise along the Ventura River on this old Southern Pacific Railroad track-bed on foot, horseback or by bike. Carmel Beach (Photo: Sarah Tz via Flickr). Halfway between El Atazar and La Hiruela lies Puebla de la Sierra. 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. Downtown Truckee is also full of cute shops and restaurants. It is the Sierra Foothills' best kept secret. The departure point for a horse packing trip, McGee pack station sits at 7,600 feet. Looking for dining recommendations? Why Should You Go? . Check out the best RV camping options in Gold Country. The farm-to-fork movement is the pulse behind the seasonal, inventive cuisine that draws foodies along with oenophiles here, where chefs names become well-known and those following in their footsteps are trained at the Culinary Art Institute of America. We have them! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This getaway centers on the gold rush towns of Tuolumne County, including Sonora, Jackson, and Jamestown. Like Garrick (above), we often trade the beauty of the coast for the history and laid-back vibe of the foothills. San Luis Obispo County was one of the original 27 counties when California became a state in 1850, after the Mexican-American War. Not to be missed is a chance to peer up at the giant sequoia groves at the nearby Calaveras Big Trees State Park, which has drawn folks into the wild since the early 1850s (a very, very long time ago by Californian standards!). Its a must-stop on a an adventure through the California Sierra Nevada. And in the winter, Truckee is home to great ski resorts such as Northstar and Palisades, making it the perfect ski trip destination! One of the most popular attractions here is Hangtowns Gold Bug Park, where you can learn about the citys mining history. And not a stop light or fast food joint in sight. Will You Like Gold Country? Scenery thats unreal. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Here are some of the Sierras top hits and best-kept secrets, wonders waiting to be explored. Nevada City If youre looking for a true gold rush town, then look no further than Nevada City. This historic city is full of charm, from its quaint downtown area to its picturesque Victorian homes. 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. Indian paintbrush carpets the hillsides on sections of this Sierra Foothills wildflower hike. The town of Idyllwild is another wonderful mountain escape in California! In spring, the abundance of Ojai Pixie Tangerines lends the air a sweet citrus scent that is complemented by wafts of lavender come summer; olfactory symbols of this Central Coast gems dedication to not just local organic farming, but also local business. 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. Shes obsessed with bouldering, houseplants, other peoples pets, and anywhere she can see the ocean. Cookies containing your personal data may be used for personalized and non-personalized advertising to you. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. For some, going on vacation is to get away from it all. Gold Country is located in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevadas and is one of the best regions for taking a . In addition to that, Ojai is a great wine-tasting region, and youll also love all the wonderful hiking trails that are laid out at your feet to enjoy. 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. Some might argue that a side effect of the areas popularity is that it feels less charming and more commercial. 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. 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. Whiskeytown Lake. As a gateway to Yosemite, Groveland has all sorts of amenities for travelers and is the quintessential Low Sierra mountain town. In summer you can slip in a raft and bob down the Merced River. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Sutter Creek. The best apple pie in town is a hotly debated title, and the perfect excuse to visit a few shops, notably Moms Pie House and Julian Pie Company, where oven-fresh pies are served however you fancy, from plain and Dutch crumble to creative renditions mixed with berries. 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. Placerville Another charming gold rush town, Placerville is definitely worth a visit. Its a great place for shopping since chain stores are essentially banned in the town! An epic photo-op spot along your trek through the Sierras. Some of the ground was so rich that the claims were limited to 16 square feet per man!