Nevada City Things To Do

Camping & Campgrounds

Nevada City stands at the gateway to Tahoe National Forest which offers numerous camping and backpacking opportunities. Campers wishing to stay close to town should check out Inn Town Campground.

Fishing in the Sierra

There is no finer place to set up a base camp for fly fishing in the Sierra Nevada than Nevada City, California.

Golf & Golf Courses

Golfers enjoy two public courses and three semiprivate golf courses in the general Grass Valley-Nevada City area. Local courses are open year-around.

Hiking & Local Trails

These Nevada City Trails are either walkable from downtown — in close proximity to restaurants, coffee shops and pubs — or located just a short drive away.

Kayaking & Rafting

Although the whitewater season around Nevada City is brief, usually ending by late spring or early summer, the high mountain scenery makes that short window extremely sweet.

Lakes & Boating

Scotts Flat in Nevada City is a picturesque mountain lake at the 3100-foot elevation surrounded by deep green forested mountainsides.

Mountain Biking

The foothills around Nevada City are a new hotbed of mountain biking activity. Scenery, terrain, climate, access, new trails, supplies and services, all contribute to the town’s MTB appeal.

Off Road Trails for OHV

The Tahoe National Forest contains over 750 miles of motorized compatible roads and trails for OHV participants of all types and levels of experience.

Parks in Nevada City

California's first river corridor state park takes in 20 miles of the South Yuba River, ranging from the edge of the Tahoe National Forest near Nevada City to Bridgeport on the west.

Cycling

The roads throughout Nevada and Sierra counties are popular for recreational road riders and bicycle tourists of all levels.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Nevada City is usually below the snow line but it's close enough to be atop a world-class mountain in less than an hour.

Wild & Scenic South Yuba River

Nevada City is home base for one of the most spectacularly beautiful stretches of river in America, the Wild & Scenic South Yuba River.

Nevada City Arts & Entertainment

Small town atmosphere with a big art scene. Nevada City arts include live theatre, movies, film festivals, art galleries, and sidewalk art shows

Art Galleries and Artists

Nevada City is an art town, home to many talented and creative artists. You'll find local and regional art in Nevada City's downtown galleries.

Live Music

The music scene in Nevada City and Grass Valley attracts a regional audience who come to enjoy top local, regional, national and international talent. From folk and bluegrass to rock and classical, you'll find it here.

Live Theatre and Movies

Nevada City has a rich tradition in the performing arts. And, whatever your choice in film, it's likely you'll find it in the theaters of Nevada City and Grass Valley.

Photographing Nevada City

Anytime you venture into downtown Nevada City, you will find something interesting to photograph.

Nevada City History

Nevada City is among the most interesting of California Gold Rush towns, attracting visitors from far and wide. The entire downtown district is a national historic landmark where guests enjoy quality restaurants, comfortable lodgings and a variety of fine shops, boutiques, galleries and museums, all flavored with old-fashioned Nevada City...

Nevada City Tours

Discover the historical treasures in Nevada City. Wander into the National Hotel, the state's oldest, continuously operated hotel.

California Gold Rush

Discovery of gold in 1848 carried California’s name around the globe. Men came from the East, from England, Germany, Chile, China, and all around the world. By the mid-1850s, an estimated 120,000 miners were at work in California.

Nevada City Tree Tour

The self-guided walking (or driving) tour of 42 native and non-native trees in the downtown Nevada City area was originally prepared by horticulturist and tree care consultant Ellen Solomon in 2008, along with contributors Randall Frizzell, Roger McGehee and Chet Blackburn.

Nevada City Maps

Nevada City is located at the 2,500-foot elevation on the forested western slope of the Sierra Nevada in Northern California. From Sacramento, it's a one-hour drive via eastbound Interstate 80 and northbound Highway 49.

Gold Panning

If you know where to look, it's not hard to find gold in Nevada County rivers. Some of the most accessible gold panning locations are on the South Yuba River at Bridgeport, Edwards Crossing and Washington, and on the Middle Yuba River at Oregon Creek.

A Tip Of The Hat To Our Roots

In Nevada County, when you start talking about the history of grapes, wines, or wineries, you need to go back to the 80s. But, you also need to clarify whether you are talking about the 1980s, or the 1880s.

Gold Country Attractions

Firehouse No. 1 is perhaps the most-photographed building in Nevada City. It was built in 1861 to house Nevada Hose Company No. 1 and has been a museum since 1947.

Gold Mining Lore

California gold is generally found in two kinds of deposits, lode and placer. The lode deposit is usually deeply buried quartz gold that is mined with hardrock techniques. Placer deposits originated in lodes but have been moved over the centuries by erosion and weathering. They are mined by panning, sluicing...

Victorian California Fall Colors Tour

This 1-2 hour, self-guided tour takes you along narrow Victorian streets planted with Maple, Ash, Birch and other favorite trees of Nevada City’s early settlers.

Nevada City’s Horticultural Heritage

Nevada City was home to Felix Gillet, one of the renowned horticulturists of the early years of California agriculture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  Here he established a nursery and became known in the trade for his development of nursery stock of fruit and nut trees.

Nevada City Walking Tour

Take a walk through downtown Nevada City and visit historical sites and points of interest.