About Nevada City

Not too far from everywhere is exactly the place you imagine as the heart and soul of California Gold Rush territory.

Nestled in the breathtaking forests of the Sierra Nevada foothills, Nevada City retains all the charm and character of its 49er Gold Rush heritage. It is known as the jewel of the Gold Rush territory. The entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places. Yet, it's not a ghost town. It's alive and thriving. Spend a weekend and you'll find there's too much to do.

Sightseeing

Drive the tiny streets of Nevada City itself and it's a feast for the eyes. Not only is the downtown charming, you'll find perfectly preserved Victorian mansions and homes on street after street. A little way outside the downtown are wonderful neighborhoods and many estates hidden in the forest. You'll drive past the homes of many historically-famous people-George Hearst, William Randolph's father, Aaron Sargent, California's first U.S. Senator. And, yes, Mark Twain and many others were here. Head up Hwy 20 for 5 miles, then down Scotts Flat Rd to find Scotts Flat Lake-a mini Lake Tahoe with a lot fewer people. Or head out to Malakoff Diggins-a spectacular moonscape left by hydraulic mining.

Gold Rush

History-Do not miss the Empire Mine in Grass Valley (5 minutes away) with its 365 miles-yes, miles-of underground gold mines. Above ground, the tour of the mine buildings and the Bourne House is worth a day. Also do not miss the Narrow Gauge Railway train ride at the Northern Queen Inn. It's not just a step back into history, it's really fun. Plus, the Northstar Mine, Searls Library, Madeline Helling Library and much more. If you're interested in Gold Rush history, it's all here.

Shopping

Wander up and down Broad Street for gold quartz jewelry (very rare), some of the finest artwork anywhere (Nevada City is home to many internationally-known artists, writers, musicians and actors), books you can't find anywhere else, plus a lot of great stuff.

Restaurants

20 different restaurants just in historic downtown Nevada City offer a dining experience and wine lists you can go home and rave about. California cuisine, New Orleans, French, Italian, Mexican, Latin American, Thai, Sushi-it's all here. And it's very, very good.

Nightlife

Reserve tickets for always-good live theatre at the Foothill Theatre or book into Off Broadstreet for hilarious, fantastic, wonderful musical comedy. Many Nevada City and Grass Valley restaurants also have live music and events. Check The Union newspaper for the schedule.

Outdoor activities

There are pristine hiking trails everywhere-check the phone book or head for the Chamber of Commerce downtown. Cross-country skiing-just up the hill. Bring your bike-Nevada City is home to the well-known Nevada City Classic. And within 30 minutes are two premier golf courses-Dark Horse and Winchester Country Club.

Events

Even if you think the town looks quiet-not so. Check The Union newspaper for daily events. They're happening all the time. We who live here can't keep up. Life IS great.

Where to stay?

There are numerous wonderful B and Bs in historic buildings-the Red Castle Inn, Emma Nevada House, Deer Creek Inn, Inside Outside, the historic National Hotel, Piety Hill Inn, and more. Plus the charming (and modern) Northern Queen Inn with its choice of rooms, cabins or chalets set on 30 beautiful forested acres within walking distance to downtown.