Attractions near Grass Valley
Wild nature and the history of the old West offer thrills for the modern adventurer
Northstar Ski Resort
Experience the thrill of Northstar Ski Resort, where pristine slopes and exciting winter sports await. From skiing and snowboarding to enjoying the vibrant village, Northstar ensures an adventure-filled day for everyone.
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort
Nestled in the scenic Sierra Nevada, Sugar Bowl Ski Resort is a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With its challenging slopes and family-friendly activities, Sugar Bowl provides an unforgettable experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels
Golden Chain Highway
California Hwy 49, otherwise known as the Golden Chain Highway, is a 130-mile north/south road linking many of the historic gold rush towns. You’ll see Nevada City, the Yuba River, Empire Mine State Park, and many more fascinating stops along the way.
Empire Mine State Historic Park
Join a guided tour to explore one of the oldest, deepest, richest gold mines in California. See the mine, the gardens, and the ‘secret room.’ Dogs are allowed on the 14 miles of mountain biking and horseback riding trails. Sorry, no dogs in the mine
Nevada City
Quaint, historic, and bustling with visitors, Nevada City offers a farmers market, shopping in the shadow of the mountains, and annual fairs like Earth Fest, Springtime at Ananda, and Seven Hills Parking Lot Jam. Come see California’s best-preserved Gold Rush town.
South Yuba River State Park
Pan for gold! You can still find glittering flecks along the banks of the wild and scenic Yuba River. Bring your leashed dog and hike more than 11,000 forested acres, fish for small mouth bass and brown trout, swim, watch birds, and visit the longest covered bridge in the world!
Rollins Lake
You will find 26 miles of shoreline at 900-acre Rollins Lake, located on Highway 174 between Grass Valley and Colfax. Bring your motor boat and go water skiing or paddle your kayak on the lake’s tranquil waters.
Fishing and Boating in MORE Nearby Lakes
Scotts Flats Reservoir – A man-made lake in Nevada County, popular for swimming, boating and fishing.
Bullards Bar – Lots of people live on Bullards Bar Reservoir in their houseboats. Bring your dog and enjoy fishing, boating, or just admiring the mighty dam in nearby Dobbins.
Englebright Lake – Visit Englebright Lake & Dam in the steep Yuba River gorge known as the Narrows. Just 15 miles west of Grass Valley on State Highway 20.
Sierra Star Vineyard
Experience award-winning wines grown and produced right here in historic downtown Grass Valley. Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc are specialties. Taste them all Thursday – Sunday, noon to 5pm.
Nevada County Fairgrounds
Bring the kids! Attend fairs, festivals, concerts, home shows, and monster truck rallies year round at California’s most beautiful fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds is right across the street from your cozy campsite.
Del Oro Theatre
– Art Deco style! This Grass Valley classic movie theatre has been showing first-run films since 1943! Three screens, one of which is wheel chair accessible.
Nevada County Country Club
Historic NCCC is open to the public after 12 noon. Play 9 or 18 holes on tree-lined fairways with small, challenging greens. Visit the pro shop, the swimming pool, and the full bar. Golf cart rental too!
Shopping in Historic Grass Valley
Why go to a mall? You can do that at home! Treat yourself to a trip to downtown Grass Valley to peruse the art gallery, check out vintage vinyl records, and find gems, books, handmade clothing, and musical instruments. Bring the kids – you’ll need them to carry the bags!
Cornish Christmas and Other Celebrations
Every year, revelers dress as 19th century folks from Cornwall, England and hold a festive foot parade with Santa Claus, pageant queens, Gold Miners, carolers, and all the foods that residents of Grass Valley have come to know and love. Discover more about Cornish Christmas customs and all the other fairs and festivals that happen every year in Grass Valley
Hungry?
From fine dining to casual bites, you’ll never go hungry in Grass Valley. Choose from American classics, steaks, burgers, seafood, Asian cuisine, pizza, Italian food, Mexican fare, and plenty of others