California Destination Guide

Things to Do California Gold Country Day trips

California Gold Country is located between the High Sierra and the Central Valley. The ten counties that make up this region of the state offers rustic towns that began as small mining camps. Today these same towns are a perfect place to discover the Golden States colorful past. Historic museums, state parks, walking tours, scenic drives, gold panning , mine tours are just a few of the activities that await the traveler to Gold Country.
Sutter Gold Mine - Located on historic Highway 49 just north of Sutter Creek. The mine is open for one hour tours deep into the heart of the Mother lode. Tours leave approximately every hour.
Jamestown Gold Panning - Learn gold panning & sluicing on our claim located in the historic Harvard Mine District of Jamestown, California. Pan on the gold rich Woods Creek. Instructors are prospectors.
Historic Kennedy Gold Mine - The mine is famous for being one of the deepest gold mines in the world. One of the tallest head frames in existence today can be seen at the Kennedy Mine.
North Star Powerhouse Mining Museum - Displays of mining equipment and artifacts from the 1880's. The Empire Mine State Historic Park is the site of the oldest, richest, hard rock gold mine in California.
Ironstone Vineyards - Ironstone's Heritage Museum has the largest Crystalline Gold Leaf specimen in the world. Also features a vast display of natural gold specimens.
California Mining and Mineral Museum - A collection of over 13,000 mineral specimens. The Fricot “Nugget”, a rare specimen of crystallized gold discovered in t 1864 is on display at the museum.
Historic Grass Valley - Grass Valley's claim to historic fame is embedded in the vast amounts of gold discovered and extracted from its rich underground mines. Many interesting mining towns to visit.
Nevada County Traction Company - Board a Train for a half hour ride to History Hill where a tour guide takes you through the Chinese Cemetery. The three mile ride takes you through 15 acres of trees.
Nevada City - The historic district, including 93 buildings, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nevada City is among the most interesting of California Gold Rush towns.
Empire Mine State Historic Park - The oldest, largest, and richest gold mine in California. The Empire Mine State Historic Park offers a variety of different tours. A new underground tour opens soon.
Angels Camp - This little foothill town was founded in 1848 and two years later Placer gold was discovered. Angels Camp is built on hills honeycombed with mine tunnels. "Home of the Jumping Frog"
Jamestown - A small Gold Rush town located in Tuolumne county. There are antiques, steam train rides, gifts, souvenirs and gold panning.
Gold Bug Mine - Located in Placerville You can go underground into this historical gold mine. Discover first hand just what hard-rock gold mining was like.
El Dorado County Historical Museum - Located just north of Highway 50, the museum features displays and artifacts from El Dorado County's history
Western Museum of Mining and Industry - A collection of mining equipment and artifacts you can experience America's rich mining history through.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park - The park features spectacular groves of giant sequoias in their natural setting. Activities include cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking and bird watching.
Black Chasm National Natural Landmark - A 3,000 square foot Visitors Center provides information on Black Chasm. The 50-minute Tour follows a series of platforms, stairs and walkways.
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