Location: Columbia
Top Things to do in Columbia
10 Things to Do in Columbia That You Shouldn't Miss
Columbia is a town located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, in Tuolumne County, California, United States. It was founded as a boomtown in 1850 when gold was found in the vicinity, and was known as the "Gem of the Southern Mines."
Restaurants in Columbia
1. Columbia State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 429 reviews
This historic Gold Rush town was made a state park in 1945. Between the 1850s and 1870s over one-half billion dollars in gold (at today's value) was mined in the area.
Reviewed By ChicagoTravelingNow - Chicago
A friend and I visited Columbia State Historic Park without much background on the area or the park, and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Several of the buildings provide educational information that was really illuminating. But I think what we enjoyed most was the overall atmosphere. You really feel transported back to a different time with the buildings, folks in costume, and activities. I would highly recommend a visit. I also think this is a great activity for multi-generational groups because the park has something to offer for everyone.
2. Sierra Repertory Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 126 reviews
Sierra Repertory Theatre produced professional theatrical performances at two venues in the Sonora area. Our original theatre is located in East Sonora, and the Historic Fallon House Theatre is in Columbia State Park. Musicals, dramas, comedies, all with actors from Actor's Equity and other professional actors.
Reviewed By Pakelikia - Sonora, California
We have seen many, many plays at the Sierra Repertory Theatre over the years. They deliver consistently good performances that are enjoyable and highly entertaining.It really is amazing that a small town like Sonora can have such a first-rate theatre.
3. Moaning Cavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 163 reviews
Gold miners first explored Moaning Cavern in 1851, but Native Americans had revered the site for centuries because of the haunting, moaning sounds coming from the entrance. Today, visitors enter by descending a metal spiral staircase. Or make reservations for an exciting two-hour Adventure Trip. Above ground activities: gemstone mining, gold panning, free nature trail. School program available. Open every day, year round. We try to maintain our operational hours at Trip Advisor.
Reviewed By LouiseNE - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
The cavern is beautiful. If you have time & are more adventurous than me, book ahead and do the adventure visit. The guides were exceptionally knowledgeable & engaged, so I imagine the more hands on experience would have been amazing. Thoroughly loved or visit, loved the way they made you reconsider depth perception, the explanation of the different formations & how they came about. Thought turning off all of the lights was really clever & gave a different perspective on exploration. Would visit again.
Outside, there's a climbing wall, zip wire & places to pan for 'gold ' - loads of families having a great time.
4. Gold Prospecting Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 113 reviews
As seen on every major network including Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, Discovery and History Channels, Tokyo TV, CBS and read about in the New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, the Shock Family has some of the most experienced and knowledgeable prospectors in all of Gold Country. We will open doors for the novice to the professional that you may have not known existed. You may lose your pictures but you will never forget the memories. Come have a blast into the past finding gold and learning the art of prospecting on the historic Woods Creek. The surest way to ensure the future is by touching the past.
Reviewed By Sara H - Florida, United States
Table Top Terry taught us the ropes on panning and sluicing for gold in the creek bed. Terry was very patient with my 9 year son who was having a hard time getting the jist of the panning. It was nice to work at our own pace and we were able to take breaks out of the river when needed. We learned so much and even found a bit of gold! It's a lot of work, but super fun! I recommend Gold Prospecting Adventures to anyone who travels to the area. So glad we booked it. Definitely an experience our family won't forget!
5. OARS California Rafting
Overall Ratings
5 based on 106 reviews
Recognized by National Geographic Adventure as “The Best River & Sea Outfitter on Earth” and Outside magazine’s runner up for “Best Outfitter,” O.A.R.S. is among the most trusted names in the travel industry. Since 1969 the company has set the standard in first-class rafting & sea kayaking adventures with unparalleled experiences in the most iconic national parks and wilderness areas in Western North America and abroad.O.A.R.S. caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with experienced, professional guides and top-notch equipment and today offers more than 75 unique itineraries worldwide, including one-day and weekend escapes. Over the last four decades the California-based company has positively affected the lives of more than 500,000 travelers, due to their ability to meet the diverse needs of their broad spectrum of clientele—more than 60% of passengers return for additional trips or are referred by past guests each year.
Reviewed By tnanna - TN
We had enjoyed many other rafting trips in other locations around the U.S. and had high expectations for OARS based on our previous experiences and comparisons with other outfitters. We found our guide, Tanner, to be skilled, personable, and a very pleasant host. The trip was a bit wilder than we expected due to an unexpected longer season of high water. We had a great time over all. Pluses: OARS is a reputable company, guides are skilled, equipment is in good condition, meals are superb, location of Tuolumne is excellent white water. Negatives: there was no "limited wine with dinner" as expected and advertised, we were placed with another large group of friends/singles that brought copious amounts of alcohol and generally made our trip not-so-family-friendly and frankly changed the solitude of the remote and scenic overnight camping location. We know that OARS does not select the clients that book but this was part of the experience did not meet our expectations. I am not sure what advice I have for others with families/teens but everyone should make note of their options and speciality tours (adults only, wine/beer specialties, "family friendly" etc. and perhaps ask about the booking for your individual situation. Perhaps they can tell you the composition of the bookings for the trips you might be considering and you can be flexible with your selection and pick one that meets your needs.
6. Ironstone Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 261 reviews
"Where history and wine meet." Ironstone Vineyards is a premier destination winery located in Murphys, California. Amenities include our Tasting Room & Gold Leaf Deli, Heritage Museum (home to our 44-pound crystalline gold piece) & Jewelry Shoppe, Amphitheater, plush gardens featuring a lakeside park, and complimentary tours of our facilities. Our wines reflect the diversity of offerings from the Lodi and Sierra Foothills Appellations of Northern California. Through emphasizing the practice of Sustainable Viticulture, Ironstone Vineyards conserves water use, builds healthy soil, and maintains our surrounding wildlife habitat. Please Note: We are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Reviewed By Jim K - Indio, California
This Winery is a MUST stop in Murphys. Do not follow the GPS. You will get there but the road is terrible. Go to Murphys and follow the signs off main street. Much shorter. Great wines and the museum is fantastic with lots of mining equipment to look at. Great gift shop. Great place for the kids and they have entertainment so look for the schedule. Tasting room is huge and open daily with a fee and is refundable with purchase next to the Great fireplace.
7. Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions
Overall Ratings
5 based on 75 reviews
Zephyr Whitewater is one of the most popular and experienced outfitters in California. We offer river rafting trips near Yosemite on the Merced, Kings, and Tuolumne rivers. Family and group rates, and internet special discounts are available. Our trips range in length from 1/2 to 3-days. On the Merced river, the closest river to Yosemite, we offer both morning and afternoon 11 mile 1/2 day trips, plus full day trips every day. Many guests have said their rafting trip on the Merced river near Yosemite was the highlight of their Yosemite Vacation. Join us and see why!
Reviewed By markpardon32
We were extremely impressed by the friendly, relaxed but competent manner all the Zephyr team demonstrated throughout our half day trip. Maggie our raft skipper was first class, filling us with confidence regarding what was ahead and what we needed to do. Maggie also shared...MoreHi Mark, thanks for taking the time to give us such a nice review! Your positive feedback will be shared with Maggie. We're so pleased to have played a memorable role in your Yosemite experience.
8. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
A working railroad since the 1890's, this park is now run by the California State Railroad Museum. It offers visitors self-guided tours.
Reviewed By bobolan92 - Orlando, Florida
Railtown offers a small but interesting collection of steam engines and period railroad cars. Perhaps the most interesting thing is the historic roundhouse (one of only a few still in existence). We arrived late so there were no tours and the engines were not running. I think a tour would have added a lot to our experience.
9. Indigeny Reserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Dan R
A pretty drive from Sonora, making your way through the hills and even some apple orchards, you get to Indigeny Reserve. Make sure you ask to try their vodka as well. They have a small gift store. It was probably 100 degrees when we got there, but the hard cider was so refeshing. We could not even tell it was alcohol.
10. Columbia Candy Kitchen
Overall Ratings
5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, California
We went to Columbia Candy Kitchen when we were visiting Columbia State Park. They have a good assortment of candies, chocolates, non sugar candies, and more. Its a fun place to go and the atmosphere fits in well with the historic area of Columbia State Park.
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