Top Things to do in California
The 10 Best Mines in California, United States
California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Restaurants in California
1. Jim Town Gold Mining Camp
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
This gold mining camp teaches you how to pan for gold in Wood's Creek.
2. Warm Springs Mine
3. Silver Bell Mine
4. Empire Mine State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 518 reviews
The remains of one of the West's most lucrative gold mines have been preserved as a historic park.
Reviewed By tomgray7243 - Redmond, United States
Our forefathers worked way harder then you can imagine. They came from everywhere dreaming of riches, or at least a job. This park displays much of the equipment needed for hard rock mining, as well as the opulence that owners lived in. The docent, Allen, was passionate about his presentation...thanks buddy! We are more familiar with placer mining as I have some personal experience with it. We enjoyed our visit.
5. Cerro Gordo Mines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Cerro Gordo is a privately owned Mining Town located in the Owens Valley near Lone Pine, California. The town was the silver thread to Los Angeles, being partially responsible for its growth and economic development. It features original buildings and artifacts relevant to the town and is open for guided tours, photography groups, mineral and rock groups, schools and historical groups. There are NO OVERNIGHT ACCOMODATIONS. Tour fees are $10.00 per person, kids 5-12 are free. All proceeds go to the Cerro Gordo Historical Foundation 501(c)3founded to preserve and improve the townsite of Cerro Gordo. Our goal is to continually upgrade amenities and keep the town intact to be enjoyed and explored as a true historical site in California. All visitors must check in and sigh a waiver.
Reviewed By TheFlyingSanJose - San Jose, United States
Great place to visit to see the living history of an old silver mining town that paid for the building of Los Angeles. Visit the Hotel and learn about who died at the poker table; then go to the assay office to find out how the ore was assayed.
6. Wood's Creek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Located 25 miles north of Coulterville, this town is currently one of the favorite gold panning locales off of Highway 49.
Reviewed By HonestyAndPolicy - Coulterville, United States
Went to this cute little cafe and was blown away on how cute the environment was with all the cow design. The most delicious tasting SuperBowl with a bread bowl of mountains of mouth watering tasty gravy and choice of topping on top. Such a great idea for a cute cafe, very friendly staff.
7. Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By jed0nt - Nevada City, United States
Visible from space, Malakoff is truly impressive. At times looking like a different planet, it is impressive, weird, startling and a stark reminder of what kind of damage we can do to the earth in pursuit of riches. The sediment from this hydraulic mining operation was the first Super Fund operation. Many great hiking trails and camping, there are even cabins for rent in the historic town inside the park.
8. Keane Wonder Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
This prime gold mine is one of the first in the area.
Reviewed By misswhitneypaige - San Diego, United States
We were essentially alone the whole 3 hrs we spent hiking up to some of the highest points of the mine. Don't stop at the first structure! Either follow the tramway up or take the path around. every 10 or 15 minutes you will encounter a new spectacle... A giant canyon with the aerial tramway spanning it, rusted out mining equipment, the fabric belts that turned the tramway up at the top, entrances to mines (though they are all shut with steel you can peek inside). If you only have a few minutes of time you can see the main structure, but whether you have one two three or more hours to explore you should keep going... We didn't even hit the end of the trail after about 90 minutes up but we saw tons in the meanwhile. Must see, and for whatever reason this does not seem to be on the main hit list for visitors so you will be largely alone. The trails are pretty well maintained but the hike up is fairly difficult because it is so steep. I would say it's suitable for ages 8 and up.
9. Hangtown's Gold Bug Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
You'll step back in time when you enter Gold Bug Park! It'a a REAL mining site from the Gold Rush days. Explore the park and then the mining museum. Find your riches in the gem panning trough. Be sure to visit our historic Stamp Mill and working Blacksmith Shop. Hattie's Gift Shop will be open for that special one-of-a-kind memento of your mining experience. Be sure to top off your visit with an audio tour of the Gold Bug Mine (see below; fee applies). Our Hours: April thru October: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Daily November thru March: 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM on WEEKENDS ONLY During your self-guided audio tour of the Gold Bug you'll hear a California Gold Rush miner tell about the tools he used to get at that elusive yellow metal - GOLD! As you enter the 352 foot drift of this hard rock mine, you will feel the cool air brush against your face. Activity Suggestions: Bring a picnic lunch. Take a relaxing hike suitable for all ages along our dog-friendly trails. Check out the gold rush museum and perhaps stumble upon a lively blacksmith or a "real" 49er to share stories of the good ol' days. Gold Bug Park promises to be a wonderful experience for you and your family. Outdoor Pavilion rental available for groups of up to 75 people - suitable for summer graduations, family picnics, weddings, reunions, and more. For Schools: We offer educational and entertaining guided tours for both schools and private groups. Contact the park to bring your California history curriculum to life.
Reviewed By pljimison - El Dorado Hills, United States
We have been enjoying Gold Bug for years and years. We brought our kids when they were fairly young and we still enjoy going every now and then. I have brought student field trips here as well and the staff has been knowledgeable. It’s a wonderful side trip into the past!
10. Kennedy Gold Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Opened in 1860 and closed in 1942, the mine unearthed $34 million in gold. Open for tours weekends March thru October.
Reviewed By katbullock6 - Sneads, United States
This was a Father's Day trip for our family. Even though we have lived in Tuolumne County for years we have never visited any mines in Calaveras County. The guide was very knowledgeable and we all had a great tour. The only issue was we came on the hottest day of the year.
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