Location: Nevada City
Top Things to do in Nevada City
What to do and see in Nevada City, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Nevada City (originally, Ustumah, a Nisenan Maidu village; later, Nevada, Deer Creek Dry Diggins, and Caldwell's Upper Store) is the county seat of Nevada County, California, United States, located 60 miles (97 km) northeast of Sacramento and 28 miles north of Auburn. In 1900, 3,250 people lived in Nevada City; in 1910, 2,689 lived there; at the 2000 census, the population was 3,001, and at the 2010 census it was 3,068.
Restaurants in Nevada City
1. Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By LorindolMoon - Rohnert Park, California
We took the adventurous route out N. Bloomfield Rd from Nevada City, which was a gravel road part of the way - but there were several very scenic spots of the diggins we would not have seen if we had not gone that route. The museum in North Bloomfield was very interesting and had a great little 17 minute video with the history of hydraulic gold mining in the area. We returned to Nevada City via Hwy 49, which while a longer distance, was all paved.
2. Empire Mine State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 449 reviews
The remains of one of the West's most lucrative gold mines have been preserved as a historic park.
Reviewed By NevadaHighdesert - Nevada
This historic mine and surrounding state park have been well-preserved and the mineyard is well worth walking through, touring the restored mine office, part of the shaft, and many of the outbuildings. Inside is a small, well-arranged museum including a scale model of the hundreds of miles of slopes and shafts beneath the mine.
3. Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Chuck8700 - Riverside, California
We stopped in during the week after Christmas. The museum proper was not open. We walked around the grounds looking at rolling stock and tracks. We were approached by a volunteer who took us to the work shed. Inside were several volunteers working hard on restoring various pieces of railroad equipment.
We spent about two very educational hours.
4. Bourn House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
One of the attractions at Empire Mine State Historic Park.
Reviewed By David P - Nevada City, California
This is actually the Empire Mine State Park located in Grass Valley Calif. not Nevada City, the distance between the two cities is approx 4.5 miles. It's a beautiful park with flowering grounds, walking paths and horse riding trails. It has a great mining exhibit and a short ride in an ore car into the mine. The Bourn home is on the grounds but tours are only at certain times but worth the effort. The mine was the richest producing hard rock mine in the state and when you enter the park you can see a display showing the miles of mine shafts that made up the mine. It will also show you the proximity to other mines near by. It's truly amazing, you'd think with all the shafts and tunnels there are that the whole area could collapse ( and in fact sink holes have been known to occasionally open up ).
5. North Star Powerhouse Mining Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By David T - Grass Valley, California
Step into the old powerhouse building and you could be transported back 50 to 100 years ago. Old equipment, including the massive Pelton Wheel which was the power source for nearby mines, showcase the many tools used in the mining past. Its a great stop for history buffs. It's a great way to show younger generations how the world once worked, before electricity even came into wide use.
6. The Nevada Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Founded in 1865, this historical theatre is the oldest operating theatre in California.
Reviewed By filomeli - Nevada City, California
This theatre not only has local ta/lent of the highest quality in all the plays they perform but they also have awesome movies every Sunday at 7pm. This theatre is very old and fun to attend any event held there and they have a concession stand too!
7. Bourne Cottage
Overall Ratings
5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Jim K
William Bourn, Jr. was owner of the Empire mine and changed local, national and world history forever. Mr. Bourne occupied at times the Empire Cottage, designed by famed architect Willis Polk, and the Clubhouse known for its lavish parties. You can stroll through the rose gardens, and marvel at the majestic landscape. The docents, dressed in period costumes, are always available for questions and information.
Christmas time is a fun time to visit as is the Miner's Picnic at the end of the summer.
8. Crystal Hermitage Gardens
Overall Ratings
5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Blooms65 - Northern California
We read about Crystal Hermitage Gardens through Trip Advisor and I'm sure it's lovely in April when the tulips are in bloom but there wasn't much to see in late October when we visited. We walked through the little market and sampled their vegetarian entree which you purchase by weight. The guys enjoyed it and said it was very flavorful, lots of curry but it was expensive. We sit in a shaded area as they provide several tables and chairs. This is a spiritual retreat and I believe people live on site. There is also a K through 12 school that I read about. It's very peaceful and serine. Several children were playing on the swing and gym set. People were very friendly, many quite bohemian. A nice experience. Will go back in the spring to enjoy the tulips.
9. Independence Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Dateleaf - Los Angeles, California
This was a very easy trail that lead to a wooden flume bridge structure that wrapped around the mountainside. It was very interesting and made for good pictures. The walk was flat and easy, except the wooden flume/bridge was very icy in December. It took about 20 minutes to get to the flume. When you park in the small lot by the highway, take East trail that goes under the highway and keep going on the main trail until you reach the flume.
10. Deer Creek Tribute Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By blondebuddha - Los Angeles, California
We made it to the suspension bridge, which is a good easy hike, although you can go further. Saw plenty of wild blackberry and tons of beautiful trees and lush greenery. A lovely creek runs along your hike. Just off the main center of town, and you are swept away into the wilderness.
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