6 Most Beautiful Small Towns in California's Sierra Nevada to Visit in 2024 (2024)

The Sierra Nevada mountain range snakes along the border between California and Nevada, a rugged spine of majestic peaks, sparkling alpine lakes, deep canyons, and lush forests. It’s known as one of the best outdoor playgrounds in the United States thanks to its stunning natural beauty, temperate climate, and unique terrain but there’s more to the Sierras than the landscape and weather. This is a slice of California where the history and heritage of the gold rush era are never far away. Echos of the state’s fascinating past are everywhere in its beautiful small towns, from their entrancing architecture to their industrious pioneer spirit.

Jamestown

Jamestown is a former gold rush town, the first place in Tuolumne County where prospectors found gold and founded a settlement in hopes of uncovering more. This heritage is still very much alive in Jamestown today, making it one of the prettiest and most historic communities in the Sierra Nevada. It’s no wonder Jamestown is a popular location with movie fans - Back to the Future III, Little House on the Prairie, and other classics were filmed here.

Downtown, you’ll find buildings that date back as far as the 1870s and the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hop aboard to take an unforgettable 45 minute excursion through scenic gold country. Want to explore on foot? Hike the Table Mountain Trail for stunning views of wildflower meadows and the New Melones Reservoir.

Oakhurst

Oakhurst is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, just south of the entrance to Yosemite National Park. It’s not only the perfect base from which to explore the breathtaking hiking and biking trails throughout the park but a beautiful destination in its own right. Nearby Bass Lake is a gorgeous spot for fishing, swimming, or simply soaking up the tranquil atmosphere at this picture-perfect idyll.

Check out the Fresno Flats Historical Park for a one-of-a-kind experience. This unique open-air museum recreates life in the Old West during the late 1800s with a cowboy-era village complete with pioneer homes, a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and wagon display. Browse the park’s Mountain Artisans Market if you’re in a shopping mood, these run every third Saturday of the month from March to December.

Tahoe City

One of the most beautiful lakes in California, Lake Tahoe is the second deepest body of water in the United States. See the lake’s stunning splendor for yourself with a trip to Tahoe City on the north shore. Commons Beach is the place to go in the summer where you’ll find the best swimming spots, family movie nights, and concerts. If you’re in the mood for some outdoor fun, head to the Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park where you can hang about at tree level, navigating swinging rope bridges and exhilarating zip lines. Planning a winter trip? Be sure to catch SnowFest, Tahoe City’s ten day winter carnival celebrating all things snowy with ski races, ice carving competitions, and a polar bear swim.

Twain Harte

Named for the authors Mark Twain and Bret Harte, Twain Harte is a charming mountain town off scenic Highway 108. Located near the Stanislaus National Forest and Pinecrest Lake, Twain Harte is the ideal destination for exploring the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada wilderness. In this natural playground, the opportunities for hiking, cycling, swimming, horse riding, boating, and birdwatching are endless. In summer, the town hosts a Mountain Air Market every Thursday evening with live music, food vendors, and craft stalls. In winter, you can find your fun at California’s largest snow play park, the Leland High Sierra Snow Play Park, which boasts 15 acres of prime tubing terrain.

Truckee

Located within easy reach of the Truckee River, Tahoe National Forest, and Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee is surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes in California. This welcoming small town is perfect for exploring the mountains and following in the footsteps of the state’s early settlers. Take a trip to the Donner Memorial State Park to kayak the crystal clear Donner Lake, go birdwatching to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle, or wander the eight miles of hiking trails. Don’t forget to stop into the Visitors Centre to learn about the ill-fated Donner Party, the Washoe Tribe, and the early days of the railroad.

If you’re looking to get away from it all and enjoy nature at her most unspoilt, check out Desolation Wilderness. A short drive from Truckee, this 63,960 acre wilderness is resplendent with colorful wildflowers, deep lakes, burbling streams, and a whole lot of wildlife.

Mammoth Lakes

A former mining town, Mammoth Lakes is now a thriving alpine destination, popular with skiers and snowboarders in winter and hikers in summer - all eager to explore stunning Mammoth Mountain. Nearby you’ll find the Devils Postpile National Monument, a unique rock formation consisting of columns up to 60 ft high. Be sure to visit Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, a collection of natural pools accessible from a two-mile long walkway with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. When you’ve had enough of the great outdoors, spend some time in downtown Mammoth Lakes at the Village at Mammoth. This busy open-air entertainment district is the place to go for shopping, dining, and live entertainment.

Natural and Man-Made Beauty in California’s Sierra Nevada

California’s Sierra Nevada is packed with beautiful small towns offering a typical golden state welcome. It’s also home to some of the best outdoor sports in the country with trails and peaks that will challenge and delight nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. From Jamestown’s historic downtown to the wide sandy beaches of Tahoe City, and from the Old West flavor of Oakhurst to the bubbling hot springs of Mammoth City, you’ll find yourself falling in love with the Sierra Nevadas time and time again.

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