Nevada City Travel Guide

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Nestled in the heart of the California region, Nevada City is a charming and picturesque town that offers a delightful blend of history, nature, and a vibrant arts scene. With its rich gold rush heritage, this small populated place is a hidden gem that draws visitors with its unique character and captivating attractions.

Stepping into Nevada City feels like taking a journey back in time. The town's well-preserved Victorian architecture and historic buildings create a nostalgic ambiance that transports visitors to the days of the gold rush era. Stroll along the quaint streets lined with colorful storefronts and boutique shops, where you can find everything from handmade crafts to locally sourced goods. Immerse yourself in the past by visiting the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, where you can explore the fascinating history of the region's railroad system.

For nature enthusiasts, Nevada City is a gateway to some of California's most stunning landscapes. Just a short drive away, visitors can discover the breathtaking beauty of the Tahoe National Forest. Hike through lush forests, marvel at cascading waterfalls, and enjoy the serenity of alpine lakes. The Yuba River, with its crystal-clear waters, offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and picnicking along its scenic banks.

But Nevada City is not just a destination for history buffs and nature lovers. It is also a thriving hub for artists and performers. The town boasts a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues showcasing the talents of local artists and musicians. Don't miss the Nevada Theatre, the oldest continuously operating theater in California, where you can catch a live performance or enjoy a classic film screening.

Foodies will delight in Nevada City's diverse culinary offerings. From cozy cafes serving farm-to-table fare to upscale restaurants offering innovative cuisine, there is something to satisfy every palate. Don't forget to sample the region's award-winning wines at one of the many wineries and tasting rooms scattered throughout the area.

Alternative names: Population: 3.2 thous.Area: 2.19 mi²Elevation: 2510 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°15'47"N, 121°1'8"W

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CaliforniaUnited States

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Nevada City Top Attractions

Nevada City Attractions - What to See and Explore

Nevada City offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Nevada Theatre, Nevada City Downtown Historic District, Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, Nevada City Firehouse No. 2. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Concerts and shows • Cinema • Theater
Nevada Theatre
The Nevada Theatre, also known as the Cedar Theatre, located in downtown Nevada City, California, is California's oldest existing theater building. Its principal periods of significance were 1850–1874, 1875–1899, 1900–1924, and 1925–1949.
Victorian architecture • Italianate architecture
Nevada City Downtown Historic District
The Nevada City Downtown Historic District is a 16-acre historic district in Nevada City within the U.S. state of California. Located in Nevada County, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Specialty museum • Museum • History museum
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
The Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad & Transportation Museum is a transport museum and heritage railroad located in Nevada City, California.

Museum • Greek Revival architecture
Nevada City Firehouse No. 2
Nevada City Firehouse No. 2 is a historic firehouse located at 420 Broad Street in Nevada City, California. Built in 1860–61, the firehouse was the first built in Nevada City.
Library • Romanesque architecture
Doris Foley Library for Historical Research
The Doris Foley Library for Historical Research is a reference and research library in Nevada City, in Nevada County, California. Built in 1907, the Romanesque Revival style building is currently a branch of the Nevada County Library System.
Church
Trinity Church
Trinity Church is an Episcopal Church located in Nevada City, California, within the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California.
39°15'44"N • 121°1'12"W
Miners Foundry
The Miners Foundry is located at 325 Spring Street, Nevada City, California, USA. Built in Nevada County in 1856, it is a California Historical Landmark as, in 1879, the foundry became the first manufacturing site of the Pelton wheel.
Neo-renaissance architecture
Aaron A. Sargent House
The Aaron A. Sargent House was built prior to 1856, and is located in Nevada City, California at 449 Broad Street. Its architecture and engineering were significant during the periods of 1850–1874, 1875–1899, 1900–1924.
39°15'47"N • 121°0'58"W
Ott's Assay Office
Ott's Assay Office is a historic assay office located at 130 Main Street in Nevada City, California. The building was constructed in 1851 as a drug store; James J. Ott opened his assay office in the back of the store in 1857.
39°16'3"N • 121°0'32"W
Martin Luther Marsh House
The Martin Luther Marsh House was built in 1873, and is located at 254 Boulder Street in Nevada City, in the Gold Country of Nevada County, California.
Brewery • Nightlife
Nevada Brewery
The Nevada Brewery is a historic building located at 107 Sacramento Street in Nevada City, California, United States. A brewery on the site dates back to 1857, with granite walls constructed in 1882.

Day trips

Nevada City – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Nevada City, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park (Folsom), Sacramento California Temple (Rancho Cordova), Watson Log Cabin (Tahoe City).

41 milesS
Park
Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park, Folsom
Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park is a historical site preserving an 1895 alternating current hydroelectric power station—one of the first in the United States.
44 milesS
Temple
Sacramento California Temple, Rancho Cordova
The Sacramento California Temple is the 123rd operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple was the seventh built by the church in California, more than any state except Utah.
47 milesE
Museum, History museum, Vernacular architecture
Watson Log Cabin, Tahoe City
Watson Log Cabin in Tahoe City, California, was built in 1908 by Robert Montgomery Watson. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It is the only historic log cabin in the Tahoe City area. The cabin is now owned by the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society and is open to the public seasonally.
30 milesNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Waterfall
Feather Falls, Plumas National Forest
Feather Falls is a waterfall located on the Fall River, a tributary of the Middle Fork Feather River, within the Plumas National Forest in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Butte County, eastern California, United States.
38 milesS
Sport venue, Sport
All American Speedway, Roseville
All American Speedway is a 1/3-mile NASCAR-sanctioned paved oval racetrack located in Roseville, California, United States. The track first began operations in 1954.