When the weekend arrives in California, residents of Sacramento and nearby towns often face the same question: where to go to break free from daily routine, breathe fresh air, and get new impressions? This time, I decided to go to Nevada City — a small town in the Sierra Nevada mountains, just an hour and a half drive from the state capital.
I came there as a reporter, but within the first few minutes, I realized I’d be leaving more as an enchanted tourist. Nevada City felt like it had stepped straight out of the pages of a historical novel: narrow streets, Victorian houses, old signs, the scent of pine, and the soft jingling of bells on the doors of little shops.
First impression: a town that keeps time
Walking along Broad Street, the town’s main street, I felt as if I had traveled back a century and a half. So many 19th-century buildings have been preserved here, from the days when the town thrived during the Gold Rush. Many homes have been carefully restored, yet they haven’t lost their authentic charm.
The brick buildings with wrought-iron balconies and the wooden facades, marked lightly by time, especially impressed me. They don’t feel like “decorations” — this is real history still alive today: shops, restaurants, antique stores, galleries of local artists.
The atmosphere of a small town
What sets Nevada City apart from many tourist spots is its atmosphere. It doesn’t feel like an open-air museum. On the contrary: everything here lives and breathes, but at a calm, unhurried pace.
In cafés, they’ll greet you by name if you drop by a second time in a day. In a small shop, the owner will gladly tell you the story of how her great-grandfather opened the place. And passersby don’t just smile — they might strike up a genuine conversation, as if they’ve known you for years.
What to see
The historic center
Broad Street is the heart of the town. Here you can feel the spirit of the 19th century: Gold Rush buildings, old hotels, a theater, and even a working saloon. Be sure to step inside the National Exchange Hotel — one of the oldest hotels in the West. Its interior, with gilded mirrors and velvet chairs, takes you back to the days when the town was a bustling center of gold mining.
Nevada Theatre
This is the oldest continuously operating theater in California (founded in 1865). Famous actors and musicians once performed here, and the stage is still used for plays and concerts. I stepped inside and caught myself imagining the applause of 19th-century audiences.
Antique shops and galleries
Every shop here feels like a museum. I found a small store with a collection of vintage postcards, books, and jewelry. The owner told me that many of these items are still discovered in houses and attics around the area.
Nature all around
You can’t talk about Nevada City without mentioning the Sierra Nevada mountains. The town is surrounded by pine and cedar forests, with the Yuba River nearby — perfect for hikes, picnics, and swimming in summer.
I went on a short hike along the Independence Trail — a scenic route suitable even for beginners. It follows what used to be a hydraulic mining ditch from the Gold Rush era, offering stunning views.
And if you want more secluded places, head to Scotts Flat Lake — a mountain lake with crystal-clear water, beloved by locals. You can rent a boat or simply enjoy the silence and the reflection of pines on the water.
Food and culinary finds
I had lunch at a small café serving dishes made with local ingredients. The menu included fresh pastries, vegetables from nearby farms, and coffee roasted right in the county.
I especially liked a restaurant overlooking the town center, offering California cuisine with a French twist. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the wine — exclusively local, from nearby Nevada County wineries.
Seasonal events
Nevada City is famous for its festivals and fairs.
- In fall, there are craft beer festivals and autumn fairs.
- In winter, the town hosts its iconic Christmas fairs with live music, hot cider, and street performances.
- In summer, there are open-air music festivals that attract artists from across the country.
I arrived in September, and the town was already preparing for the fall festival. The air smelled of cinnamon and mulled wine, and the shop windows displayed the first pumpkins.
Why you should go
Many of my friends often look for places to escape from Sacramento for the weekend. Nevada City is the perfect option:
- It’s just an hour and a half away by car.
- It combines history and nature.
- The small-town atmosphere gives you a sense of comfort and true relaxation.
Unlike crowded tourist destinations, this town has preserved its authenticity. There are no massive tourist crowds here, and that’s exactly its charm.
As I was leaving, one thought kept going through my mind: Nevada City is a place where you can not only learn history but feel it. It’s where the spirit of the Gold Rush, the nature of the Sierra Nevada, and the genuine hospitality of people come together.
I would recommend this town to every Californian, especially to those looking for rest not only for the body but also for the soul. Sometimes we all need to slow down, breathe in the scent of pine, and listen to the jingling bells on the doors of old shops.
Nevada City gave me that feeling. And I’m sure it will give it to you too.
