Sierra Nevada
Nevada City and Grass Valley: A 2-Day Gold Country Guide
Two days in Nevada City and Grass Valley: Empire Mine, Cornish pasties, South Yuba River swimming holes, Malakoff Diggins, historic hotels and local eats.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
Nevada City and Grass Valley are Gold Rush towns in the Sierra foothills, 4 miles apart on Highways 49 and 20. Nevada City has Victorian storefronts and gas lamps; Grass Valley has Cornish mining roots and the Empire Mine.
Both towns are on the Gold Country Highway 49 route.
In This Guide
- Getting to Nevada City and Grass Valley
- Day 1 Morning: Empire Mine State Historic Park
- Day 1 Afternoon: Downtown Grass Valley and Cornish Pasties
- Day 1 Evening: Historic Nevada City
- Day 2 Morning: South Yuba River Swimming Holes
- Day 2 Afternoon: Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
- Where to Stay in Nevada City and Grass Valley
- FAQ
Getting to Nevada City and Grass Valley
Grass Valley is 1 hour from Sacramento and 2.5 to 3 hours from San Francisco via I-80 to Auburn, then 25 miles north on Highway 49.
Nevada City is 10 minutes farther on the Highway 49/20 freeway. You need a car for the mine, river and Malakoff Diggins.
Day 1 Morning: Empire Mine State Historic Park
Empire Mine State Historic Park in Grass Valley operated until 1956 and produced an estimated 5.8 million ounces of gold.
See the main shaft, the machine shops and the Bourn Cottage with its formal gardens. The park has several miles of forest trails.
North Star Mining Museum
The North Star Mining Museum, in an old powerhouse, displays one of the largest Pelton wheels ever built. Allow half an hour; it has typically opened only spring through fall.
Day 1 Afternoon: Downtown Grass Valley and Cornish Pasties
Cornish miners brought pasties here in the 1800s. Get one at Cousin Jack’s Pasties or Marshall’s Pasties, then walk Mill Street and Main Street.
Several foothill wineries (Zinfandel, Syrah, Barbera) pour downtown.
Easy Walks and the Thursday Night Market
The Litton Trail and Deer Creek Tribute Trail are short, easy walks near town. In summer, the Thursday night market fills Mill Street.
Day 1 Evening: Historic Nevada City
Broad Street in Nevada City has buildings from the 1850s and 1860s and gas-lit sidewalks.
The Nevada Theatre, opened in 1865, still shows films and live performances. The Firehouse No. 1 Museum covers Gold Rush history.
Where to Eat in Nevada City
Try Lefty’s Grill, or Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Company for wood-fired pizza and house beer. Have a drink at the National Exchange Hotel bar.
Day 2 Morning: South Yuba River Swimming Holes
The South Yuba River has clear green water and granite boulders, with good summer swimming holes.
The busiest spots are at the Bridgeport Covered Bridge, one of the longest single-span wooden covered bridges in the country, and Edwards Crossing north of Nevada City. Go early on hot weekends.
The Independence Trail
The Independence Trail follows an old mining flume above the South Yuba near the Highway 49 bridge. It is flat, shady and wheelchair accessible.
Day 2 Afternoon: Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
Malakoff Diggins, 45 minutes to an hour northeast on winding roads, was California’s largest hydraulic gold mine. It left a canyon of eroded pink and white cliffs.
Walk the Diggins Loop Trail, then visit North Bloomfield, a preserved mining town with a museum and church.
Where to Stay in Nevada City and Grass Valley
See also historic hotels in Northern California.
- The Holbrooke Hotel, Grass Valley: Gold Rush hotel with restaurant and saloon
- National Exchange Hotel, Nevada City: restored 1850s landmark on Broad Street
- Broad Street Inn, Nevada City: simple, central, good value
- Outside Inn, Nevada City: outdoorsy motel near downtown
- Inn Town Campground, Nevada City: glamping tents and campsites
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nevada City or Grass Valley better to stay in?
Nevada City is prettier and livelier at night. Grass Valley has more everyday dining. They are 10 minutes apart.
When is the best time to visit Nevada City?
Late summer for river swimming, fall for color, December for holiday events. In spring the river is usually too high to swim.
Can you swim in the South Yuba River?
Yes, in summer once the water drops. Never swim in high water or alone, and stay out of the current.
How long do you need at Empire Mine?
Two to three hours for the mine yard, Bourn Cottage and gardens. Allow more for trails or a guided tour.
Is Nevada City a good day trip from Sacramento?
Yes, it is about an hour away. Stay overnight to add the river.
