Tucked into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, 70 miles from Sacramento, Nevada City is a small town with Gold Rush-era history, Victorian architecture, and easy access to the outdoors.
Stone House Lodge sits just outside town on forty-four acres, with a main house, an A-frame cabin, glamping tents, a working farm, and room to slow down between outings. Here are eleven ways to make the most of a stay.
1. Wander Nevada City's historic downtown.
Broad Street is the heart of downtown, running past Gold Rush-era brick buildings now filled with bookstores, galleries, and small boutiques. The compact, mostly flat center is easy to explore without an itinerary, then regroup for lunch.
- Lola: New American plates in the National Exchange Hotel for a sit-down group dinner.
- Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co.: Wood-fired pizza and house-brewed beer on Commercial Street.
- Heartwood Eatery: A lighter, health-forward lunch option.
- Harmony Books: A full-range bookstore inside an 1857 building on Main Street.
2. Spend a day on Scott's Flat Lake.
Scott's Flat Lake sits within easy walking distance of Stone House Lodge. Swim from the designated beach, fish for trout, kokanee, or bass, paddle from shore, or spread out for a picnic. Motorized boats use the seasonal launch, while jet skis are not allowed.
For a seamless group day, the lodge can arrange a private boat day on the lake.
3. Step into the Gold Rush at Empire Mine.
Empire Mine State Historic Park, just outside Grass Valley, ran for more than a century and became one of California's richest gold mines. The grounds still include the original mine yard, machine shops, the Bourn family's stone mansion, and English-style gardens.
Guided tours cover the estate and mine yard. The visitor center's scale model shows how the underground tunnels worked without anyone having to go below ground.
4. Cool off at South Yuba River State Park.
South Yuba River State Park holds some of the clearest swimming holes in the Sierra foothills. The Buttermilk Bend Trail is an easy wildflower walk in spring, and the river stays cold even in July.
The stretch near the Highway 49 bridge is a well-known swimming spot, with deep pools for strong swimmers and shallower edges for wading. Parking fills on hot summer weekends, so arrive before midday.
Photo by Peter Noteboom.
5. Get hands-on at The Curious Forge.
The Curious Forge is a makerspace with sixteen working studios for blacksmithing, glassblowing, woodworking, ceramics, and more. Beginners are welcome in nearly every class, and group bookings make it a memorable stop for reunions and larger gatherings.
6. Ride the railbus at the Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum.
The Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum runs a restored railbus along historic track most Saturdays, with more frequent trips in summer. Rides last about thirty minutes and board on a first-come basis. The museum building is worth a walk-through too, with restored equipment and photographs from the region's rail history.
7. Take a day trip to Lake Tahoe.
Many Stone House Lodge guests build Lake Tahoe into their stay. The drive to the North Shore takes about an hour on Interstate 80, close enough for a day out and back with beaches, boat rentals, and lake towns to explore.
Photo by Photo Spirit.
8. Explore local history at Firehouse No. 1 Museum.
Housed in one of Nevada City's oldest fire stations, Firehouse No. 1 Museum holds Gold Rush and Native American artifacts, mining equipment, and local firefighting history. It keeps regular afternoon hours in summer and opens by appointment for groups of six or more outside the season.
9. Visit Crystal Hermitage Gardens.
Crystal Hermitage Gardens is a floral garden set against the Tahoe National Forest and the Yuba River Canyon. Spring, when the tulips bloom, is the best time to visit, but the setting makes it a worthwhile nature stop in any season.
10. Browse the farmers market and downtown shops.
Nevada City's farmers market brings local produce, flowers, and food vendors into the historic downtown on Saturday mornings. Pair it with the boutiques and antique shops along Broad and Commercial streets. Check the current schedule before planning around it, since hours shift seasonally.
11. Soak in nature and take downtime at Stone House Lodge.
Some of the best things to do in Nevada City do not require leaving the property. Eat, drink, and spend time together in alpine comfort. The outdoor saltwater rock pool and hot tub are property highlights, while the on-site farm supplies produce for a private chef to build dinner around.
Find your way to Nevada City.
Nevada City has a character all its own: walkable Gold Rush downtown streets, historic attractions, clear-water swimming holes, and easy access to the Sierra. It works for couples, families, and groups looking for a stay with more room to breathe.
Book your stay at Stone House Lodge and start planning your Nevada City vacation.