Tucked into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, 70 miles away from the hustle-and-bustle of Sacramento, lies Nevada City.
This historic Gold Rush town boasts quaint Victorian architecture and is home to several properties with National or California Historic Landmark status. It’s the perfect destination for those looking for small-town charm and fascinating history.
If you're looking for a place to stay near Nevada City, Stone House Lodge is a luxurious option that lies just outside the city. Our spacious vacation home sits on a 44-acre property, ideal for those planning a large group trip.
Let’s take a look at some of the very best things to do in Nevada City to help you make the most of your visit.
1. Wander Nevada City's Historic Downtown
- Location: Broad Street
- Best time: Late morning through early evening, when shops are open
Nevada City's downtown is compact enough to explore without an itinerary and interesting enough to entertain a group of any age.
Broad Street is the heart of downtown, running past Gold Rush-era brick buildings now filled with bookstores, galleries, and small boutiques. Most of it is flat, with wide sidewalks that work well for strollers. It's an easy place to turn a group loose for an hour and then regroup for lunch.
Here are a few local favorites worth exploring:
- Lola: New American plates in the National Exchange Hotel, a Gold Rush-era building on Broad Street, good 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 option for lunch between stops
- Harmony Books: A full-range bookstore inside an 1857 building on Main Street
2. Spend a Day on Scott's Flat Lake
- Location: Scotts Flat Lake
- Best time: May through September, when the boat launch is fully operational
Scott's Flat Lake sits within easy walking distance of Stone House Lodge. Once you're at the water, there are tons of activities to entertain the whole crew.
- Swimming: Walk right in the water at the designated swim beach, where conditions stay calm and easy for kids and non-swimmers alike.
- Fishing: Cast a line right from the shore for rainbow trout, German browns, kokanee, or bass, no boat required.
- Boating and paddling: Carry a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard down to the water and launch straight from the shore; motorized boats use the seasonal launch; jet skis aren't allowed.
- Picnicking: Spread out on the shoreline or at a picnic table if you'd rather keep your feet dry while the rest of the group swims.
For a seamless experience, we can arrange a private boat day for your entire group so you can make the most of your time on Scott’s Flat Lake.
3. Step Into the Gold Rush at Empire Mine State Historic Park
- Location: Empire Mine State Historic Park
- Best time: Late morning, before the afternoon heat
Empire Mine, just outside Grass Valley, ran for more than a century and is considered one of California's richest gold mines. The grounds still include the original mine yard, machine shops, and the Bourn family's stone mansion and gardens.
Guided tours cover the estate and mine yard, and a scale model inside the visitor center shows what the underground tunnels looked like without anyone having to go below ground.
The English-style gardens around the Bourn cottage are worth exploring because the area is so spectacularly beautiful. There are enough shaded benches scattered through the grounds for anyone who'd rather sit and enjoy the scenery.
4. Cool Off at South Yuba River State Park
- Location: South Yuba River State Park
- Best time: Late spring through early fall for swimming
South Yuba River State Park is a short drive from downtown and holds some of the clearest swimming holes in the Sierra Foothills. The Buttermilk Bend Trail is an easy wildflower walk in spring. The trails here end near river access points where the water runs cold even in July, which makes for a good reset after a morning in town.
The stretch of river near the Highway 49 bridge crossing is one of the better-known swimming spots in the park, with deep pools on either side of the bridge that suit both strong swimmers and kids who want to wade. Parking near the bridge fills up on hot summer weekends, so it's best to arrive before midday if you're traveling with a group.
You can also do lots of other hiking around Nevada City. The Deer Creek Tribute Trail System and Malakoff Diggins State Park are some of the most popular.
5. Get Hands-On at the Curious Forge
- Location: The Curious Forge
- Important: Book ahead, especially for larger groups
The Curious Forge is a makerspace with sixteen working art studios covering blacksmithing, glassblowing, woodworking, ceramics, and more, and beginners are welcome in nearly every class.
It offers a dedicated option to book a class as a group, making it one of the few activities on this list that can accommodate your reunion or other large gathering at once. A two-hour class here will certainly be one of the more memorable stops on this list.
6. Ride the Railbus at the Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
- Location: Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
- Best time: Saturdays, with summer offering more frequent rides
The Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum runs a restored railbus along a stretch of historic track most Saturdays, with more frequent trips in summer and weather-dependent service in winter.
Rides run about thirty minutes, board on a first-come basis, and ask for a modest donation rather than a set ticket price. It's a low-key way to spend a morning, especially with a group that includes young kids or grandparents who'd rather sit than hike or embark on a lengthy outdoors adventure.
The museum building itself is worth a slow walk-through before or after the ride, with restored equipment and photographs that explain how the narrow gauge line once connected Nevada City to the rest of the region.
7. Take a Day Trip to Lake Tahoe
- Location: Lake Tahoe (North Shore, near Truckee)
- Best time: Summer for beaches and boating, winter for snow
Many Stone House Lodge guests build a Lake Tahoe day into their stay, as the drive from the property to the North Shore takes only an hour on Interstate 80.
It's close enough to do as a single day out and back, with beaches, boat rentals, and lake towns to explore without booking a separate place to stay.
8. Explore Local History at Firehouse No. 1 Museum
- Location: Firehouse No. 1 Museum
- Best time: Summer Wednesday through Sunday afternoons, or by appointment for groups the rest of the year
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 in a building that's a landmark in its own right.
It keeps regular afternoon hours in summer, and outside that season it opens by appointment for groups of six or more. A quick call ahead is worth it either way, since hours shift seasonally.
9. Pay a Visit to the Crystal Hermitage Gardens
- Location: Crystal Hermitage Gardens
- Best Time: Spring, when the tulips are in bloom.
Picture a floral garden set against the backdrop of the Tahoe National Forest and the Yuba River Canyon. If your group loves nature, this spiritual community within the Sierra Nevada forests is the perfect stop.
10. Browse the Farmers Market & Downtown Shops
- Location: Nevada City Farmers Market
- Best time: Saturday mornings
Nevada City's farmers market brings local produce, flowers, and food vendors into the historic downtown on a regular Saturday schedule all year. It pairs quite naturally with the boutiques and antique shops already lining Broad and Commercial streets.
A visit here is a great way to get a feel for the local community in Nevada City. Check the market's current schedule before planning around it, since hours shift seasonally.
11. Soak in Nature and Take Some Downtime at Stone House Lodge
Some of the best things to do in Nevada City don't require you to leave Stone House Lodge. You can eat, drink, and enjoy the company of your friends, coworkers, or relatives in luxurious alpine comfort.
The property's outdoor saltwater rock pool and hot tub are certainly property highlights. The on-site farm supplies produce for a private chef to build dinner around.
Between the farm, the pool, and the lush grounds, the property itself becomes the main event, not just the place everyone sleeps.
For a group of fifteen-plus staying at the Lodge, a few hours spent hanging out together on the property matter as much as any outing on this list.
Finding the Best Things to Do in Nevada City for Your Group
Nevada City has a charm and character all its own that makes it a captivating destination for couples, families, and groups. Between its walkable Gold Rush downtown, historic attractions, and access to nature, it could be the perfect spot for your next getaway.
Book your stay at Stone House Lodge and start planning your Nevada City vacation.