Nature, culture, and culinary enthusiasts can embrace a unique fusion of outdoor recreation, culinary delights, and beverage experiences during a memorable getaway to Tuolumne County in Northern California’s Sierra Nevada. Gold Country, Yosemite National Park, and the High Sierra, just 2½ hours east of the San Francisco Bay Area, provide the year-round backdrop for a culinary scene that invites visitors to unwind and indulge in locally-inspired and sourced mountain fare, modern 5-star dining, and everything in between.
Gold Country
Tuolumne County’s Gold Country offers authentic Gold Rush experiences in its rich and lively historic towns such as Jamestown and Sonora, where local-favorite cafés and restaurants line the streets, and crafters at boutique wineries, microbreweries, and a hard apple cider distillery enthusiastically share their creations in distinctive locations. Treats and treasures wait to be discovered in specialty shops, fine art galleries, and at seasonal farmers markets, while gritty gold panning adventures (with actual gold miners) give visitors a chance to unearth their own riches.
Two California State Historic Parks transport visitors to a past era when the West was bustling with those searching for gold or a new way of life.
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, located just a few blocks from Main Street in Jamestown, is a must-see with steam locomotives, railroad cars, equipment of the historic Sierra Railway and one of the few remaining working railroad roundhouses in the US. The highlight of the park is truly a movie star—Sierra No. 3®, has been seen in hundreds of movies, including Back to the Future III, television shows, and commercials. Ride the rails on a vintage train on weekends from April through September.
In Columbia State Historic Park visitors stroll along wooden sidewalks, ride an authentic stagecoach, pan for gold, and chat with knowledgeable and friendly townspeople dressed in period attire. Within the largest collection of Gold Rush-era brick buildings in California, a working blacksmith shop, an old-fashioned bowling alley, a historic theatre, a historic schoolhouse and shops add to the town’s ambiance. Enjoy classic American cuisine in a beautifully restored 19th-century hotel or unwind at tea time with light fare at the town’s tea shop.
High Sierra
No matter one’s definition of adventure—it’s revealed in Tuolumne County’s High Country along Highway 108 (Sonora Pass). Magnificent vistas, trails, lakes, rivers, and streams create endless opportunities for every outdoor enthusiast.
The mountain paradise of towering pines doesn’t fall short of culinary excellence. In the quaint town of Twain Harte, renowned gourmet dining options and fantastic casual fare provide for spectacular nights out or fuel-ups after a hike or trip to the lake. “Up the hill,” more gastronomic satisfactions await at historic resorts and roadside cafes.
Yosemite & Groveland Area
Over half of Yosemite National Park is in Tuolumne County, and it’s the least crowded half. Walk amongst ancient giant sequoias in the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, catch a breath of alpine air in the incomparable scenery of Tuolumne Meadows, or hike to spectacular waterfalls at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, the water source for much of San Francisco.
The Highway 120 corridor is the most direct route into Yosemite from the San Francisco Bay Area and features recreation, history, culture, and indulgences for all. The town of Groveland and the surrounding area’s dining scene blends historic charm with culinary diversity, whether it’s a Yosemite-inspired craft brew, a buffalo burger at California’s longest operating saloon, or gourmet ice cream, tastebuds are rejuvenated.
A variety of lodging options to suit any budget, ranging from modern hotels, resorts, and charming B&Bs to RV parks and glamping opportunities are found throughout Tuolumne County. VisitTCtoday.com/foodandtravel.