Are you aware of how many attractions you can enjoy in Calaveras County? If not, you might surprised how much you can see and do in California’s Sierra Foothills. After all, there are several Gold Rush-era buildings, Giant Sequoia trees, and spectacular underground caves. Moreover, Calaveras County is an important wine region whose history predates California’s statehood. There’s even a popular ski area just outside the county boundary at Bear Valley. There are so many unique attractions in Mother Lode that you may need to make a second visit or extend your stay.
Whether coming from the Bay Area, Sacramento, Merced, or elsewhere, Calaveras County is well worth a visit. You’re bound to have a great time with some of the friendliest people you’ll meet on the West Coast.
Calaveras County Attractions
Angels Camp Museum
753 S. Main St.
Angels Camp, CA 95222
(209) 736-2963
www.gocalaveras.com
Your first impression of Angels Camp Museum might be that of a small-town museum. However, one must look beyond its central building to better understand this Calaveras County attraction. Three more buildings are on this historic three-acre site of the former Angel Quartz Mine. In more detail, you can see one of America’s most extensive collections of horse-drawn carriages (29). Of course, the main building is undoubtedly noteworthy, with displays of Mark Twain and his connections to the local area. His “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” put this Mother Lode town on a much broader map. Angels Camp is often known today as Frog Town because of its famous frog jumping contest. By the way, this museum also serves as the Calaveras Visitors Bureau.
Historic Angels Camp
Although Angels Camp Museum is a must-see for the best local attractions, this historic community has much more to see. Indeed, the most scenic section of Angels Camp is less than a mile from the Museum on South Main Street. It is here where you will see buildings dating to the Gold Rush era, restaurants, and boutique shops. That’s not to mention the Art Deco Angels Theatre, currently running Halloween-themed movies like Disney’s “Hocus Pocus.” In addition, there’s also the Calaveras County Fairgrounds, the location for the famous Jumping Frog Jubilee. While the County Fair and Jubilee are held in May, other upcoming events are at the Fairgrounds.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
1170 CA Highway 4
Arnold, CA 95223
(209) 795-2334
www.parks.ca.gov
Just minutes north of Arnold, Big Trees SP is a must-see if this is your first visit to Calaveras County. That’s because Big Trees is home to two groves of giant sequoia trees. In other words, you can see many of the world’s largest tree species by volume. Of the two groves, the North Grove is the most popular and enables you to see the remains of the Discovery Tree. However, there are other attractions to see in this nearly 6,500-acre state park. For instance, you can stop by the visitor center, which houses a bookstore and museum. That’s not to mention camping options and many more hiking trails.
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Ebbets Pass National Scenic Byway
On your drive to Calaveras Big Trees State Park from Arnold, you’ll be on the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway. Extending 61 miles, Big Tree is just one of many attractions of this scenic route. This includes Bear Valley ski area, its namesake Ebbetts mountain pass, and the Pacific Crest Trail.
California Cavern
9665 Cave City Road
Mountain Ranch, CA 95246
(888) 488-1960
www.cavetouring.com
Among the many other attractions in Calaveras County is a guided tour of one of its three underground caves. Of these three, California Cavern was the first to open as a tourist attraction during the California Gold Rush era in 1853. What’s more, California Cavern is said to have the most extensive cave system in the Golden State. On the other hand, it’s the furthest of the caves to reach, with a 40-45 minute drive from Murphys. Nevertheless, it’s the only regional cavern designated a California Historical Landmark. During this time of year, it’s important to note that the cave temperature on the Trail of Lights tours is 55 degrees. In other words, you should dress in layers inside this popular Calaveras County attraction.
Copperopolis Town Square
100 Town Square Road
Copperopolis, CA 95228
(209) 785-3444
www.coppervalley.com
While many top attractions in Calaveras County are in Angels Camp or Murphys, you shouldn’t overlook Copperopolis. Besides, it was a historic mining town, albeit for copper rather than gold. Furthermore, it’s said to be Copperopolis, where Mark Twain wrote “The Celebrated Jumping Frog” short story. But the biggest attraction is the Town Square, whose history dates to 1861. Anchored by the upscale Gateway Hotel, you can enjoy wine tasting and gourmet food in this rejuvenated area in the Copper Valley. For example, you have dining options at Baldis, Griff’s BBQ, Gold Dust Pizza, and wine tasting at the Tipsy Frog. In addition to the superb Gateway Hotel, you have dining and lodging options at the nearby Golf Club at Copper Valley.
Ironstone Vineyards
1894 Six Mile Road
Murphys, CA 95247
(209) 728-1251
www.ironstonevineyards.com
Home to 23 wineries and 35 vineyards, Calaveras County offers you several beautiful opportunities. First and foremost is Ironstone Vineyards, just outside the historic town of Murphys. After all, it’s the most popular spot for wine tasting and a local entertainment venue. While no upcoming events are listed for the Ironstone Amphitheatre, it does feature several world-class acts. For example, Gladys Knight, Rick Springfield, and Patti LaBelle have all recently appeared. If that’s not enough, you can also dine, shop, and tour the fabulous estate. Lastly, you should also see the 44 lb. crystalline gold specimen, the world’s largest, inside the gift shop.
Mercer Caverns
1665 Sheep Ranch Road
Murphys, CA 95247
(209) 728-2101
www.facebook.com/mercercaverns
The second show cave on this list is just a mile north of Murphys. Once a burial site used by the Mi-Wuk indigenous people, the caverns were later found by a gold miner. Shortly after the cave discovery by Walter Mercer, it began attracting visitors to admire the magnificent limestone formations. Today, Mercer Cavern operates year-round and is currently operating winter hours until Memorial Day weekend. Each cave tour lasts 45 minutes and requires 440 steps to and from the entrance. The tour is moderately strenuous, and the rest of the stops will be on the way back up.
Moaning Caverns Adventure Park
5350 Moaning Cave Road
Vallecito, CA 95251
(209) 736-2708
www.moaningcaverns.com
Last but certainly, the least of the three local show caverns is arguably the most visited and popular. Moaning Caverns features California’s most significant single-chamber cave in the rolling hills above Murphys. In addition, there are picnic tables, a gift shop, restrooms, and an outdoor gemstone mining attraction. Of course, the top attractions are the cave tours, including the Spiral Tour, featuring a 100-foot-tall spiral staircase. Each of these 45-minute tours runs hourly on Thursdays to Mondays. Even though you have several tours these days, you should make reservations in advance. The only day this Calaveras County attraction isn’t open is Christmas Day.
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Murphys Historic Hotel
457 Main St.
Murphys, CA 95247
(209) 728-3444
www.murphyshotel.com
A National Historic Landmark, the Murphys Historic Hotel is one of California’s oldest hotels still in operation. Built in 1856, this hotel has had an impressive list of guests, such as Ulysses Grant, Mark Twain, JP Morgan, and Susan B. Anthony. In more recent years, you could have seen celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay in an episode of the reality series “Hotel Hell.” Today, Murphys Historic Hotel draws a lively crowd to its saloon and overnight guests. You can stay in one of the nine historic rooms and 20 more in a separate building. You might sense a supernatural presence if you prefer to stay in a historic room. That’s due to the comments from previous guests and staff who say this Calaveras County attraction is haunted.
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Historic Downtown Murphys
If this is your first visit to Calaveras County, you should visit downtown Murphys. After all, it’s the most picturesque and a top Calaveras County attraction. Sure, the Murphy Historic Hotel is an attraction, but many other points of interest exist. For example, the Peter L. Traver Building is the oldest stone building here. Previously, it was a general store, then a bank, where you can see the old vault door and vintage well containing what looks like gold coins. That’s not to mention the more than two dozen wine tasting rooms in downtown Murphys. This includes tasting rooms for Aloria Vineyards, Hovey Winery, Newsome Harlow, and more. Of course, there are great boutique shops here, like KCK Collectibles and Murphys Village Toy Store, as well as several dining options. Like Angels Camp, historic Murphys is a California Historical Landmark.
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About the Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 stories still appear in syndication across over 20 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, The CW, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University in 2012.