Everyone knows California is famous for its gold rush era and the effects it had on the state. But did you know that there are still some gold rush towns that you can visit today?
There are numerous gold rush towns in California that are still thriving and open to the public. They may not be as grand or glamorous as they once were, but they’re still amazing places to visit, with a lot of history to see in person.
So where can you find these historic sites? We’ve put together a helpful list of 10 gold rush towns in California to visit, so you can set out on a road trip to discover more about this bygone era. Northern California also has a lot of other great mountain towns and lakes to see while you’re there.
» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey, waterfalls in Southern California, and national parks.
What Was the California Gold Rush?
The California Gold Rush was a period of rapid migration and economic expansion in California during the mid-19th century.
The Gold Rush began on January 24, 1848, when James W. Marshall discovered gold flakes at Sutter’s Mill in California.
As word spread, prospectors and entrepreneurs rushed to the area. In the span of just a few years, the area went from having a few thousand residents to receiving more than 300,000 visitors.
The gold rush ended when it became clear there wasn’t much left (or at least not as much as there had been before). But even today people keep looking for gold in California!
The towns that make up the center of the Gold Rush mining area offer a wealth of recreational opportunities. Hikers can explore the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, while history buffs can visit museums that tell the story of California’s mining boom.
Let’s explore some of these towns!
10 California Gold Rush Towns You Must Visit
Here are ten gold rush towns in California that are sure to please history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and even ghost town hunters!
#1 Auburn
Auburn, California is a beautiful community located in Placer County. It’s known for its beautiful natural surroundings and its proximity to Folsom lake, which makes it an excellent spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
This town, like the rest on our list, is rich in its gold history.
In the late 1840s, a group of miners, who were ambitious enough to venture into the territory, decided to name it after their hometown—Auburn, New York.
The town boasts beautifully restored facades from the 19th century, as well as several historical buildings. You can visit the county museum there, where you’ll see a collection of Native American artifacts, as well as a gold collection.
Additionally, if you’re planning to stay in the area for a while, make sure to book a room at the Power Mansion. Built in 1884 by Harlod T. Power, this beautiful building was originally a private home for his family.
Today, it welcomes guests from everywhere and is renowned for hosting lovely weddings.
#2 Placerville
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierras, Placerville, California is a great place to visit for its natural beauty, or even to move there and live permanently!
While walking down the main street in downtown Placerville, an unexpected glimpse of a historic building may leave you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time.
In fact, you can find a hardware store there that’s known as “the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi” because of its long history.
If you want to go deeper down history lane, a visit to the Placerville Historical Museum is a must! The museum itself is housed in the 1850s building that once was a soda water factory.
#3 Columbia “Gem of the Southern Mines.”
A trip to this charming town should be on every gold rush towns itinerary.
It’s the perfect mix of breathtaking natural beauty and big city life. From the clear night sky to the lush forests, there’s no shortage of things to do in this beautiful area!
If you’re looking for an escape from your busy life and want to spend some time outdoors, head to Columbia!
Columbia isn’t just a small thriving town, it also has a preserved historic park! You can take a trip back in time with the buildings in the streets or enter the park for a cozy picnic to watch the sunset.
#4 Murphys
Murphys is a quaint and unique little town. The streets are lined with cute little shops, and the people are always friendly.
The first thing that really stands out when you visit Murphys is how beautiful the landscape is—it’s like something out of a postcard!
There are rolling hills and greenery everywhere you look. But don’t get too distracted by all that beauty: there’s also plenty of history there!
The Gold Rush brought many prospectors through this area over 150 years ago, and some of their old mines are still open for visitors today.
For instance, The Mercer Caverns are renowned for their beauty. First discovered in the 1880s by a miner searching for gold, these caverns are a popular destination for adventurers and families alike.
#5 Sutter Creek “The Jewel of the Mother Lode”
Sutter Creek is a charming place with a small-town feel. The town is nestled on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
It’s known for its gorgeous Victorian architecture and its rich gold-mining history.
Though what really makes Sutter Creek stand out is its breathtaking beauty. The mountains surrounding it are beautiful, and there is ample opportunity to explore the area.
Plus, if you’re looking for a bit of excitement, Miner’s Bend Historic Gold Mining Park is your best bet. It’s an outdoor museum where you can look at various artifacts from their mining days.
#6 Jackson
This town is a great place for adventurers! There are so many reasons to love this little town: the beautiful landscape, the great food and drink, and the friendly people who live here.
First of all, let’s talk about how beautiful Jackson is. The town is surrounded by mountains and lush green trees, making it incredibly picturesque.
Plus, all throughout the year, there are events happening that draw visitors from far and wide.
Now, if you’re feeling adventurous, visit the historic Kennedy Gold Mine in Jackson. You and your family can tour this mine and learn about the history of mining in the area.
#7 Jamestown
Jamestown, California is a small town with a big heart.
It’s a small town where everyone knows everyone and looks out for each other. It might seem odd to you, but the population there is just over 3,000. It’s a lovely place for a quick visit, but also a great location to settle down.
They have everything you need: schools, restaurants, and even historical sites!
For instance, you can visit the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park there, also known as “The Movie Railroad.” How did the name come about?
It’s because many popular movies and television shows, like Back to the Future III and The Wild Wild West, were filmed there.
You’ll be visiting a historic place that’s intertwined with our modern life!
#8 Sonora “Queen of the Southern Mines”
Just between Columbia and Jamestown, lies the magical town of Sonora.
It’s a place where you can find solitude and still be within reach of some of the most breathtaking scenery and natural wonders around.
The town is also right next to Yosemite National Park. This is where hikers and tourists come to gaze at the stunning landscapes and take in the fresh air.
Its towering peaks and tranquil lakes have become iconic symbols of America’s outdoor recreational activities.
For a little bit of history, you can visit Sonora Opera Hall. The building is a testament to its time period! It’s made of brick and stone and has an elegant façade that looks like it belongs in Paris or England—not in a small mining town.
#9 Coloma
Coloma is a very small, incredibly beautiful town located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
What’s more, the town of Coloma is where all the gold fuss started.
The main attraction is Sutter’s Mill, where gold flakes were discovered in 1848 by James W. Marshall. The mill is still standing today and is a part of the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
The park has exhibits on local history, including information on the gold rush and how it started. Plus, it has displays that show what life was like for Native Americans who lived in the area many years ago.
Last but not least, this town has a population of only 500 citizens! This gives the town a unique, quiet charm as well as an eerie ghost-town feel. So keep it on top of your itinerary!
#10 Angels Camp
When you go to Angels Camp, California, you may feel like you’ve been transported to another time period.
That’s because the city was founded around the 19th century, and it’s still got that old-fashioned charm!
If you’re looking for something fun to do, try visiting one of the many local shops and stores. You’ll find everything from antique furniture and clothing stores to bakeries and flower shops.
If you love antiques and vintage wares, this is definitely the place for you!
Or maybe you’re more into nature? In that case, there are plenty of parks nearby just waiting for your footprints! Whether it’s hiking or walking through the trees with your family dog (who will love this trail), Angels Camp has something for everyone.
Conclusion
California offers a variety of options for those interested in the Gold Rush, as well as for those who just need a break from their everyday lives!
Now that you know 10 gold rush towns to visit in California, it’s time to book your trip!
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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.