Welcome to Nevada County
Where wild and scenic rivers and high alpine peaks meet small town charm.
Explore thriving communities and small town gems

Wander
Choose your own adventure.
From swimming holes along the South Fork of the Yuba River to high alpine adventures on Donner Summit, Nevada County is a great place to choose your own adventure.
Find out what’s happening @gonevadacounty
When you think of the "California Wine Trail," Napa Valley or Sonoma likely come to mind. But if you`re looking to escape the crowds while still enjoying award-winning wines, consider exploring Nevada County`s Sierra Vintner`s Trail. Along the way, you`ll discover gems like Lucchesi Winery, home to the aptly named "View Forever Vineyard."⠀
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To learn more about this trail and other local wineries, click on our bio and visit our trip ideas section.⠀
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Photos by: @LazyFoxPhotography
This spring, take the path less traveled and chase wildflower magic through Nevada County. One of Bear Yuba Land Trust’s newest preserves is bursting with over 100 different flower species, creating a colorful riot of blooms that’ll make your camera (and your heart) very happy. And the best part? The show’s just getting started—it’s only going to get better in the coming weeks!
Want to know where to find it? Click the link in our bio and head over to the Trip Ideas section. 🌼🌿📸
Photos taken: April 10th
Photos by: @LazyFoxPhotography
#wildflowers #flowers #nature #naturephotography #flower #flowersofinstagram #flowerphotography #naturelovers #photography #wildflower #flowerstagram #spring #flora #plants #wildflowersofinstagram #hiking #wildlife #flowerpower #botany #springflowers
Ready for a "feast for the senses"? The Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra is bringing an enchanting, magical story of gratitude to life. This captivating production features mystical creatures like a dragon, a goldfish, animal puppets, and the Man of the Moon, taking the audience on a cultural journey through ancient China full of discovery and artistry.
The show begins this Thursday, April 17th, and runs through May 10th at the Nevada Theatre.
Get your tickets here: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35825/production/1226391
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Pic 1 & 3 @CommunityAsianTheatre
Pic 2: @NevadaTheatre
Excitement is an understatement! After last winter`s challenges on the Buttermilk Bend Trail, South Yuba River State Park has announced that it’s officially open to welcome the spring season.
Join the park`s docents for Wildflower Walks every Saturday and Sunday at 10 A.M., now through Mother’s Day (weather permitting), and learn about the vibrant blooms along the trail. Meet at the Buttermilk Bend Trailhead.
And don’t miss SpringFest this weekend on Saturday, April 12th, at Bridgeport. This celebration of spring’s arrival in the South Yuba River canyon will feature live music, keynote speakers, games and activities, information booths, and, of course, plenty of wildflowers.
The event runs from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. at 17660 Pleasant Valley Road, Penn Valley. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables!
Regram: @SouthYubaRiverSP
Pics 2 & 3 are from April 6th - @rhmImages
#GoNevadaCounty #VisitCalifornia #travel #nature #CaliforniaLove #CaliforniaAdventure #CA #CaliforniaAdventure #wanderlust #californiaCaptures
Spring in Nevada County feels truly special. From late-season snowstorms in the mountains to the start of little league, and the vibrant wildflowers in bloom, it`s a time of renewal. There’s also a variety of events like Earth Fest that bring the community together to celebrate the season. How do you like to enjoy spring?
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Pic 1: Opening day 2025 at @BearRiverLittleLeague - Photo by: @LazyFoxPhotography
Pic 2: South Yuba River flowing beautifully - Photo by: @northern_California_Scenics
Pic 3: Sugar Bowl looking particularly snowy after the late season snowstorm on April 1st - @cousin.media - @sugarBowlResort
Pic 4: Wildflowers at South Yuba River SP on April 1st - @southYubaRiverSP
#GoNevadaCounty #VisitCalifornia #travel #nature #CaliforniaLove #CaliforniaAdventure #CA #CaliforniaAdventure #wanderlust #californiaCaptures
Looking for a blend of history and nature? Visit the Cascade Canal Trail. This winding path winds beneath a canopy of Douglas firs and dogwoods, with spring bringing vibrant wildflower blooms. Along the way, you`ll find a scenic lookout offering a bird’s-eye view of downtown Nevada City and the surrounding ridges.⠀
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To learn more about this and other nature treks visit our hiking page.⠀
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Photos by: @LazyFoxPhotography ⠀
#GoNevadaCounty #VisitCalifornia #travel #nature #CaliforniaLove #CaliforniaAdventure #CA #CaliforniaAdventure #wanderlust #californiaCaptures
Enjoy the sunshine, admire the wildflowers, and discover all the exciting activities Nevada County has to offer this April. Here’s a small sampling of events happening this month to help make your spring unforgettable.⠀
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For more, click the link in our profile to explore our Trip Ideas or, even better, check out our community calendar!⠀
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Pic 1: Sierra Poetry Festival – April 12 - regram: @lostYetNot - @SierraPoetryFestival ⠀
Pic 2: Psychic Fair – April 12 & 13 - regram: @taming_the_tangle ⠀
Pic 3: Earth Fest Street Fair – April 13 - photo by: @goldCountryPhotos ⠀
Pic 4: Tahoe Truckee Earth Day – April 26 - regram: @visitTruckeeTahoe ⠀
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#NevadaCountyArts #event #events #eventplanner #music #art #eventplanning #fun #eventorganizer #dance #design #show #live #entertainment #exhibition
The Buttermilk Bend Trail might get all the attention but the South Yuba River State Park is filled with trails that allow you to get up close and personal with the bloom. For example, the 2.7 mile Point Defiance loop. It provides a bit more challenge with elevation gains, but rewards you with lovely views.
For an easier trail, the half-mile Cemetery loop trail goes through the historic area and along the river providing a different viewpoint along with wildflower sightings.
Photo by: @nothern_california_scenics - @kialJames
#GoNevadaCounty #VisitCalifornia #travel #nature #CaliforniaLove #CaliforniaAdventure #CA #CaliforniaAdventure #wanderlust #californiaCaptures #wildflowers
Did you know Nevada County is home to over 100 arts organizations, hosting more than 1,000 events each year? From public art galleries to poetry slams and the creative Wild & Scenic Film Festival, there’s always something exciting happening! Want to dive into what`s going on right now? Click the link in our profile and check out our community calendar! 🎨🎭🎬
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Pic 1: @LazyFoxPhotography
Pic 2: @theCenterForTheArts
Pic 3: @sierraPoetryFestival
#NevadaCountyArts #event #events #eventplanner #music #art #eventplanning #fun #eventorganizer #dance #design #show #live #entertainment #exhibition
Yuba-long among Wildflowers Trail #6: Hoyt Trail
Part of the Yuba River trail system the trail unfolds along the South Fork of the Yuba River, revealing a tapestry of wildflowers along its banks. For more ideas on great places to take in mother nature`s fireworks click on our profile link and venture over to our Trip Ideas section.
Photo by: @kialJames
#GoNevadaCounty #VisitCalifornia #travel #nature #CaliforniaLove #CaliforniaAdventure #CA #CaliforniaAdventure #wanderlust #californiaCaptures
As wildflowers begin to bloom, another spring highlight is the stunning waterfalls, like Spring Creek Falls. To discover more about these and other breathtaking falls, check out our trip ideas section!
Photo by: @LazyFoxPhotography
#waterfalls #waterfall #travel #naturephotography #hiking #waterfallsofinstagram #adventure #waterfallphotography #naturelovers #landscape #mountains #water #chasingwaterfalls #explore #landscapephotography #wanderlust #hikingadventures #waterfallsfordays #hike #outdoors #waterfallhike
Heading east from Nevada City ascending deeper into the foothills as it plateaus, there’s a hidden gem that most zip by. A secretive gem on State Highway 20 – the Omega Diggins Overlook. One of Nevada County`s best places to take in a sunset. 🌞
Photo by: @KialJames
#sunset #nature #photography #sky #travel #photooftheday #landscape #love #sunsetphotography #naturephotography #ig #beautiful #sea #picoftheday #clouds #photo #travelphotography #sunsetlovers #sunsets #landscapephotography #art #naturelovers #photographer #sunsetlover
Nevada County’s gold mining history is rich with innovation and adventure! 🏞️ One game-changing invention came from Lester A. Pelton and his Pelton Wheel, whose design laid the foundation for hydroelectric turbine generators that power the world to this day! ⚡️ Want to see one in action? Head to the North Star Museum!
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Pic 1: @haleyWrightPhotos - exterior of Museum
Pic 2: @umpqua - mining equipment
Pic 3: @jenMoran2020 - Pelton Wheel
Pic 4: @rhmImages - entrance to Museum
#GoNevadaCounty #VisitCalifornia #travel #CaliforniaLove #CaliforniaAdventure #CA #CaliforniaAdventure #wanderlust #californiaCaptures
Spring’s almost here, and Nevada County’s lower elevations are about to burst into wildflower bliss! 🌸 Want to level up your photo game while soaking in the beauty? Join pro photographer Kial James for a photo walk at Crystal Hermitage Garden on April 10 & 20. 📸🌿
For more about this and other wildflower walks visit out Trip Ideas section.
Photo by: @northern_California_Scenics - appears courtesy: @CrystalHermitageGardens
This weekend, it’s time for the Foothill Celebration—where you can sip on fine Northern California wines, munch on gourmet bites, and indulge in sweet treats. From charming boutiques to lively eateries, downtown Grass Valley rolls out the red carpet for an afternoon filled with wine, food, and good vibes. 🍷🥂
🏡 Featured Venue Hosts: Tofanelli`s • Avanguardia • Enrique`s • Sierra Starr • Dave the Wine Merchant • Stucki`s • Cake • Center for the Arts • Olive Groove • La-Te-Da • Lazy Dog • Cork 49 • Art Works Gallery • Tess` Kitchen Store • Lucchesi`s • The Louvre • Yuba Blue • Paul King Wealth • Creektown Cottages • Holbrooke • The Owl • Bicycle Thief • Champagne Jane
📍 Where: Historic Downtown Grass Valley
📅 When: March 15, 2025 | 1-4 PM
🎟 Tickets available now! 👉 www.downtowngrassvalley.com
🍷 Unlimited tastings | 🍽️ Tasty bites | 🎶 Live tunes
Grab your friends, tag them below, and get ready to sip, sample, and shop your way through the heart of Downtown Grass Valley! 🛍️🍷✨
Regram: @grassValleyDownTownAssoc
#event #events #eventplanner #eventplanning #fun #eventorganizer #live #entertainment #exhibition #GoNevadaCounty #VisitCalifornia #travel #CaliforniaLove #CaliforniaAdventure #CA #CaliforniaAdventure #wanderlust #californiaCaptures
Country Living just named Nevada City one of America`s 10 Best Small Towns in 2025! While we might be a little biased, we think all our small towns deserve a spot on the list. From the quirky charm of Washington to Rough and Ready’s historic roots, Grass Valley’s quaint streets lined with historic buildings, and Truckee’s outdoor adventure vibe, there’s so much to explore—it’s hard to choose just one!
Are we missing any small towns that should be highlighted?
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Pic 1: @KialJamesPhoto - Grass Valley
Pic 2: @HaleyWrightPhotos - @nevadaCityChamber
Pic 3: Tasha Bigelow - Rough and Ready
Pic 4: @nicholas_smart_5205 - Washington
Pic 5: @scottShotsPhoto - Truckee
#GoNevadaCounty #VisitCalifornia #travel #nature #CaliforniaLove #CaliforniaAdventure #CA #CaliforniaAdventure #wanderlust #californiaCaptures
Save the date—Saturday, April 12, 2025! The Sierra Poetry Festival’s mainstage event will light up The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley with an unforgettable lineup of poets from near and far.
Click on our profile link and venture over to our Trip Ideas section to discover more about this event and 9 other exciting ways to dive into the arts in Nevada County!
Regram - @SierraPoetryFestival
Pic 1 & 2: @m.ogue
Pic 3 & 4: @lostYetNot
#NevadaCountyArts #event #events #eventplanner #music #art #eventplanning #fun #eventorganizer #dance #design #show #live #entertainment #exhibition
A quirky town with a big story, including an annual event celebrating its secession from the U.S.! With streets like `To Hell and Back Ln,` adventure is never far away.
Can you name this town? Hint: It`s in the photos!
If you want a sneak peek at the fun waiting in this one-of-a-kind spot click on our profile link and venture over to our trip ideas section.
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Pic 1: @kristineRoy
Pic 2 & 2: @wild.heart.harlow
#GoNevadaCounty #VisitCalifornia #travel #CaliforniaLove #CaliforniaAdventure #CA #CaliforniaAdventure #wanderlust #californiaCaptures
Stay while you play
Enjoy mountain modern hotels, vintage-inspired bed and breakfasts, scenic campsites, and everything in between.
There’s so much to do in Nevada County, you should consider spending a few nights to soak it all in. Whether your preferred accommodations are quaint bed and breakfasts, historic lodges, or chic mountain modern escapes, Nevada County has something for everyone. While traditional hotels and lodges are plentiful in Nevada County, you will also find many VRBO, AirBnb, and vacation rental homes for short or longer term stays.