The outdoors and culinary experience combine perfectly in Tuolumne County, California
August 6, 2024
Nature, culture and food lovers can enjoy a unique fusion of outdoor recreation, culinary delights and beverage experiences on a memorable getaway to Tuolumne County in Northern California’s Sierra Nevada. Gold Country, Yosemite National Park and the High Sierra, just 2 1/2 hours east of the San Francisco Bay Area, provide the backdrop for a year-round culinary scene that invites visitors to relax and enjoy locally inspired and modern mountain fare. 5-star dining and everything in between.
Gold Country
Tuolumne County’s Gold Country offers authentic Gold Rush experiences in its rich and vibrant historic towns like Jamestown and Sonora, where local favorites line the streets and artisans at boutique wineries, microbreweries, and a hard apple cider distillery enthusiastically share their creations in distinctive venues. Treats and treasures await discovery at specialty shops, art galleries, and seasonal farmers markets, while gold panning adventures (with real prospectors) give visitors the chance to discover their own riches.
Two California state historic parks transport visitors to a bygone era when the West was teeming with gold seekers or a new way of life.
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, located just blocks from Main Street in Jamestown, is a must-see with steam locomotives, railroad cars, historic Sierra Railroad equipment and one of the few remaining operating railroad roundhouses in the United States. The park’s highlight is a true movie star: Sierra No. 3®, which has been featured in hundreds of films, including Back to the Future Part III, television shows and commercials. Ride the rails aboard a vintage train on weekends from April through September.
At Columbia State Historic Park, visitors stroll along wooden boardwalks, ride an authentic stagecoach, pan for gold, and chat with knowledgeable and friendly townspeople dressed in period costume. Within the largest collection of gold rush-era brick buildings in California, a working blacksmith shop, an old-fashioned bowling alley, a historic theater, a historic schoolhouse, and shops add to the town’s ambiance. Savor classic American cuisine in a beautifully restored 19th-century hotel, or relax over tea with light fare at the town’s tea room.
High Sierra
No matter how you define adventure, it's found in the Tuolumne County High Country along Highway 108 (Sonora Pass). Gorgeous vistas, trails, lakes, rivers and streams create endless possibilities for any outdoor enthusiast.
The mountain paradise of towering pines has no shortage of culinary excellence. In the quaint town of Twain Harte, renowned fine dining and fantastic casual fare make for spectacular evenings or a great way to refuel after a hike or lake trip. “Up the hill,” more culinary delights await at historic resorts and roadside cafes.
Yosemite and Groveland region
More than half of Yosemite National Park is in Tuolumne County, and it’s the least populated half. Hike among ancient giant sequoias in the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, breathe in the alpine air in the unparalleled scenery of Tuolumne Meadows, or hike to the spectacular waterfalls of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, the water source for much of San Francisco.
The Highway 120 corridor is the most direct route to Yosemite from the San Francisco Bay Area and offers recreation, history, culture and fun for all. The town of Groveland and its surrounding food scene combine historic charm with culinary diversity. Whether it’s a Yosemite-inspired craft beer, a bison burger at California’s oldest operating saloon or gourmet ice cream, taste buds are rejuvenated.
A variety of lodging options for every budget, from modern hotels, resorts and charming B&Bs to RV parks and glamping opportunities, can be found throughout Tuolumne County. Visit TCtoday.com/foodandtravel.
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