California’s Gold Rush era shaped much of the state’s history and culture, leaving behind a legacy of fascinating towns rich with stories, historic landmarks, and charming old-world charm. Many of these towns have preserved their heritage, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past alongside modern-day attractions.
We’ll explore 10 Gold Rush towns in California that you can visit today, places where history comes alive through well-preserved architecture, museums, and lively festivals. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, these towns provide a captivating journey into California’s golden past.
#1 Auburn
Auburn, California is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and its proximity to Folsom Lake, which makes it an excellent spot for outdoor enthusiasts. In the late 1840s, a group of miners, who were ambitious enough to venture into the territory, decided to name it after their hometown of 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.
#2 Placerville
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierras, Placerville, California is a great place to visit for its natural beauty. 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. 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 town 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, often called the “Queen of the Sierra,” is a historic Gold Rush town nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills. Founded in the early 1850s during the height of the Gold Rush, Murphys quickly became a bustling mining camp attracting prospectors from around the world. The town was named after the Murphy brothers, who were among the first to discover gold in the area. Unlike many transient mining camps, Murphys developed into a permanent settlement thanks to its rich mineral deposits and strategic location.
#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. If you’re looking for a bit of excitement, Miner’s Bend Historic Gold Mining Park is an outdoor museum where you can look at various artifacts from their mining days.
#6 Jackson
This town is a great place for adventurers. 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. If you’re feeling adventurous, visit the historic Kennedy Gold Mine in Jackson. You 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.” Many popular movies and shows, like Back to the Future III and The Wild Wild West, were filmed there.
#8 Sonora “Queen of the Southern Mines”
The town is very close to Yosemite National Park. 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. 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.
#10 Angels Camp
When you go to Angels Camp, California, you may feel like you’ve been transported to another time period. 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.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.