Location: Grass Valley
Top Things to do in Grass Valley
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What to do and see in Grass Valley, United States: The Best Places and Tips
The city of Grass Valley is the largest city in the western region of Nevada County, California, United States. Situated at roughly 2,500 feet (760 m) elevation in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, this historic northern Gold Country city is 57 miles (92 km) by car from the state capitol in Sacramento, 64 miles (103 km) from Sacramento International Airport, 88 miles (142 km) west of Reno, Nevada, and 177 miles (285 km) northeast of San Jose. As of the 2010 United States Census, its population was 12,860.
Restaurants in Grass Valley
1. Empire Mine State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 449 reviews
The remains of one of the West's most lucrative gold mines have been preserved as a historic park.
Reviewed By NevadaHighdesert - Nevada
This historic mine and surrounding state park have been well-preserved and the mineyard is well worth walking through, touring the restored mine office, part of the shaft, and many of the outbuildings. Inside is a small, well-arranged museum including a scale model of the hundreds of miles of slopes and shafts beneath the mine.
2. Naggiar Vineyard & Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Voted Best Winery in the Sacramento area by KCRA3 A-list voters, every year since 2010! Family owned and operated business. Nestled in the Sierra foothills, the Tuscan villa inspired tasting room overlooks 60 acres of estate vineyard. Enjoy a glass of one of our award winning wines, a dish from the bistro and a breathtaking view. Take an informative fully guided vineyard tour on our Eco Shuttle. Live music every weekend and Tribute Shows in summer, there is something for everyone. All our wines are estate grown, produced and bottled on property. We specialize in Rhone, Italian and Bordeaux. See our website for more details and winter hours.
Reviewed By BrianK609 - Sioux Falls, South Dakota
On something of a whim, traveling from Reno to Sacramento we decided to give some wineries a try on the E side of Sacramento. This wonderful winery had everything you'd want for a pleasant daytime visit - knowledgeable, gracious host; extraordinary setting; delicious wine; and...MoreBrian, Thank you very much for your review. We appreciate it greatly and look forward to having you visit again. Cheers!
3. Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Chuck8700 - Riverside, California
We stopped in during the week after Christmas. The museum proper was not open. We walked around the grounds looking at rolling stock and tracks. We were approached by a volunteer who took us to the work shed. Inside were several volunteers working hard on restoring various pieces of railroad equipment.
We spent about two very educational hours.
4. North Star Powerhouse Mining Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By David T - Grass Valley, California
Step into the old powerhouse building and you could be transported back 50 to 100 years ago. Old equipment, including the massive Pelton Wheel which was the power source for nearby mines, showcase the many tools used in the mining past. Its a great stop for history buffs. It's a great way to show younger generations how the world once worked, before electricity even came into wide use.
5. Bourn House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
One of the attractions at Empire Mine State Historic Park.
Reviewed By David P - Nevada City, California
This is actually the Empire Mine State Park located in Grass Valley Calif. not Nevada City, the distance between the two cities is approx 4.5 miles. It's a beautiful park with flowering grounds, walking paths and horse riding trails. It has a great mining exhibit and a short ride in an ore car into the mine. The Bourn home is on the grounds but tours are only at certain times but worth the effort. The mine was the richest producing hard rock mine in the state and when you enter the park you can see a display showing the miles of mine shafts that made up the mine. It will also show you the proximity to other mines near by. It's truly amazing, you'd think with all the shafts and tunnels there are that the whole area could collapse ( and in fact sink holes have been known to occasionally open up ).
6. Bourne Cottage
Overall Ratings
5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Jim K
William Bourn, Jr. was owner of the Empire mine and changed local, national and world history forever. Mr. Bourne occupied at times the Empire Cottage, designed by famed architect Willis Polk, and the Clubhouse known for its lavish parties. You can stroll through the rose gardens, and marvel at the majestic landscape. The docents, dressed in period costumes, are always available for questions and information.
Christmas time is a fun time to visit as is the Miner's Picnic at the end of the summer.
7. The Nevada Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Founded in 1865, this historical theatre is the oldest operating theatre in California.
Reviewed By filomeli - Nevada City, California
This theatre not only has local ta/lent of the highest quality in all the plays they perform but they also have awesome movies every Sunday at 7pm. This theatre is very old and fun to attend any event held there and they have a concession stand too!
8. Holbrooke Hotel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By Jim A - Nevada City, California
It is a good bar scene and a great place to experience the history of Grass Valley and the Gold Rush era. The food is hit-and-miss. Sometimes it is really good. Sometimes it is not.
9. Nevada City Chamber of Commerce
Overall Ratings
5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By NapasatkaT - Lucerne, Switzerland
I have been to Nevada City a few times. About 3 or 4 hours drive from Chici, depends on traffic.
I love the historical places and the hilly city like Nevada. Many nice style and charming houses are there, not only that, but also restaurant, caffee, and shops...
It's not big but very interesting to spend a good time without any fancy or bad traffice like many big cities.... In Falls is the best time; the charming places with colorful trees... Don't miss it.
10. North Star Historic Conservancy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By GVTraveller - Grass Valley, California
Full disclosure: my husband volunteers here once a week so I may be a little biased. But having seen what a complete disaster this place was and how much they have done with so little in resources it's amazing. A gorgeous example of Julia Morgan's work. During the spring to fall, the farmer's market is held on the grounds on Saturday monring and you can tour the house (at this time) for no charge--they may hit you up for a donation, though. I've been to a number of events, plays, concerts etc. here and it really is a jewel that still needs some polishing, but they're working on it!
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