Welcome to the Central Sierra Gold Country! Tuolumne County is an adventure four seasons long and a place where there’s always more to do than you have time for.

Once home to the Mi-Wuk Indians, Sonora was changed forever by the discovery of gold in 1848. In its Gold Rush heyday, Sonora was a cosmopolitan, often lawless settlement attracting people from around the world. Incorporated in 1851, it became the County seat and although the gamblers, outlaws, painted ladies and most of the miners are gone, vestiges of the exciting frontier days can be seen on just about any downtown street.

In Jamestown you can see steam trains and ride along with the ghosts of past movies that have been filmed here. Visit Columbia, a former gold rush camp and home of the Columbia State Historic Park with its perfectly restored 1850-1870 appearance. Groveland is one of the county’s earliest towns, whose many historic buildings are still in use today (located on the Hwy. 120 gateway to Yosemite). Dodge Ridge, Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest are all nearby with things to do from panning for gold, fishing, boating, river rafting and hiking to horseback riding, climbing, downhill and cross country skiing and snowmobiling.



To help you plan for your visit, we have divided the Gold Country into six sections:
Columbia — Columbia is a State Park, as well as a town and one of the best preserved areas in the Gold Country.
Groveland — Groveland is one the oldest towns in the county, boasting historic buildings that are still in use today including the Iron Door Saloon and the Groveland Hotel.
Jamestown — Showcasing art galleries, antique shops, gift shops, and great restaurants, it is home to Railtown 1897 State Park, where you can ride along with the ghosts of past movies filmed here.
Sonora — Enjoy superb antique shopping, contemporary and hometown style restaurants and great nighttime entertainment along with a rich historical past.
Strawberry — Here you can fly fish on the picturesque Stanislaus River, kayak on Pinecrest Lake, or hike in the pristine wilderness.
Tuolumne City — Tuolumne City is located in the recreational and cultural center of the Gold Country.
Twain Harte — This charming, independent little town features natural beauty and outstanding outdoor recreation year round.

Special Feature The Groveland Hotel Located in Groveland The original adobe Groveland Hotel was constructed around 1849. It was modeled after the Larkin House, the first American mansion in Monterey. The Hotel later incorporated the adjacent Queen Anne-style hostelry built in 1914 to house VIP guests to San Francisco's nearby Hetch Hetchy water project. A million-dollar renovation has retained the Victorian character of late 19th Century hostelry, restaurant, and saloon while insuring that today's discriminating guests enjoy modern-day comforts. Each distinctively decorated room includes private bath, luxurious terry bathrobes, European antiques, and down comforters. Visitors from Europe tell us the Old World atmosphere reminds them of home.Guests are served our Innkeeper Breakfast featuring a selection of baked goods and cereal, freshly brewed coffee and tea, juices, and fruits. 209-962-4000 or 800-273-3314

Special Feature Best Western Sonora Oaks Hotel Located in Sonora Nestled under ancient arbors in the historic Mother Lode area of the Sierra Foothills lies the Best Western Sonora Oaks. Comfortable and relaxing, the Best Western Sonora Oaks is certainly the finest and one of the newest inns in the area. In addition to the spacious and tastefully appointed accommodations, guests also enjoy complimentary coffee, HBO and free local telephone calls. The Conference Center provides an ideal location for business meetings or group events, with every detail attended to by our professional and courteous staff. While in Sonora, guests are a short distance from many cultural and historic recreational areas. We look forward to your visit at the Best Western Sonora Oaks. 800-532-1944 or 209-533-4400

Special Feature MaCaffrey House Located in Twaine Harte Twain Harte, located between Sonora and Dodge Ridge, welcomes you to McCaffrey House Bed and Breakfast, nestled in a quiet forest hollow in the California mountains. A delightfully warm and charming three-story country home in the California Gold Country, the Inn was designed and built by your hosts, Michael and Stephanie McCaffrey. The home is located high in the California mountains, noted for a traditional four-season climate and breathtaking Sierra beauty; all good reasons why the McCaffrey's were first lured here some 38 years ago. All appointments have such a welcoming touch that they extend an invitation to come often and stay a while. Accommodations include a full breakfast, served in the Inn's dining room. Guests enjoy a variety of menus prepared by Stephanie. On sunny days, guests may be served on the Inn's spacious deck with its views the California mountain forests and the sound of the natural stream. 209-586-0757

Special Feature Lazy Z Resort Located in Twaine Harte Welcome to Twain Harte's Lazy Z Resort! We invite you to experience the history, the beauty and the tranquility that these historic 40 acres afford. Our first class accommodations are open all year with charming cabins, huge pines, relaxing water feature with waterfalls — all of the amenities you could ask for. Yes, we're close to Yosemite, gold panning, historic gold rush towns, wineries, fishing, water and snow skiing. . .but we also offer something very exclusive: peace, tranquility, and unparalleled beauty. No 5-star hotel can provide what we offer. It's as simple as that. Relax next to our naturally landscaped water feature and enjoy the serenity and soothing sounds of its waterfalls! Amenities? Yes, we have them as well! Enjoy the use of our cabana for drinks, snacks, and music. 209-586-3857 or 800-585-1238

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