Nevada City, California is a historic Gold Rush boomtown housing one of the state’s best-preserved collections of Victorian buildings. The town’s 19th-century architecture makes for an enthralling backdrop for the vibrant arts community that lives there today, and popular cultural events bring out Nevada City’s welcoming spirit every single year.
This year, Country Living named Nevada City as one of America’s best small towns for 2025, lauding its “Old West” architecture and proximity to outdoor adventure in the Sierra Nevadas.
Keep reading to find out more about what makes Nevada City stand out so much among California’s other Gold Rush towns.
History and architecture
The indigenous Nisenan people, part of the Maidu tribe, originally occupied Nevada City’s location in a village known as Ustumah.
But with the arrival of the California Gold Rush, the city became a bustling mining camp known as “Nevada” in 1849. Thousands of prospectors arrived to pan for gold from local rivers and streams, and the town eventually changed its name to “Nevada City” in 1864 to avoid confusion with the newly formed state of Nevada.
Nevada City’s gold wealth funded the construction of grand brick and Victorian structures during the mid-to-late-19th century, many of which remain intact to this day thanks to locals who lobbied to preserve them in the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s.
These days, the entire downtown area of Nevada City is designated a National Historic Landmark, and the city is home to 70 or so structures dating between 1856 and 1917.
Things to do in Nevada City
Explore the historic downtown
Walk down Broad Street to get a great sense of Nevada City’s Gold Rush history. While many Victorian buildings now house boutiques, cafes, and art galleries, here are a few places that stand out:
- Nevada Theatre – California’s oldest existing theater building, dating back to 1865, which still plays shows to this day.
- National Exchange Hotel – One of the oldest continually operating hotels west of the Rockies, dating back to 1856.
- Old Stonehouse Brewery – A popular brewhouse located in a historic 1888 building with a chilly cavern dug out of the hillside.
- Historic homes like the 1888 Rector House and the 1873 Martin Luther Marsh House.
Nature and recreation
Nevada City’s location in the Sierra Nevada foothills supports plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities from hiking and biking to rafting and watersports. Consider planning an excursion into the Tahoe National Forest, South Yuba River State Park, or Scotts Flag Lake.
Events and art
- First Friday Art Walks – Support local artisans and visit Nevada City’s art galleries at these summer First Friday events.
- Nevada City Film Festival – This June film festival has been running for 25 years and is nicknamed the “Sundance of the Sierra”
- Nevada City’s Hot Summer Nights – A street festival tradition over 30 years running with live music and performers.
- Nevada City Victorian Christmas – This magical Christmas festival dates back to 1978, decking out the city’s Victorian architecture with festive decor and holiday cheer.
Road tripping to Nevada City
It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Nevada City by car from San Francisco, but another option to consider is a road trip along the 307-mile Gold Rush Trail.
The Gold Rush Trail, also known as Highway 49, traces the original path that gold seekers followed through the Mother Lode region in the mid-1800s. It connects dozens of well-preserved mining towns, including Grass Valley, Downieville, Amador City, and Angels Camp.
Read our article about the Highway 49 road trip for a map and a guide to the best Gold Rush stops.