From history to hard cider and live theatre to outdoor recreation, Yosemite's Vacationland is your fun destination!

 There are many reasons why Tuolumne County is called Vacationland!  You'll find four seasons of fun and adventure, a great mix of history, culture and heritage, exciting attractions, excellent dining options and great places to stay.  Tuolumne County has all of this for visitors whether traveling from across the state or across the ocean!  Easy access from all points on the compass makes Tuolumne County an ideal vacation destination.

Ideas for first time visitors:

• Step back in time at Columbia State Historic Park, one of the best preserved California Gold Rush towns
• Take a ride on the “Movie Railroad” at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
• Take a day trip into the Yosemite National Park; drive yourself or let a local transportation company do the driving for you
• Stroll the many historic towns of Tuolumne County where you'll find fun boutique and antique shopping and excellent dining options.
• Take in a live performance at one of three local theatres where you will be in awe at the first rate performances of the talented actors who come from big cities like New York and Los Angeles to perform.

Ideas for repeat visitors:

• Drive to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir (no busses!)  and explore the dam's history; take in its scenic beauty and waterfalls; hiking is plentiful.  Be sure to explore the quaint town of Groveland on your way!
• Tour and taste at Indigeny Reserve where you'll drive through the organic apple orchards and across the covered wooden bridge to get to this amazing hard cider distillery and gift shop. 
• Head to Pinecrest Lake (a Tuolumne County icon) where you can rent a boat to cruise this scenic lake or take in a movie under the stars at their outdoor Amphitheatre. 
• Go for a tour of the high country on horseback at any of a number of pack stations
• Check out the two local casinos offering great gaming, entertainment and even bowling.  Be sure and leave room for a meal at one of their great restaurants.

Destinations visited:

• Jamestown
• Columbia
• Sonora
• Tuolumne City
• Twain Harte
• Groveland

 Day 1:

Visit the Vacation Station Visitor Information Center in Sonora, where you can get all kinds of information about Tuolumne County and beyond.  Pick up the latest Vacation Planner.

Next stop:   Columbia State Historic Park where you'll step back in time to the California Gold Rush.  Take a docent-led, group-friendly tour.   For a truly authentic experience ride the stagecoach and pan for gold.  Have a sarsaparilla and burger at a saloon or tea and sandwiches at a teahouse.  Columbia has been featured in many western films and television shows including “High Noon” and “Little House on the Prairie.” 

Head to historic downtown Sonora where the culture and heritage of Tuolumne County is vibrant!   Enjoy a plethora of art galleries and unique shopping experiences.  Browse the museum.  Explore what used to be an underground tunnel, in Legends, a soda shop and bookstore.  Be sure to snap a photo of the iconic “Red Church” – the most photographed building in the County.

Dining at one of many downtown eateries.  You'll find Thai cuisine to Italian, to deli and everything in between.  Make plans to head to the theatre after dinner where you can enjoy a fantastic live performance with skilled actors and actresses.   

Day 2

Head out early towards Yosemite National Park, about two hours from Sonora, and one hour from Groveland, to reach the valley floor.  Grab an early morning breakfast treat in Groveland at Dori's Tea Cottage.  Busses will want to continue on Highway 120 to Yosemite.  Those driving in cars wishing to make a scenic side trip to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir will enjoy some amazing scenery.  Hetch Hetchy is the water supply for the San Francisco Bay Area.  Visitors can read all about how it came to be as they walk along the dam that is lined with interpretive signage.

Enjoy all the scenic wonders that make Yosemite National Park such a treat to visit!  Flora, fauna, waterfalls and the overall history of Yosemite make it a national treasure.

On the way back from Yosemite relax and enjoy a great dinner and glass of local wine at a historic hotel in Groveland or Jamestown. 

Day 3

Ride the train at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, also known as the “Movie Railroad.”  It has been in countless commercials, television shows and movies including “Back to the Future 3.”  Train rides are seasonal and visitors should call ahead for schedule.   Browse the old roundhouse and movie memorabilia.

Head to historic Jamestown where antique shopping is at its best.  Enjoy lunch at restaurants set in historic buildings.  Enjoy a taste of Italy at Gianelli Vineyards winetasting room on Main Street.  At first sip, you'll know why the Gianelli's are receiving awards from throughout the wine industry. 

Continue tasting the local flavors by going to Indigeny Reserve.  Indigeny is a new hard cider distillery set amongst an organic apple orchard.  Tour the facility (reservations required), taste the cider (free!) or browse their unique gift shop.

Finish the day at Black Oak Casino.  You'll find slot play, table games and even a bowling alley on the casino's Family-Friendly  Floor.  Entertainment can be found most evenings.  Top off the night with a dining experience you'll never forget at Seven Sisters restaurant or go for something more casual at one of their other restaurants or bars. 

Day 4

Head to the high country on Highway 108 where outdoor recreation is abundant.  Pinecrest Lake has been a popular vacation destination for generations.  Rent a group-friendly pontoon boat, take a hike or enjoy a picnic.  Grab a “local's favorite” soft-serve ice cream at the snack shack.  In the evenings, watch a movie under the stars at the Amphitheatre.   In wintertime, nearby Dodge Ridge Wintersports Area is where visitors from near and far come for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. 

Ready for more?  Continue east on 108.  Stop at Donnell Vista Point for incredible views.  Proceed east to Strawberry.  Have snack at the General Store or a meal at the Strawberry Inn, both overlooking the south fork of the Stanislaus River.   Continue on 108 to Kennedy Meadows Pack Station for a leisurely horseback ride into the back country (seasonal).  Heading back west on 108, dining at Mia's Restaurant in Cold Springs is a must! 

OR…

Make reservations with one of our local whitewater outfitters (seasonal).  You'll see some of the best scenery this country has to offer as you cruise and splash down the Tuolumne or Merced Rivers.  Some companies offer multi-day rafting trips that include winemaker dinners right on the river.  These make for great group outings or independent travelers looking for a thrill!

Whatever you choose let the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau help make the most of your stay!  Tuolumne County is located in California's Gold Country and High Sierra regions.   58% of Yosemite National Park lies within the borders of Tuolumne County.  Just a two hour drive south of Sacramento, east of San Francisco and north of Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne County is easily accessible from all point on the compass.  www.YosemiteGoldCountry.com.