Tuolumne County

Experience iconic Yosemite explorations, authentic California Gold Country discoveries and unforgettable High Sierra outdoor adventures in Tuolumne County.  Just 2 ½ hours east of the San Francisco Bay Area, Tuolumne County is easily accessible year-round. Enjoy endless outdoor recreation, state and national park, sightseeing, stargazing, history, shopping, wine and cider tasting, relaxation and much more. 

Tuolumne County is a pristine, scenic expanse reaching from the foothills into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Gold was discovered in Tuolumne County in 1848, setting off the major gold rush of 1849. The main highways leading to the picturesque drive from San Francisco and East Bay Area are Highways 108 and 120 from the west and Highway 49 from the north. The CA Highway 120 entrance to Yosemite National Park is considered the ‘front door’ of the park for the

San Francisco Bay Area. The Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park and other surrounding areas provide numerous outdoor activities including hiking, water skiing, horse riding, rafting, camping under the stars, boating and fishing.

Historic hotels, golf courses, numerous and varied dining establishments, wineries and a hard cider distillery, museums, two state historic parks, live theatre and many bed-and-breakfast inns are among the many other attributes that make the county a year-round vacation destination.  Try your hand at panning for gold, visit an historic saloon or take a ride on an authentic stagecoach or steam train.

Lake Tahoe

Head to the beach. Sand Harbor, with its aqua-coloured water reminiscent of the Caribbean, is one of a host of beaches. Hike the Eagle Falls trail for some of the most beautiful landscapes the Lake Tahoe Basin has to offer. Enjoy cascading waterfalls, large granite peaks, lush vegetation and lots of evergreens. Or summit the tallest mountain on the lakes’ immediate shoreline, Mt Tallac. This 10-mile round trip is a real bucket list experience.

Head to the extinct volcano known as Cave Rock for the most spectacular sunsets or maybe opt for a bird’s eye view of the lake from a hot air balloon. Weekends can be busy in Lake Tahoe so we recommend a midweek stay. Why not combine a weekend stay in San Francisco with Lake Tahoe in the week as its so close by.

Summer events include the Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series which sees some of the world’s hottest music acts, along with local musicians, performing under the stars in a 4000 seat amphitheatre. For golfers, the American Century Championship takes place at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in July. See your favourite celebrities up close and compare your game to theirs!

Sonoma County

Sonoma County is the most sustainable wine region in the world and has well over 400 wineries. The region is famous for its vineyards and culinary experiences and one thing is sure – you won’t go hungry!  Sonoma is one of the original homes of farm-to-table cuisine. At the upper end of that movement is a restaurant called SingleThread which has just retained its 3 Michelin stars and was recently named of the 50 best restaurants in the world but there are plenty of other options. You can find just about any dining experience you want in Sonoma Valley, from artisan bakeries and cafés, to fine dining at chef-owned restaurants. Some of the best food options can be found right off the road, so don’t be afraid to stop off on your journey.

Sonoma Valley offers plenty to do at any time of year whether your passion is history, hiking, fishing, golfing, gardening or cooking. Cruise along scenic bike paths, hike the Overlook Trail, tour the historic Mission and barracks or kayak down the Russian River where you can camp amongst the redwoods. Visit the Charles M Schulz Museum (creator of the Peanuts characters) in Santa Rosa or simply relax in a spa – there’s plenty to do for all ages. 

More than 55 miles of dramatic Pacific coast create Sonoma County’s western border. While it’s a stunning drive, take a break with the 17 miles of beaches and coastal bluffs in Sonoma Coast State Park. Savour the day at one of the many regional parks that dot the coastline. The Sonoma coastline is rugged, dramatic, and scenic. Relax at the beach for the day, take a hike, go camping, or enjoy a romantic picnic.