Northern California: Self-Guided Gold Rush Towns Driving Tour
Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore the heart of the California Gold Rush on this self-guided driving tour through the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills. Starting at the Northstar Mining Museum, you’ll drive a 50-mile loop through charming Gold Rush towns like Grass Valley and Nevada City. Along the way, I’ll share stories from early pioneers as you visit sites like the historic Wells Fargo Bank, the Bridgeport covered bridge, and the scenic South Yuba River. You’ll also learn about gold mining techniques and pioneer life, ending your adventure at Empire Mine State Historic Park. This flexible tour lets you set the pace and stop at your leisure.
Available options
Northern California: Self-Guided Gold Rush Towns Driving Tour
What's included
Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Detailed itinerary
1
Drive through this historic town, a vibrant reminder of the Gold Rush era, where you can explore at your leisure or visit landmarks like the Holbrooke Hotel.
2
Pass by this museum displaying mining artifacts, offering insight into the hardrock gold mining industry. Entrance is optional and not included in the tour cost.
3
Catch a glimpse of this historic mining site, one of the original locations of California’s Gold Rush. Entrance is not included in the tour.
4
Drive past this local museum, housed in a former convent, which showcases the town’s rich history. You may choose to stop for a self-guided visit.
5
View this iconic landmark from the car, one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in California, and a symbol of Grass Valley's Gold Rush heritage.
6
Pass through this rustic former mining town, famous for its brief secession from the Union in 1850, with the option to stop and explore its historical markers.
7
Admire scenic views as you pass by this park, known for hiking and its historic covered bridge. Entrance and hikes are optional and not included in the tour.
8
See the historic architecture of this original Wells Fargo Bank building, a surviving structure from the Gold Rush era. Entrance is not part of the tour.
9
Drive through this small town, once a major center during the hydraulic mining era, with optional stops to explore its quaint streets and local history.
10
Pass through this picturesque Gold Rush town, where you can optionally visit attractions like the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum.
What's not included
Smartphone (bring your own)
Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Food and drinks
Transport (you need your own vehicle)
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
3.5
2 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The total activity duration is the time to drive from the starting point to the endpoint
Meeting point
Starting point Parking Lot of Wolf Creek Trail and Northstar Mining Museum 933 Allison Ranch Rd, Grass Valley, CA
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About California
California is a state known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from the Pacific Coast to the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is a hub of innovation, culture, and natural beauty, offering everything from Hollywood glamour to Yosemite's grandeur.
Top Attractions
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is famous for its stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
Nature
2-3 days
Free entry for 7 days with America the Beautiful Pass
Golden Gate Bridge
An iconic symbol of San Francisco and California, offering stunning views and walking paths.
Architecture
1-2 hours
Free to walk, $8-10 for bike rental
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fish Tacos
Fresh fish, usually cod or mahi-mahi, served in a corn tortilla with various toppings.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian
In-N-Out Burger
A California classic, known for its fresh ingredients and secret menu.
Fast Food
Not vegetarian or vegan-friendly
Popular Activities
Hiking in Yosemite
Surfing in Malibu
Beach day in Santa Monica
Spa day in Napa Valley
Visiting museums in Los Angeles
Exploring historic missions
Kayaking in San Francisco Bay
Whale watching in Monterey
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)
These seasons offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It's ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
PST (GMT-8) or PDT (GMT-7) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
California is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious of your surroundings
- • Use reputable tour operators
Getting there
By air
- Los Angeles International Airport • 20 km from downtown Los Angeles
- San Francisco International Airport • 20 km from downtown San Francisco
By train
Los Angeles Union Station, San Francisco Transbay Terminal
By bus
Greyhound stations in major cities
Getting around
Public transport
Efficient and affordable, covering major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Hollywood
Mission District
Day trips
Santa Barbara
160 km (100 miles) from Los Angeles • Full day
Known for its beautiful beaches, Spanish colonial architecture, and wine country.
Muir Woods National Monument
24 km (15 miles) from San Francisco • Half day
Home to towering redwood trees and scenic hiking trails.
Festivals
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival • April
San Francisco Pride • June
Pro tips
- Visit national parks early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking
- Use ride-sharing apps for convenient and often cheaper transportation
- Explore local neighborhoods for unique dining and shopping experiences
- Check for any local events or festivals before planning your trip
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, especially in coastal and desert areas
$15
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
