Northern California: Self-Guided Gold Rush Towns Driving Tour

By VoiceMap Audio Tours

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
3h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

Activity location

Northstar Mining Museum
- 933 Allison Ranch Road
- 95949, Grass Valley, California, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

Northstar Mining Museum
- 933 Allison Ranch Road
- 95949, Grass Valley, California, United States

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Northern California: Self-Guided Gold Rush Towns Driving Tour in English

3h
Opening hours: Fri 12:00 am-11:59 pm
English

Travellers

Language options: English

Price details

AU$15.80 x 1 TravellerAU$15.80

Total

What's included, what's not

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
Smartphone (bring your own)
Entrance fees/tickets to any stops en route
Food and drinks
Transport (you need your own vehicle)

Know before you book

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

Activity itinerary

Grass Valley (Pass by)

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.

Northstar Mining Museum (Pass by)

Pass by this museum displaying mining artefacts, offering insight into the hardrock gold mining industry. Entrance is optional and not included in the tour cost.

Gold Hill Mine (Pass by)

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.

Grass Valley Museum (Pass by)

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.

Holbrooke Hotel (Pass by)

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.

Rough and Ready (Pass by)

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.

South Yuba River State Park (Pass by)

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.

Historic Wells Fargo Bank Building (Pass by)

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.

North San Juan (Pass by)

Drive through this small town, once a major centre during the hydraulic mining era, with optional stops to explore its quaint streets and local history.

Nevada City (Pass by)

Pass through this picturesque Gold Rush town, where you can optionally visit attractions like the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railway Museum.

Location

Activity location

Northstar Mining Museum
- 933 Allison Ranch Road
- 95949, Grass Valley, California, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

Northstar Mining Museum
- 933 Allison Ranch Road
- 95949, Grass Valley, California, United States

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