The Best Things to Do in Murphys, CA
Frommer’s Travel Guides has designated Murphys as “One of the Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America,” and it’s no wonder! The town of Murphys and the surrounding Calaveras County area have numerous features that make them very attractive to visit. It’s convenient proximity to the Bay Area, Sacramento, Yosemite and the San Joaquin Valley make it a fantastic location; it is close, but still far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Whether it’s relaxation, adventure, shopping, dining, or wine tasting, Murphys, CA and Courtwood Inn offer the perfect escape. There are many things to do in Calaveras County. Explore an authentic gold rush town when you visit Columbia. Take a Sierra Foothills wine tour or dine at an exquisite restaurant. Have an in-house massage. Play tennis or golf. Have outdoor adventures such as whitewater rafting, spelunking, hiking, boating and so much more. No matter what you do, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Are you planning a trip to Murphys? Our Vacation Guide is a great time-saving resource! It’s completely free and contains all kinds of suggestions for fun things to do in Murphys, CA. Download it today to gain instant access to all the insider tips on the area!
Food and Drink
Restaurants in Murphys, CA
Several top-notch restaurants in Murphys serve quality cuisine, most of which are on Main Street. There are so many that we’ve dedicated a whole page to it—check it out to discover some of the best restaurants in Murphys, CA!
Wine Tastings and More
What is a visit in Northern California without incredible wine? You could spend a whole day visiting local tasting rooms and vineyards and still not visit them all. And while the wine certainly flows freely, you can also find fantastic craft beer.
Below are the best wine tastings and breweries to be found in Murphys, CA!
Wine
Aloria
Blacksheep
Brice Station
Bodega Del Sur
Boyle MacDonald
Broll Mountain
Frog’s Tooth
Four Winds
Gossamer
Hatcher
Hovey
Indian Rock
Irish
Lavender Ridge
Locke
Milliaire
Newsome-Harlow
Pop the Bubbly
Stevenot
Tanner
Val du Vino
Villa Vallecito
Vina Moda
Beer
Murphys Pourhouse
Watering Hole
Outdoor Recreation in Murphys, CA
There is endless beauty in Murphys, CA, and the surrounding area, and there are nearly endless ways to explore that beauty, whether it’s through going on a hike, following bike trails, or spending a day at the lake. You’ll find some of the best ways listed below!
Active travelers will be happy to hear that we offer fantastic tennis getaways. Who says you can’t keep up with your exercise on vacation? With our tennis courts that look out over sweeping views, it’ll be easy! Just don’t forget to bring non-marking shoes.
Cave Tours
Mercer Caverns | Murphys
Moaning Caverns Adventure Park | Vallecito
Hiking
Arnold Rim Trail
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
National Forests near Murphys, CA
Spicer & Utica Reservoirs
Boating/Whitewater Rafting
Lake Alpine Resort | Boating at Lake Alpine
OARS: Angels Camp | Whitewater Rafting
Sierra Nevada Adventure Company | Outdoor Store Offering Rentals
Picnicking
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Lake Alpine
Murphys Community Park
New Melones, Spicer & Utica Reservoirs
White Pines Lake
Golf
Forest Meadows Golf Course | Murphys
Greenhorn Creek Resort | Angels Camp
Saddle Creek Golf Course | Copperopolis
Sequoia Woods Creek Country Club | Arnold
Gold Panning
California Gold Company | Jamestown
Gold Rush Originals | Angels Camp
Jamestown Gold Panning | Jamestown
Entertainment and Culture in Murphys, CA
Museums
Angels Camp Museum | Angels Camp
Ironstone Heritage Museum | Murphys
Sierra Nevada Logging Museum | Arnold
Railtown 1897 State Historical Park | Jamestown
Theatre
Murphys Creek Theatre | Murphys
Sierra Repertory Theatre | East Sonora
Special Events in Murphys, CA, and Calaveras County
Live Music
Ironstone Vineyards Summer Concert Series | June-September
Bear Valley Music Festival | July-August
Hill Top Concert Series, Brice Station Winery | May-September
Holidays and Other Annual Events
Murphys Irish Day Parade and Street Fair | March
Taste of Calaveras | April
Jumping Frog Jubilee | May
Fourth of July Fireworks | July
Grape Stomp | October
Murphys Open House | December
Where to Stay
Courtwood Inn is one of the best places to stay in Murphys, CA, as it is centrally located near all the best things to do. Our inn is about 2-1/2 hours away from Yosemite Valley and many other California destinations, which makes for a great day trip.
Our beautiful log inn sits atop a hill that looks out over sweeping views of the Sierra Foothills. Each of our rooms is elegant and comfortable and features amenities like balconies that look out over spectacular views, private bathrooms, luxurious linens, and more. In the mornings, you can enjoy a complimentary gourmet breakfast, and we host a daily happy hour complete with wine and appetizers.
