Best Things to Do in Murphys, CA

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 wonderful 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.

Beyond Murphys, there are many things to do in Calaveras County. From California wine tours and golf courses to outdoor adventures such as whitewater rafting, spelunking, hiking and so much more, 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 comprehensive suggestions for everything there is to do in Murphys, CA. Download it to gain instant access to all the insider tips on the area!

Below, you’ll find a sample of some of the best things to do in Murphys, CA and surrounding Calaveras County.

Restaurants in Murphys, CA

There are several top-notch restaurants in Murphys that serve quality food. Some are easy to find on main street while other hidden gems are more tucked away. 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!

Drink

What is a visit to California without incredible wine? You could spend a whole day visiting local tasting rooms and vineyards and still not visit them all. While the wine certainly flows freely, you can also find fantastic local craft beer. Below are some of the best wine tastings and breweries to be found in Murphys, CA! If you’re having trouble deciding which you’d like to visit, consider trying a wine tour! Courtwood Wine Tasting Tours drive you to select wineries throughout Murphys for a more complete wine tasting experience.  

Brice Station Vineyards | $$
Broll Mountain Vineyards | $$
Coppermine Winery | $$
Irish Vineyards | $$
Ironstone Vineyards | $$
Lavender Ridge | $$
Mineral Winery | $$
Murphys Pourhouse | $$
Snowshoe Brewing Company | $$
Twisted Oak Winery | $$

Entertainment and Outdoor Recreation

There is endless beauty in Murphys, CA and the surrounding area, and there are nearly endless ways to explore that beauty. You’ll find some of the ways listed below.

Cave Tours

California Cavern | Mountain Ranch
Mercer Caverns | Murphys
Moaning Caverns Adventure Park | Vallecito

Hiking

Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Spicer Reservoir

Boating/Whitewater Rafting

Lake Alpine Resort | Boating at Lake Alpine
OARS: Angels Camp | Whitewater Rafting
Sierra Nevada Adventure Company | Outdoor Store Offering Rentals

Golf

Forest Meadows Golf Course | Murphys
Greenhorn Creek Resort | Angels Camp
Saddle Creek Golf Course | Copperopolis
Sequoia Creek Country Club | Arnold

Gold Panning

California Gold Company | Jamestown
Gold Rush Originals | Angels Camp
Jamestown Gold Panning | Jamestown

Museums

Angels Camp Museum | Angels Camp
Ironstone Heritage Museum | Murphys
Murphys Old Time Museum | Murphys
Railtown 1897 State Historical Park | Jamestown

Picknicking

Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Lake Alpine
Murphys Community Park
New Melones Lake
White Pines Lake

Theatre

Murphys Creek Theatre | Murphys

Zip Lining

Moaning Caverns Adventure Park | Vallecito

Special Events in Murphys, CA and Calaveras County

Theater and Live Music

Folk at the Oak Concerts | June
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

Presidents Wine Weekend | February
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 centrally located near all 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.” Our inn is about 2-1/2 hours away from Yosemite Valley and many other California destinations, perfect for a day trip.

Our beautiful log inn sits atop a hill that looks out over sweeping views of the San Joaquin Valley, with the Sierras rising in the distance. Each of our rooms is elegant and comfortable and features amenities like balconies, 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. Browse our stunning accommodations and book your stay in sunny California today!