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 a gold rush town when you visit Angels Camp. Take a California wine tour, or visit an exquisite restaurant. Have outdoor adventures such as whitewater rafting, spelunking, hiking 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!

The Best Things to Do in Murphys, CA, and Calaveras County

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Food and Drink

Restaurants in Murphys, CA

Several top-notch restaurants in Murphys serve quality cuisine. Some are easy to find on main street while other hidden gems, like the Red Apple, 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!

Wine Tastings and More

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. And 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. Or, you can learn more about local varietals during our Adult Wine Camp!

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

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 warm up beforehand.

Cave Tours

Mercer Caverns | Murphys
Moaning Caverns Adventure Park | Vallecito

Hiking

Calaveras Big Trees State Park
National Forests near Murphys, CA
Spicer Reservoir

Zip Lining

Moaning Caverns Adventure Park | Vallecito

Boating/Whitewater Rafting

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

Picknicking

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

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 Cam
Jamestown Gold Panning | Jamestown

Entertainment and Culture in Murphys, CA

Museums

Angels Camp Museum | Angels Camp
Ironstone Heritage Museum | Murphys
Murphys Old Time Museum | Murphys
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

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 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 the perfect 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 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.

Browse our stunning accommodations and book your stay in sunny California today!