Coloma is quite possibly one of the most important little towns in all of California. After all, it was here the California Gold Rush all began when gold was discovered in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Approximately 1,500 people still call Coloma home. However, it’s widely referred to as a ghost town nowadays. A visit to this historic small town is a must. Step back in time and experience where The Golden State’s history changed forever while exploring all of the cool things to do in Coloma, California!

It's likely that California would look a LOT different if gold hadn't been discovered here in Coloma back in 1848.
Jasperdo/Flickr
Although few people live in this historic small town, it's a popular place to visit for good reason.
Coloma is largely considered a ghost town because the few buildings that remain have been abandoned for decades or turned into museums.
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr
The town itself is quiet and peaceful. It makes for an awesome place to spend the day while exploring the unique buildings.
The town seems to appear exactly how it did during its heyday. .
Victor Solanoy/Flickr
All of the buildings in Coloma, CA look to be original from the mid-19th century era and it really feels like you've been transported back in time
The highlight of the town is Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
Stuart Rankin/Flickr
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is comprised of 576 acres and commemorates the exact spot where gold was discovered.

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A replica of Sutter's Mill makes for a fantastic photo-op.
Stuart Rankin/Flickr
This is a working replica of the original mill where you can view sawmill demonstrations.
The park also features a museum, along with many original and restored buildings.
Joe Hackman/Flickr
Here you can see a real blacksmith at work and you can even pan for gold down by the river. The entire park is just oozing with historic charm.
You can even view the remnants of the town's original jailhouse.
Joe Hackman/Flickr
The level of preservation at this park is truly amazing and really gives you good insights into its early history.
The park also includes two restored buildings from what used to be the town's Chinatown.
Stuart Rankin/Flickr
The original Chinatown was destroyed by a fire in 1880. The buildings currently act as museums and contain exhibits regarding the Chinese influence on gold mining during the Gold Rush.
It's pretty amazing to think about what a massive impact this tiny town had on the future of California.
absurd_hero/Flickr
Visiting this delightful historic town should be at the top of every Northern Californian's to-do list.

What a neat place! Have you ever been to Coloma? If so, which part were your favorites? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below! You can learn more about Colma by going to the city website.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out our list of the 15 Slow-Paced Small Towns In Northern California that you’ll definitely want to consider visiting.

If you’re still in the mood for more Golden State adventures, you are sure to enjoy a relaxing visit to Big Sur as shown in this video:

 

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More to Explore

Adventures in Northern California

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | March 22, 2023

Where can we find other small towns in California?

  • Sonora is a historical lumber mill and a mining town, and played a major role in the state’s Gold Rush-era history.
  • McCloud is located on the southern slope of Mt. Shasta, and a mecca for cyclists, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
  • Murphys, a former gold mining town which was once known as "Murphys Camp," has been called "The Next Napa Valley."

Read on to learn more about the other many wonderful small towns in California.

Where can we find places for a weekend getaway in California?

  • The town of Julian in in Southern California was at the forefront of California’s Gold Rush era.
  • Mendocino is a quaint coastal community founded in 1852 located in Northern California.
  • Capitola is a stunning seaside resort town in Santa Cruz County with a historic wharf.

Read on to learn more about many other captivating places for a weekend getaway in California.

Where can we find waterfalls in California?

  • Potem Falls in the town of the same name cascades down 70 feet into the Pit River below.
  • Whiskeytown Falls in, again, the town of the same name, is a 220-foot waterfall situated inside of the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
  • Bassi Falls in, yet again, the town of the same name, is a beautiful and popular 109-foot waterfall.

Read on to learn more about some of the many spectacular waterfalls in California.

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Coloma, CA, USA