Whoever started the rumor that small towns are boring places without anything to do clearly had never visited a small Northern California town. We’re lucky to live in a state where even the tiniest communities are full of attractions that will keep you entertained for at least a full day. Murphys is a small town in NorCal’s beloved Gold Country, and it’s full of things to do to keep you busy for days on end. Whether you’re into shopping, history, or outdoor adventures, you’ll find something that calls to you in Murphys. Keep scrolling to find out all about what this tiny town has to offer.
Murphys may be home to just 2,200 people, but it's considered one of the most thriving and attractive towns in Northern California's famous Gold Country. This little town saw plenty of glory during the Gold Rush days, and it's still a bustling place to visit even to this day.
Murphys fascinating history is initially what pulls people in. The town has retained a unique and charming historic look to it over the centuries. The first thing you'll want to do is take a guided walking tour to all of the town's historic buildings, some of which are hundreds of years old.
Wine enthusiasts will be thrilled to find out that Murphys is home to a wine scene unlike any other in the world. As you walk down the historic Main Street you'll come across an incredible amount of charming wineries, such as Lavender Ridge Vineyard pictured below, where you can pop in for a quick tasting.
Looking for a place to spend the night? There's no better place than Murphys' Historic Hotel which is considered one of the oldest hotels still operating in California. It was first opened in 1856 and it's the perfect place to sleep during your Murphys visit.
A visit to Murphys isn't complete until you've had a taste of what brought people to this area in the first place. At Mercer Caverns you can actually experience what it was like to mine for gems in the 1800s. Here you can mine for minerals in an old-fashioned mining sluice.
However, the main attraction at Mercer Caverns is the cave itself. Take a 45-minute tour of the cave where you'll be guided through one of the most fascinating caverns in all of California.
Murphys may be known for its history but you definitely shouldn't underestimate the amount of adventures that can be found here, as well. The nearby Stanislaus National Forest is a playground of outdoor recreation. Hiking, camping, backpacking, rock climbing, and lots more can be found here in this epic forest.
Also located nearby is the one-of-a-kind Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The park is open year-round and features some truly remarkable groves of giant sequoia trees. You could spend all day traversing the park's trails and appreciating the beauty of these massive trees.
As the weather continues to warm up, you'll find that there are all sorts of ways to cool off here. The breathtaking Lake New Melones is just a short drive away and is a wonderful spot for boating, jet skiing, and more. Not to mention the whitewater rafting on the North Fork Stanislaus River just can't be beat.
You'll need a lot more than a weekend to experience all that Murphys has to offer. Whether you're into shopping, museums, or outdoor adventure, you're sure to find it in this lovely town!
