This Friendly Small Town in Northern California Is Perfect for a Summer Day Trip

When the warmer weather finally arrives, we love to get out and explore, and there is no place better than Marysville, a friendly small town perfect for a summer day trip in Northern California. This is a charming town full of history, culture, scenery, and local shops where you could spend hours exploring. In fact, Marysville may be one of the best NorCal day trips. Read on and see for yourself.

Why Marysville Is One of Northern California’s Most Charming Towns

There is so much to love about Marysville and after just a single visit, you'll see why locals and visitors alike fall in love with this friendly Northern California town. Marysville is believed to be the oldest city in Northern California and is often referred to as "California’s Oldest ‘Little’ City." This town dates back to the California Gold Rush and was founded in the mid-1800s. The city grew quickly, and by the 1850s, it became one of the largest cities in California, with a population of about 10,000. It also attracted many individuals as it was the last stop for riverboats to San Francisco. Throughout the years, the focus shifted to agriculture and tourism, and approximately 12,600 residents call Marysville home today.

Located 40 miles north of Sacramento in the Sacramento Valley, Marysville is bordered by the Yuba River and the Feather River. It is also the county seat of the County of Yuba.

The Best Things To Do In Marysville During Summer

If you are planning a Marysville, California, day trip in the summer, there is plenty to see and do. To prepare for a long walk around the city, get an iced beverage. There are several charming “mom and pop” cafes in town where you can buy drinks and food.

Marysville is also home to more than a dozen parks, including Ellis Lake and Plaza Park. Plaza Park is where you’ll find the Bok Kai Temple. This half-acre park is a lovely green space with benches and picnic tables. However, for the ultimate summer day, head to Ellis Lake. This beautiful body of water is man-made and located in the heart of town. While you can’t swim here, it’s an excellent fishing destination, a great place to view wildlife, and a beautiful place to go for a walk around the lake.

Explore Historic Marysville

There are also many historic places to visit during a day trip to this NorCal town. Marysville Chinatown is definitely worth a visit. In fact, it’s one of the highlights of this California town. It was the last Chinatown built during the Gold Rush period. There is still an active temple, as well as beautiful buildings with Chinese characters. Visit the Chinese American Museum of Northern California. This museum is located in a historic building in Chinatown and tells the story of Chinese Americans in Marysville and California.

You’ll also want to see the stunning Bok Kai Temple (this temple shares the same name as the famous annual festival in Marysville). Constructed in 1880, the temple is used infrequently as a place of worship, but it remains a significant historical landmark. The Bok Kai Temple is open by appointment only.

The Mary Aaron Memorial Museum is another must-see stop on your tour of Marysville. The museum is housed in a brick Gothic Revival home built in 1855 and is a treasure trove of Marysville history. Guided tours of the museum are free, but donations are suggested.

End the day with a meal at the Silver Dollar Saloon—this is one of Marysville’s oldest historic landmarks. The Silver Dollar Saloon was built in the mid-1800s and retains its historic craftsmanship. When it was built, it was a popular spot for the area’s gold miners to get a drink. Today, Silver Dollar Saloon is a steakhouse restaurant serving lunch and dinner.

What To Know Before Planning A Summer Day Trip

Don’t overlook the small city of Marysville for a summer day trip in NorCal. There is so much to do and see. Unlike other cities, we love that Marysville never seems to be overcrowded, except during some of the town's events, like the Bok Kai Festival. Additionally, if you plan to turn your summer day trip into an overnight adventure, there are many hotels and vacation rentals in the area for you to reserve. And, of course, if you want even more adventure, head into Sacramento for city life or to Lake Tahoe, which is approximately 100 miles away.

Marysville is certainly a friendly, small-town summer day trip destination in Northern California. There is so much to love in this historic NorCal town for history buffs and even outdoor lovers. It's a place where you can easily stay for a few hours or even a few days. And if you are looking for even more travel inspiration, check out some of our favorite things to do in the summer in NorCal for your bucket list.