Things to do & places to visit in Grass Valley, California, United States

Grass Valley city in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 17:27.

Top things to do (21)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Lazy Dog Chocolateria (101 reviews)
- Must stop in Grass Valley
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Homemade ice cream. Home made candies. Hand dipped ice cream bars. Any kind of imaginable candies, jelly beans. This store is a real delight. See more..
5.0 The Center for the Arts (30 reviews)
- Excellent event space updated and versatile. Great staff and location
Friday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Theaters
A wonderfully renovated concert space that was big fun for Keller Williams, last weekend. We were so thankful for the all professional and courteous staff that helped us throughout the evening. We also were thankful for the masking and proof of vaccination status policy instituted by the Center to protect the staff and patrons. Great job and great choice. Without that we would not have attended our first indoor show since the pandemic began. They had a wonderful local artist exhibit that was a nice addition inside the facility. The sound was great and there was no obstructed view. We would highly recommend this facility for any show or concert or Wedding gathering. It was really clean and nice on the inside and outside. Its a large space that could be configured in many ways. We were also thankful to have a chance to go outside at intermission and smoke. It matters and I wanted to specifically say thank you for taking such good care of us See more..
5.0 The Louvre (12 reviews)
- Beautiful Art !
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

The Louvre Framing, Art Restoration, and Gallery is a great place to check out local art and historic photographs. We have sculptures, paintings, and prints by Nevada County artists along with historical paintings and photos from Nevada County's gold mining history. Come on in and check them out! See more..
5.0 Grass Valley Brewing (11 reviews)
- Great local hangout
Breweries

Today I decided to head out and try a new place, I originally set out to try Crooked Lane in Auburn but they didn't open until 3:00, it was their loss. Grass Valley Brewing Company is a great place and Jackie made it even better, great personality, she immediately greets everyone who walks in and she seems to know all the regulars by name. I sampled three beers, Gold Pan Pale Ale, Octoberfest and Jamison's Irish Red. The winner for me was the Jamison's Irish Red, I'm a sucker for a good red ale, it was robust, refreshing and it hit the spot. The burger was from Roost, located in the same building. I ordered the special Filthy Burger Du Jour, bacon, white cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, guacamole and two Niman Ranch burger patties, yummy. If you are in the area, stop by, you won't be disappointed! See more..
5.0 The Range (4 reviews)
- Shooters Paradise
Shooting Ranges
If you travel to Grass Valley, with your weapons or are a local shooter you probably already know about The Range, the only indoor shooting range in NEVADA County, catering to the beginner or expert hobby shooter. It consists of both a pistol and rifle range, complete with handicapped accessible lanes. The Range is attached to a comprehensive gun and ammunition store that is sparkling clean and staffed with friendly, knowledgeable people. Bring your own weapons or rent one or more of the available weapons If you sate in the area and you enjoy shooting, check out the Range. See more..
5.0 Wolf Creek Trail (4 reviews)
- Shaded and following a creek it is an excellent trail during the summer months.
Bodies of Water • Hiking Trails

This trail was constructed last year. It is paved and relatively flat. It mostly follows Wolf Creek, and is shaded by Cedar and Pine trees. This trail would be a good choice during the hot summer months. About half way down you have the option of heading up a series of steep switchbacks up to Freeman Lane if you so desire to get the heart pumping. Or you can continue straight ahead to enjoy the rest of the trail. The trail ends with another steep series of switchbacks, again ending at Freeman Lane. There is one spot on the trail that leads directly to the creek, in case you want to dip your toes in the cool water. An excellent summer choice. See more..
5.0 Montoliva Vineyard & Winery (3 reviews)
- Knowledgeable winemaker speeches are very educational.
Friday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Located in the agricultural hamlet of Chicago Park, Montoliva Vineyard & Winery creates Tuscan-inspired quality wines by eschewing “New World” trends to focus on wines of uncompromising depth and complexity using “Old World” techniques of extended maceration and long-term barrel maturation. Bottlings include Sangiovese, Aglianico, Falanghina, Negroamaro, Barbera, Teroldego, Montepulciano, Dolcetto See more..
5.0 Neighborhood Center of the Arts (3 reviews)
- Creative Gem of Grass Valley
Art Galleries

NCA is a place where creativity meets possibilities. Developmentally disabled adults work in this studio 5 days a week to produce fun and whimsical artwork that is on display all around the studio. There is a gallery with featured artwork and everything from paintings to jewelry is on sale. They even make their own soap! A must see in Nevada County. See more..
5.0 Dogs Run Free (2 reviews)
- Dog Park in the Forest
Friday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Parks

This dog park is one of the best I have ever been to! It's a very large dog park that was put in the middle of a forest. It's amazing! The people are friendly and the dogs are sweet. There are hiking trails all around the dog park. There is a skate park. There are many areas for Frisbee golf. You can find picnic tables all around the park. See more..
4.5 Empire Mine State Historic Park (528 reviews)
- Lots to see and do
State Parks • Mines • History Museums

The remains of one of the West's most lucrative gold mines have been preserved as a historic park. See more..
4.5 Naggiar Vineyard & Winery (82 reviews)
- Relaxing in the country
Friday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

Voted Best Winery in the Sacramento area by KCRA3 A-list voters, every year since 2010! Family owned and operated business. Nestled in the Sierra foothills, the Tuscan villa inspired tasting room overlooks 60 acres of estate vineyard. Enjoy a glass of one of our award winning wines, and a breathtaking view from the patio. Live music every weekend and Tribute Shows in summer, there is something for everyone. All our wines are estate grown, produced and bottled on property. We specialize in Rhone, Italian and Bordeaux. See our website for more details and winter hours. See more..
4.5 North Star Powerhouse Mining Museum (64 reviews)
- Mining Moves
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

This museum is one with an actual working stamp, pelton wheel, cornish pump and many other mining equipment. The docents are extremely knowledgeable and fun. There is much to see and do at the museum. Donations are appreciated. See more..
4.5 Bourne Cottage (42 reviews)
- Facinating picture of the gold mining era in Northern California
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Bourne cottage is on the grounds of the Empire Mine State Park. This is a beautiful spot for a picnic, a hike (easy) or just a stroll through the grounds. If possible, visit when local docents are present in historic costume to fill you in on the colorful background of the site. In addition to the cottage the is a museum, mining equipment, many original out buildings associated with mining, gardens and fountains. Something for everyone. The cottage is built of redwood with the interior unpainted or varnished. Gorgeous! It was used a a summer home by the Bourne family who travelled from the Bay Area to Grass Valley by train. See more..
4.5 Del Oro Theatre (31 reviews)
- Great Historic theater!
Friday: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

So glad we have this historic theatre in downtown Grass Valley! It is really a wonderful part of our town. See more..
4.5 North Star Historic Conservancy (22 reviews)
- A GREAT PLACE
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is great for meetings or events. It is a great backdrop and is highly historical. The people are great with which to work. See more..
4.5 Lucchesi Vineyards Tasting Room (19 reviews)
- What California Wines Are Known For!
Friday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

It is becoming rare to actually spend time with the owner and vinter of wineries in California, so Lucchesi Vineyards and Winery. We actually stayed overnight as Harvest Host Members (RV Group app) and couldn’t have asked for a more serene and beautiful spot. Linda and Mario have thought of everything. Not only did our RV overlook their +50 acres of vines, but their outside tasting patio also overlooked the forever view. Mario’s vinter, Matt paid us a special visit on our last evening there. It was so wonderful chatting about their wines, and getting to know two great people. I was also pleasantly surprised that each of their wines we tasted hit a home run. I usually don’t like Syrah’s or Rose’s but each taste from whites to reds demonstrated the 30+ years of an experienced owner and vinter. They hit the high marks that any wine magazine or competition would rave about. See more..
4.5 Grass Valley Visitor Information Center (15 reviews)
- Lots of information
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers
This organization provides information on attractions and lodgings found in the vicinity of Grass Valley and Nevada City. See more..
4.5 Art Works Gallery (10 reviews)
- This store has many wonderful one of a kind gifts made by local artist.
Friday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries

Art Works Gallery is an award winning co-op gallery featuring over 30 artists juried from one of California's largest art communities. We have an extensive array of mediums including painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics and furniture. See more..
4.5 Animal Place (10 reviews)
- A must visit for animal lovers
Farms

Animal Place sanctuary is a wonderful place to visit for all animal lovers. I would recommend signing up for a tour which they have on many Saturdays throughout the year. On the tour you will get to hug cows, pet goats, give pigs tummy rubs and visit with turkeys, chickens and bunnies. You will also get to learn the animals stories and learn about the plight of farm animals. You are welcome to picnic there as well but be sure you only bring plant based foods (out of respect for the animals). I will definitely go back. See more..
4.5 Sierra Starr Winery (10 reviews)
- Wonderful Wines & Port!
Spent < 1 hour Wineries & Vineyards

My husband and I visited Sierra Star Winery tasting room today with a groupon for a tasting and bottle of Super Nova 2013 Petite Sirah. All the wines we tasted were fabulous! My absolute favorites were the Barbera, Jack's Blend 7 and their Port. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable about their wines. We had a wonderful time and will definitely return to pick up a few more bottles of wine! See more..
4.5 Ben Franklin Crafts & Frames (7 reviews)
- Found an Old Gem
Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

Fabric, Soft Crafts(knitting, crochet, embroidery, needle felting, etc.), Fine Art Supplies, Paper Crafts (formerly known as Scrapbooking), General Crafts, Kids Crafts, Home Decor & Candles, Classes, Seasonal Floral, and a Custom Frame Shop. The goldfish and hamsters are gone, however the well known customer service and friendly, knowledgeable staff remain. See more..
4.5 Smith Vineyard (5 reviews)
- Great Wines, Warming Tasting Room & Staff
Wineries & Vineyards

Smith Vineyard tasting room is located in beautiful historic downtown Grass Valley. Smith Vineyard wines are Estate Bottled, Organically Grown and Three Generations Strong. See more..
4.5 Grass Valley Museum (3 reviews)
- history is everywhere here
History Museums

This history museum looks at the town's history through the 1930s, with a heavy focus on its Gold Rush boom. See more..
4.0 Holbrooke Hotel (90 reviews)
- Great find....good value and lots of ambiance!
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites

Welcome to the Holbrooke Hotel: where modern luxuries blend seamlessly with a historically unique, rustic-yet-refined, one-of-a-kind property. Set in the heart of historic downtown Grass Valley with easy access to restaurants, tasting rooms, shops and historical sights, our meticulously renovated California Historical Landmark offers a true break from the ordinary and an unforgettable stay. Onsite, the Golden Gate Saloon, reputed to be the oldest continuously operating watering hole west of the Mississippi serves up classic and craft cocktails and inventive California Cuisine with a touch of Mexican influence and an emphasis on smoked meats. Just downstairs, guests are transported to a bygone era at the Iron. Door Speakeasy. The namesake Iron Doors once connected to a maze of underground tunnels and the bar itself was rumored to have been both brothel and a morgue in its storied 150 year history. The Iron Door is a great spot for cocktails and late night bites! See more..
4.0 Lola Montez House (4 reviews)
- Another hidden piece of history
Historic Sites
A good little walk right in downtown where you can feel the old history coming through the walls. Worth the walk through See more..
Wrap Zoo (0 review)
Auto Racing Tracks

122 catalpa ln grass valley California 800sq foot with roll up doors. See more..
Avanguardia Winery (0 review)
Friday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards
Winery tasting room for Avanguardia Wines, a small, ultra-boutique ( i.e. less than 1000 cases) producer of non-traditional blends and also select varietal wines, featuring Italian and other rare or exotic European grape varieties. A totally novel and exciting experience even for seasoned wine tasters. An alternative to wineries offering just the old standard varietals like Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, etc. Visitors often volunteer that "...I never tasted where I liked every single wine they had..." See more..
Antique Palace (0 review)
Spent 1-2 hours Antique Shops
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Project Adventure (0 review)
Sports Camps & Clinics • Educational sites
This site offers one of the biggest and highest challenge courses in the world and has been attended by young children as well as prisoners. See more..
Video History Museum (0 review)
History Museums
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