One of the closest and more unusual attractions for visitors to the Sonora area is Columbia State Historic Park. The sheep ranch where Esperanza grew up is on the very same road as this restored gold rush town. If you want to try gold panning, ride a stagecoach, dip candles, or get and an old timey portrait Columbia has that.

https://www.visittuolumne.com/columbia

Established in 1931, Calaveras Big Trees State Park preserves a mixed conifer forest with two groves of giant sequoias - the North Grove and South Grove. In addition to the giant sequoia trees, you will find the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, ancient volcanic formations, natural meadows, and trails throughout the park allow you to discover the area that has awed visitors since 1852.

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551

Legends Books, Antiques & Soda Fountain transformed part of the old mine shafts and underground tunnels snaking beneath the surface of the town. Once a general store and bank the building is now a lively cafe and soda shop with bookstore tucked below.
The true attraction is in the basement. There, you can browse the shelves of books lining the walls and glimpse into the area’s gold mining past. There’s a tiny reading area nestled against the mine’s original rock walls. You can even sneak a peek of the old mine shaft itself.

At Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown, California, history comes to life with vintage steam trains, a working roundhouse, and the timeless Sierra Railway Shops, a designated California Historical Landmark.

https://www.railtown1897.org/

Caves - Wineries - Theaters - Gold Panning - Golf - Shopping

Murphys is located in the central Sierra Nevada foothills between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park, in Calaveras County, California. Rich in goldrush history, Murphys today is a vibrant, thriving community, alive with art galleries and live theater, eclectic shops, fine restaurants, charming hotels and B&B’s, and a multitude of outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities all just a short drive away.

https://visitmurphys.com/

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, the City of Angels is your gateway to the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway, boating, and fishing at the New Melones Reservoir, and the grand Angels Camp Museum.

https://angelscamp.gov/visiting-angels/

Twain Harte is quaint a mountain town in towering pines named for authors Mark Twain and Bret Harte. With many inns, B&B’s and vacation rentals, it’s a great locale near fantastic hiking, fishing, boating and golfing. There’s even miniature golf in town.

https://www.visittuolumne.com/