Our personal guide to Oakhurst, Bass Lake & beyond
There’s so much to discover beyond Yosemite, and these are some of the places we love sharing with our guests. From local restaurants and craft cocktails to wine tasting, waterfalls, mountain trails, scenic drives, and a few hidden gems, consider this our personal guide to exploring Oakhurst, Bass Lake, and the surrounding Sierra foothills.
Planning your Sierra getaway? Explore our three guest rooms and enjoy homemade breakfast before heading out to discover Oakhurst.
Visiting Chukchansi? See our guide to boutique lodging near Chukchansi Casino, approximately 25 minutes away.
You'll wake each morning at Mountain Daddies to freshly brewed coffee and a homemade breakfast, but if you're heading out before breakfast or looking for an afternoon treat while exploring the area, these are a few of our favorite stops.
If you're looking for a locally owned coffee shop, Clouds Rest is a great option. Their handcrafted espresso drinks, welcoming atmosphere, and friendly staff make it an easy place to stop while exploring Oakhurst.
40120 Highway 41, Suite C
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Serving handcrafted espresso drinks, fresh lemonades, smoothies, and creative boba teas, Clash is an easy stop when everyone in your group wants something different. Their focus on all-natural ingredients and unique flavors makes them stand out from the typical coffee shop.
39993 Highway 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Visit: https://clashdrinks.com
Sometimes you just want your usual—and there's nothing wrong with that! Conveniently located on Highway 41, Starbucks offers all of your favorite coffee drinks, teas, breakfast items, and snacks, making it an easy stop on your way to or from Yosemite.
40208 Highway 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Visit: https://www.starbucks.com
Located in The Pines Village at Bass Lake, Nurture Coffee + Eats is a welcoming café serving handcrafted espresso drinks, smoothies, açaí bowls, light breakfast and lunch options, and fresh pastries. It's the perfect place to relax before a day on the lake or to recharge after an afternoon on the water.
54354 Road 432
Bass Lake, CA 93604
Visit: https://nurturebasslake.com
Step inside this old-fashioned candy store and you'll quickly see why it's become a favorite stop for visitors and locals alike. Reimer's is known for handcrafted chocolates, creamy house-made ice cream, nostalgic candies, fresh fudge, and unique gifts. It's the perfect place to satisfy a sweet tooth or pick up something special to take home.
41969 Highway 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644
One of the questions we're asked most is, "Where should we eat tonight?" Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, grabbing dinner after a day in Yosemite, or simply looking for a great local meal, these are the restaurants we recommend most often to our guests.
Award-winning craft beer, handcrafted cocktails, and elevated pub fare make South Gate Brewing a solid choice for lunch or dinner. Their spacious indoor dining room and large outdoor patio create a lively atmosphere that's perfect for relaxing after a day in Yosemite. They’re also the brewery behind our very own Mountain Daddies Hoppy Ending IPA, available right here at Mountain Daddies, along with a selection of their other locally crafted beers.
40233 Enterprise Drive
Oakhurst, CA 93644
If barbecue is what you're craving, Smokehouse 41 delivers authentic slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, tri-tip, and classic homestyle sides. Pair your meal with one of their rotating craft beers and enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
40713 Highway 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Visit: https://www.smokehouse41.com
Pairing Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with wines made right here in Oakhurst, Idle Hour is a wonderful choice for lunch, dinner, or a relaxing wine tasting. If you're visiting later in the week, the neighboring Queen's Inn Beer & Wine Bar offers Open Mic Night on Thursdays and live music on Saturdays before you return to Mountain Daddies for a quiet nightcap on the deck.
41139 Highway 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Serving authentic Mexican cuisine, generous portions, and some of the best margaritas in town, Plazuelas is a great choice for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Their extensive menu offers everything from classic tacos and enchiladas to flavorful house specialties, all served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
40015 Highway 49, Suite 203–204
Oakhurst, CA 93644
A longtime Oakhurst favorite serving classic Mexican comfort food in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. From sizzling fajitas and combination plates to tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, El Cid is a dependable choice when you're craving familiar flavors after a day of exploring Yosemite.
41939 Highway 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644
A local favorite for handcrafted pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, salads, and pasta, Me & Ed's is an easy choice when everyone in the group is craving pizza. Whether you're dining in or picking up dinner to enjoy back at Mountain Daddies, it's an easy, family-friendly option after a day of adventure.
40167 Highway 49
Oakhurst, CA 93644
For an unforgettable dining experience, The Elderberry House offers an elegant prix fixe menu, exceptional service, and one of the area's finest wine programs. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, or another special occasion, it's a destination worth reserving well in advance.
Celebrating something special? Pair dinner at The Elderberry House with a stay in our private Cary Grant Suite.
48688 Victoria Lane
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Located at The Pines Resort, Ducey's offers classic American cuisine with beautiful views overlooking Bass Lake. Whether you're enjoying lunch on the patio or dinner as the sun sets over the water, it's one of the area's most scenic dining experiences.
54432 Road 432
Bass Lake, CA 93604
Visit: https://www.basslake.com
Just minutes from Bass Lake, Casa Velasco serves authentic Mexican cuisine in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. It's a great place to enjoy generous portions, refreshing margaritas, and classic Mexican favorites after a day on the lake.
54406 Road 432
Bass Lake, CA 93604
A Bass Lake tradition, The Forks is a casual spot for burgers, sandwiches, salads, and classic American favorites. Home of the famous Forks Burger, its laid-back, old-school atmosphere makes it an easy stop for lunch or dinner during a day at the lake.
39150 Road 222
Bass Lake, CA 93604
Jax & Julio Tip: If you're staying with us for more than a couple of nights, we recommend exploring both Oakhurst and Bass Lake. Each has its own personality, and you'll discover great food, local shops, and beautiful scenery in both communities.
The Sierra foothills have a wonderfully relaxed drinking scene—from small-batch spirits and locally brewed beer to wine bars, lakeside cocktails and live music. These are a few of our favorite places to raise a glass, meet the people behind the pour and settle into the easy rhythm of an evening in the mountains.
Oakhurst Spirits is a small local distillery producing a wide range of handcrafted spirits right here in Oakhurst. Owner and distiller Mike Benbrook welcomes visitors into his tasting room, with an art gallery right next door that's also worth exploring. We've gotten to know Mike personally and are proud to feature four of his locally made spirits at Mountain Daddies — bourbon, rye, gin, and vodka — in our cocktail offerings.
The tasting room is open Friday and Saturday from 2:00–7:00 PM and Sunday from noon–5:00 PM.
40300 Greenwood Way
Oakhurst, CA 93644
South Gate Brewing Company is Oakhurst's local craft brewery, where owner and brewer Rick Bouckaert has built an impressive lineup of award-winning beers brewed right here in town. With a constantly changing selection of IPAs, ales, lagers, stouts, seasonal releases, and more, there's almost always something new to try — and plenty of reasons to order a flight.
We're especially proud to partner with Rick and the South Gate team on our very own Mountain Daddies Hoppy Ending IPA, brewed by South Gate and available exclusively at Mountain Daddies. We also keep several of their other beers on hand for our guests, so if you discover a favorite at the brewery, there's a good chance you can continue enjoying South Gate when you get back to the B&B.
40233 Enterprise Drive
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Located at Château du Sureau, The Cellar offers a more intimate spot for handcrafted cocktails, wine, and light bites. With a sophisticated but relaxed atmosphere, it's an ideal option for a pre-dinner drink, a date-night cocktail, or when you're simply in the mood for something a little more elevated.
48688 Victoria Lane
Oakhurst, CA 93644
A casual spot to enjoy local and regional wines, craft beers, and live entertainment in a laid-back outdoor setting. Queen’s Inn hosts Open Mic Night on Thursdays and live music on Saturdays, making it a fun stop when you’re looking for a little local entertainment while you’re in Oakhurst.
41139 Highway 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644
For drinks right on the water, the Marina Bar & Grill offers one of the most quintessential Bass Lake settings. Grab a cocktail, local beer, or glass of wine and settle in on the outdoor deck overlooking the marina, with boats passing by and the Sierra surrounding the lake. Live music adds to the lively, casual atmosphere throughout the season, making it a fun stop during or after a day at Bass Lake.
54406 Road 432
Bass Lake, CA 93604
Phone: (559) 642-3200
You don't have to travel to Napa to spend an afternoon wine tasting. The Sierra foothills, Madera wine country, and nearby Mariposa are home to a surprising collection of wineries, vineyards, tasting rooms, and cider producers. We've grouped some of our favorite stops by area, making it easier to plan a day with less time driving and more time tasting, exploring, and enjoying the scenery.
Tasting room hours can change seasonally, and some wineries require reservations. We recommend checking each winery's website or calling ahead before making the drive.
You don't have to venture far into the Central Valley to enjoy locally made wine. These Sierra Foothill wineries are the closest options to Mountain Daddies, making them perfect for a relaxed afternoon when you want to spend more time tasting and less time driving.
Located right here in Oakhurst, Idle Hour produces small-batch, single-vineyard wines using native yeast fermentation and minimal-intervention winemaking. Their lineup includes everything from Viognier and Pinot Noir to Tempranillo and Petite Sirah, and tastings can easily be paired with lunch or dinner at their Mediterranean-inspired kitchen.
41139 Highway 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644
For a much more personal wine experience, Westbrook Wine Farm is a small vineyard and winery tucked into the foothills near O'Neals. Tastings are by confirmed appointment only and are intentionally unhurried, with owners Ray and Tammy Krause personally welcoming guests to their family wine farm. Their mountain vineyards focus on Bordeaux varieties and traditional Claret-style blends. Plan on approximately two hours for the experience.
49610 House Ranch Road
O'Neals, CA 93645
By appointment only, ages 21+
Phone: (559) 868-3499
Located along Highway 41 in Friant, Dorval Estate is more than a traditional tasting room. The working estate combines organically and regeneratively farmed vineyards with olive groves and a broad selection of wines, including its flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. Guests can enjoy wine tasting, vineyard walks, picnics, and sweeping views toward the Sierra Nevada, making it especially appealing when you want to spend a little more time enjoying the winery itself.
42415 Road 208
Friant, CA 93626
Thursday 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Friday–Saturday 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Closed Monday–Wednesday for farm work.
Tasting Room: (559) 525-9096
For a classic afternoon of winery hopping, Southern Madera offers several tasting rooms located within an easy drive of one another. This route works especially well if you want to visit a few distinctly different wineries without spending much of your day traveling between them.
Toca Madera offers a relaxed wine-tasting experience with a spacious outdoor patio overlooking the vineyard and a selection of award-winning wines. It’s an especially fun stop on Sundays, when the winery hosts live music, making it an inviting place to settle in with a glass of wine and enjoy the afternoon. Reservations for tastings are encouraged, although walk-ins are accommodated when space is available.
36140 Avenue 9
Madera, CA 93636
Friday–Sunday 12:00–5:00 PM
Live music Sundays 1:00–4:00 PM
Phone: (559) 474-8286
Family-owned and operated, Birdstone Winery offers a relaxed, unhurried tasting experience in the Madera countryside. Their handcrafted wines are made from locally grown fruit and range from familiar varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Syrah to Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Barbera and Port. The tasting room opens onto a spacious courtyard and lawn, making this a nice place to linger rather than simply taste and move on.
9400 Road 36
Madera, CA 93636
Friday–Sunday 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Groups of 10 or more by appointment.
Phone: (559) 970-2060
Family-owned for generations, Ficklin Vineyards has specialized in Port-style wines since the 1940s and offers something quite different from a traditional wine tasting. Guests can explore a range of Ports, including aged Tawny and Vintage styles, with knowledgeable tasting-room staff who can make the experience approachable even if you're completely new to Port.
30246 Avenue 7 1/2
Madera, CA 93637
Wednesday–Saturday 12:00–4:00 PM
Groups larger than 4 should contact the tasting room in advance.
Phone: (559) 661-0075
Visit: https://www.ficklin.com/
Head a little farther into Madera wine country and you'll find an even broader range of winemaking styles, from single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to sweet wines, aperitifs, and Italian varietals. This is the route to choose when you want to make wine tasting the focus of your day.
Family-owned and operated, San Joaquin Wine Co offers a relaxed tasting experience with an unusually broad selection, including reds, whites, sparkling and sweet wines, along with sangrias and wine spritzers. The spacious grassy outdoor area makes it an easy place to linger, and the winery regularly hosts live music and special events throughout the year.
21821 Avenue 16
Madera, CA 93637
Wednesday–Friday 1:00–5:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Sunday 12:00–4:00 PM
Phone: (559) 673-0066
Visit: https://www.sjwineco.com/
CRŪ offers something a little different from many of the surrounding Madera wineries, specializing in award-winning, cool-climate wines sourced from vineyards throughout California’s Central Coast. Their single-vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are particular focuses, and guests can choose from traditional tastings, seated single-vineyard tastings, or a behind-the-scenes winery tour and tasting. The Central Valley tasting room also has an outdoor patio for a relaxed afternoon stop.
20146 Road 21
Madera, CA 93637
Daily 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Reservations recommended for seated tastings; required for the Grand CRŪ Tour & Tasting.
Phone: (559) 673-6372
Visit: https://www.cruwinery.com
Quady Winery offers one of the most distinctive tasting experiences in Madera wine country. Specializing exclusively in sweet and aperitif wines since 1975, they're known for rare Muscat varietals, their popular Electra Moscatos, rich dessert wines, and Vya craft vermouths. It's an especially fun stop for guests who enjoy sweeter wines or want to taste something completely different from the traditional reds and whites found at the other wineries on this route.
13181 Road 24
Madera, CA 93637
Daily 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Walk-ins welcome; larger groups should contact the winery in advance.
Phone: (559) 673-8068
Visit: https://www.quadywinery.com
Family-owned with roots in Italian winemaking traditions, Papagni Wines offers a broad selection with a particular focus on Italian varietals including Barbera, Sangiovese, Nero d’Avola, and Montepulciano. They’re also especially known for their Alicante Bouschet, making this a nice stop for guests interested in tasting wines they may not encounter as often elsewhere in California.
9505 Road 30 1/2
Madera, CA 93636
Monday–Friday 10:00 AM–3:30 PM
Saturday–Sunday 12:00–5:00 PM
Reservations required for tastings.
Phone: (559) 673-5754
Visit: https://papagniwines.com/
For something completely different, make a day of exploring historic Mariposa. You can stroll through downtown, browse its shops and galleries, sample locally produced Sierra foothill wines, and finish your adventure with hard cider among the apple orchards just outside town.
Located right in historic downtown Mariposa, Casto Oaks Fine Wine & Art combines a small-production family winery with a local art gallery and gift shop. Their handcrafted wines are produced primarily from Mariposa County grapes, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, blends, rosé, and dessert wine among their offerings. It's an easy place to enjoy a tasting while spending an afternoon walking, shopping, and exploring downtown Mariposa.
5022 Highway 140
Mariposa, CA 95338
Thursday 12:00–5:00 PM
Friday–Saturday 12:00–6:00 PM
Sunday–Monday 12:00–5:00 PM
Closed Tuesday–Wednesday
Phone: (209) 742-2000
Located in the heart of downtown Mariposa, The Local Grape is a wine bar, bottle shop, and tasting room specializing in wines from the Sierra Foothills AVA, with a particular emphasis on wines grown or produced in Mariposa County. It's an easy way to sample wines from several regional producers in one place while exploring the shops and historic streets of downtown Mariposa.
5021 Highway 140
Mariposa, CA 95338
Phone: (209) 966-9463
Visit: https://thelocalgrape.com/
Set among the apple orchards just outside Mariposa, Sierra Cider is a fun change of pace from traditional wine tasting. Enjoy locally crafted hard cider on a deck overlooking the orchard, with games, a petting zoo, seasonal apple picking, and plenty of space to relax. Cider flights range from dry to sweet, and non-alcoholic options such as fresh-pressed apple juice and seasonal cider drinks make it a good stop even when not everyone in the group is drinking.
5611 Sierra Meadows Lane
Mariposa, CA 95338
Friday–Sunday 12:00–8:00 PM
Open March–December; closed January–February
No reservation required for the tasting room; orchard tours require advance reservations.
Phone: (209) 732-7373
Email: [email protected]
Visit: https://www.sierracider.com/
Yosemite may be the star of the show, but there’s so much more to explore throughout the surrounding Sierra Nevada. From giant sequoias and hidden waterfalls to historic sites, scenic drives, and mountain trails, these are some of the places we recommend when you want to venture beyond the park and discover a little more of what makes this area so special.
Tucked into Sierra National Forest just outside Yosemite, Nelder Grove offers a much quieter and more rustic way to experience giant sequoias. Unlike the more developed Mariposa Grove inside Yosemite, Nelder Grove feels wonderfully remote, with forest trails winding among ancient sequoias and remnants of the area's logging history. It's an excellent alternative if you're looking to explore the big trees without making it part of a full day inside Yosemite.
The adventure starts before you even arrive — access includes narrow mountain roads and unpaved sections that can be rough depending on conditions, so we recommend checking current road and trail conditions before heading out. Low-clearance vehicles may not be appropriate.
Sierra National Forest
Nelder Grove Historic Area
Oakhurst/Fish Camp, CA
Visit: https://www.yosemitehikes.com/not-yosemite/nelder-grove/nelder-grove.htm
Jax & Julio Tip: Ask us about current conditions before you head out. Access to Nelder Grove can change seasonally, and we'll help you determine whether it's a good option during your stay.
For a short hike with a big payoff, Fresno Dome offers a classic Sierra granite experience without entering Yosemite National Park. The roughly 1.6-mile round-trip trail climbs through mixed-conifer forest before opening onto the granite dome, where you're rewarded with panoramic views across the Sierra National Forest and surrounding mountains.
Getting there is part of the adventure. The trailhead is reached from Sky Ranch Road, and the final approach includes unpaved forest roads that can be rocky and rough in places. A higher-clearance vehicle is recommended, and conditions can vary throughout the season.
Fresno Dome Trailhead
Sierra National Forest
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Distance: Approximately 1.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Elevation: 7,544 feet at the summit
Best for: Panoramic views, granite scenery & a short high-country adventure
Visit: https://www.yosemite.com/yosemites-other-domes-more-than-half/
Just north of Oakhurst, Lewis Creek Trail follows a shaded forested creek through the Sierra National Forest and leads to two beautiful waterfalls: Corlieu Falls and Red Rock Falls. The waterfalls are especially impressive in spring and early summer when snowmelt brings stronger flows, but the forested creek trail makes this a beautiful local hike throughout much of the year.
From the Highway 41 trailhead, you can choose your adventure. Head north toward Sugar Pine and Red Rock Falls for an easier hike, or south toward Corlieu Falls for a more moderate route with steeper switchbacks. The entire Lewis Creek Trail stretches approximately four miles each way between Sugar Pine and Cedar Valley, but you certainly don't have to hike the whole thing to enjoy it.
Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail
Highway 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on route
Best for: Waterfalls, creekside hiking & forest scenery
Visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sierra/recreation/lewis-creek-trail-nrt-trailhead
Located along Willow Creek above Bass Lake, Angel Falls is a beautiful series of waterfalls and granite cascades reached via the Willow Creek Trail. The hike follows the creek through the forest, passing natural pools and granite outcroppings along the way, with the option to continue farther upstream toward Devil’s Slide for a longer adventure.
The falls are especially impressive during spring and early summer when snowmelt brings stronger flows. Use extra caution around the water — the smooth granite can be extremely slippery, and currents can be deceptively strong when the creek is running high.
Willow Creek Trail
Bass Lake, CA 93604
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Waterfalls, hiking, granite scenery & combining with a day at Bass Lake
Visit: https://basslake.com/blog/willow-creek-hike-angel-falls/
Rising above Bass Lake, Goat Mountain is well worth considering when you're looking for a longer local hike with beautiful lake and Sierra views. The trail climbs through oak woodland and pine forest, with several route options that let you decide just how much of an adventure you're up for.
The shorter option is approximately 6.6 miles round trip with about 1,100 feet of elevation gain. It's a moderately challenging hike with intermittent views of Bass Lake and the surrounding mountains and typically takes around three hours.
For a bigger adventure, continue to Goat Mountain Lookout for an approximately 9.9-mile round trip with about 1,630 feet of elevation gain, or explore the roughly 6-mile loop using the Goat Mountain trail network. Because several trails and forest roads intersect in this area, we recommend having a trail map downloaded before you head out.
Bass Lake / Sierra National Forest
Trail access near Forks Campground and Road 223
Bass Lake, CA 93604
Short Option: Approximately 6.6 miles round trip | Moderate
Full Lookout Hike: Approximately 9.9 miles round trip | Moderate to strenuous
Loop Option: Approximately 6 miles | Moderate
Best for: Bass Lake views, longer hikes, forest scenery & a good workout
Visit: https://www.wildernessportal.com/trails/goat-mountain
For an easy walk close to town, the Oakhurst River Parkway follows the Fresno River on a mostly flat trail beginning at Oakhurst Community Park. The approximately three-mile out-and-back route winds along the river, passes the historic Fresno Flats area, and continues toward Yosemite High School before returning the way you came. It's an easy option when you want to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air without committing to a mountain hike.
Oakhurst Community Park
49074 Civic Circle Drive
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Approximately 3 miles round trip
Best for: Walking, an easy morning or afternoon outing & exploring Oakhurst
For a day when the journey itself is the adventure, the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway winds through nearly 100 miles of high-country roads in the Sierra National Forest. Along the way you'll discover sweeping mountain overlooks, granite formations, forest meadows, historic sites, and some wonderfully uncrowded corners of the Sierra Nevada.
You don't have to drive the entire route to enjoy it. Pick a section or make a full day of it, stopping at highlights like Mile High Vista, Redinger Lake Overlook, Arch Rock, Globe Rock, Beasore Meadow, Fresno Dome, and Nelder Grove. The full route takes about five hours without stops, so allow most of the day if you want to explore the entire byway.
Sierra Vista Scenic Byway
Sierra National Forest
Access from North Fork, CA 93643
Distance: Approximately 100 miles for the full route
Best for: Scenic drives, mountain views, photography & exploring the Sierra beyond Yosemite
Season: Typically July through October, weather and road conditions permitting
Some sections of the byway are unpaved, and road conditions can change throughout the season. Before heading out, call the Bass Lake Ranger District at (559) 877-2218 ext. 0 for current road conditions. Cell service can also be limited, so it's a good idea to download your map before you leave.
Climb aboard a historic steam train for a scenic ride through the Sierra National Forest at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. The narrated Logger Steam Train follows former logging routes through the forest, sharing stories of the area's railroad and lumber history along the way. It's especially fun for families with kids, but train lovers and history buffs of any age will enjoy the experience.
There's more to explore beyond the train ride, including gold panning, the Thornberry Museum, and seasonal special events. The railroad also offers select evening and holiday experiences throughout the year, so it's worth checking the schedule when planning your visit.
56001 Highway 41
Fish Camp, CA 93623
Best for: Families, kids, train lovers & local history
Season: Train schedules and special excursions vary throughout the year
Visit: https://ymsprr.com/
When winter arrives, Tenaya at Yosemite offers outdoor ice skating surrounded by the Sierra National Forest. The rink welcomes both beginners and experienced skaters, and a nearby fire pit and s'mores make warming up afterward part of the experience. It's a fun winter outing for families, couples, or anyone looking for something a little different after a day exploring the mountains.
1122 Highway 41
Fish Camp, CA 93623
Best for: Winter fun, families & couples
Season: Winter, weather permitting
Visit: https://www.visittenaya.com/plan-your-trip/activities/ice-skating/
Step back into Oakhurst's past at Fresno Flats Historic Village & Park, an open-air historic village preserving life in the Sierra foothills during the late 1800s. Explore restored pioneer homes, one-room schoolhouses, two historic jails, a blacksmith shop, wagon displays, and even a section of the old lumber flume that once played an important role in the area's timber industry.
There's a fun piece of local history behind the name, too: Oakhurst was originally known as Fresno Flats before the town was renamed in 1912. The village grounds are free to explore and open from dawn to dusk for self-guided visits, while access to the museum and historic buildings varies, so check the calendar if you'd like a guided tour.
49777 School Road
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Phone: (559) 683-6570
Admission: Free
Best for: Local history, historic buildings & an easy outing close to town
Visit: https://fresnoflats.org/
Take a step back into the Gold Country history of the Sierra foothills at the Coarsegold Historic Museum. Set on two acres along the original stagecoach route to Yosemite, the museum includes an 1890s adobe way station, a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, historic barn, and exhibits exploring the area's Indigenous heritage, Gold Rush and mining history, ranching, and pioneer life.
You can make this a quick stop or take your time exploring the buildings and grounds. Admission is free, and because the museum is volunteer-run and seasonal, we recommend checking current hours before making a special trip.
31899 Highway 41
Coarsegold, CA 93614
Admission: Free
Best for: Gold Country history, historic buildings & an easy stop along Highway 41
Coarsegold museum details: coarsegoldhistoricalsociety.com
Stay close to Yosemite, start the day with a homemade breakfast, and come home to genuine hospitality.
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