Grass Valley Travel Guide

Tucked soundly into the side of the Sierra Nevada Foothills, Grass Valley is a picturesque representation of the beauty of California. Surrounded by forests of towering pines and deciduous trees, the city is bathed in natural beauty despite being the largest metropolitan city in the western portion of Nevada County.

Things to Do in Grass Valley

Grass Valley has an abundance of fun activities and entertainment to offer visitors. Home to a number of scenic vineyards and wineries, the city is a hub for fine wine and wine-related entertainment. Visitors can visit any of the city’s wineries including Naggiar Vineyard and Winery, Sierra Star Winery, and Lucchesi Vineyards Tasting Room -- which offers a panoramic view and private tasting room with full table service and personable hosts. Art enthusiasts can enjoy strolling through the art-lined halls of the Louvre or make their own masterpieces at Asif Art Studios, Grass Valley’s make-your-own-art center and gallery.

A few other activities that are popular among tourists are spa days, catching a movie at the theater, shopping, golf, hiking, and swimming.

Best Places to Stay in Grass Valley

Most of Grass Valley’s visitors choose to book a vacation rental in the areas surrounding the wineries and vineyards, as they offer the best views of the city’s countryside. There is a vacation home to fit the need of every traveler, and each guest is guaranteed to love their stay. Rentals can be booked for short term vacations or long term vacations, making both weekend trips and month-long California excursions possible.

Best Time to Visit Grass Valley

To beat the summer heat, the best time to visit Grass Valley is from May to July, as the hot weather peaks around August and into the beginning of September.

Best Events in Grass Valley

The annual Cornish Christmas event that takes place in Grass Valley serves as a celebration of the city’s Cornish heritage. It features jugglers, carolers, musicians, arts and crafts displays, live performances, and delicious food vendors from all over the city. For Easter, downtown Grass Valley hosts the Easter Egg Hunt which includes a free pancake breakfast, face painting, a bouncy house, and family photos for $1- and of course, an Easter egg hunt for the children.

Things to Do for Families in Grass Valley

A fun family activity in Grass Valley is a day spent touring the city’s various museums: North Star Powerhouse Mining Museum and Grass Valley Museum, hosting exhibits and items related to Grass Valley’s history, the gold rush, and development since the booming 1930’s. Another family-friendly location in Grass Valley is Animal Place -- a farm animal rescue center that allows guests to hug cows, give pigs tummy rubs, pet goats, and feed the chickens. Visitors can also bring a picnic basket and have a picnic beside the animals. 49er Fun Park offers guests a plethora of fun, competitive activities such as go-karting, mini golf, arcade games, and sports batting cages.