Grass Valley Gold Country California Vacations, Escapes and Business Trips

Grass Valley in California Gold Country region is home to one of California's wealthiest, longest-producing mines. Empire Mine State Historic Park is home to Empire Mine, which still can produces sums of gold, though expense to mine the precious metal are costly. A very active corps of volunteers help operate the Empire Mine State Park programs and events that include tours and living histories available for the public to see. As such, Grass Valley is one of the most interesting and popular places to visit in Gold Country. While other gold rush cities outside Sacramento have turned into large bedroom communities with new, affordable housing, Grass Valley retains the flavor of the gold rush era and history in its buildings and streets, making a visit a real treat. A desirable residential area, as well, Grass Valley ranks as one of the best places to live in many national surveys.

Chain and affordable hotels offer a better than average choice of accommodations by Gold Country standards, with budget prices or historic lodgings in places such as 150-year old inn just 4 miles from Grass Valley in Nevada City.

Whatever you choose, be forewarned that summers are high season and tourists abound. While there's not a bad time to visit, if you can make it to Grass Valley and have discretionary time, try to visit in the fall or spring when the weather is usually quite nice and the crowds are a bit less!