Self-Guided Tours

Free maps and brochures for self-guided tours are available at either the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce or the
Grass Valley/Nevada County Chamber of Commerce.


Walking Tours

Grass Valley combines the rich heritage of yesterday and the best of today, offering visitors and history buffs an interesting glimpse into the past. This historic tour begins at the Lola Montez House, today’s home to the Grass Valley/Nevada County Chamber of Commerce.

The tour can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle or car. Walkers and cyclists should be in reasonably good shape and able to climb hills. Remember, many of the buildings on the tour are now private residences and are not open to the public.


Nevada City is among the most interesting of California Gold Rush towns. For a journey into California’s golden history, Nevada City ranks with Northern California’s best. First time visitors are attracted by the old mining town appearance. The entire downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic district includes a total of 93 buildings. Eight individual buildings are also listed on the register and Nevada City contains another 18 state and local landmarks.


Driving Tour

Yuba Donner Scenic Byway - From Grass Valley/Nevada City, take Routes 20, 49, 89, 80 and Old 40. The Yuba Donner Scenic Drive offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities for anyone and everyone who has a hankering to see and enjoy the beautiful Sierra mountains. The 160 mile loop of highways showcases some of the best scenery America has to offer. Among things to do and see along the Byway are hiking, skiing, swimming, fishing, camping, picnicking, gold panning, picture taking, sightseeing (there are many museums that tell of the rich gold mining and Emigrant Trail history of the area), rock climbing, boating, golfing, river rafting, dining, shopping and just plain ol’ relaxing. The route includes the historic towns of Nevada City, Truckee, Sierraville and Downieville. The area is rich with gold-mining and transportation history on the west side and transportation history on the east side. Attractions along the way include historic sites and geological diversity. Driving time: four hours.