I try to leave the city at least once a month and I love exploring my (very large) backyard. Just two hours east of San Francisco, you find beautiful Tuolumne County, full of nature, warm people, and delicious food. Last weekend CJ and I got to explore a few of the many inviting and lively towns of Tuolumne County – Jamestown, Twain Harte, Pinecrest, and Sonora.
Each town is rich in history – whether it’s in the architecture and exploring old tunnels that were once used to escape during the Gold Rush in Sonora, or learning about the history of logging in Tuolumne. I’m sharing all the deets – best places to stay, eat, relax, and explore.
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Where to stay in Tuolumne County
Black Oak Hotel
We stayed in Tuolumne at the new Black Oak Hotel. It was the perfect location for all of our activities and was central to everything. There are amazing restaurants onsite, an arcade and bowling alley.
Airbnb
Option 1 Plaza at Dardnelle Vista
Option 2 lake with a view
McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast
This was recommended to us by a few locals as a place that’s a must stay. It looks so quaint and darling so thought I’d share that with you too! Voted best BB in Tuolumne County for the past 12 years.
Best Food + Drink in Tuolumne County
Service Station
This was our dinner spot the first night. Get the soft pretzel and thank me later. This spot was SO good. They also have 14 + craft beers on tap and a variety of incredible local wines.
Inner Sanctum Cellars
Their tasting menu had 10 tastings. 10!! Definitely one of my favorite wineries. They make an amazing Tempranillo and bubbly. There bubbly is a unique peach bubbly that we brought back with us and I can’t wait to have poolside or with a splash of OJ for a fruity mimosa.
Alicia’s Sugar Shack
Great breakfast spot on the way to the ski resort. Definitely get the cinnamon roll. It’ll make you happy 🙂
CiBo
Our absolute favorite spot on our trip.
Seven Sisters
Located above the Black Oak Casino, it’s award-winning fine dining with the most delicious brunch buffet. For nighttime, they have a great cocktail bar.
Outdoor Activities in Tuolumne County
It was a little rainy on our trip so unfortunately, we didn’t get to ski or spend much time outdoors. But I wanted to share some places that were on our list. Tuolumne County has over 770,000 acres including over half of Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest – so if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, there is plenty for you to do.
What to do in Tuolumne County in the Winter
What to do in Tuolumne County in the Summer
I’m already planning a trip back this summer and have some places I’d love to explore.
Hike Yosemite
YExplore Yosemite Adventures offers guided custom tours of Yosemite.
Whitewater Rafting
Zephyr Water Expeditions and Sierra Mac River Trips
Wellness & Relaxation in Tuolumne County
Amala Detox & Tea Lounge – from massages to facials to foot soaks. Amala is great vibes and incredibly relaxing. They also have an amazing collection of tea for those of you that aren’t coffee drinkers (holla!)
