Itinerary for 7 day trip to California Route 49

California's Route 49, also known as the Gold Rush Trail, is a fantastic way to explore the rich history, stunning landscapes, and charming towns of the Sierra Nevada foothills. With your love for tent camping, good food, and a relaxed pace, I’ve crafted a delightful 7-day itinerary just for you. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Start in

Morning: Arrive in , a charming town with a rich Gold Rush history. Set up camp at or .

Lunch: Grab a bite at for some hearty breakfast or lunch options.

Afternoon: Explore the historic downtown area, visiting the and wandering through the quaint shops. Don’t miss the for a glimpse into the mining past.

Dinner: Enjoy a meal at , which has a lovely outdoor patio and a menu featuring local ingredients.

Day 2:

Morning: Pack up and head to nearby (just a 20-minute drive). Set up camp at .

Lunch: Stop by for a delicious lunch with a local twist.

Afternoon: Visit the and take a stroll through the historic downtown area. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the for some hiking and stunning views.

Dinner: Dine at for some local craft beer and tasty pub fare.

Day 3: Down to

Morning: After breakfast, head south to (about a 30-minute drive). Set up camp at .

Lunch: Enjoy a meal at , known for its great atmosphere and local brews.

Afternoon: Explore the , where you can visit the and wander through the historic buildings. Don’t forget to check out the !

Dinner: Treat yourself to dinner at , a cozy spot with a farm-to-table menu.

Day 4: and Lotus

Morning: Pack up and head to (about a 30-minute drive). Set up camp at .

Lunch: Have lunch at , a local favorite with a great view of the river.

Afternoon: Visit the , where gold was first discovered in California. You can even try your hand at panning for gold!

Dinner: Enjoy a riverside dinner at , which offers a lovely outdoor dining experience.

Day 5:

Morning: Drive to (about a 30-minute drive). Set up camp at .

Lunch: Stop by for some delicious Mexican food.

Afternoon: Explore the historic and visit the . Don’t miss the , a quirky historical site!

Dinner: Dine at , a farm-to-table restaurant with a great selection of local wines.

Day 6:

Morning: Head to (about a 45-minute drive). Set up camp at .

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at for a sweet treat and light bites.

Afternoon: Stroll through the charming downtown area, visiting the and checking out the local shops. If you’re up for it, take a short hike to .

Dinner: Have dinner at , which offers a delightful selection of local wines and gourmet food.

Day 7: and Return

Morning: Drive to (about a 30-minute drive). Set up camp at (they have tent camping too!).

Lunch: Grab a bite at , which has a great history and a lovely atmosphere.

Afternoon: Explore the historic and visit the . If you have time, check out the for a fascinating tour.

Dinner: For your final dinner, treat yourself to , known for its upscale dining experience.

Wrap-Up

After a week of exploring the Gold Rush Trail, you’ll have a treasure trove of memories! Each stop is filled with history, delicious food, and unique sites that make this journey truly special. Enjoy your adventure, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! Safe travels! 🌟