The most charming town in the Sierra Nevada of California

During the fall, California’s Sierra Nevada mountains attract countless people to come savor the fresh air and colorful leaves, and as a hiker and big fan of all things fall, I’m usually among those hikers. I’ve visited many small towns in the Golden State that have their fair share of fall vibes, but one community on the outskirts of Yosemite National Park always draws me in this time of year: Coarsegold, California.

Located off State Route 41, about 25 miles from the national park, Coarsegold is a former mining town turned fall enthusiast’s dream. The town has about 4,300 residents and plenty of antique shops, restaurants, and scenic overlooks perfect for leaf peeping.

Visitors often simply pass through Coarsegold during their trips to Yosemite. However, as both locals and travelers like me can attest, you should really take the time to explore, especially during the fall. “You can have a little bit of the countryside, a little bit of the hills and the changing leaves, so fall is a wonderful time,” says Coarsehold local Diane Boland. Boland, a longtime resident of Coarsegold, owned and operated the Coarsegold Historic Village for more than 40 years. “The weather is mild during the fall and our town is full of small shops and nice people,” he says. “We welcome everyone.”

The season also brings fun annual events like the Tarantula Awareness Festivalwhich is celebrated every year on the Saturday before Halloween, and the Yosemite Celtic Festivall, which takes place in the neighboring town of Oakhurst during the first weekend in November. However, no matter what season you visit, don’t worry: you’ll still find plenty to do.

To begin with, there is the Thick Gold Historic Villagea collection of eclectic boutiques that anchor the city. Some highlights include Modee Candles, Lotions, Soaps and Moreand Mimaw’s Cabinspecializing in unique handmade items. “Mom and pop stores are always interesting,” Boland says.

As its name suggests, Coarsegold Historic Village also gives travelers the opportunity to learn more about the town’s past. The museum here chronicles the pre-gold rush era to the present day through indoor and outdoor exhibits. “If you’re a history buff, it’s great,” Boland says. “They’ve done a really good job there.”

If you feel like exploring, order a meal at one of Coarsegold’s restaurants – local restaurants serve everything from quick bites to sit-down feasts. For the first, Boland recommends Zanders Cafea local go-to spot for specialty lattes and delicious pastries. If you have a little more time on your hands, head over to Wild Fig Cuisine for globally inspired fare like Southern chicken and waffles, Swedish pancakes, and hearty sandwiches. “Wild Fig is a fantastic place,” Boland says. “They roast their own turkey; they fry these delicious suet fries. You have to wait a little bit, but the best thing about waiting is you can sit in the little park and enjoy the atmosphere, so it’s always fun.”

Meanwhile, you’ll also be able to enjoy some of the best views of the city’s fall foliage. “The town has old maples and sycamores, and it’s our little Maine,” Boland says. Nearby hikes, like Thornberry Mountain, offer even more places to enjoy the views.

As Coarsegold is a small town, there aren’t many accommodation options, but the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casinowith your site Serenidad Springs SpaIt will be the best option for a luxury stay. There are also many Airbnb options in the area. Or, you can always make the most of your proximity to Yosemite and sleep at The Ahwahnee after a day in Coarsegold.