The Most Charming Town in California’s Sierra Nevada

During fall, California’s Sierra Nevada mountains entice countless people to come savor the cool, crisp air and colorful leaves—and as a hiker and a huge fan of all things fall, I’m usually among those road trippers. I’ve visited many small towns in the Golden State that have their share fair share of autumnal ambiance, but one community just outside of Yosemite National Park always lures me back around this time of year: Coarsegold, California.

Located off of State Route 41, about 25 miles from the national park, Coarsegold is a former mining town turned autumn enthusiast’s dream. The town has around 4,300 residents and a bevy of antique stores, restaurants, and scenic vantage points, perfect for leaf peeping.

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

The season also brings fun annual events like the Tarantula Awareness Festival, held every year on the Saturday before Halloween, and the Yosemite Celtic Festival, which takes place in the neighboring town of Oakhurst during the first weekend of November. No matter when in the season you visit, though, don’t worry—you’ll still find plenty to do.

To start, there’s the Coarsegold Historic Village, a collection of eclectic boutique shops that anchors the town. Some highlights include Modee’s Candles, Lotions, Soaps & More, and Mimaw’s Cabin, which specializes in handmade, one-of-a-kind items. “The mom-and-pop shops are always interesting,” says Boland.

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

If you work up an appetite exploring, order a meal at one of Coarsegold’s eateries—local restaurants serve everything from quick bites to sit-down feasts. For the former, Boland recommends Zanders Coffee, a local go-to for specialty lattes and decadent pastries. If you have a little more time on your hands, head to Wild Fig Kitchen for globally inspired eats like Southern chicken and waffles, Swedish pancakes, and hearty sandwiches. “Wild Fig is such a great place,” says Boland. “They roast their own turkey; they fry these delicious French fries with tallow. You have to wait a little while, but the great part about waiting is you get to sit in the little park area and enjoy the atmosphere, so that’s always fun.”

In the meantime, you can also take in some of the best fall foliage views in town. “The village has old maple and sycamore trees, and it’s our little Maine,” says Boland. Nearby hikes, like Thornberry Mountain, offer even more spots to soak up the sights.

Since Coarsegold is a small town, there aren’t a ton of accommodation options, but the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, with its on-site Serenity Springs Spa, will be a top pick for a luxe stay. There are also plenty of Airbnb options in the area, too. Or, you could always make the most of your proximity to Yosemite and bed down at The Ahwahnee after a day in Coarsegold.