This Gold Rush town didn’t fade into history — it polished itself and kept shining.
Welcome to Murphys, where wooden boardwalks and 19th-century stone buildings still line Main Street, and the stories feel close enough to touch. Once a booming mining hub during the California Gold Rush, this Sierra foothill hideaway now trades pickaxes for wine glasses — without losing an ounce of character.
Step inside a historic saloon. Wander into a boutique tucked inside a former mercantile.
Duck into a wine tasting room housed in a building older than the state itself. The past isn’t boxed behind museum glass here.
It lingers in brick walls, creaky floors, and sun-warmed storefronts.
Murphys moves at its own pace. Slow mornings.
Long conversations. Even longer sunsets.
If you crave history with heart — and a small town that knows exactly who it is — this is where California’s golden story still glows.
Gold Rush History That Still Feels Alive
Back in 1848, two brothers named Daniel and John Murphy set up a trading post along a creek in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and what followed was nothing short of extraordinary. Gold was discovered nearby, and within months, thousands of miners flooded the area hoping to strike it rich.
The camp became one of the most productive gold-mining sites in all of California.
Today, walking down Main Street in Murphys feels like stepping into a living history book. Many of the original stone buildings still stand, including structures that date back to the 1850s.
The town managed to survive fires and floods that destroyed so many other Gold Rush settlements, making it a rare and well-preserved gem.
Visitors can explore plaques, markers, and local museums that bring those wild, adventurous days back to life. The stories of miners, merchants, and families who built this community are woven into every corner of the town.
Murphys is not just a place with old buildings — it is a town that genuinely honors where it came from, making history feel exciting and real for every visitor who passes through.
Murphys Historic Hotel and Lodge
Few places in California can claim a guest list as legendary as the Murphys Historic Hotel and Lodge. Built in 1856, this iconic inn has welcomed some of the most famous names in American history, including Ulysses S.
Grant, Mark Twain, and even the notorious outlaw Black Bart. The hotel’s original register, still on display, reads like a who’s who of 19th-century America.
The building itself is a gorgeous example of Gold Rush-era architecture, with thick stone walls and a classic facade that has barely changed in over 160 years. Staying here feels like sleeping inside a piece of living history.
Guests can choose from historic rooms in the original building or more modern accommodations in a newer wing, making it comfortable for all types of travelers.
The hotel’s saloon and restaurant add to the old-world atmosphere, serving up hearty meals and locally crafted beers in a setting dripping with antique charm. Even if you are not spending the night, stopping in for a meal or a drink is absolutely worth it.
The Murphys Hotel is more than a place to sleep — it is an experience that anchors the entire spirit of this remarkable town.
World-Class Wine Country in the Sierra Foothills
Most people think of Napa or Sonoma when they hear California wine country, but Murphys has quietly built a reputation as one of the state’s most exciting wine destinations. The Calaveras County wine region sits at elevations between 1,000 and 2,800 feet, giving grapes a unique growing environment that produces bold, complex flavors you simply cannot find anywhere else.
More than 20 wineries are located within a short drive of downtown Murphys, and many of them offer tasting rooms right on Main Street. Varieties like Zinfandel, Tempranillo, and Barbera thrive in the volcanic and granite-rich soils of the area.
Wine lovers can spend an entire weekend hopping from one tasting room to the next without ever getting bored.
Ironstone Vineyards is perhaps the most famous stop, featuring a stunning winery built to resemble a 19th-century mining operation, complete with a massive gold nugget display. Stevenot Winery, one of the oldest in the region, offers tastings surrounded by breathtaking canyon scenery.
Whether you are a seasoned sommelier or just someone who enjoys a good glass of red on a sunny afternoon, Murphys wine country delivers a truly memorable experience.
Mercer Caverns — Underground Wonder Just Minutes Away
Just a mile north of downtown Murphys sits one of California’s most fascinating natural attractions — Mercer Caverns. Discovered in 1885 by a prospector named Walter Mercer, who was actually looking for water rather than caves, this underground world has been delighting visitors for well over a century.
It is one of the oldest continuously operating show caves in the entire state.
The caverns stretch through a series of chambers filled with jaw-dropping formations of stalactites, stalagmites, aragonite crystals, and flowstone curtains. A guided walking tour takes visitors through the illuminated passages, where the temperature stays a cool 55 degrees Fahrenheit year-round — a refreshing escape on a hot summer day.
The geology here tells a story millions of years in the making.
Kids especially love Mercer Caverns because it feels genuinely adventurous, like exploring a secret underground kingdom. The formations have been given colorful names like the Gothic Cathedral Room and the Organ Loft, which helps spark imagination at every turn.
Photography enthusiasts will find the lighting and formations endlessly captivating. Whether you are visiting with family, friends, or solo, Mercer Caverns is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression long after you have returned to the surface.
Charming Main Street Shops and Local Dining
Strolling down Main Street in Murphys is one of those simple pleasures that reminds you why small towns are so special. The street is lined with locally owned boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and gourmet food stores, all operating out of historic buildings that give the whole block an irresistible old-fashioned feel.
There is no big-box retail here — just genuine, character-filled shops run by people who love their community.
Food lovers will find plenty to celebrate in Murphys. Restaurants range from cozy cafes serving farm-fresh breakfasts to upscale dining rooms offering seasonal menus paired with local wines.
Grounds, a beloved local coffee shop, is the kind of spot where regulars know each other by name and visitors instantly feel welcome. The town’s small size means you never have to go far for something delicious.
On weekends, the sidewalks fill with visitors who have come specifically to enjoy the relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere. Street musicians sometimes play near the park at the center of town, adding a festive soundtrack to an already pleasant afternoon.
Shopping and eating in Murphys is not just about the products or the food — it is about soaking up the entire warm, welcoming vibe that makes this village so magnetic.
Outdoor Adventures Surrounding the Town
Murphys may be small, but it sits at the doorstep of some seriously spectacular outdoor country. The Sierra Nevada foothills offer endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and wildlife watching, all within a short drive from downtown.
Nature lovers will find that the landscape here shifts beautifully with the seasons, from wildflower-covered meadows in spring to snow-dusted peaks in winter.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park, located just 15 miles northeast of Murphys, is an absolute must-visit. The park protects two groves of ancient giant sequoias, the largest trees on Earth by volume.
Walking among these towering giants — some over 3,000 years old — is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience that words can barely capture. Easy and moderate trails wind through both groves, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Fishing enthusiasts head to the nearby Stanislaus River and several local reservoirs where trout, bass, and catfish are plentiful. Lake Tulloch, about 20 miles away, is a popular spot for boating, kayaking, and swimming during summer months.
No matter what kind of outdoor adventure you are chasing, the Murphys area delivers it with stunning scenery and a refreshing sense of wide-open space that is increasingly rare to find.
Ironstone Vineyards — A Winery Like No Other
Ironstone Vineyards is the kind of place that makes first-time visitors stop and stare. Built by the Kautz family in 1994, the winery was designed to look like a historic mining operation, with massive stone buildings, exposed timber beams, and a working waterwheel that greets you at the entrance.
It is arguably the most visually stunning winery in the entire Sierra Foothills region.
Inside, guests can tour a remarkable collection of Gold Rush artifacts, including a 44-pound crystalline gold leaf specimen — one of the largest ever found in California. The underground aging cellars, carved directly into the hillside, maintain the perfect temperature for storing wine and create an atmosphere that feels more like a museum than a winery.
Tastings here offer a wide range of varietals at very reasonable prices.
Beyond wine, Ironstone hosts a popular outdoor amphitheater that draws national touring musicians throughout the spring and summer months. Concerts here, with the vineyard landscape as a backdrop, are genuinely unforgettable evenings.
The property also includes a deli, a jewelry shop featuring locally mined gemstones, and beautifully landscaped grounds perfect for a leisurely afternoon walk. Ironstone is not just a winery — it is a full-day destination all by itself.
Community Events and Festivals That Bring Everyone Together
For a town with fewer than 2,000 residents, Murphys puts on a remarkably full calendar of community events throughout the year. These gatherings are a huge part of what makes the town feel so alive and welcoming, drawing visitors from across California while giving locals a reason to celebrate their unique home.
The community spirit here is genuine and contagious.
The Murphys Ironman, held each spring, is one of the town’s quirkiest and most beloved traditions — a tongue-in-cheek competition where participants complete challenges at local wine-tasting rooms rather than athletic events. The Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee, inspired by Mark Twain’s famous short story set in the region, is held in nearby Angels Camp each May and draws huge crowds from far and wide.
Holiday celebrations in Murphys are especially magical. The town decorates Main Street with old-fashioned lights and garlands each December, creating a scene that looks straight out of a classic Christmas movie.
Summer weekends often feature live music in the park, art walks, and food events that showcase local producers and artisans. No matter when you visit Murphys, chances are excellent that something festive and fun is happening right around the corner.