I grew up in Auburn and its surrounding areas of Grass Valley and Colfax for the first twenty years of my life. When looking for something else to do when living deeper in the Foothills, I would venture down to Auburn.
Auburn is a charming little city in Placer County, California. It sits in the Sierra Nevada foothills, about 30 miles northeast of Sacramento.
The city has a population of about 13,330 people, and it is known for its historic downtown area, which features Victorian-style buildings and old-fashioned storefronts.
Auburn (also known as the Endurance Capital of the World) is a popular destination for outdoor activities, such as hiking and rafting, due to its location near the American River and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Tevis Cup 100-Mile Endurance Equestrian Ride and the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run are hosted in Auburn.
What can I do on a one-day visit to Auburn in California?
If you only have just one day to visit Auburn, I have some recommendations! From wineries to theaters to plenty of places to eat, you’re sure to have your fill in 24 hours in the quaint little town of Auburn.
- First, start your day with breakfast at one of Auburn’s local cafes or restaurants, such as the Old Town Grill in Old Town Auburn, Sweetpeas, Edelweiss Restaurant, or Dunk’ n Run Donuts.
- After breakfast, visit the Auburn State Recreation Area to explore scenic trails and waterways.
- In the afternoon, visit the Gold Rush Museum and Gold Country Museum to learn about Auburn’s rich history as a gold mining town.
- After the museums, enjoy a cold drink and a snack at one of Auburn’s breweries or taprooms, such as the Auburn Alehouse or the Knee Deep Brewing Company. Wineries to visit in the afternoon include Mt. Vernon Winery, Bonitata Boutique Wine, PaZa Estate Winery, Lone Buffalo Vineyards, or Vina Castellano Winery.
- Check out a live music venue or comedy show at the Auburn Event Center or the Auburn State Theatre in the evening. If you want to see a movie, there’s always plenty playing at Regal Auburn Cinemas.
- Finish your day with dinner at one of Auburn’s restaurants, such as the Auburn Thai Garden Restaurant, Awful Annie’s, Flames Restaurant and Tap House, Sum’s Mongolian Bar-Bq Restaurant or tre Pazzi trattoria.
Remember that this is only one example of a one-day itinerary for a visit to Auburn! Depending on the time of year and season, you can also see the Gold Country Fair, one of Auburn’s famous endurance events, or Old Town Christmas and annual charity golf tournament.
What are things to do near Auburn, California?
There are many things to do near Auburn, California!
Some popular activities in the area include hiking and biking on the many trails in the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains, visiting wineries and tasting local wines, exploring the historic Old Town Auburn, and enjoying the great outdoors at Lake Clementine and the American River.
Other nearby attractions include the Auburn State Recreation Area, the Placer County Museum, and the Gold Country Fairgrounds.
