for those traveling
(or considering it)
Nevada City is a small historic gold-rush town tucked into the Sierra foothills.
It’s beautiful in every season, but May is magic:
green hills, warm days, cool nights, wildflowers everywhere, and that particular kind of California sunlight that makes everything feel cinematic.
For our faraway friends, we would love to celebrate with you,
but please don’t feel any pressure.
We know it’s a trek from the East Coast and beyond.
If you are thinking about it, maybe it's an excuse to take a
friends trip or vacation adventure.
Whether you’re flying cross-country, car-pooling up from the Bay,
or meeting friends for a mini vacation,
we’re grateful you’re considering the trip,
and we hope this guide makes planning easy.
What to expect
Nevada City + Grass Valley are known for:
Hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails
Charming historic architecture
Great restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and natural foods markets
Cute boutique shops and independently owned businesses
The Yuba River — cold and fast in May (not swimmable!), but absolutely breathtaking to sit beside, listen to, and marvel at.
If you’re making a bigger trip of it,
we’re close to some iconic Northern California destinations:
North Lake Tahoe — 1 hour
Sacramento — 1.5 hours
San Francisco — 2.5 hours
Napa & Sonoma — ~3 hours
Yosemite National Park — ~4 hours
Weather Note:
May days are pleasantly warm, but evenings cool down fast,
sometimes into the 40s. Bring layers!
getting here
Airports
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) — ~1.5 hours
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) — also ~1.5 hours
Important: A Car Is Necessary
Nevada City does not have reliable Uber/Lyft service,
and there’s no public transit to rural properties.
Please plan to rent a car unless you’re staying with someone who already has one.
where to stay
Whether you prefer historic charm, boutique comfort, or a house in the woods, there’s something for everyone.
Boutique Historic Hotels
The National Hotel (Nevada City)
The Holbrooke (Grass Valley)
Both recently renovated
Located in the heart of downtown
Gorgeous period decor
Excellent in-house restaurants
No TVs, by design
Modern Hotels
More conventional hotel amenities
Pool & breakfast
Good for groups and families
Cozy Country Inn
Outside Inn (Nevada City)
Locally beloved
Rooms + small cottages
Close to downtown NC
Vacation Rentals
Perfect for groups or families.
Nevada City + Grass Valley have many beautiful
mountain homes, cabins, and forest hideaways available on Airbnb.
shuttles
All guests (except onsite campers) will park at our designated parking lot and take a shuttle to the venue.
Parking Lot Address
📍 13024 Bitney Springs Rd, Nevada City, CA
Driving Directions
From Downtown Nevada City
Take Hwy 49 North toward North San Juan / Downieville
Turn left on Newtown Road (The Willo Steakhouse is on the corner)
Continue ~3.5 miles
Turn right onto Empress Rd
Go 0.5 miles to the T
Turn right on Bitney Springs Road
The parking lot will be on your left in 1 mile
From Downtown Grass Valley
Head west on Main Street toward Rough & Ready (about 3 miles total)
One mile in, the road becomes Rough & Ready Hwy
At the stop sign, turn right onto Bitney Springs Road
Continue ~3 miles
The parking lot will be on your left
Shuttle Schedule
Shuttles will run:
Arrival: 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Departure: 9:00 – 10:30 pm
If many guests end up at the same hotel, we may add direct hotel pickups,
so let us know where you’re staying when you RSVP.
Local Food Recommendations
Nevada City + Grass Valley have excellent food,
truly better than you’d expect for such small towns!
Some of our favorites:
Three Forks – wood-fired pizza, salads, pastries, great beer
Heartwood – nourishing bowls & toasts (lunch) and Ramen (dinner)
Comedor – Colombian-inspired lunch (also your midnight snack heroes!)
Diego’s – Chilean-inspired hearty lunch or dinner spot
Bicycle Thief – Fancy delicious Pizza, side dishes and great wine
Sushi in the Raw – small, beloved sushi spot (reserve early)