Area Activities – National Hotel and Restaurant

What to do while staying at the National Hotel? The choice is yours!

Many area Attractions and Events await you at the historic National Hotel, in Jamestown. Whether you want to hike, fish boat, tour our wine country or try some of Northern California’s best golf courses, this is the place to be!

Of course the main attraction for many people is Yosemite National Park, along with 1897 Railtown State Park, also known as “The Movie Railroad”, Calaveras Big Trees, Columbia State Historic Park and much more.

For detailed information about Tuolumne County events, see VisitTuolumne.com.

Yosemite National Park

One of the “wonders” of the world … need we say more? www.yosemite.org

Railtown

Located in Jamestown, California, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is home to one of America’s last authentic, operating railroad roundhouses. Known as “The Movie Railroad,” Railtown’s locomotives and cars have appeared in over 300 film and TV productions, including Back to the Future 3, High Noon, Petticoat Junction, and Little House on the Prairie. Roundhouse tours, grounds and gift shop are open daily. Steam trains operate on weekends through most of the year.

Pan for Gold

Gold is the reason that much of California exists. Jamestown is in the heart of the Gold Country – geologists state that 85-90% of the gold is still in the ground. You can search for gold on your own, or with one of our local guides to help. Want to visit an underground mine? We have that also. Gold panning, sniping, tours, instruction are to be found here in Jamestown.

Columbia State Historic Park

The town’s old Gold Rush-era business district has been preserved, with shops, and restaurants. Visitors have the chance to time-travel to the 1850s, imagining life when gold miners rubbed shoulders with businessmen and the other residents in Columbia. Visitors can experience a bygone era watching proprietors in period clothing conduct business in the style of yesterday. There are opportunities to ride a 100 year-old stagecoach, hire a “fine steed” for a horseback ride through the “diggins,” pan for gold, or tour an active gold mine.

Ski

Great snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains make Jamestown a winter destination for skiing, snowboarding and sledding. Easy driving to the many ski resorts such as Bear Valley and Dodge Ridge, make the National Hotel a great place to stay for winter fun.

Golf

Great golf courses abound in the Sierra foothills. The variety of landscapes and views, with varied degrees of challenge, have something to offer all levels of golfers. There are six championship golf courses in the area, including: Mountain Springs Golf Club, Greenhorn Creek, Pine Mt. Lake, Forest Meadows and Saddlecreek Golf Resort, which is home to the Northern California PGA. And 9 hole courses, Phoenix Lake and Twain Harte.

Wineries

The Gold Country has become known as the “other wine country”. This is Zinfandel country, although other wonderful reds and whites are produced throughout this area. Today, these Gold Country wines are winning top awards in major wine tasting competitions. Try a bicycle tour through our wine country.

Theatre

Two live professional theatres exist in Tuolumne County and perform on a regular basis. From Broadway musicals to cutting edge drama, the quality and selections of productions is unsurpassed.

Water Sports

We have both large and small lakes that are ideal for those who want to water ski, fish, sail, canoe or houseboat. Boating in the Gold Country can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons. Area lakes include New Melones, Pinecrest, Lake Tulloch, Lake Don Pedro and more! Other water sports include guided rafting trips, kayaking, and water skiing. Rentals of all types can be found within a short drive from Jamestown.

Water Sports

Historic Jamestown

The Gold Country region is rich in history, including original towns with restored buildings, walking tours of historical districts, quality museums, original jails, and of course, many antique shops.