Angels Camp, CA…Each August in Calaveras County summer hits a fevered pitch of fun. Whether you’re all about nature and outdoor adventure, live theater, unique shopping, wine, beer, & spirits, read on to find great places to play in Calaveras. Looking for places to jump in the water and cool down? Don’t miss Calaveras’ Swimming Holes & Hidden Lakes!

1. Discover Calaveras Horseback Riding

Located in the heart of San Andreas and Highway 49 Gold Country, Trails of 49 ranch invites you horseback ride through historic, Gold Rush-era trails. They have tranquil half-hour rides to immersive two-hour journeys on paths that will harken back to a simpler time in Calaveras. Trails of 49 is nestled on a ranch that once bustled as the historic town of Fourth Crossing. Today, while it thrives as a commercial sheep and beef cattle haven, it’s also a treasure trove of history. As you saddle up and venture out, you’ll traverse landmarks like the state of California’s very first bridge on the legendary Highway 49. The trails weave through a picturesque private vineyard and retraces the steps of the Gold Rush pioneers in the remnants of the town of Fourth Crossing.

Trails of 49 invites you to “…saddle up and make some memories together…! It’s not just about the journey; it’s about the story we create along the way.”

2. Discover Calaveras Shakespeare on the Vine

Shakespeare, wine, moonlight. Whether you’re looking to experience something one of a kind, or already love live theater, you’re in luck. Shakespeare on the Vine‘s annual Shakespeare production-under-the-stars is perfect for first time theater-goers and theater aficionados alike. This theater company production takes place under clear night, summer skies on The Hilltop at Brice Station Vineyards, and gorgeous sunset views start the evening on the right note.  Imagine it…drinking great wine crafted and bottled on site, the Perseid meteor shower overhead, and perfect evening temperatures… an ideal time to enjoy live theater outdoors in Calaveras County.

Come early with your picnic, or snack through the performance on a blanket on the lawn in front of the stage. Plastic chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Brice Station wine is available for purchase at the event, but no other alcohol may be brought on the premises. Bring blankets and sweaters as it cools down late in the evening. A flashlight or flashlight app on your smart phone is recommended for trips to the restrooms after dark – and to navigate to your vehicle when the performance has ended.

For the 2024 season, audiences will love the romance, music, and joy of Twelfth Night as the theatre company celebrates 10 years of Shakepearean performances at Brice Station Vineyards. The 2024 season runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from July 25th to August 17th, and you can buy tickets now for this much-anticipated Calaveras event!

Visiting outside of August?  Murphys Creek Theatre enjoys a hiatus in August, but will return in September. Visit their delightful and eclectic Murphys Creek Theatre 2024 season schedule here.

3. Discover Calaveras Cave Exploration

California Cavern in Mountain Ranch –

Originally called Mammoth Cave, California Cavern was California’s first show cave and is its longest cavern system. Depending on the season, the guided cavern walk tour can be 45 minutes to 80 minutes long featuring an enchanting trail with beautiful crystalline cave formations in historical and recently discovered pristine areas. The cavern walking tour takes you through several passageways into multiple chambers on a trail system. On the way, you’ll see a wide variety of beautiful white, cream and caramel colored crystalline cave formations including stalactites, stalagmites, cave popcorn, flowstones and helictites, while also learning about the cavern’s fascinating discovery and early uses.

Mercer Cavern in Murphys

Mercer Caverns, one of three caves in Calaveras County, is open for guided tours, year round. See deep underground in this cavern filled with a large array of cave formations like stalactities, stalagmites and flowstones. This cavern also won the Paris World’s Fair for its display of the rare cavern formation: flos feri. Open daily in the summer from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and winter hours open Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Moaning Cavern in Vallecito

Moaning Caverns Adventure Park holds California’s deepest cave chamber, where you can descend deep underground on a guided walk tour.  Descend sixteen stories underground via the spiral staircase into the deepest cave in California and see massive cave formations. Learn about the history and geology of this fascinating cavern including how the massive stalagmites and flowstones formed and how people explored the cave before the spiral staircase was constructed. You’ll also see the “moaning holes” – rock formations caused by dripping water that cause the sound which inspired the cave’s name. Gemstone mining at the custom flume system is always fun for the whole family and cracking geodes is a big hit with rock hounds of all ages. Reservations are strongly recommended for all activities. The park is open Thursday through Monday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

4. Discover Calaveras Summertime Concerts

Ironstone Amphitheater I Courtesy of Instagrammer @____aldrich____

Whether you’re in the mood for household name artists like Cake, Michael Franti, or Robert Plant playing at Ironstone Vineyards Amphitheater in August during the Ironstone Summer Concert season (pictured below) or something a little more intimate featuring amazing local musicians, Calaveras has the outdoor venue for you. Explore all the concerts Calaveras has to offer with our guide to the top Calaveras Summer Concert Season here.

5. Discover Calaveras  A Taste of Calaveras’ Food, Wine, Beer, & Spirits

Posterity Ciderworks

Whether it’s wine, cider, spirits, or beer, Calaveras creates its own special brand of refreshments.  Start in Mokelumne Hill tasting Posterity Ciderworks’ unique ciders crafted from homestead apples, pears, quince found within a 50 mile radius of Calaveras County. Featured at two Michelin-star restaurants in Sacramento and San Francisco, this family-owned-&-operated cidery should not be missed by cider fans. Try the Hotel Leger or Renegade for a hearty, delicious lunch. Next, head to Angels Camp and stop in at the Miner’s Lounge in historic downtown. Located in the Utica Hotel building that was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in its present Art Deco style as the Bazinett Hotel in 1937, this swanky little place is perfect for watching your favorite sporting event, listening to live music, and enjoying a really great cocktail. Walk about five doors down for lunch  at Crusco’s for Old World Italian or The Quarry Downtown for great burgers, nachos, and local wine and beer. Wine more your thing? Calaveras is known for growing robust Cabernet Sauvignon, old vine Zinfindels, delicious Petite Sirah, and many, many more Spanish and Italian varietals. Head to Murphys where you can stroll the easy half-mile downtown and pick from 20+ tasting rooms that are sure to have what you love. Have a lovely dinner at V Restaurant, Bistro, and Bar on their outside patio or check out The Watering Hole with a 40 rotating draft beer menu, a chef-driven food menu, and live music every Thursday through October.   Moving on “up the hill” on Highway 4 to Arnold, visit the ever-hospitable Hinterhaus Distilling and be sure to try the best Old Fashioned ever.  Creating spirits using thoughtfully sourced, high quality ingredients, Hinterhaus’ award-winning spirits are not to be missed. Be sure to make reservations at Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen for dinner Wednesday through Sunday!

6. Discover Calaveras Gold Rush History

Photo Courtesy of Calaveras Enterprise

For all of the history buffs among us, you’re in luck! As part of the historic Hwy 49 Gold Rush corridor, Calaveras is filled with awesome features for history lovers young and old. From historic downtown walking tours in Murphys, Angels Camp, Mokelumne Hill, and San Andreas (available in your free Calaveras Visitors Guide) to charming historic museums such as the Angels Camp Museum and the Calaveras County Museum, Calaveras’ historic adventures don’t end indoors. Step outside to explore living history at Calaveras Big Trees State Park and the Sierra Logging Museum. Don’t miss the annual events celebrating Gold Rush history such as the Sierra Nevada Logging Jamboree in Arnold, the Mark Twain Wild West Fest in Angels Camp, and Lumberjack Day in West Point, there is plenty of history for everyone.

7. Discover Calaveras Seasonal Nature Highlights

Night sky at New Hogan Lake in the Valley Springs tri-lake area I Courtesy of Instagrammer @jossscelyn

• Take a drive over the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway for some cooler temperatures and High Sierra wildflower viewing. 
• Conditions permitting, join knowledgeable docents at Calaveras Big Trees State Park for an easy, guided walk around the beautiful North Grove Trail, every Saturday at 11:30 am. The North Grove Trail is just under 2 miles long, and easily walked by most people. Meet at the Visitor Center Plaza. All ages are welcome. Allow at least 90 minutes (or up to 2 hours) for the tour.  Call 209-795-7980 for more information.
• Bring friends and family together and rent a houseboat at New Melones Marina. In the evening, watch the Perseid Meteor Shower on the lake.  The 2024 Perseid meteor shower will reach its maximum rate of activity on August 12th 2024. Some shooting stars associated with the Perseid meteor shower are expected to be visible each night from July 17th 2024 to August 24th 2024.
• Have On the Lake Kayaks deliver your watercraft to New Melones Lake, or rent a SUP from Sierra Nevada Adventure Company to take a leisurely water excursion on one of Calaveras’ beautiful, serene lakes. Check out all the events and incredible fishing at Lake Camanche near Valley Springs. Come make summertime memories with great fishing, kayaking, boating, and outdoor concerts!
• Find more through our calendar of events.

SPEND THE NIGHT WITH US! Lodging in Calaveras

Rest comfortably at any of Calaveras’ lodgings, from serene cabin rentals in the mountains or by the lake to cozy hotels nestled in the midst of a historic downtown, Calaveras has room for everyone! Need more info about where to stay? Call the Calaveras Visitors Bureau at 209-736-0049.

Save the Date BONUS: Great Fall Events in Calaveras

August in Calaveras heralds the end of summer and the beginning of some of Calaveras’ most iconic festivals. Save the date to these great festivals by visiting our Calaveras annual events list here to explore the biggest events each month.