Nevada City
The Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad St., opened in July 1865 and is said to be California's oldest theater. It presents movies and live performances; for schedule information phone (530) 265-6161.
The Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum , 5 Kidder Ct., has exhibits about local transportation, including a steam automobile and artifacts related to the area's narrow gauge railroad, which operated from 1876 to 1942. Exhibits include railroad memorabilia, rolling stock and the narrow gauge line's Engine 5; phone (530) 470-0902.
Firehouse No. 1 Museum, 214 Main St., displays pioneer relics, Native American and Donner party artifacts and a collection of Chinese artifacts that includes an altar from an 1870s Chinese joss house as well as a Quan Yin altar, named after the goddess of compassion and mercy; phone (530) 265-3937.
Hiking and mountain biking trails in the surrounding area range from easy to strenuous. Trails along the South Yuba River Canyon follow streams, pass historic sites and offer plenty of scenic vistas. About 8 miles northwest on SR 49 is South Yuba River State Park, popular with kayakers and noted for spring wildflowers and a 251-foot-long, single-span covered bridge (off Pleasant Valley Road near Bridgeport).
Visitor Centers
Nevada City Chamber of Commerce 132 Main St. Nevada City, CA 95959. Phone:(530)265-2692 or (800)655-6569
Self-guiding Tours
Thirteen points of interest in Nevada City's downtown historic district are described in a walking tour brochure provided by the chamber of commerce.