Overview

Twain Harte, California has gained popularity over the years for its pleasant weather and quaint small-town atmosphere. There are numerous bed and breakfasts, restaurants and more.

This combination has attracted a growing number of retirees from the big cities of California, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Location

The town of Twain Harte is located at 3,800 feet elevation, on the foothills of the High Sierra mountains. Known as California's Gold Country, the area has four distinct seasons, with pleasant summers and mild winters.

Bordering the Stanislaus National Forest, Twain Harte is located on California Highway 108, outside of Sonora, just 2.5 hours east of San Francisco.

Services / Amenities

As a small town, Twain Harte has a high proportion of restaurants and lodging options, including cabins, hotels, RV camps and more. Bed and Breakfasts are particularly popular during the summer, when people escape the coastal heat for the cool mountain evenings.

Activities

• Golf
  There are a number of courses to get out for a few rounds of golf. Twain Harte has two nine-hole courses and a miniature golf course for the entire family. In addition, there are plenty of other golf courses in the surrounding area.
• Fishing
  The mountains in Stanislaus National Forest offer the chance to catch some fish. Take your pick from Pinecrest Lake, Beardsley Reservoir or Cherry Lake.  In addition, there are also nearby rivers, including the Clark Fork, the Stanislaus and the Tuolumne.
• Skiing
  Dodge Ridge Ski Area is located less than an hour away, near Pinecrest, making Twain Harte, CA a great base to get into the mountains for a day on the slopes.
• Ice Skating and Tubing
  Bring back all the old memories with a whirl on the snow or ice. There are a couple of nearby places to spend a few hours out in the brisk winter cold.
• Casinos
  Those who enjoy a little action on the tables will enjoy a trip to one of the casinos in the area.

Attractions

• Columbia State Historic Park
  Located just a short drive away, visitors are able to get an understanding of life in the 1850's, with gold-miners, businessmen and shop-keepers in period costume, working the shops, restaurants and two hotels.
• Railroad State Historic Park
  Home to the Jamestown Shops and Roundhouse, this park has been featured in a number of blockbuster movies. Take a ride on a steam engine during the summer months to complete the outing.

Getting Here

To get to Yosemite from Twain Harte, head south on Highway 108, split left onto Highway 49 after 17 miles, then join Highway 120 after 3.5 miles. This highway leads directly to the park for a total drive time of two hours.