Murphys Vacation and Trip Information

The town of Murphys, Calif., is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills—an area often referred to as “Gold Country” due to its role in the California Gold Rush. The area was settled in 1848 by two brothers, Daniel and John Murphy, who also established a trading post and gold-mining operation. The town itself is said to have been one of California’s richest gold “diggins.”

History is evident in a mere stroll down Main Street, where many original buildings from the town’s early days are still in use today. Along the elm-shaded street lie great shops, restaurants (especially Grounds and V Restaurant) and wine-tasting rooms that can easily take up the majority of your time here.

If it’s adventure that lures you, check out Calaveras Big Trees State Park, home to ancient and towering giant sequoias. Or get underground at any of the caves and caverns in the area, such as Mercer Caverns, Moaning Cavern and California Cavern. Annual events, like Murphys Irish Day, Murphys Heritage Day and the Calaveras Grape Stomp are times worth a special trip.