Guidebook
Local Restaurants & Bars
Best pizza in town! Their calzones are massive and good for 2-3 people. It's family-friendly and they have plenty of indoor and outdoor space to accommodate big groups. Best kept secret: their sandwiches!
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Gold Dust Pizza Copperopolis
131 Town Square RdBest pizza in town! Their calzones are massive and good for 2-3 people. It's family-friendly and they have plenty of indoor and outdoor space to accommodate big groups. Best kept secret: their sandwiches!
Griff's BBQ & Grill
304 Town Square RdGet their brisket and corn bread! You won't regret it!
Delicious little bakery must stop on your way to Dodge Ridge.
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Alicia's Sugar Shack Twain Harte
24191 CA-108Delicious little bakery must stop on your way to Dodge Ridge.
Full service restaurant on the lake! Arrive by boat, kayak or SUP. They have an awesome lakefront patio where you can enjoy a cold beer with a grilled cheese sandwich and garlic fries (our fav).
Drifters Marina & Grill
6603 Lake Tulloch PlFull service restaurant on the lake! Arrive by boat, kayak or SUP. They have an awesome lakefront patio where you can enjoy a cold beer with a grilled cheese sandwich and garlic fries (our fav).
Built in 1862, this historical landmark is a great place to get your drink on with locals. Friendly bartenders, strong drinks, and a pool table. Beware that they no longer serve food.
Old Corner Saloon
574 Main StreetBuilt in 1862, this historical landmark is a great place to get your drink on with locals. Friendly bartenders, strong drinks, and a pool table. Beware that they no longer serve food.
Access by boat in the summer months. They used to have an awesome restaurant with good Mexican food and frosty mug for the beers on tap but now it's just a small convenience store with live bait for you anglers.
South Shore Bar & Grill
14448 Tulloch RoadAccess by boat in the summer months. They used to have an awesome restaurant with good Mexican food and frosty mug for the beers on tap but now it's just a small convenience store with live bait for you anglers.
This is our favorite stop on our way back to Tulloch Cottage from Bear Valleys Ski Resort. It's located on highway 4 (4 miles east from Murphy's). Seriously the best hot apple cider, pies and pastries!
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Red Apple
4950 CA-4This is our favorite stop on our way back to Tulloch Cottage from Bear Valleys Ski Resort. It's located on highway 4 (4 miles east from Murphy's). Seriously the best hot apple cider, pies and pastries!
A changing food list and so many beer/wine/cider options (on draft and to go) that never disappoints! Great atmosphere and ideal for a big group. Their main dining and outdoor area has plenty of large tables with bench seats. You can enjoy the fire pit, creek view and outdoor games while you eat and drink.
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The Watering Hole
223 Big Trees RdA changing food list and so many beer/wine/cider options (on draft and to go) that never disappoints! Great atmosphere and ideal for a big group. Their main dining and outdoor area has plenty of large tables with bench seats. You can enjoy the fire pit, creek view and outdoor games while you eat and drink.
Copper Valley Cafe
240 Town Square RdGood brunch spot.
Country-theme diner with a great breakfast menu and friendly staff. They only accept cash.
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Woods Creek Cafe
18256 CA-108Country-theme diner with a great breakfast menu and friendly staff. They only accept cash.
Really good Mexican food in Angel's Camp historic main street. Salsa is roasted and chips are freshly made. Highly recommend the birria and wine margarita.
Cascabel Restaurant
1252 S Main StReally good Mexican food in Angel's Camp historic main street. Salsa is roasted and chips are freshly made. Highly recommend the birria and wine margarita.
Good lunch spot . They have a really nice patio by the creek and their Cadillac Margarita is delicious!
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El Arroyo Cantina & Mexican Kitchen
126 S Washington StGood lunch spot . They have a really nice patio by the creek and their Cadillac Margarita is delicious!
They have a beautiful outdoor space overlooking the Stanislaus River.
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The River's Edge
17525 Sonora RdThey have a beautiful outdoor space overlooking the Stanislaus River.
Their beer garden is awesome. They have a separate wine tasting area adjacent to the beer garden. Their lunch menu is decent. They're centrally located on Main Street.
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Murphys Pourhouse
350 Main StTheir beer garden is awesome. They have a separate wine tasting area adjacent to the beer garden. Their lunch menu is decent. They're centrally located on Main Street.
Outdoor Activities
Built around recreation and guaranteed full in the summer! You'll also be in awe of the lakefront homes.
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Tulloch Reservoir
Built around recreation and guaranteed full in the summer! You'll also be in awe of the lakefront homes.
The Golf Club at Copper Valley
1001 Saddle Creek DrBest course in the foothills. 5 min drive from Tulloch Cottage!
Towering sequoias. Raging waterfalls. Soaring granite cliffs. Yosemite is one of the oldest National Parks in the country, and in my very biased opinion, THE BEST! The Big Oak Flat entrance is the closest entrance from Tulloch Cottage (1.5 hour drive).
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Yosemite National Park
Towering sequoias. Raging waterfalls. Soaring granite cliffs. Yosemite is one of the oldest National Parks in the country, and in my very biased opinion, THE BEST! The Big Oak Flat entrance is the closest entrance from Tulloch Cottage (1.5 hour drive).
The antithesis of a large, corporate-run ski resort. It's family-owned, family-friendly, quaint and plenty of good terrain. The best part about it is that you can still tailgate in the parking lot and it's only an hour east from Tulloch Cottage!
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Skigebiet Dodge Ridge
1 Dodge Ridge RdThe antithesis of a large, corporate-run ski resort. It's family-owned, family-friendly, quaint and plenty of good terrain. The best part about it is that you can still tailgate in the parking lot and it's only an hour east from Tulloch Cottage!
This is our go-to ski resort in Norcal. It's a little over an hour away from Tulloch Cottage. It's laid back, unpretentious, and family-friendly. Great snow, runs, views, staff and overall vibe. Bring your own food and drinks. The options are limited and a bit pricey.
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Bear Valley
This is our go-to ski resort in Norcal. It's a little over an hour away from Tulloch Cottage. It's laid back, unpretentious, and family-friendly. Great snow, runs, views, staff and overall vibe. Bring your own food and drinks. The options are limited and a bit pricey.
Greenhorn Creek Resort
Another nearby golf course in Angel's Camp (20 minutes away).
Moccasin Marina is nearest to the cottage and less busy than the other two boat launches (Flemming Meadows and Blue Oak).
New-Don-Pedro-Talsperre
Moccasin Marina is nearest to the cottage and less busy than the other two boat launches (Flemming Meadows and Blue Oak).
New Melones Lake
It's less busy than Don Pedro Lake.
The hike to the Natural Bridges is about 2 miles round trip, with a moderate descent to the creek and a climb up. It is well-marked and easy to follow. The path is shaded by oak and pine trees, which is much needed on warmer days. Pro tips: bring water shoes if you plan on exploring the creek and caverns. Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen. The parking area can fill up quickly on weekends, so arriving early is a good idea.
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Natural Bridges Trailhead
Parrotts Ferry RoadThe hike to the Natural Bridges is about 2 miles round trip, with a moderate descent to the creek and a climb up. It is well-marked and easy to follow. The path is shaded by oak and pine trees, which is much needed on warmer days. Pro tips: bring water shoes if you plan on exploring the creek and caverns. Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen. The parking area can fill up quickly on weekends, so arriving early is a good idea.
We love hiking The Table Mountain Trail with our kids. It's about 2.8 miles round trip, with a steady incline that can be a bit strenuous at times, but not too daunting for a moderately fit hiker. The trail is well-marked and maintained. The views of rolling hills, valleys, and distant mountains make the climb worth it. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter small waterfalls and streams along the trail. Spring is the best time to visit due to the wildflower bloom. Start early in the day to avoid the heat and crowds, and to have the best lighting for photos.
Table Mountain Trail
We love hiking The Table Mountain Trail with our kids. It's about 2.8 miles round trip, with a steady incline that can be a bit strenuous at times, but not too daunting for a moderately fit hiker. The trail is well-marked and maintained. The views of rolling hills, valleys, and distant mountains make the climb worth it. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter small waterfalls and streams along the trail. Spring is the best time to visit due to the wildflower bloom. Start early in the day to avoid the heat and crowds, and to have the best lighting for photos.
Peoria Ridge is a fantastic trail that offers a little bit of everything - beautiful views, diverse wildlife, and a peaceful hiking experience. It's a moderately challenging hike that spans about 3.5 miles round trip. The trail can get hot in the summer, so it's best to hike early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable hiking conditions and the best scenery.
Peoria Ridge Trailhead parking
Peoria Ridge is a fantastic trail that offers a little bit of everything - beautiful views, diverse wildlife, and a peaceful hiking experience. It's a moderately challenging hike that spans about 3.5 miles round trip. The trail can get hot in the summer, so it's best to hike early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable hiking conditions and the best scenery.
Sierra Foothills Wineries
Vina Moda
147 Main StGreat outdoor wine tasting experience and their wines are yummy. The Barbera is our fav.
15 minutes away. Gorgeous setting and their wine is tasty!
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Prospect 772 Wine Company
772 Appaloosa Rd15 minutes away. Gorgeous setting and their wine is tasty!
The Tipsy Frog
310 Town Square RdGreat selection of wines. The owner, Donna, is friendly and fun to talk to.
A California winery with a French accent. The owners are husband and wife, Jean-Jacques and Roswitha. A wonderful couple that really knows their wine. It's located in a back alley off Main Street. Such a charming place and their Port is good!
Domaine Becquet Winery
415 Main StA California winery with a French accent. The owners are husband and wife, Jean-Jacques and Roswitha. A wonderful couple that really knows their wine. It's located in a back alley off Main Street. Such a charming place and their Port is good!
Their tasting room is nothing special but their wines are so good! Our favs are the Grenache and Syrah.
Villa Vallecito Vineyards Inc
263 Main StTheir tasting room is nothing special but their wines are so good! Our favs are the Grenache and Syrah.
Sightseeing
Columbia State Historic Park is a gem for anyone interested in California history. They did a great job of preserving and showcasing the Gold Rush era. The town itself is picturesque, with wooden sidewalks, historic storefronts, and costumed intepreters. Go to the blacksmith shop where you can watch a blacksmith at work and take home a handmade souvenir. Panning for gold was a big hit for the kids.
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Columbia State Historic Park
11259 Broadway StColumbia State Historic Park is a gem for anyone interested in California history. They did a great job of preserving and showcasing the Gold Rush era. The town itself is picturesque, with wooden sidewalks, historic storefronts, and costumed intepreters. Go to the blacksmith shop where you can watch a blacksmith at work and take home a handmade souvenir. Panning for gold was a big hit for the kids.
The star attraction of the park is, of course, the giant sequoias. The park offers a variety of well-maintained trails for all fitness levels. The North Grove Trail is popular, showcasing some of the most impressive trees, including the "Big Stump" and the "Mother of the Forest." Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
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Calaveras Big Trees State Park
1170 CA-4The star attraction of the park is, of course, the giant sequoias. The park offers a variety of well-maintained trails for all fitness levels. The North Grove Trail is popular, showcasing some of the most impressive trees, including the "Big Stump" and the "Mother of the Forest." Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Murphy's Main Street is well worth a visit. It offers a blend of historic charm, unique shopping, and excellent dining options. Don't miss the Murphy's Hotel, a historic landmark. Main Street often hosts community events, farmers' markets, and festivals so check the local calendar to see if there's anything happening during your visit.
Main Street
Murphy's Main Street is well worth a visit. It offers a blend of historic charm, unique shopping, and excellent dining options. Don't miss the Murphy's Hotel, a historic landmark. Main Street often hosts community events, farmers' markets, and festivals so check the local calendar to see if there's anything happening during your visit.