There’s something magnetic about a Gold Rush town in summer. Especially when you’re staying at a landmark hotel that still carries a trace of frontier mischief in its walls—and a full pour of modern hospitality in your glass.
In California’s Sierra Nevada Foothills, the Holbrooke in Grass Valley and the National Exchange in Nevada City offer a summer experience that feels both nostalgic and current. Five miles apart, both hotels recently won 2025 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, placing them among the top 10% of hotels worldwide. It’s easy to see why.
At the National Exchange, Victorian elegance meets modern hospitality. Built in 1856, the property features 38 art-filled guest rooms, a beloved cocktail bar, and Lola, a restaurant known for its French-accented, locally sourced menu. The interiors blend saturated hues, vintage artwork, and plush textures to striking effect.
The Holbrooke, opened in 1862, leans into its Gold Rush roots with masculine, saloon-style swagger. The Golden Gate Saloon, California’s oldest continually operating bar, anchors the property with all-day dining and a generous pour of atmosphere. Downstairs, the Iron Door speakeasy serves up expertly crafted cocktails in a moody, subterranean setting.
This summer, both properties are offering seasonal packages designed to pair adventure with comfort.
The Happy Trails package (available June 1–30) includes 15% off weekday rates, 10% off weekends, and a $25 dining credit at the Holbrooke or a bottle of rosé at the National Exchange. Each booking includes trail maps and a donation to the Bear Yuba Land Trust, which maintains local trails and watersheds.
Starting July 1, the Road Tripper package offers similar discounts, along with recreation maps and food and beverage perks. The promotion runs through August 28 and is available for midweek stays.
Summer in Nevada County brings a full calendar of community events. The Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival (June 12–15) returns for its 47th year, transforming the fairgrounds into a pine-shaded stage for traditional and progressive bluegrass acts. The Nevada City Film Festival (June 20–22) celebrates independent film, comedy, and music. In August (6–10), the Nevada County Fair draws families with carnival rides, livestock exhibits, live music, and classic fair food.
For a more spontaneous evening, Hot Summer Nights in Nevada City and the Thursday Night Market in Grass Valley offer street performances, food vendors, local art, and a laid-back summer crowd. Fire dancers, aerialists, and live bands keep the energy high after sunset.
Outdoor recreation is never far. The Deer Creek Tribute Trail begins steps from the National Exchange Hotel, winding through neighborhoods and across a suspension bridge above Deer Creek. More ambitious hikers can head 45 minutes up the road to Bowman Lake Recreation Area, a network of trails and wildflower-filled meadows that lead to glacial lakes and the striking Emerald Pools.
Mountain bikers have no shortage of trails to explore. The Pioneer Trail, a 24-mile route with more than 3,000 feet of elevation gain, is best tackled in sections. The Hoot Trail, a side route full of jumps and berms, suits intermediate riders. Scotts Flat Trail, at seven miles, offers a scenic ride through ponderosa forest to the shores of Scotts Flat Lake.
Those drawn to history will find it alive at Malakoff Diggins and the abandoned town of Humbug, once the site of California’s largest hydraulic mining operation. The ghost town still holds a general store, schoolhouse, and chapel, all surrounded by quiet forest—an ideal place for a picnic and a bit of reflection.
Together, the Holbrooke and National Exchange Hotels serve as gateways to an area where past and present coexist with style. Their thoughtful restorations offer more than comfort—they invite guests to connect with the stories of California’s Gold Country, while enjoying a glass of something refreshing and an excellent meal.
For more information or to book a stay, visit holbrooke.com or thenationalexchangehotel.com.