Auburn

History and modern culture merge with outdoor adventure in this appealing town on the west side of the Sierra Nevada. While Auburn has long been an easy pit stop for travelers heading to and from Lake Tahoe’s north shore, the town has plenty of reasons on its own for sticking around for a spell—especially if you like to move. Auburn claims to be home to the most challenging and historic endurance sports events in the world, like the prestigious 100-mile/161-km Western States trail running race. The area is also a mecca for mountain bikers, hikers, and horseback riders, who all take advantage of trails lacing the Auburn State Recreation Area, which protects the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the American River (Both forks are popular whitewater rafting destinations.)

"As more vintners join the “Gold Crush”—a local reference to Placer County’s growing number of wineries—so does the chance to relax at nearby tasting rooms, where the guy pouring the wine is often the winemaker too."

As more vintners join the “Gold Crush”—a local reference to Placer County’s growing number of wineries—so does the chance to relax at nearby tasting rooms, where the guy pouring the wine is often the winemaker too. Good wines attract good restaurants, and Auburn has a bumper crop lining the streets in the handsome Old Town district. Art galleries and shops selling antiques and collectibles abound. Wine grapes aren’t the only crop that grows in the area; citrus varieties thrive here too, and you can get your fix at the annual Mountain Mandarin Festival, held in late fall at Auburn’s Gold Country Fairgrounds.