Grass Valley - Nevada City Cultural District
The Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District is one of just 14 state-designated California Cultural Districts, including our sister district in Truckee.
California Cultural Districts highlight the cultural legacy of our state's most valuable resource—its diversity. From larger, urban areas to uncharted rural locations, each district helps grow and sustain authentic arts and culture opportunities, increase the visibility of local artists, and promote socio-economic and ethnic diversity through culture and creative expression.
Tours
Our web-based tours highlight the history and culture of Nevada City, Grass Valley, and our surrounding communities.
Mural Tour of Nevada County
28 STOPS| SELF-GUIDED | CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
Featuring a robust (and ever-expanding) collection of public murals throughout Nevada County, this self-guided tour will lead you to unexpected places.
Nevada City Walking Tour
13 STOPS | GUIDED | WALKING | 1H 30M | 1 MI
Relive key moments of Nevada City’s history, from pre-Gold Rush settlement up to the 1970s. Featuring notable buildings and beautiful vistas.
Haunted Nevada City Ghost Tour
21 STOPS | GUIDED | WALKING | 1H 30M | 1.5 MI
Illuminated by the flickering flames of gas streetlights, Nevada City is the perfect setting for tales of the numerous ghosts who haunt our historic buildings.
Upcoming Events
Plan your visit
Getting Here
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Grass Valley
There are two Level 3 ChargePoint ports in the parking lot of the BriarPatch Coop.
There are currently three Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations (each with two outlets) in the Commercial Street Parking Lot. They are currently available for electric vehicle owners who download the “Chargie” app.
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Nevada County has very limited taxi and ride-sharing service. Though there are some Lyft and Uber drivers serving our community, hours and range may be limited. Please check availability and rates before arriving.
Fast Taxi
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Public transit options are limited in Western Nevada County. Nevada County Connects is the best option for bus service within the GVNC Cultural District.
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Visitors who prefer to experience the Cultural District by bicycle can reserve a rental bike from Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop, which offers models in multiple categories, including road bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes.
If you want to hit the nearby trails, check out the Bicyclists of Nevada County (BONC) website for updates on local trails and conditions.
Grass Valley’s Area 13 offers e-bike rentals for partial days or multiple days.
Make sure to ask the staff about the best riding spots and please ride carefully!
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From the West
Travelers coming from the Bay Area, Sacramento, or other points west can take Interstate 80 East (I-80 E) to Auburn and then take the Highway 49 North (CA-49 N) exit toward Grass Valley/Placerville and follow signs to Grass Valley.
From the East
Travelers coming from Reno, Truckee, or other points to the East can take Interstate 80 West (I-80 W) to Highway 20 West (CA-20 W) toward Nevada City/Grass Valley.
From the North
Travelers coming from Chico, Redding, and other points North can take Highway 99 South (CA-99 S) to Highway 70 South (CA-70 S) to Highway 20 East (CA-20 E) toward Grass Valley/Nevada City.
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Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the closest major airport (approximately one hour by car from Grass Valley).
The small Nevada County-operated Nevada County Airport does not offer commercial air service, but charter flights are available. See their website for more information.
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Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor is the best option for travelers coming from the Bay Area or Sacramento, with service to Auburn, which is a 30 minute drive from Grass Valley.
From the Auburn Amtrak Station, travelers can take Nevada County Connects Route 5 to Grass Valley.
Be sure to check train and bus schedules, as transit hours may be limited on evenings and weekends.
Getting Around
Artist Spotlights
Cultural District Partners
The Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District is a partnership between Nevada County Arts Council, the City of Nevada City, the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce, the City of Grass Valley, and the Greater Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Grass Valley - Nevada City
Cultural District
The California Arts Council has selected 14 districts to serve as California's inaugural state-designated Cultural Districts. Nevada County was bestowed the great honor of being home to 2 of the 14 districts - Grass Valley-Nevada City and Truckee. Your participation is essential to the success of both our state designated Cultural Districts. Each one of us is an ambassador of our community. Help us celebrate our heritage and the people, places, traditions and events that contribute to the quality of life here!
Grass Valley-Nevada City
“Between them, Grass Valley and Nevada City are home to the Nevada Theatre, the oldest theater in California, and over 100 arts-related organizations producing upwards of 1000 events a year.”
As well as for their arts, Grass Valley and Nevada City are known for their expanding vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms, and a trail network of outstanding natural beauty. The Nisenan lived here for thousands of years before their incorporation as part of a perfectly balanced ecosystem thriving on the Yuba, Bear and American river watersheds – and, over time, their sacred places are being rediscovered and cherished.
“The District experienced a ‘cultural revolution’ from the mid-20th Century that has reshaped the local economy and which continues to influence the statewide arts scene.”
Steeped in history and with the most famous gold-mining district in California, the District experienced a ‘cultural revolution’ from the mid-20th Century that has reshaped the local economy and which continues to influence the statewide arts scene. Starting in the ’60s, Beat Generation and deep ecology poet Gary Snyder, singer Utah Phillips and a host of authors and musicians settled here. Now, for over 50 high-tech companies – including a virtual and augmented reality hub – creativity occurs in peaceful, natural environments far from major urban centers.
Between them, Grass Valley and Nevada City are home to the Nevada Theatre, the oldest theater in California, and over 100 arts-related organizations producing upwards of a thousand events a year, scores of annual festivals, street fairs, art walks and studio tours, and a generous base of artists and makers.