If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Oakhurst, California, you’ve come to the right place. The town is located in Madera County, near the Sierra Nevada foothills. It is about 14 miles south of Yosemite National Park. As of the 2020 census, Oakhurst had a population of 5,945, compared to 2,829 in the 2010 census. It is part of the Madera metropolitan statistical area.
Bass Lake
Bass Lake is a small lake in Madera County that is perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming. Its pine-covered shores provide plenty of opportunities for recreation, and you can also enjoy a picnic in one of the picnic areas. The lake is also an excellent place for water sports, and you can even try your hand at surfing.
Oakhurst is known for its outdoor activities, and if you’re planning a trip there, you’ll want to take in the Bass Lake area. Other nearby attractions include Red Rock Falls, Southgate Brewing Company, Golden Chain Theatre, and several places to see giant Sequoias.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous vacation, you can take a hike through the Lewis Creek Trail. This 7.4-mile trail offers views of Bass Lake from a high vantage point. The trail is open to the public, but it is recommended that you go during October and April for the best weather. Another great activity is to explore Coarsegold Historic Village, 8 miles south of Oakhurst. This historic site was established in 1852 after gold was discovered in the area.
You can also go kayaking and swimming in Bass Lake. There are camping areas and picnic areas on the lake. The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club also holds annual gatherings at the lake. The lake is also a great place to enjoy a family day at the lake.
Ahwahnee Hills Regional Park
If you love to hike or simply enjoy nature, you’ll love Ahwahnee Hills Regional Park in Ahwahnee, Calif. The 400-acre park is located on Highway 49 in Madera County. The park protects a natural oak habitat and is used for education and recreation.
Originally, the park served as a boys’ boarding school. However, the school was closed in 1985, and the land ended up in the hands of Madera County. The property was then used as a caretaker until the early 1990s, when local residents pushed for a park on the site. In response, the Friends of Ahwahnee Hills Regional Park was formed.
The park offers miles of trails and is accessible to people of all abilities. Its three-mile walking and four-mile hiking trails are accessible to people with disabilities. There are also two handicapped parking areas in the park. The park also has a fifteen-acre lake. A number of interpretive centers are located within the park. The park is also close to the north side of Oakhurst and Mariposa, and it’s about 22 miles from Yosemite’s south entrance.
Ahwahnee Hills Regional Park in Oaklandhurst is free to visit and offers a number of activities, including hiking. Visitors will enjoy hiking trails and the park’s barn. The park also offers numerous picnic areas.
Idle Hour Winery
The Idle Hour Winery & Kitchen is Oakhurst’s first winery. In addition to serving award-winning wines, the restaurant features Mediterranean-style cuisine made from fresh, local seasonal ingredients. The winery specializes in making single vineyard-designated wines in small lots using traditional methods. The winery is located in the Queen’s Inn By The River.
The winery is owned by Anna Marie dos Remedios and Deb Payne. The winery is dedicated to using sustainable vineyard practices and local yeasts to produce its small-batch wines. The tasting room, located inside the Queen’s Inn by the River, is filled with barrels of fermenting wine, aging bottles of French wines, and wine competition medals. The winery’s staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and can answer questions about the wines and the winery.
Oakhurst’s first winery, the Idle Hour Winery is a great place to spend the afternoon. You’ll have a chance to sample award-winning wines and enjoy Mediterranean-style cuisine while sipping wine from a charcuterie. The winery also offers a wine bar that overlooks the Fresno River. The winery offers free tastings for wine enthusiasts, and it’s open to dogs.
In addition to its wines, Idle Hour Winery offers a menu with rotating menus made from seasonal ingredients. The winery is located near the city of Oakhurst, which has a thriving culinary scene. The winery hosts events, charity events, and even hosts international interns from the University of California, Fresno.
Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias
The Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoies is located in Madera County in the western Sierra Nevada. It was originally known as the Fresno Grove when it was a part of the larger Fresno County in the 19th century. The grove is located in the Sierra National Forest.
The grove is home to the Pacific dogwood, which has large white blossoms in the spring and vibrant green leaves in summer. The Pacific dogwood also contributes to the dappled color of autumn. Loggers began harvesting giant sequoias in the late nineteenth century, and entire groves were destroyed. Parts of the Nelder Grove were cut, but now full-sized sequoias grow among the stumps left behind.
While the Mariposa Grove is packed with tourists, the nearby Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoiums is more peaceful and tranquil. This forest contains more than 100 mature giant sequoia trees, as well as other types of second-growth trees, including fir and incense cedar. It contains five different trails, including the Shadow of the Giants Trail, which winds through a narrow draw and is lined with wildflowers. Visitors can take a self-guided interpretive hike through the Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoions.
The Nelder Grove is located in the Sierra National Forest, which means it is not crowded with tourists. It is an ideal place for families to spend an afternoon hiking and viewing giant sequoias.
World Famous Talking Bear
In Oakhurst, you can visit the World Famous Talking Bear Place. The bear is a fiberglass statue that talks about wildlife and wilderness preservation. It is a certified California Historical Landmark. Visitors are invited to push the button to hear it talk. The bear starts with a roar and then provides information about Californian Grizzly Bears.
The Talking Bear, which is actually a replica of a California Grizzly, is a tourist attraction in Oakhurst. The bear is located at the corner of Highway 41 and 426. The World Famous Talking Bear is an attraction for all ages. Several art galleries and antique shops are located in Oakhurst. A trolley tour stops at several of them.
The town is also famous for its spirits production. The Oakhurst Distillery produces whiskey, gin, and vodka. Visitors can also purchase souvenirs and gifts made from local grains and berries. The town is a great place to enjoy a nice lunch.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Oakhurst, there are a number of reasonably priced motels and luxurious hotels. The town is located on the foothills of the Sierras, providing excellent access to the southern area of the park. The town also features two major supermarkets. It is six miles (10 km) away from Bass Lake and 11 miles (18 km) from the Chukchansi Indian Casino.
