By Felix Ngeso, June 17, 2025
Groveland, California
Yosemite National Park, which attracts approximately four million visitors each year, is a destination that many adventurers long to visit. And for those who have, it’s a place they yearn to explore again to witness more of its grandeur. Groveland, one of California’s most charming towns, is a 30-minute drive from Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat entrance.
As one of the small towns in America that are right on the doorstep of national parks, Groveland acts as a scenic base camp, offering comfort and a taste of California’s Gold Rush past. Founded during the 1849 gold boom, this town still carries the echoes of its rough-and-tumble beginnings. Its preserved buildings, including the state’s oldest continuously operating saloon, now serve as landmarks of a town that’s developed into a quiet but vibrant hub for travelers. From its rich history to the reasons it’s the perfect base for a Yosemite adventure, and local highlights, here is everything that makes Groveland worth visiting.
Groveland, A laid-Back Town With A Rich Gold Rush History
Nestled on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, Groveland is a town that whispers stories of the old frontier life while offering the serenity of a modern-day mountain escape to one of America’s most famous national park. With a population of just over 500 residents, Groveland may be small, but it serves as the ideal gateway for travelers making their way to Yosemite National Park, home to the World’s largest pine tree.
