Whether you are heading to Murphys to chill or plan to be out and about, there are a wide range of activities for friends, families, and couples.
Things to Do
Historic Murphys Walking Tours
Available at no charge (donations gratefully accepted) on Saturday mornings at 10am leaving from the Old Timers Museum. Please contact Jo Sanders at 209-728-3072 to confirm times or make arrangements for large groups.
Ironstone Concerts
Ironstone Vineyards marries its great wine with a great amphitheater that hosts concerts for many major artists. Check their calendar for upcoming shows.
Mercer Caverns
Mercer Caverns is located one mile north of Murphys. It is named after the gold prospector Walter J. Mercer who discovered the caves around 1885. The caverns have a large number of stalactites, and stalagmites.
Moaning Caverns Adventure Park
Moaning Cavern is located near Vallecito (~6mi away). It is a 165-foot-deep natural cavern in the marble of the Calaveras Formation. The adventure park offers walking and rappelling tours and also has an above-ground zipline.
Columbia Historic Mining Town
Discover Columbia and explore the rich history of this charming California Gold Rush town. ~20 min by car.
Big Trees Park
Established in 1931 to preserve a stunning stand of giant sequoias, this park offers one of the easiest places to see these towering trees. ~30 min to park entrance.
Stanislaus National Forest
Stanislaus National Forest manages 898k acres of land in four counties in the Sierra Nevadas. It was established on February 22, 1897, making it one of the oldest national forests. It was named after the Stanislaus River.
Indian Grinding Rock State Park
Has the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America. It is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, about 45 mi from Murphys (~ 1 hour).
Annual Events
Spring
- Murphys Irish Day – Held each year on the third Saturday in March, people gather to honor the town’s Celtic heritage and celebrate St. Patrick days in their finest green outfits. There is lots of food and drink, and art and entertainment!
Summer
- Summer concerts at Ironstone Amphitheater
Fall
- Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival – First Friday in October
- Murphys Day of the Dead – First Saturday after Halloween. Celebrates the spirits of those that have passed with authentic cultural art, food, sugar skulls, face painting, and live music.
Winter
- Murphys Open House – First Saturday in December. Listen to musicians and carolers as you explore Murphys shops and wineries while getting into the holiday spirit.