Fall Travel Guide – Murphys California

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September 19, 2025

Fall Travel Guide – Murphys, CA

Nestled in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California, Murphys, transforms each fall into a storybook town, with vineyards glowing amber, historic streets lined with vibrant trees, and cool evenings perfect for sipping wine by the fire. Think gorgeous fall foliage, nature walks, comfort food, special winery events, live music, and unforgettable moments! Our Fall Travel Guide to Murphys is filled with Insider Tips, Local Favorites, and Top Things to Do in our Gold Rush Era town. Find the complete Calendar of Events for Calaveras County below. See you soon! 


As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, we’re embracing the cozy spirit of autumn here at Experience Murphys, The Victoria Inn, V Vacation Rental and Dunbar House Inn and Event Properties. On behalf of our entire team, I want to extend a warm invitation to share this beautiful season with us. We look forward to creating new memories and enjoying the simple comforts that fall brings.

Warmly – Linda, InnKeeper 


Why Fall is an ideal time to visit Murphys

  • Fewer crowds than summer.
  • Harvest season at local wineries.
  • Cooler weather for strolling Main Street.
  • Fall events and festivals (Pumpkin patches, wine harvest dinners, Oktoberfest).

Tips for Traveling to Murphys in the Fall 

  • Dress in layers: crisp mornings, warm afternoons, chilly evenings.
  • Book lodging early for fall visits (popular for wine weekends).
  • Plan scenic day trips (Arnold, Angels Camp, Columbia State Historic Park).

Whether you come for the golden vineyards, the historic charm, or the crisp mountain air, Murphys in the fall feels like California’s best-kept secret for a cozy autumn escape. Enjoy our Fall Travel Guide and reach out to schedule your perfect getaway! To make the best of your time with us during this special season, be sure to view the complete calendar of events from our friends at Calaveras Visitors Bureau as well as Visit Murphys. 

The Victoria Inn Murphys CA Celebrates 25 Years!

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Owner Michael Ninos reflects on this important milestone Murphys, CA – July 28, 2025 Today, we kick off a series of 25th Anniversary Celebrations starting with the release of our Anniversary Timeline. It all began with a chance meeting between … Continue reading

Perfect Romantic Getaways Happen in Murphys California

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This year, Valentines Day lands on a Friday and also a 3-Day Weekend with Monday the 17th being Presidents Day. The team at Experience Murphys has prepared the Perfect Trip Planning Ideas for a Romantic Getaway to Murphys California, located in the heart of the Sierra Foothills of Northern CA. Want to avoid the crowds on that Holiday Weekend? Come up during the week for a more quiet, laid back vibe and get in on our 50% savings on lodging at V Vacation Rentals with 13 properties to choose from or one of our B&Bs – The Victoria Inn or Historic Dunbar House.

Our Foothills Farmhouse vacation home has a hot tub and outdoor fire pit – a great spot to cozy up together! Couples love this space and have so many wonderful things to stay…

“The Foothills Farmhouse is a great rental and location. Close enough to downtown Murphys to walk but far enough to not hear the hustle and bustle of the town. The house had everything we needed and that backyard was so relaxing. Would definitely stay here again.”

Another great option for your Romantic Getaway is our Veranda Condo, located in the middle of Murphys. This private space offers a fireplace and balcony overlooking Main Street, a perfect spot to enjoy morning coffee or happy hour together. Walking distance from restaurants, live music, wine tasting, and shopping, this vacation home is sure to please.

“We thoroughly enjoyed staying in the Veranda. It was totally our vibe (industrial farm house) Clean and had everything needed. Location was also great.
We will certainly stay there again.”

 

Contact us HERE to get your romantic getaway on the books and find our Perfect Romantic Getaway Trip Planning Ideas for Mid-Week of Holiday Weekend below. 

Romantic Weekend in Murphy, CA Trip Planners

Option 1 – Three Day Weekend in Murphys

Since Valentines Day lands on the Friday of Presidents Weekend this year, our town will be buzzing from Friday afternoon onward. Be sure to get your lodging booked and restaurant reservations dialed in weeks before your arrival. Ideally, you and your loved one will get on the road after rush hour traffic and arrive to Murphys in time for champagne brunch. With so many wonderful restaurant options, you can’t go wrong. Our friends at V Bistro hosts Brunch starting at 11am Monday through Wednesday and at 8am Thursday through Sunday. Pop the Bubbly in Murphys has bubbles and brunch items from 11am onward Wednesday through Sunday. Grounds Restaurant known for their crispy bacon waffles, omelettes and breakfast burritos offers Brunch starting at 8:00am Friday through Tuesday. If you prefer a more picnic vibe, pick up provisions at Sierra Hills Market and their Natural Foods store next door when arriving to Murphys. Grab your picnic blanket and head over to the Murphys Community Park where you will find an adorable Gazebo perched next to a flowing creek and plenty of picnic tables to choose from.

After brunch, you will want to stroll around our charming Gold-Rush Era town to take in the historic buildings and artistic sites. The Spice Tin is a must visit for couples who love to cook together as they offer items from all over the world. Pick up supplies to make a dinner back at your vacation home. Looking for a sweet treat before checking in? Stop by Nelsons Candy Kitchen and find out why they have been around since 1926 as you both nibble on handmade candies. And right next door you will find Joma’s Artisan Ice Cream offering the most exquisite flavors you can imagine.

Friday nights are for lovers in our small town filled with live music, delicious wine and well as craft cocktails, and farm to table dinners. Kick off your evening with a stroll to the Boyle MacDonald Tasting Room rooftop with a glass of wine and live music at 6:00. Head to dinner downtown, just steps away from this locals hang. Be sure to wrap up dinner in time to enjoy Live Music at the Murphys Irish Pub, in the center of Main Street. The fun team there offers live music every Friday from 7:00-10:00 as well as craft beer, wine by the glass and homemade lavender lemonade.

Also, something new in town this year, is the Second Chance Dance at Ironstone Vineyards, about a two mile drive from town. This Prom Style soiree is set for 8-11pm on Valentines Day and includes live music, drinks, dessert, and dancing. Tickets can be found HERE.

Valentines/Presidents Weekend will be filled with so many lovely activities to choose from! Find a Calendar of Events from our friends at Visit Murphys HERE

Take time to sleep in on Monday before checking out. Lunch and maybe one more wine tasting is in order before getting on the road home. Find a list of options at the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance website HERE

Option 2 – Mid-Week Stay in Murphys

If you two enjoy more of a quiet, laid back getaway, then this is the perfect option. Most of our Vacation Rentals are located in peaceful areas of Murphys and just walking distance from the historic downtown. Plan to arrive by lunch your first day to get your vacation started the right way.

If you would like to have a leisurely lunch at a winery, head over to Indian Rock Vineyards where you will find adirondack chairs lining their pond. They are open Wednesday through Sunday 11-5 and welcome picnics. You can also pick up some charcuterie items from their deli refrigerator. 

For more mid-week exploration, head over to Ironstone Vineyards for a winery lunch where you can also take in their History Museum and tour their gorgeous grounds. Our friends at Brice Station invite guests to explore one of the oldest tasting rooms in town along with their working winery, outdoor amphitheater, and pottery studio. Weather permitting, this is a perfect spot for a romantic lunch. With over 25 tasting rooms in Calaveras County, you just can’t go wrong! 

For our winter sports guests, we will point you in the right direction for the best deals on mid-week lift tickets at Bear Valley Mountain Resort, about a 45-50 minute drive from most of our vacation rentals. Let our friendly hosts help you out with trip planning ideas when calling in to book your stay. 

When visiting Murphys mid-week, be sure to enjoy live music at Murphys Irish Pub from 7-10 pm. Pro tip: arrive by 6:00 for dinner to snag a great table near the music and treat yourselves to comfort foods ranging from Shepherds Pie to homemade Mac N Cheese. 

If you want to cozy up for some fun indoor activities mid-week, checkout the two cavern tours, museum tours, and so much more at the Calaveras Visitors Bureau Things to Do page HERE

Most of our small businesses have updated Winter Hours and its a good idea to check their website listings or call ahead. We look forward to hosting you two!