Madera CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Madera, California.
1. Nelder Grove
MAJESTIC FOREST EXPERIENCE
Nelder Grove is a magnificent forest area in Madera that features the impressive Bull Buck tree among other giant sequoias. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks through the grove with trails that offer a serene natural experience. The grove often provides a secluded experience, allowing guests to enjoy the majesty of these ancient trees without crowds.
2. Quady Winery
SWEET WINE SPECIALISTS
Quady Winery is the only California winery specializing in sweet and aperitif wines, known particularly for their muscat, moscato, port, sherry, and Vya Vermouth. The award-winning establishment has received over 1,000 awards and medals for their distinctive wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings of these unique wine varieties in a welcoming atmosphere.
3. Ficklin Vineyards
PREMIUM PORT PRODUCERS
Ficklin Vineyards is a renowned winery in Madera specializing in barrel-aged port wines. The vineyard offers informative tours where knowledgeable staff explain the port-making process and the vineyard's history. Visitors consistently praise the educational experience and the opportunity to taste quality port wines in a friendly environment.
4. Toca Madera Winery
SCENIC VINEYARD VIEWS
Toca Madera Winery is situated on beautiful undulating hills covered with majestic vines in Madera. The winery was founded to share the owners' love of winemaking and fine wine with visitors. Guests can enjoy tastings while taking in the picturesque vineyard landscape that surrounds the property.
5. ApCal Rock N' Ranch
WINE AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
ApCal Rock N' Ranch combines wine tasting with entertainment in a lively Madera setting. The venue regularly hosts music events and gatherings alongside their wine offerings. Visitors can enjoy both the beverages and the vibrant atmosphere that makes this a popular local destination.
6. Madera County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Madera County Historical Society Museum is housed inside the historic Madera County Courthouse, a Classic Revival building built from local granite in 1901 and crowned by a 20-foot-tall clock tower. The museum displays furnishings, clothing, and photos that tell the story of the county's founding years. Visitors can gain insight into the pioneer heritage and early development of Madera County through the carefully preserved artifacts.
7. Lions Town & Country Park
FAMILY RECREATION HUB
Lions Town & Country Park is a beautiful recreational space in Madera offering plenty of areas for outdoor enjoyment. The park features picnic spaces, playgrounds, basketball courts, and a baseball field for active visitors. Families particularly appreciate the variety of activities available in this well-maintained community space.
8. Fresno Flats Historical Village
PIONEER LIFE EXHIBIT
Fresno Flats Historical Village in nearby Oakhurst preserves a collection of historic buildings that reveal the daily life of early settlers in the region. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through two furnished homes, a one-room schoolhouse, and two jails dating back to 1870. The village provides an authentic glimpse into pioneer life in the Sierra Nevada foothills area near Madera County.
9. Coarsegold Historic Village
GOLD RUSH ERA LANDMARK
Coarsegold Historic Village features buildings dating back to the 1850s when the town was a hub of mining activity during the Gold Rush. Today, visitors can shop for antiques in a converted schoolhouse and try their luck looking for gold nuggets in Coarse Gold Creek. The village also offers dining options like the Wild Fig Kitchen, combining historical charm with modern amenities.
10. Yosemite Gateway Art Center
LOCAL CREATIVE SHOWCASE
Yosemite Gateway Art Center in Oakhurst serves as a cultural hub featuring works by local artists inspired by the surrounding natural beauty. The center offers rotating exhibitions that showcase diverse artistic styles and mediums. Visitors exploring Madera County often make this a worthwhile stop while traveling to or from Yosemite National Park.
11. Bass Lake
ALL-SEASON RECREATION DESTINATION
Bass Lake is a family vacation must-visit near Madera, offering something to entertain everyone with its warm waters and beautiful surroundings. The lake is renowned for excellent fishing, hiking trails, and water activities including wakeboarding, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Visitors can enjoy camping and other outdoor adventures while taking in the scenic beauty of this Sierra foothill destination.
12. Sierra Vista Scenic Byway
SPECTACULAR MOUNTAIN DRIVE
Sierra Vista Scenic Byway is a breathtaking drive through the Sierra National Forest in Madera County, offering spectacular mountain vistas and natural beauty. The route winds through diverse landscapes including meadows, granite formations, and forest groves. Travelers can access numerous hiking trails, viewpoints, and recreational areas along this scenic mountain corridor.
13. Wild Fig Kitchen
RUSTIC GOURMET DINING
Wild Fig Kitchen is a popular dining establishment located in the Coarsegold Historic Village near Madera. The restaurant serves gourmet cuisine in a rustic setting that complements the historic surroundings. Diners can enjoy quality food while immersed in the charm of Gold Rush era architecture.
14. Visit Yosemite-Madera County Visitor Center
GATEWAY INFORMATION HUB
The Visit Yosemite-Madera County Visitor Center in Oakhurst serves as the primary information hub for travelers exploring the southern entrance to Yosemite and surrounding areas. Staff provide maps, brochures, and personalized recommendations to help visitors make the most of their time in the region. The center offers valuable insights about seasonal attractions, road conditions, and lesser-known destinations throughout Madera County.
15. Fossils to Falls Road Trip
SCENIC DISCOVERY ROUTE
The Fossils to Falls Road Trip is a self-guided touring route through Madera County that showcases the region's diverse natural and historical attractions. The journey takes travelers from ancient mammal fossil sites in the valley to the spectacular waterfalls of Yosemite. This scenic drive offers numerous stopping points where visitors can experience the varied landscapes and rich heritage of Central California.