Oakhurst Travel Guide

Discover the natural and cultural attractions, food and drink scene, local culture, transportation, and logistics, safety and health, and best places to stay in Oakhurst, California, with our comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Oakhurst

Oakhurst is a peaceful mountain town with a warm community nestled in the San Joaquin Valley, Madera County, California. With friendly locals, exciting outdoor recreational opportunities, rich history, and breathtaking natural beauty, Oakhurst is a must-visit destination for any adventurer. This comprehensive Oakhurst travel guide offers a detailed overview of all the exceptional things to see and do in Oakhurst.

List of Places to Visit in Oakhurst

There are plenty of interesting and memorable places to visit in Oakhurst, from culturally important attractions to natural wonders. Below is a list of notable places to visit in Oakhurst.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fresno Flats Historical Village and Park: Fresno Flats is a fascinating museum that takes visitors on an exciting journey through the history of the Sierra Nevada foothills in the 19th century.
  • Golden Chain Theatre: A community theatre that features a variety of performances including dramas, comedies and musicals.
  • Coarsegold Historic Museum: This museum has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that trace the history of Coarsegold, a small city near Oakhurst.
  • New Community United Methodist Church: A historic church that dates back to the early years of the 20th century.

Natural Attractions of Oakhurst: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bass Lake: A stunning, picturesque lake that is ideal for a swim, fishing, water skiing, or leisurely boat cruises.
  • Yosemite National Park: Oakhurst is only a 15-minute drive away from the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park, giving visitors an opportunity to explore some of the most incredible natural landscapes in the world.
  • Sierra National Forest: A vast playground for hikers, climbers, and bikers, filled with lush forests, scenic rivers, and towering mountains.
  • Nelder Grove: A hidden treasure with breathtaking giant sequoias.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oakhurst

Oakhurst’s majestic natural beauty is best explored through hiking and biking. A few prominent trails include -

  • Lewis Creek Trail: Stretches for 3 miles, and is great for hiking or biking. There’s a gentle stream running along the route making it perfect for a picnic.
  • Goat Mountain Trail: This trail is known for its scenic beauty and takes hikers through a dense forest to waterfalls, meadows and granite formations.
  • Shadow of the Giants Trail: A half-mile trail through an old Sequoia grove - Giant Sequoias often reaching over 250 feet tall. Visitors are amazed by the sheer size and history of the sequoias.

Best Things to Do in Oakhurst: Activities and Tours

The outdoor recreational opportunities in Oakhurst are limitless for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the best things to do in Oakhurst are:

  • Fishing: Bass Lake is perfect for recreational freshwater fishing, with species such as bass, trout and catfish.
  • Horseback Riding: There are several riding stables around Oakhurst offering horseback tours and lessons catered to all abilities and skill levels.
  • Zipline Adventure: Take advantage of the unique zipline courses that have great views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
  • Wine Tasting: Head through the Madera Wine Trail that offers over 12 wineries and vineyards, including more than 20 varietals of wine.
  • Rafting: Take advantage of the astonishing whitewater rafting opportunities in the nearby San Joaquin River.
  • ATV Riding: Head out exploring the hills, sites and trails of the Sierra National Forest with ATV rides and guided tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Oakhurst

Day 1: Arrive in Oakhurst, explore and relax around Bass Lake

Day 2: Trek through the Sierra National Forest

Day 3: Take a scenic drive through Yosemite National Park

Day 4: Visit the Fresno Flats Historical Village and Park

Day 5: Indulge in wine tours of the Madera Wine Trail

Day 6: Whitewater rafting in San Joaquin River

Day 7: Enjoy a leisurely horse-back ride in the morning and depart in the afternoon

Food and Drink Scene of Oakhurst

Oakhurst showcases some of the best culinary skills in California, with amazing dishes that are symbolic of the Sierra Nevada region.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pork chops: A mild-flavored and tender dish that is popular in Oakhurst.
  • Pumpkin pie: Made with locally grown pumpkins, this classic dessert is a must-try on a visit to Oakhurst.
  • Bass lake Pizza Factory: This pizzeria has some of the town’s best pizza, made with fresh local ingredients.

Local Beverages

  • Sierra Cascade Brewery: A local brewery with a welcoming atmosphere and excellent beer.
  • The Idle Hour Winery: The first winery in Oakhurst, featuring local wines with great views of the Sierra Mountains.
  • ** South Gate Brewing Company**: A brewing hotspot that serves some of the best beers created from California ingredients.

Where to Stay in Oakhurst: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Oakhurst has plenty of options when it comes to places to stay. From luxurious hotels to hostels, there’s something for everyone -

  • Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites: A pet-friendly hotel perfect for peaceful retreats and families, with free breakfast and parking included.
  • TENAYA LODGE AT YOSEMITE: A luxurious option that has everything from spas, fitness centers, and fine dining.
  • Oakhurst Lodge: A classic lodge with fantastic service, less expensive, clean, and comfortable for families and groups.

What to Buy in Oakhurst: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Jewelry: Artistic, handcrafted jewelry made from local materials is a great souvenir to take back.
  • Local Honey: An interesting and healthy souvenir that captures the essence of nature.
  • Hand-blended teas and coffees: Unique flavors infused with local ingredients that make for great souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Oakhurst

Oakhurst’s culture is a blend of local customs and traditions. Visitors must respect the area’s environmental laws and policies and also be careful with fire safety while camping or exploring in the wilderness. The people are known to be friendly and hospitable to visitors, so visitors must be respectful of local customs.

Best Time to Visit Oakhurst

The best time to visit Oakhurst is between April to June and September to November when there are fewer crowds and the weather is pleasant and mild. Summer and winter months can be more crowded, but they are also the perfect times to enjoy outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Oakhurst

Do:

  • Do try the local delicacies like pork chops, pumpkin pie, and locally brewed wine and beer.
  • Do make sure to adhere to the fire safety laws and environmental policies in the region.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to carry insect repellent, sunscreen, and other essential gear while hiking and camping in the wilderness.
  • Don’t litter or leave trash while exploring the town’s natural beauty.

Safety and Health

Safety in Oakhurst

Oakhurst is generally a safe place, with minimal crime rates. However, visitors must be careful while exploring the wilderness and adhere to fire safety policies and environmental laws.

Health in Oakhurst

Medical facilities and hospitals are available in Oakhurst. Emergency medical services are offered by the Ambulance Company, who can be contacted through emergency services.

Getting to Oakhurst: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors to Oakhurst can access it easily through different modes of transportation.

Airports Near Oakhurst

There are several airports near Oakhurst. The closest ones are:

  • Fresno Yosemite International Airport: Located 65 miles southwest of Oakhurst.
  • Mammoth Yosemite Airport: Located 88 miles north of Oakhurst.

Bus Stations Near Oakhurst

Bus services aren’t prominent in Oakhurst. However, bus services are available from Fresno to Oakhurst.

Other Options

Car rentals and taxis are readily available in the area, making it easy for visitors to travel around. Public transportation is an option in the Fresno area, offering easy access to bus and train facilities.

How to Get Around in Oakhurst

Visitors can hire bikes or cars to explore Oakhurst and the nearby areas. Visitors who prefer not to drive can take taxis and public transportation such as buses.

Where to Go Next from Oakhurst: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Oakhurst is a gateway to several neighboring areas of natural beauty and entertainment, such as:

  • Folsom Lake State Recreation Area: A 3-hour drive from Oakhurst, and a great location for swimming, fishing, and boating.
  • Bodie State Historic Park: A historic mining town located roughly 5 hours away, providing an exciting insight into the Wild West era of California.
  • Shaver Lake: A wonderful spot to swim and enjoy water sports, located 50 miles away.

Conclusion

Oakhurst is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities and relax in the beauty of nature. From outdoor activities, cultural experiences, delicious local cuisine, and relaxing accommodation options, visitors to Oakhurst will be left in awe. Whether it’s a family vacation or a solo adventure, Oakhurst is a destination that will not disappoint.