23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Arnold (CA)

Looking for the best and fun things to do in Arnold, CA? There are quite some places to visit here for a fun time.

Arnold is a census-designated place in California filled with numerous fun places and activities. This census-designated place (CDP) is part of Calaveras County. Arnold had a population of 3,288 in 2020. This place can be accessed on State Route 4.

Arnold was named after the founders of the Ebbetts Pass Inn, Bob and Bernice Arnold; they opened the inn in 1927.

This place used to be known for logging as it features two large ranches. The Ebbetts Pass Inn was a place to relax for travelers and visitors.

The first post office in Arnold was opened in 1934. Bernice Arnold was once a Postmistress.

Over 500 homes were destroyed in nearby communities due to the Butte Fire caused by Sparks from Power lines in 2015. This area was saved because of the weather at the time. Fortunately, Arnold focuses a lot on fire safety.

Arnold is a beautiful place with mountainous topography and extensive forests. It is a perfect place for outdoor activities like mountain biking, fishing, and hiking.

Here are the best things to do in Arnold, CA.

Things To Do in Arnold, CA

1. Explore Stanislaus River

Do you love sightseeing? Stanislaus River is a place filled with beautiful views and scenery. Stanislaus River is a fantastic place featuring many entertaining outdoor activities.

Stanislaus River is a perfect place to explore, enjoy, and practice your swimming skills. Other activities like whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and Wilderness Camping can also be performed at and around Stanislaus River.

This place also contains an abundance of wildlife; visitors can often catch a glimpse of deer, Foxes, and squirrels at this River.

Stanislaus River features a mountainous landscape and birds like turkey vultures, white regret, kingfishers, blue herons, falcons, owls, and rarely, eagles.

Exploring this River is one of the top things to do in Arnold, CA, especially with friends and family.

Address: Stanislaus River, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

2. White Pines Lake

White Pines Lake is one of the best places to visit in Arnold, CA. This stunning Lake can be found in the Stanislaus National Forest.

White Pines Lake was formerly the location of a lumber mill. After the mill was closed, a dam and lake were built in the area, and the property was later sold to the Calaveras Water District.

Apart from being a spot for recreational activities, this Lake is currently a significant source of drinking water in the community. White Pines Lake is a perfect place to enjoy fishing for trout and bass.

This place also serves as a relaxation spot due to its seclusion and no motorized boat policy. Other popular activities at this Lake include Kayaking, Canoeing, and Picnicking.

The White Pines Lake features various unique activities. Don’t hesitate to check it out!

Address: White Pines Lake, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

3. Sequoia Woods Country Club

Golfing is an entertaining sport. The Sequoia Woods Country Club is a great place to golf in Arnold. This place can be found on Cypress Point Drive.

Sequoia Woods Country Club features a state-of-the-art golf course consisting of 18 holes in the Sierra Nevada Mountainous terrain.

This golf club sits on a 4,000 feet high elevation and offers beautiful views of nearby areas. This Country Club offers a unique and memorable golfing experience.

Bob Baldock designed the par 70 courses; because of the high topography of this course, golfers are guaranteed sunshine for most months.

Sequoia Woods Country Club is also known for its restaurant, which features a luxurious patio and offers tasty meals and locally sourced wines.

Sequoia Woods Country Club is the perfect place to have fun in Arnold, CA.

Address: 1000 Cypress Point Dr, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

4. Sierra Nevada Logging Museum

The Sierra Nevada Logging Museum is a great place to learn about Arnold’s history of logging and the local logging industries.

Arnold has dense forests, thereby making logging the leading industry in the region. The logging museum can be found on California State Route 4.

Sierra Nevada Logging Museum is situated atop a seven-acre site occupied by the Blagen Lumber Company from 1938 to 1962.

This Museum exhibits dioramas that tell the story of the region’s logging and lumbering industries and also the evolution of equipment like axes, sawmills, and handsaws.

This Museum also houses a replica of a logging camp family cabin. On the grounds of the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum are a 1920 restored logging locomotive, a horse-drawn grader, a Willamette Steam Donkey, and other equipment used for logging in earlier years.

This Museum features an amphitheater where events are hosted. Picnic tables and barbeque areas can also be found at the Museum.

Visiting Sierra Nevada Logging Museum is one of the top things to do in Arnold, CA. It promises an educational and fun experience.

Address: 2148 Dunbar Rd, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

5. Arnold Rim Trail

This place offers visitors a chance to test their endurance on a challenging and adrenaline-inducing trail. Exploring this Trail is one of the fun things to do in Arnold, CA.

Arnold Rim Trail is 17.5 miles long and non-motorized. This Trail offers many adventurous activities like biking, hiking, photography, horseback riding, and more.

This Trail is situated on Dunbar Road and passes through Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway on Highway 4. This place is for both locals and tourists.

Stunning views of Mount Lyell and Mount Diablo can be captured along the Trail; you can also cool down at a nearby waterfall.

Canyons, Cedar, Fir, Oak, and lush forests are all featured on this fantastic Trail. Arnold Rim Trail also allows birdwatching and observation of various wildlife.

Address: Arnold Rim Trailhead, 2158 Dunbar Rd, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

6. Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen

Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen is an excellent diner and another great place to visit in Arnold. This place offers many original Italian meals.

This restaurant is a family-owned and managed establishment that can be found on Highway 4. It was founded in 2004 and serves a variety of Italian dishes with wines and craft beers.

Some of the most popular meals at Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen are Risotto Ai Frutti Di Mare, Pollo Al Parmigiano, Ravioli Al Burro E Salvia, and Fettuccine Alfredo.

The most favored meal at this place is the Fried Calamari and lemon-caper aioli. Enjoy tasty meals with a glass of Italian wine at Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen.

Dining at Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen is one of the best things to do in Arnold, CA.

Address: 794 CA-4, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

7. Arnold Chinese Restaurant

Arnold Chinese Restaurant is an outstanding dining location in Arnold, CA. This restaurant serves the best Chinese meals in Arnold, CA.

This family-owned restaurant produces most of its meals with vegetables and healthy ingredients.

Seafood and Chicken are also available at Arnold Chinese Restaurant. Visitors can either dine at this place or order take-out.

This diner is a great place to dine with friends and family. Many delicious meals can be found on their menu, including mu shu, fried rice, chow mein, and more.

Arnold Chinese Restaurant is an exquisite dining location in this region. So, among what to do in Arnold, CA, is to taste a meal prepared by Arnold Chinese Restaurant.

Address: 2182 CA-4, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

8. Ironstone Vineyards

Ironstone Vineyards is one of the most significant wine producers in the country. This place can be found 20 minutes from Arnold.

John and Gail Kautz established Ironstone Vineyards. The vineyard currently produces a variety of wines.

Wines like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon are all produced at this winery. The facility has seven stories and is built like a gold stamp to reference the world’s largest piece of crystalline gold.

Wine tastings are held year-round at this vineyard. Guests can taste wines like Kramer Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve Merlot, Reserve Meritage, and many more.

Ironstone Vineyard’s facilities and amenities are fun to explore. Check it out!

Address: 1894 6 Mile Road, Murphys, CA 95247, United States.

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9. Brice Station Vineyards

Brice Station Vineyards is another excellent wine establishment. It is situated 10 minutes from Arnold.

This winery, established in 1993, is a family-owned organization on the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. It is over seven acres large.

Since its establishment, Brice Station Vineyards has produced numerous famous and top-quality red wines. Wine tastings at this vineyard are held from Friday to Saturday.

Visitors can purchase their favorite wines at this place any day. Fun events like live concerts, Jazz, folk, and traditional music events are held here during the summer.

Address: 3353 CA-4, Murphys, CA 95247, United States.

10. San Antonio Creek Falls

Another great attraction in Arnold is San Antonio Creek Falls. This place is a 75-foot-tall waterfall draining Mt. San Antonio in the south.

Visitors can enjoy cold water baths at the canyon in the summer or enjoy cross-country skiing in the winter.

At San Antonio Creek Falls, visitors can also explore the Baldy Bowl Trail, where they’ll find the San Antonio Ski Hut constructed in 1937. This Creek Falls is the perfect relaxation spot after hiking the region’s trails.

Address: Sierra Nevada, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

11. Giant Burger

Giant Burger is the place to visit if you want to try out tasty, traditional burgers in Arnold, CA.

This burger spot is known for excellence in the region. It was opened in 1968 and has been functional to date.

Giant Burger offers specialty Burgers, Beef Hotdogs, fish and Chips, Sandwiches, Malts, and many other tasty meal options.

This place has various menus for children and adults. In addition, visitors can enjoy amazing ice cream cones here, on a sunny day.

Address: 846 CA-4, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

12. Candy Rock

Candy Rock is another fun place to visit. This establishment is a swimming hole situated minutes away from Arnold, CA.

Candy Rock features amazing sights and terrain; visitors can experience rock climbing and swimming here. A 12-foot water-spewing cliff is situated atop the swimming hole.

Visitors can get to the cliff by following the stairs and various swimming holes; some are smaller with shallow waters. One major activity experienced here is diving from the Candy Rock Cliff into the swimming hole.

Children and others that can’t dive from Candy Rock can enjoy swimming in shallower parts of the hole; Candy Rock is a must-visit location, as it features pure fun and adventure.

Address: Candy Rock, CA 95223, United States.

13. Bistro Espresso

Bistro Espresso, a cozy restaurant, can be found on Oak Circle Drive. This cafe is known for using healthy and organic beans to create its espresso-based drinks. Drinks available at Bistro Espresso include Cappuccino and lattes.

Apart from coffee drinks, visitors can enjoy breakfast meals like burritos. Chai lattes, wines, and mimosas are also served at this restaurant.

Dine at Bistro Espresso before embarking on your day of fun and outdoor recreational activities. Bistro Espresso also features a barbeque menu that includes delicious ribs, juicy chicken, and corn Muffins; all served with their special barbeque sauce.

Address: 1225 Oak Cir Drive, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

14. Calaveras Big Trees State Park

One of the most famous attractions in Arnold is the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. This place is over 6,500 acres and houses many giant Sequoia trees.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park was established in 1852 and has been open to tourists since then. It is currently known to be the longest continuously operated tourist attraction in California.

Native Americans first discovered the giant Sequoia trees of this area, and a written account made by a European in 1833 referenced them.

This place was known and explored in the following years and was publicized in 1852 by Augustus T. Dowd. For publicity and exhibitions, one of the trees, Mother of the Forest, was skinned for its barks to be assembled and displayed.

The action caused an uproar for the protection of the trees, and in 1931, the place was officially a state park named Calaveras Big Trees State Park.

Currently, this Park offers lodging, camping, and guided tours of the grounds. Calaveras Big Trees State Park is among the best places to visit in Arnold, CA.

Address: 1170 CA-4, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

15. The Watering Hole

The Watering Hole is an entertaining pub. It can be found 15 minutes from Arnold.

The Watering Hole has a large selection of beers and wines. It’s known for having over 40 different draft beers and more than 100 bottled beers on its card.

This Pub was founded by a professionally trained chef with over 25 years of experience. It is an excellent place for beer lovers to visit.

The Pub offers beers, ciders, and mead that satisfy everyone, no matter how picky they may seem.

The Watering Hole comprehensive beer menu is updated regularly and often contains seasonal specials.

The food menu is also often updated with various tasty meals thanks to the experienced chef.

Address: 223 Big Trees Rd, , CA 95247, United States.

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16. El Vaquero

This Mexican restaurant is the best place to enjoy original, healthy Mexican meals in Arnold. El Vaquero is a must-visit location for food lovers.

This place also offers a great view of the highways, allowing visitors to take in the beautiful scenery while dining. El Vaquero also serves vegetarian meals and unique beers.

El Vaquero has an excellent staff. In addition, it accepts take-out orders.

Address: 925 CA-4, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

17. Artsy Parts

Artsy Parts is a multifunctional center in the region that hosts many events. It includes an art studio, art supplies store, an art gallery, a learning center, and more.

Artsy Parts is owned and managed by friendly and welcoming proprietors. Various fun activities are available for visitors to partake in. This place is also an educational center that teaches different engaging lessons about art.

You can visit their social space to check for parties. Visitors can also enjoy coffee or tea on a visit to this place. Purchase art materials at an affordable rate at the art supplies store in this facility.

Artsy Parts is an excellent place for every artist or those interested in art.

Address: 1004 A Hwy 4, Ste 2 Cameo Plaza, before Chevron, Next to Ebbetts Pass Gas, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

18. Spicer Sno-Park

Spicer Sno-Park is a perfect spot for snow sports and recreational activities. This Park features multiple fun activities.

Spicer Sno-park features snowmobile paths that lead to Utica and Union Reservoirs, Elephant Rock lakes, and Spicer Reservoir.

Experienced riders can continue along the rough path to Lake Alpine, passing through Slick Rock Road. Visitors can get a map of the route at the Calaveras Rangers Station.

Spicer Sno-park is a place for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. It is generally a fun spot to play with snow. This place is also known for various activities, including snowmobiling and sledding.

Visiting Spicer Sno-park is one of the fun things to do in Arnold, CA.

Address: CA-4, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

19. Bristol’s Ranch House Cafe

Another exciting dining location in Arnold is Bristol’s Ranch House Cafe. This place is a breakfast diner offering various tasty meal options.

This place is popularly known as Arnold’s Casual breakfast, brunch, and lunch cafe. This diner offers various American meal options.

Visitors can enjoy desserts like lemon meringue, banana cream pie, and chocolate cheesecake at Bristols Ranch House Cafe.

Breakfast options at this cafe include waffles, pancakes, omelets, steak, eggs, and more. This restaurant also offers live music. Bristols Ranch House Cafe is a great relaxation spot in Arnold, CA.

Address: 961 CA-4, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

20. Mercer Caverns

The Mercer Caverns is a mysterious and adventurous place. It is about 20 minutes away from Arnold.

The Caverns got their name from Walter J. Mercer, who discovered them in 1885. Six skeletal remains were found in the cave during early exploration.

The skeletons were of four adults, a child, and an infant. The bones also helped identify them as members of the Mi-Wuk tribe, the Native Americans that settled in the area over a thousand years ago.

The Caverns was first named New Calaveras, which translates to “New Place of Skulls.” Mercer Caverns is currently known for having large quantities of stalactites, stalagmites, and aragonites.

Aragonites are a carbonate mineral found where there has been precipitation of marine surroundings. Near the cave is the Mercer Caverns Mining Company, which educates on 1800s mining and its procedures.

Discover and marvel at Aragonite frosts at these caverns.

Address: 1665 Sheep Ranch Rd, Murphys, CA 95247, United States.

21. Hinterhaus Distillery

Hinterhaus Distillery was established in 2020 by Nate and Bonnie Randall. This husband and wife team has traveled and lived across the country all their lives.

They decided to settle and create the Hinterhaus Distillery in Arnold, CA. This family-owned and managed establishment is well-known in this region.

Various drinks like vodka, gin, and more are distilled at this factory. A visit to Hinterhause distillery is a great way to spend time in Arnold, CA.

Address: 925 CA-4 Suites S1 & S2, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

22. Dogwood

Dogwood is an outstanding restaurant that offers an open kitchen service, enabling guests to watch their meals being prepared. Their specialty includes steak and seafood.

Dogwood has a comprehensive menu containing salad, vegetarian options, seasonal meals, specialty options, and house-made desserts.

The staff at Dogwood are attentive and friendly. This place is a great place to visit in Arnold, CA.

Address: 1224 Oak Cir, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

23. Mountain Arts and Studio

Are you still looking for what to do in Arnold, CA? Check out Mountain Arts and Studio. Mountain Arts and Studio is a place that offers fun and educative sessions to visitors, regardless of age.

This place offers a fun time in three significant ways: music, dance, and art. Several events are held at this studio year-round, and dance lessons are also offered at this place.

The organizers and staff of this place are welcoming and friendly to visitors and children. A visit to Mountain Arts and studio is an entertaining way to spend time in Arnold, CA.

Address: 874 Henry Drive, Arnold, CA 95223, United States.

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Plan Your Trip to Arnold

Arnold is a beautiful place in California, offering lots of fun activities and locations. This CDP is known for its unique diners and recreational establishments.

Remember to check out the attractions and try the activities in this article when you visit Arnold, CA. A memorable vacation awaits you!