Unique things to do in Sierra Nevada
AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

Unique things to do in Sierra Nevada

Book unforgettable activities hosted by locals on Airbnb.

Top-rated activities

Experience Llamas
We strive to integrate the natural wisdom of the llama with the cultural heritage of this intelligent creature by relating knowledge of the Andean cosmology and the Andean spiritual path. Here you will have the opportunity to meet, greet, interact with and communicate with our specially trained llama friends. This Experience is about llamas for wellness and educational proposes. We do believe in llamas as healers and messengers of Mother Nature (Pachamama). We want you to experience their medicine and help us on their training too. Safety is always top priority for guests and the llamas, so our program will be different on a winter day after a rainy week than it will be on a hot August afternoon. Please wear comfortable shoes and country clothing. We will put you into situations where you will be able to understand who these llamas are, personally discovering the different personalities that make up our herd. Other things to note We will introduce you to our "Speechless Brothers". Be prepared to learn all about llamas. They are smart, clean and personable. Let them know you are as well.
Intimately experience a biodiverse farm
We'll start by foraging through the farm to make a diverse "goat salad." We'll walk through the garden, stop to admire the beehives, and then feed and pet our mini horses, adorable Babydoll sheep, and silly goats. Once our animals have had their salads, The Farmhouse Kitchen at The Nest Box (MEHKO permit #PT0501239) will treat you to a light seasonal farm picnic. Following your fresh farm treats, we'll step in with the chickens and ducks. We'll feed them organic hen scratch and farm greens, if available. We'll watch them happily scratch around and quack and coo, and you can hold and pet them if you’d like too. While they’re scratching around, we’ll step into the coops to check for eggs, then we'll visit with our rambunctious pigs and Harper, our sweet Jersey cow. We'll finish our experience with a calm and relaxing visit with our bunnies and guinea pigs. We'll feed and pet these sweet and soft fur balls. All along the experience, you will learn fun facts about our diverse plant and animal family, and you’ll leave with a seasonal farm gift. Other things to note: Wear comfortable closed-toed walking shoes and clothes you don't mind possibly getting a bit dirty. Boots and long pants are ideal. *Great for teams and team-building too!
Gold Panning Crystal Sift@Real Gold Mine
Thanks for looking at my listing! We will meet at my gem and mineral shop Yosemite Crystals in downtown Mariposa, and then caravan (drive your own car about 4.5 miles to my private patented gold rush mine/private property. The creek is located very close to the entrance of the property. No hiking Some years our spring-fed creek runs year round. Other years when the creek dries up (as do most california creeks which are seasonal) we bring the river to you by running the same sluice boxes with pumps in water troughs. Crystals are in the creek and you KEEP WHAT YOU FIND GOLD/CRYSTALS!!!! We even give u a gold vial to keep your gold in! Part of the reason i have almost 200 five star reviews is because my goal is 100 transparency and satisfaction! We supply all the tools and pans and you get to keep all the gold you find! My goal is to teach you how to prospect/pan/hrlp you find amazing crystals in the creek.. so you can go off and be able to find gold anywhere. For many this is a bucket-list experience and I get that too...I always tell people that I wish I was able to learn how to pan for gold on a real gold mine in gold country! I love meeting new people and look forward to meeting your group for the 2 HOUR TOUR! Feel free to contact me with questions before booking! Daniel
Set Sail on Lake Tahoe - Private
We can go sailing on my 25 foot sailboat to my favorite spots! This experience is for 3 hours. Our typical sail is Valhalla (South Lake Tahoe) to Emerald Bay, and back. We can sail to the emerald bay where you can view the vikingsholm and the teahouse on top of fannette island from the sailboat. Very comfortable! This is a private sailing experience for you, meaning you will have the entire boat to your party. Have as much fun as you want! Sailing etiquette highly supports tipping the skipper! Come onboard for an awesome experience! Other things to note: Weather and wind permitting: if there are thunder storms or strong winds, we can not sail. (Which you will be 100% refunded) Safety First! Your experience includes unlimited beverages, alcoholic and nonalcoholic! If you’d like to tell me your preferences after booking, I’ll make sure there’s plenty on ice. (Please please please do not wait until the last minute or the day before the experience to tell me your drink preferences!) A charcuterie board is available for an additional $20. You are also more than welcome to bring anything you would like to eat or a drink on board. Please no stepping on the cushions! Please No Spray sunscreen onboard. (Spray sunscreen coats the fiberglass decks and cushions, making it very slippery and dangerous) Pets are not allowed onboard due to safety reasons.
Walking Ancient Pathways
Join us as we explore ancient Native American trails, camps, and villages, and search for new, previously undiscovered sites. We will be hiking a mostly-level 3-5 mile trip, navigating the low altitude grasslands of the Sierra Nevada foothills near Cool, California. The trip leader will discuss the history and natural world of this area, sharing his knowledge of the local Native Americans, as well as the flora, fauna, and geology of the area. Sunday trips, during the summer, will be hosted at a higher elevation petroglyph site, a unique place not known to the general public. This is a rare opportunity to view ancient rock art, with an (amateur) archaeologist present. And it's above the summer heat! Our trip will also explore new areas, if desired, in search for previously unknown, undocumented cultural resources. Any new sites will be passed along to the North Central Information Center for historical preservation. This is your chance to find history! After the hike, participants will receive a detailed map and photos, if desired, from the trip. This is a kid-friendly, dog-friendly walk, so plan on taking your time! Other things to note: This is a hike in the mountains, so plan accordingly. We WILL be hiking off the trail, so be sure you're comfortable doing so. To stay on the trail is to limit yourself.

Loved by locals

Back-to-Eden Farm & Animal Experience
We will meet at the drive-way and proceed to: 1. Visit with our adorable goats, pet, let them nibble from your hand and take them on a little walk. 2. Visit and feed the cows, be surprised by how their tongue feels when they take the hay off your hand and perhaps watch their calves nurse (seasonal) 3. Visit with our talkative geese and photoshoot with "Good Boy" our handsome male goose (depending on his mood) 4. Visit and feed our beautiful variety chickens and collect eggs. (chicks-seasonal) 5. Visit and feed the ducks, watch them swim and frolic play 6. Visit with our soft and gentle rabbits and cuddle them. 7. Visit with our adorable young and gentle alpacas We do birthday/baby shower parties...etc here as well as homestay here as well: For stay at our guest houses after the tour: https://airbnb.com/h/back-to-eden-guest-house https://airbnb.com/h/havilahland-guest-house
Party with the animals at Bluebird Farm
At Bluebird Farm we offer an intimate family-friendly experience for all ages. When you arrive we will say hello, go over the farm rules, give a quick tour of the property and amenities then the fun begins. There's no strict timeline, you can enjoy the 3 hours at your own pace. You can meet all the animals like our alpaca, Scottish Highland cows and calf, horses, goats, mini horses and mini donkeys. We have a small critter corner where you can hang with a bunny, ducks, a tortoise, guinea pigs and chickens. Mini horse rides are available for kids (75lb weight limit) and a hayride is available for everyone! ***mini horse rides and hay ride NOT included on discounted weekday tours*** Kids can roam and use their imagination at the outdoor play area. There's a mini farmers market, play house, flower shop, garage with power wheels, mini garden, mud kitchen, sandbox and swings. Make sure to bring your own lunch and snacks. Between the activities you can sit down at the picnic tables and enjoy your lunch under the oak trees. There's an outdoor hand washing station and bathroom available. We ask you please wash your hands before and after petting and feeding the animals.
Paint & Sip at Cool River Pizza in Rocklin
You will walk into the restaurant where the painting party is being held and will be directed to our art space. The table will be set with everything you need to create your masterpiece: tabletop easel, brushes, water cup, palette of paints, and an apron to protect your clothing. You will meet your talented instructor, who will make you feel at ease and welcome at this venue! Guests can order drinks, appetizers, and even a full meal to enjoy during the class from our excellent wait-staff at the venue. Once settled in your prime painting position, class will begin. Our master Artist will walk you through the steps of the painting from beginning to end. You will start with the background, working from the top of the canvas down. Then you will add in your foreground subject matter. We will offer tips and tricks for your color-mixing, blending, and brushstroke techniques throughout the class. Finally you will add in finishing touches and details, and sign your one-of-a-kind masterpiece. At the end of class, we will take photos of you & your group for an added memory of your fun time with Painting & Vino! No experience necessary! Just come willing to try something new and have a great time! We will be using Acrylic paint, this can stain clothing, Aprons are provided. *Wine is not included in ticket price.
Knife Throwing in Fresno
I'm excited to introduce you to the sport of Knife throwing! Enjoy a 60 minute knife throwing session with a top notch coach right here in Fresno. We will provide everything you need when it comes to safety, throwing techniques and will be there to guide you throughout your entire experience. Once confident in the basics, our coach will instruct how to keep score and teach you several games. I promise you'll be crushing bullseyes in no time and will leave feeling like the ultimate knife thrower that you are! No experience necessary, all skill levels are welcome.
Spring Farm to Glass Craft Cocktail Class
Welcome Spring! We have a new bounty of produce from which to create festive cocktail concoctions. They will be worthy of ourselves, our closest friends and family and made from premium, locally sourced, small batch/boutique, organic fruits, juices, and flowers (when available) scratch ingredients. We may start by creating an infusion, simple syrup, or squeezing fresh juices. When we've assembled our mise en place, we'll be about the business of mixology, where we'll put it all together with premium liquors to craft some truly unique drinks to razzle-dazzle your family and friends. Guests will leave ready for entertaining having had a fun, socially interactive experience, plus three seasonal cocktail recipes including garnishes and techniques. Available at "your place or mine". Extra charges apply to "yours". This Experience is great for groups, teams, corporate team building. Other things to note: We must comply with all state and local laws and regulations regarding the service of alcohol and blood alcohol level.

All activities near Sierra Nevada

Yosemite Cider Orchard Tour and Tasting
Take a break from the rigors of Yosemite hiking and take a relaxing stroll through our orchard. Learn about what makes our 19 varieties of apples so special (and why you probably don't want to eat them), a brief history of American cider, some slightly embellished tales about the local wildlife, and some jokes that will either make you laugh or groan, depending on the weather. Then kick back at our tasting room to enjoy some bar games, beautiful views and a meet and greet with some really nice dogs and some really goaty goats. Oh, and cider of course. You'll get to drink cider. One sip, and you'll understand why call it "Campfire Champagne."
American River Foraged Rattle Class
I will guide you on a one mile loop total to a river and back. I will teach you of some of the local plants and what they provide. I will teach you how to make your very own unique rattle. I will provide many items to create the Rattle. Such as crystals, wood plastic glass beads trinkets ( and special piece you can bring to incorporate) wood shaped rattles bells ECT. Items hold energy learn how to heal by release and breaking up stagnant energy. Adding color and sound to intent can be extremely moving and therefore healing. I will teach the spiritual meanings of the items place on your rattle and how they help to aid us in our self-healing. Come learn Heal and relax down by the river.
American River Foraged Dream Catcher
First off we'll gather in the parking lot at Dave Moore's nature area equipped with handicapped porta potty and trail map. after introduction I will point out a few of the things surrounding the parking area I will describe the surroundings and what nature brings in the immediate location after that we will start our lovely stroll on a packed sand gravel walkway equipped for handicapped and challenged. It is a 1-mile loop to the river and back to the parking lot. We will collect are ring for the base of a dreamcatcher I will share its properties along our trial trail I will also point out a few of nature's edibles and medicinals. I will describe and explain what's sinue is which I will have a synthetic sinue which will be the web of our dreamcatcher. We can collect trinkets along the way like stones and feathers for the fringe. At the river we will assemble our dream catcher and adfix the remaining favors. In addition to I will be giving some mug Wort other known as the dream herb to attach to our lovely dream catcher. Other things to note During some seasons there may be rattlesnakes on the trail so be wary where you step. The river fluctuates with the releasing of the damn water to accommodate the rafters. Water levels fluctuate frequently on a daily basis and quite sudden.
American River Medicine Bag making Class
Assemble a medicine bag. All items completely provided and explanations of the herbs and identification along the way. We will have dream herb called mugwort. Apache tear crystal. Your choice. Of stones. And of material for bag. We can use a bench if need to be off the ground. Which is not next to river there are two rest areas along the way. Light terrain.
Experience Scottish Highand Cows
This experience is only available in the winter & spring. Memorial Day weekend will be our last available tour dates until 2025! We look forward to hosting you all next year, photo sessions return this November for Christmas! Come spend time with highland cows! Guests will be able to see and interact with highland cows and calves on our farm located in Linden, Ca. Each experience will last approximately an hour and will include a farm tour, education about the breed and interaction with the animals such as brushing/feeding the highlands.
Cuddles with Critters
This living farm offers changes every day. You might see baby goats and hold them. The goats and horse love corn chips and carrots. Madji our big cuddly horse will offer kisses and affection. We frequently have baby rabbits to hold and cuddle. Rabbits free range inside Mr. Mc Gregor's garden where we have raised bed vegetables. We will tour each animal enclosure to pet, offer treats and engage with the various friends that live here. You are welcome to photo, pet or play with them, as they wish, provided safety protocols are respected. Chickens will come and eat from your hand and we will visit the hen house and discuss the biology of egg production. If a mother hen has chicks we can visit and hold the babies. There is a lot to see and do and guests are permitted to linger with their favorite species. The farm is set among the Sierra Nevada foothills with rolling hills in the high chaparral terrain. Our views are spectacular and peace and harmony reign as the animals co-mingle and browse the property. Our large German shepherds ensure that predators are kept at bay as they patrol the property keeping everyone safe. Hats and appropriate footwear are encouraged. Custom tour times can be requested and we will do our best to accommodate. Sadly we no longer have pigs on our property and there are lots of other activities to do.
Blossom Peak Ranch Experience
Come join us for a unique and interactive farm tour experience. Guest will have the opportunity to meet and interact with rescue animals on our farm. We are located in the quaint town of Three Rivers California, just a few minutes from Sequoia National Park. Take a break from a day of hiking or fishing and enjoy the peace, quiet, and lots of relaxing cuddles. Guests will be given ample time to pet, feed and interact with our friendly animals in a beautiful, scenic setting at the foot of Blossom Peak. We have many horses that would love a grooming and treats. Pet and hold our friendly chickens. Our goats love attention and will enjoy a little play time or just a few cuddles and treats. We even have cows that loves a scratch behind the ears or to sit in your lap. Occasionally, we have baby animals that might need bottle feeding or extra care (Currently have bottle baby goats!! 02/24). We hope you leave with lots of pictures, smiles, and a love for our animals. We do our best to make this experience as enjoyable as possible for all ages! All proceeds go directly to our animals care. Please think twice before booking if you do not enjoy close encounters with animals. We have a hand washing station for the end of your visit. No restrooms available. No pets. Closed toe shoes required. Horseback riding on property available upon request.
Experience Llamas
We strive to integrate the natural wisdom of the llama with the cultural heritage of this intelligent creature by relating knowledge of the Andean cosmology and the Andean spiritual path. Here you will have the opportunity to meet, greet, interact with and communicate with our specially trained llama friends. This Experience is about llamas for wellness and educational proposes. We do believe in llamas as healers and messengers of Mother Nature (Pachamama). We want you to experience their medicine and help us on their training too. Safety is always top priority for guests and the llamas, so our program will be different on a winter day after a rainy week than it will be on a hot August afternoon. Please wear comfortable shoes and country clothing. We will put you into situations where you will be able to understand who these llamas are, personally discovering the different personalities that make up our herd. Other things to note We will introduce you to our "Speechless Brothers". Be prepared to learn all about llamas. They are smart, clean and personable. Let them know you are as well.
Vineyard Expedition From Vine to Bottle Paso Robles
Discover the beauty of the Paso Robles wine region. Ride in a modern vintage sidecar through Cass Winery for a guided tour. Relax and take in mesmerizing views on a vineyard nestled in the countryside. Start your tour with a short safety briefing. Enjoy the ride as I guide you through the vineyard and teach you about the Paso Robles wine region. Uncover the fascinating history of Cass Winery and hear about what life is currently like for wine producers in the region. Enjoy a scenic cruise through the vines before visiting Cass Winery's tasting room to indulge in four exclusive wine tastings. Guests will also receive 20% off on food and/or wine bottles purchased during your tour (discount rises to 30% off if you’re a wine club member/sign up for a wine membership).
Gourmet Picnic Experience
Our location is at the Ahwahnee Regional Park in Ahwahnee, California. With the stunning Sierra Nevadas in the back drop, we provide the ultimate gourmet picnic experience. Chef Robert's menu paints a culinary journey which includes our artisan cheese plate, a main course and seasonal dessert. Our seasonally inspired dishes are sourced from the greatest central California farmers markets and local producers. Our unique picnic experience promotes our guests to feel elegant, comfortable and relaxed in the great outdoors. This experience is great for traveling groups, birthdays, anniversaries, engagements or perfect for a romantic getaway. *Special menus are available for any dietary needs. *Guest are welcome to bring additional food and beverages if needed. Once you arrive your only requirement is to relax, have fun and leave with wonderful memories of the beautiful Ahwahnee area.
Intimately experience a biodiverse farm
We'll start by foraging through the farm to make a diverse "goat salad." We'll walk through the garden, stop to admire the beehives, and then feed and pet our mini horses, adorable Babydoll sheep, and silly goats. Once our animals have had their salads, The Farmhouse Kitchen at The Nest Box (MEHKO permit #PT0501239) will treat you to a light seasonal farm picnic. Following your fresh farm treats, we'll step in with the chickens and ducks. We'll feed them organic hen scratch and farm greens, if available. We'll watch them happily scratch around and quack and coo, and you can hold and pet them if you’d like too. While they’re scratching around, we’ll step into the coops to check for eggs, then we'll visit with our rambunctious pigs and Harper, our sweet Jersey cow. We'll finish our experience with a calm and relaxing visit with our bunnies and guinea pigs. We'll feed and pet these sweet and soft fur balls. All along the experience, you will learn fun facts about our diverse plant and animal family, and you’ll leave with a seasonal farm gift. Other things to note: Wear comfortable closed-toed walking shoes and clothes you don't mind possibly getting a bit dirty. Boots and long pants are ideal. *Great for teams and team-building too!
Starry Nights-Telescope Tour Under Dark Country Skies
PLEASE READ: ***Spring is coming, and that means galaxies. Schedule up to date through April. NOTE THAT IF A DATE IS UNAVAILABLE, IT IS EITHER BECAUSE I AM OUT OF TOWN OR BECAUSE THERE IS A GIANT SPOTLIGHT IN THE SKY THAT IS NEAR ENOUGH TO FULL THAT A VIEWING IS IMPOSSIBLE.*** Join an amateur astronomer with almost 40 years of experience observing the night sky from Murphys, and take advantage of dark skies unlike anything in the city as we view beautiful astronomical objects through one of the largest telescopes available on the non-professional market (please note the photos of our scope were taken in the Bay Area-the skies in Murphys are MUCH darker!). Depending on the time of year, you will view planets, double stars and star clusters, nebulae and other galaxies through our 14-inch Celestron Edge-HD telescope. Telescopes invoke wonder like you've never experienced! Imagine viewing a galaxy of half a trillion stars as it looked before humans walked upright, or a star that ripped itself apart in a supernova a millennium ago. You decide how much time you spend with each object-small groups mean you never have to wait to look into the eyepiece (I limit bookings to 4 people each viewing; I am happy to accept SINGLE groups larger than 4 - just message me in advance).
Cidery Tour and Tasting in Gold Country
Take a tour of our cidery with our head cider maker. Guests will receive a 30 minute tour covering how our hard cider is made and a 1 hour table service tasting experience. This is great for 21+ cider lovers who enjoy geeking out on the science of cider, regenerative agriculture, local history, and rare and wild fruit trees. We welcome kids and well behaved dogs to our tasting room as well. If you have a group of 6 or more we will accommodate private tours and tastings on different days/times -- send us a message to schedule. The tasting room has a cabinet of board games and we allow outside food in the tasting room (we are within the delivery radius for doordash as well). For those who do not drink alcohol, we have local apple juice for sale. Children and well-behaved dogs are welcome!
Lake Tahoe Photoshoot & Hiking
Experience a stunning photoshoot & guided hike during your vacation at Lake Tahoe. I love capturing candid moments and will provide my expertise in posing and making the photography experience natural. All while soaking in the beauty of the hidden and secret spots of Lake Tahoe. We will meet at the Tallac Historic Site parking lot and then we will walk through the woods into Kiva Beach. It is a good idea to bring water (otherwise I always bring extra). I will provide the edited photos to be accessed online within a week of the experience date. If you have any questions or concerns please let me know!
Horseback Riding in Beautiful Paso
We have two experienced riding instructors on our 173 acre working horse ranch, located near many of the top-notch wineries. We have been offering lessons to the community and also Airbnb vacationers for over three years. We have amazing smaller horses for the kiddos and older gentle horses for adults.