Alicia's Pinecrest Lake Guidebook
Sightseeing
Arrive early to get a parking spot in their day use area! This summer they are limiting capacity to 50%. If you make a boat rental they will allow you in no matter. If it is full, you can keep circling through the line until people start leaving, or come back in the afternoon when people leave. Weekdays aren’t as bad! You could also drop your family off and keep trying.
Favorite things:
Hike the Pinecrest Trail around the lake! (3.5 miles)
Continue the hike up to Cleo’s Bath!! An amazing pool under a waterfall in the upper part of the Stanislaus River above the lake.
- rent a kayak, pontoon, or fishing boat at the marina!!
- lounge at the many shaded or sunny beach areas!
- ice cream or burgers from the beachside snack shack!
- espresso & pastry at the Serene Bean
- everything you could need at the Pinecrest General store (walking distance from the lake)
- souvenirs at the fishing store
- rent a bike at the stand near the general store!
- borrow a book from the open library at the Pinecrest resort!
- stay for an evening movie under the stars at the outdoor Pinecrest Movie Theater!
149 locals recommend
Pinecrest Lake
Arrive early to get a parking spot in their day use area! This summer they are limiting capacity to 50%. If you make a boat rental they will allow you in no matter. If it is full, you can keep circling through the line until people start leaving, or come back in the afternoon when people leave. Weekdays aren’t as bad! You could also drop your family off and keep trying.
Favorite things:
Hike the Pinecrest Trail around the lake! (3.5 miles)
Continue the hike up to Cleo’s Bath!! An amazing pool under a waterfall in the upper part of the Stanislaus River above the lake.
- rent a kayak, pontoon, or fishing boat at the marina!!
- lounge at the many shaded or sunny beach areas!
- ice cream or burgers from the beachside snack shack!
- espresso & pastry at the Serene Bean
- everything you could need at the Pinecrest General store (walking distance from the lake)
- souvenirs at the fishing store
- rent a bike at the stand near the general store!
- borrow a book from the open library at the Pinecrest resort!
- stay for an evening movie under the stars at the outdoor Pinecrest Movie Theater!
8 miles from the cabin, visit Alpine Meadows Stables & Pack Station! Horseback Riding for the whole family! Call ahead to make a reservation. We go every summer!
12 locals recommend
Alpine Meadows Stables
355 Alpine Meadows Rd8 miles from the cabin, visit Alpine Meadows Stables & Pack Station! Horseback Riding for the whole family! Call ahead to make a reservation. We go every summer!
Outdoor historical Museum, with stage coach rides, interactive exhibits and Gold Rush history!
217 locals recommend
Columbia State Historic Park
11259 Broadway StOutdoor historical Museum, with stage coach rides, interactive exhibits and Gold Rush history!
Super fun local mini golf! Fun for the whole family! They have amazing shaved ice as well!
62 locals recommend
Twain Harte Miniature Golf
23098 Fuller RdSuper fun local mini golf! Fun for the whole family! They have amazing shaved ice as well!
A day trip up to Kennedy Meadows is a joy! There is a restaurant and bar on the grounds, as well as fishing and spots to relax by the river all along the way. We like to pull off the side of the road shortly before getting there. (there are places to pull off). Fish, relax, read by the beautiful river....followed by lunch or dinner at the Resort.
41 locals recommend
Kennedy Meadows Resort
42421 CA-108A day trip up to Kennedy Meadows is a joy! There is a restaurant and bar on the grounds, as well as fishing and spots to relax by the river all along the way. We like to pull off the side of the road shortly before getting there. (there are places to pull off). Fish, relax, read by the beautiful river....followed by lunch or dinner at the Resort.
8 miles from the cabin, beautiful Dodge Ridge Ski Resort! Snowboarding & Skiing for the whole family!
215 locals recommend
Dodge Ridge Ski Resort
1 Dodge Ridge Rd8 miles from the cabin, beautiful Dodge Ridge Ski Resort! Snowboarding & Skiing for the whole family!
Black Oak is fun for the whole family, with indoor Bowling Alley, Arcade, and Casino
155 locals recommend
Black Oak Casino Resort
19400 Tuolumne Rd NBlack Oak is fun for the whole family, with indoor Bowling Alley, Arcade, and Casino
Kayak, Pontoon, and Fishing Boat Rentals. Call ahead to make a reservation, at least a few weeks in advance! Kayaks are first come first served. They are super friendly and the lake doesn't allow jet skis, so great for newcomers.
11 locals recommend
Pinecrest Lake Marina
31 Lakeshore DrKayak, Pontoon, and Fishing Boat Rentals. Call ahead to make a reservation, at least a few weeks in advance! Kayaks are first come first served. They are super friendly and the lake doesn't allow jet skis, so great for newcomers.
Fraser Flat Fishing Pier
Food scene
Hand tossed wood-fired pizza!! The lasagna is also to die for! Incredible salads! Inside or patio dining! Great sunset views from their back lot!
61 locals recommend
Mia's
30040 CA-108Hand tossed wood-fired pizza!! The lasagna is also to die for! Incredible salads! Inside or patio dining! Great sunset views from their back lot!
Main Street in Murphys, California is just a short day trip from the cabin. Featuring more than 24 tasting rooms featuring local wineries from the gold country foothills
12 locals recommend
Twisted Oak Winery Murphys Tasting Room
363 Main StMain Street in Murphys, California is just a short day trip from the cabin. Featuring more than 24 tasting rooms featuring local wineries from the gold country foothills
The Serene Bean
419 Pinecrest Lake RdGreat espresso, smoothies, and breakfast burritos!
Great burgers in this historic bar and grill! Out door dining available.
120 locals recommend
The Rock of Twain Harte
23068 Fuller RdGreat burgers in this historic bar and grill! Out door dining available.
The Eproson House
22930 Twain Harte DrGreat for a nice dinner!
Steam Donkey Restaurant
95364 Lake Park SGood for Burgers and Steaks. Out door patio is great!
Twain Harte Market station