Blessed with almost perfect climate, giant sequoias, caverns, lakes, and rivers, Calaveras County is a worthy tourist destination. The largest nugget ever found in the Western Hemisphere came from the Comstock Claim at Carson Hill. It weighed 214 lbs 8oz troy and measured 15 inches long by 6 inches wide.
Tourism makes up the largest portion of the county's economic base.
Since 1928, the Jumping Frog Jubilee has attracted visitors from all over the world who gather on the third week in May to celebrate Mark Twain's story. Big Trees State Park has been attracting visitors for over one hundred years. Sequoia Gigantea are not as tall as the coastal redwoods, however, the trunks are approximately twice the size of the coastal trees. The county also boasts three caverns, Mercer , Moaning , and California , all offering guided tours with rappelling and spelunking also available. The wineries of Murphys - Black Sheep, Chatom, Ironstone Vineyards , Malvadino, Milliaire, Stevenot, and Rios are attracting national and international interest because of the fine quality produced by local vintners.