Small Town. Big Character.
Bishop is truly the heart of the Eastern Sierra. Downtown Bishop has charm and grace, the community is hospitable and friendly, and the landscape is spectacular! Located in a wide, fertile, high desert valley between the rugged Sierra Nevada and the gentler White Mountains, Bishop is a welcoming, walkable community that invites you to slow down, explore, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
At the heart of downtown Bishop is a vibrant mix of lodging options, from cozy bed and breakfasts to modern hotels. Just steps away, indulge in a culinary journey with a diverse selection of restaurants offering everything from hearty breakfasts to gourmet dinners. Unique boutiques, art galleries, and outdoor gear shops line the streets, providing opportunities to find one-of-a-kind treasures and essentials for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
Don’t Dress for Dinner
In this western American town there’s no need to dress for dinner, just dress for the weather. It’s a four-season mountain town that serves up warm summer nights and chilly winter days—when the snow sticks to the mountains, but our roads and sidewalks are usually dry and ice-free. Explore your style with some new adventure gear or classic western wear. Just make yourself comfortable in our small town with its big backyard.
Art & Entertainment
A cornerstone of Bishop’s community spirit is the historic Bishop Twin Theater, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024. This beloved local gem offers affordable family entertainment with classic movie-going charm. With its two screens showing first-run films, the Twin Theater has been a gathering place for generations, preserving the magic of the silver screen in a digital age.
Art and history buffs will delight at the many visually beautiful and historically accurate murals on the exterior walls of buildings throughout Bishop. Take a walk around downtown Bishop and absorb the history and culture of the town through its artful interpretations.
Bishop City Park
For those seeking outdoor recreation, Bishop City Park is a must-visit. This expansive green space offers something for everyone. Families can enjoy splashing in the city pool, while thrill-seekers can test their skills at the skate park. Tennis and pickleball enthusiasts can challenge friends to a match on the well-maintained courts. Accessible paths wind through the park, inviting leisurely strolls or bike rides. Picnic areas provide the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. And for young cyclists, the new bike pump and BMX track offer endless hours of fun.
Bishop is a pet-friendly town with many lodging options welcoming furry companions. The Bishop City Dog Park is a well maintained, fenced, off-leash area where well-behaved canines and their owners can exercise and play. It’s open from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.
Tri-County Fair & Event Center
Just north of downtown, the Tri-County Fair & Event Center is a hub for community events and large-scale gatherings. This versatile venue hosts a variety of activities throughout the year, including the renowned Mule Days festival, which celebrates the region’s rich equestrian heritage. The Tri-County Fair showcases local agriculture, livestock, and entertainment, attracting visitors from far and wide. Numerous public and private events also take place at the center, offering a glimpse into the local culture and traditions.
Small Town. Big Character.
Bishop and surrounds have incredible natural beauty, a wonderful climate, and a multitude of year-round outdoor activities in settings that are considered world-class. Halfway between Yosemite and Death Valley National Parks, its central location within the extraordinary Eastern Sierra makes it a perfect base for relaxation and exploration. It’s walkable, bikeable, and loveable.
With its quaint western charm, friendly locals, walkable downtown, and proximity to outdoor adventures, Bishop is a small town with big character.