--- title: "Bodie vs Calico: California Ghost Towns Compared (2026)" slug: bodie-vs-calico description: "Comparing Bodie and Calico ghost towns: authenticity, accessibility, family-friendliness, and which California ghost town is worth the drive." date: 2026-01-12 author: Ghost Towns Close-To-Me featured_image: /images/blog/bodie-vs-calico.jpg keywords: bodie vs calico, calico or bodie, best ghost towns california, california ghost towns comparison --- # Bodie vs Calico: California Ghost Town Showdown Two of California's most famous ghost towns. But they couldn't be more different. One is preserved in "arrested decay." The other is a restored tourist attraction. Here's how to choose. --- ## Quick Comparison | Factor | Bodie, CA | Calico, CA | Winner | |--------|-----------|------------|--------| | Authenticity | Genuine arrested decay | Heavily restored | Bodie | | Accessibility | Seasonal, dirt road | Year-round, paved | Calico | | Entry Fee | $8/adult | $8/vehicle | Tie | | Kid-Friendly | Moderate (walking only) | Very (rides, activities) | Calico | | Photography | World-class | Good but commercialized | Bodie | | Time Needed | 2-3 hours | 2-4 hours | Tie | | Crowds | Moderate | Can be heavy | Bodie | | Amenities | Basic (pit toilets) | Full (food, shops) | Calico | --- ## The Towns ### Bodie: The Real Deal Bodie is America's best-preserved ghost town. A California State Historic Park maintained in "arrested decay" - buildings stabilized but not restored. History: - Founded: 1859 (gold discovery) - Peak population: 10,000 (1880) - 65 saloons at its height - Abandoned gradually by 1940s What You'll See: - 170+ original buildings - Methodist Church (iconic) - Interiors visible through windows - Original furniture, artifacts - No gift shops or food inside Atmosphere: - Authentic, eerie, contemplative - High altitude (8,375 ft) - bring layers - Remote, windswept setting - Feels frozen in time --- ### Calico: Family Theme Park Calico is a restored silver mining town turned tourist destination. Owned by San Bernardino County, it offers activities alongside history. History: - Founded: 1881 (silver discovery) - Peak population: 1,200 (1880s) - Produced $86 million in silver - Became ghost town by 1907 - Restored in 1950s by Walter Knott What You'll See: - Restored Main Street - Maggie Mine (underground tour) - Calico & Odessa Railroad - Mystery Shack attraction - Shops, restaurants, candy stores Atmosphere: - Fun, commercial, family-oriented - Desert heat in summer - Carnival-like on busy days - Good for young children --- ## Getting There ### Bodie - From San Francisco: 5.5 hours - From Los Angeles: 5 hours - From Yosemite (Tuolumne): 1 hour - Final Approach: 13 miles (3 unpaved) - Open: Typically May-October ### Calico - From Los Angeles: 2.5 hours - From San Francisco: 6 hours - From Barstow: 15 minutes - Road: Paved entire way - Open: Year-round --- ## Choose Bodie If... - You want an authentic ghost town experience - Photography is your main goal - You prefer quiet, contemplative visits - You're already in the Eastern Sierra - You don't need tourist amenities Explore Bodie → --- ## Choose Calico If... - You're traveling with young children - You want food, shops, and activities - You're driving to Las Vegas on I-15 - You prefer restored buildings to ruins - You want a guaranteed year-round visit Explore Calico → --- ## Honest Take Bodie is the real ghost town. If you care about authenticity and photography, there's no comparison. Calico is a fun family stop. If you want activities and have kids under 10, Calico delivers a fun half-day. Our recommendation: Serious ghost town enthusiasts should prioritize Bodie. Families with young kids will enjoy Calico more. --- Explore All California Ghost Towns →