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Bumping up against the west side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the Sierra foothills are where California’s past, present, and future merge into one unforgettable destination. The Gold Rush sparked one of the largest mass migrations in America’s history, when more than 300,000 pioneers headed west to California hoping to strike it rich. You’ll find treasures of a different kind along the historic Golden Chain Highway, which oozes Old West charm. Or leave the small towns in your rearview and head to cosmopolitan Sacramento to sample the gastronomic wonders of America’s farm-to-fork capital.
- Golden Chain Highway
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- Sip Wine in Gold CountrySample vintages from old vines and new varietals in this under-the-radar California wine region
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- Craft Breweries in Gold CountryThe state’s capitol more than holds its own in California’s “beer rush”
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- Amador CountyDiscover great wines, explore historic towns, and take to the slopes in a unique California region
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- 5 Classic Gold Country B&BsSpend a few nights in California’s prospecting past—while enjoying plenty of 21st-century comforts
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- Madera CountyThis middle-of-California county is rich in wineries, pioneer history, and lake-vacation fun
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- 5 Amazing Things to Do in SacramentoCalifornia’s vibrant capital city blends politics with high-minded eateries, innovative breweries, Gold Rush history, and ultra-modern hotels
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- Tuolumne CountyIn quiet towns west of Yosemite National Park, historic preservation mixes with modern appeal
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- Gold Country Road Trip with Bon TravelerTravel blogger Jessica Wright shares her best finds and top tips for the region, which she will soon call home
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Gold Country Visitors Association
Visit Sacramento
Visit Placer
Explore Auburn
Explore Elk Grove
Visit Rancho Cordova
Visit Folsom
Placerville
Visit Tuolumne County
El Dorado County Visitors Authority
Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau
Visit Calaveras County
Sierra County Chamber of Commerce
Visit Yosemite | Madera County
- Sacramento CountySacramento
- Sacramento CountyRancho Cordova
- Tuolumne CountySonora
- Placer CountyAuburn
- Sacramento CountyElk Grove
- Nevada CountyGrass Valley
- Calaveras CountyMurphys
- El Dorado CountyPlacerville
- Sacramento CountyFolsom
- Amador CountySutter Creek
- Amador CountyPlymouth
- Amador CountyJackson
- Nevada CountyNevada City
- Placer CountyColfax
- Tuolumne CountyJamestown
Travel Stories
Things to do
The American River
Head to this river in Gold Country for some of the best whitewater rafting anywhere
Sip Wine in Gold Country
Sample vintages from old vines and new varietals in this under-the-radar California wine region
Old Sacramento
Soak up river history in a ride on or along the water
Farm-to-Fork Capital
With its proximity to local farms, Sacramento is at the forefront of fresh, seasonal cuisine sourced right from the city’s backyard
Traveling by Plane
Flying is easy in the Golden State, with international and domestic airports statewide
Great U-Pick Farms in California
Enjoy the best of California’s berries, apples, mandarin oranges, and more at these local farms
Don't-Miss City Farmers' Markets
Local produce, amazing finds
12 Fun Food & Farm Festivals
California agriculture, fun celebrations
8 Tips for Cycling in California
Want to see the Golden State by bike? Use these tips to make the most of your ride
Citizen Hotel
Discover an elegant surprise in downtown Sacramento
California Dream Eater
Epic Winter Road Trip: Lake Tahoe to Sacramento
California 101
Gold Country Road Trip
California Dream Eater
Sacramento’s Poetic Pork Belly
California Dream Eater
Sacramento’s Sexy Sashimi Tapas
California Dream Eater
Sacramento’s Legendary Banana Cream Pie
California Dream Eater
Sacramento’s Baconlicious Biscuit Sandwich
You are Here. A California Love Letter
California Dream Eater
Murphys’ Addicting Apple Cider Donuts
Hidden Gems
Murphys’ Under-the-Radar Wine Tasting
California 101
Calaveras Big Trees State Park: 5 Amazing Things
Bucket Lists, Craft Beer, San Andreas Fault
25min
Atlas Obscura, Packing Tips, Wine
26min
Stargazing, Best Bike Routes, Mid-Century Modernism
33min
Redwood Coast, Favorite Hotels, Sacramento Dining
38min
Culinary Greatest Hits
34min
Fascinating Road Trips
37min
Whale Watching, Dog-Friendly Travel, Ironstone Vineyards
30min
Balboa Park, Wellness Travel, Wide Open Walls
37min
Michelin Guide, L.A. to Paso Robles, LGBTQ+ Travel
46min
California Surfing Day, Ryan Robinson, Glamping
48min
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