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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.
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- Golden Chain Highway
Golden Chain Highway
- Sip Wine in Gold Country
Sip Wine in Gold Country
Sample vintages from old vines and new varietals in this under-the-radar California wine region - Craft Breweries in Gold Country
Craft Breweries in Gold Country
The state’s capitol more than holds its own in California’s “beer rush” - Amador County
Amador County
Discover great wines, explore historic towns, and take to the slopes in a unique California region - 5 Classic Gold Country B&Bs
5 Classic Gold Country B&Bs
Spend a few nights in California’s prospecting past—while enjoying plenty of 21st-century comforts - Madera County
Madera County
This middle-of-California county is rich in wineries, pioneer history, and lake-vacation fun - 5 Amazing Things to Do in Sacramento
5 Amazing Things to Do in Sacramento
California’s vibrant capital city blends politics with high-minded eateries, innovative breweries, Gold Rush history, and ultra-modern hotels - Tuolumne County
Tuolumne County
In quiet towns west of Yosemite National Park, historic preservation mixes with modern appeal - Gold Country Road Trip with Bon Traveler
Gold Country Road Trip with Bon Traveler
Travel 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
Gold Country Visitors Association
- Visit Sacramento
Visit Sacramento
- Visit Placer
Visit Placer
- Explore Auburn
Explore Auburn
- Explore Elk Grove
Explore Elk Grove
- Visit Rancho Cordova
Visit Rancho Cordova
- Visit Folsom
Visit Folsom
- Placerville
Placerville
- Visit Tuolumne County
Visit Tuolumne County
- El Dorado County Visitors Authority
El Dorado County Visitors Authority
- Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau
Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau
- Visit Calaveras County
Visit Calaveras County
- Sierra County Chamber of Commerce
Sierra County Chamber of Commerce
- Visit Yosemite | Madera County
Visit Yosemite | Madera County
Places to Visit
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- SonoraTuolumne County
Sonora
- Grass ValleyNevada County
Grass Valley
- Nevada CityNevada County
Nevada City
- MurphysCalaveras County
Murphys
- PlacervilleEl Dorado County
Placerville
Travel Stories
Things to do
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Events in this Region
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- California Wine Month
California Wine Month
September 1–30, 2025
- Terra Madre Americas Slow Food Festival
Terra Madre Americas Slow Food Festival
September 26–28, 2025
- California State Fair
California State Fair
July 11–27, 2025
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- The American River
The American River
Head to this river in Gold Country for some of the best whitewater rafting anywhere
- Sip Wine in Gold Country
Sip Wine in Gold Country
Sample vintages from old vines and new varietals in this under-the-radar California wine region
- Traveling by Plane
Traveling by Plane
Flying is easy in the Golden State, with international and domestic airports statewide
- Great U-Pick Farms in California
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
Don't-Miss City Farmers' Markets
Local produce, amazing finds
- 12 Fun Food & Farm Festivals
12 Fun Food & Farm Festivals
California agriculture, fun celebrations
- 8 Tips for Cycling in California
8 Tips for Cycling in California
Want to see the Golden State by bike? Use these tips to make the most of your ride
- Placer County Wine Trail
Placer County Wine Trail
Gold gives way to grapes in the Sierra foothills
- Craft Breweries in Gold Country
Craft Breweries in Gold Country
The state’s capitol more than holds its own in California’s “beer rush”
- California Welcome Center - Auburn
California Welcome Center - Auburn
Gold Rush history, Native culture, outdoor adventures
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California 101
Gold Country Road Trip
You are Here. A California Love Letter
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
3 Must-Try Comfort Foods in California
California Dream Eater
3 Farm2Fork Feasts in California
California Dream Eater
3 Must-Visit Sweet Tooth Stops in California
California Pop
California Pop: Gold Country
California Dream Eater
Sacramento’s Baconlicious Biscuit Sandwich
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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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