Gold Country
- Summary
- Stories
- Gallery
- Events
- Places to Eat & Drink
- Videos
- Podcasts
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 the largest mass migration 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.
Featured Gold Country
Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
- So You Think You Know Sacramento?
- Where to Enjoy Laid-Back Summer Fun in Colfax
Where to Enjoy Laid-Back Summer Fun in Colfax
- Golden Chain Highway
Golden Chain Highway
- Taste Craft Beer in the Heart of Rancho Cordova
Taste Craft Beer in the Heart of Rancho Cordova
- El Dorado County
El Dorado County
- 5 Notable Sacramento Neighborhoods
5 Notable Sacramento Neighborhoods
- Craft Breweries in Gold Country
Craft Breweries in Gold Country
- 5 Classic Gold Country B&Bs
5 Classic Gold Country B&Bs
- Old Sacramento
Old Sacramento
- Sip Wine in Gold Country
Sip Wine in Gold Country
- Tasting rooms in Murphys
Tasting rooms in Murphys
- Capay Organic
Capay Organic
- California Welcome Center - Auburn
California Welcome Center - Auburn
- Sacramento's River Fox Train
Sacramento's River Fox Train
- California Welcome Center - El Dorado Hills
California Welcome Center - El Dorado Hills
- Gold Country Road Trip with Bon Traveler
Gold Country Road Trip with Bon Traveler
Explore California Stories
Events In:
Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
- Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee
Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee
May 14–17, 2026 Experience the renowned festival that Mark Twain helped make famous
- Strawberry Music Festival
Strawberry Music Festival
May 21–24, 2026 A four-day festival celebrating strawberries, music, and the mountains
- California State Fair
California State Fair
July 17–August 2, 2026 From fried treats to fireworks, this Sacramento classic delivers
- California Wine Month
California Wine Month
September 1–30, 2026 Taste Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and more at events in wine regions such as Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Temecula Valley
Places to Eat & Drink
Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
- June 2026 Events in California
June 2026 Events in California
Embrace summer with wine festivals, classic fairs, and live music
- Tuolumne County
Tuolumne County
In quiet towns west of Yosemite National Park, historic preservation mixes with modern appeal
- May 2026 Events in California
May 2026 Events in California
Kick off your summer with Memorial Day Weekend celebrations, wine tasting, and quirky festivals
- Central Valley Farm and Ranch Experiences
Central Valley Farm and Ranch Experiences
Get to know the nation’s richest agricultural region with these intriguing agritourism options, including farm stays, tastings, and fruit picking
- 23 Pet-Friendly Hotels in California
23 Pet-Friendly Hotels in California
Explore the Golden State with your favorite furry friend and take full advantage of these welcoming properties
- 2026 California Travel Deals You Can Book This Summer
2026 California Travel Deals You Can Book This Summer
Add a little extra sunshine to your vacation with hotel and theme park discounts
- November 2025 Events in California
November 2025 Events in California
Enjoy one last autumnal hurrah this month, or start your winter fun early
- California Vacations for the Star Wars Icons
California Vacations for the Star Wars Icons
Here’s where Yoda, Darth Vader, and their friends would go to relax
- April 2026 Events in California
April 2026 Events in California
Party in the desert, take a scenic bike ride, and enjoy a unique spring fruit
- 50-Plus Fun Things to Do in California During the 2025 Holidays
50-Plus Fun Things to Do in California During the 2025 Holidays
Put these festive events, experiences, and performances on your bucket list this season
Videos
Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
California 101
Gold Country Road Trip
You Are Here. A California Love Letter
California 101
Sacramento: 5 Amazing Things
California Dream Eater
3 Scrumptious Bowls of Soul in California
California Dream Eater
Sacramento’s Baconlicious Biscuit Sandwich
California Dream Eater
3 Must-Visit Sweet Tooth Stops in California
Hidden Gems
Murphys’ Under-the-Radar Wine Tasting
California Dream Eater
Sacramento’s Legendary Banana Cream Pie
California Dream Eater
Sacramento’s Poetic Pork Belly
California Dream Eater
Sacramento’s Sexy Sashimi Tapas
Podcasts
Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
Amazing California Sports Experiences
44min
Michelin Guide, L.A. to Paso Robles, LGBTQ+ Travel
46min
Balboa Park, Wellness Travel, Wide Open Walls
37min
Whale Watching, Dog-Friendly Travel, Ironstone Vineyards
30min
Fascinating Road Trips
37min
Culinary Greatest Hits
34min
Redwood Coast, Favorite Hotels, Sacramento Dining
38min
Stargazing, Best Bike Routes, Mid-Century Modernism
33min
Atlas Obscura, Packing Tips, Wine
26min
Native American Travel Experiences in California
1hr
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get weekly travel inspiration, sent directly to your inbox!
Interested in upcoming events? Looking for hidden gems? Or tips on planning the ultimate family getaway? We've got that covered, and more.