Places to Visit
Things To Do
Trip Inspiration
Road Trips
Find Your Ultimate Playground
Visit California, Return Home
Find Your Ultimate Playground
  • Official Resources
  • Places to Visit
  • Things to do
  • Gallery
  • Events

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.

Featured Gold Country

Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
  • 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
  • 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

More Resources

Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.

Places to Visit

Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
View All Cities

Things to do

Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.

Events in this Region

Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
  • California State Fair

    California State Fair

    July 17–August 2, 2026 From fried treats to fireworks to wine, 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

View All Events

Places to Eat & Drink

Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
  • Old Sacramento

    Old Sacramento

    Soak up river history in a ride on or along the water

  • Farm-to-Fork Capital

    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

  • Capay Organic

    Capay Organic

    Visit a mother ship of sustainable farming

  • Craft Breweries in Gold Country

    Craft Breweries in Gold Country

    The state’s capitol more than holds its own in California’s “beer rush”

  • 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

  • Sensational Sports Stadiums

    Sensational Sports Stadiums

    Cheer on the world-class athletes and enjoy all sorts of cutting-edge perks at these Golden State venues

  • Dining in Sacramento

    Dining in Sacramento

    The capital of farm-to-fork dining in the capital

  • 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

View All Restaurants

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.