- Official Resources
- Places to Visit
- Things to do
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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.
Featured Gold Country
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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
More Resources
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- Gold Country Visitors Association
Gold Country Visitors Association
- Visit Sacramento
Visit Sacramento
- Visit Placer
Visit Placer
- Amador Council of Tourism
Amador Council of Tourism
- 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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- Apple Hill
El Dorado CountyApple Hill
- Placerville
El Dorado CountyPlacerville
- Sutter Creek
Amador CountySutter Creek
- Plymouth
Amador CountyPlymouth
- Jackson
Amador CountyJackson
- Colfax
Placer CountyColfax
- Grass Valley
Nevada CountyGrass Valley
- Auburn
Placer CountyAuburn
- Sonora
Tuolumne CountySonora
- Folsom
Sacramento CountyFolsom
- Jamestown
Tuolumne CountyJamestown
- Nevada City
Nevada CountyNevada City
- Sacramento
Sacramento CountySacramento
- Rancho Cordova
Sacramento CountyRancho Cordova
- Elk Grove
Sacramento CountyElk Grove
Things to do
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- 10 Must-Try California Sandwiches
10 Must-Try California Sandwiches
For proof that perfection can be found between two pieces of bread, we’re serving up some incredible sandwiches from around the Golden State
- August 2026 Events in California
August 2026 Events in California
Plan a trip to hear music, sample unique cuisine, or watch dogs surf
- Beyond the Match: 5 Itineraries from the San Francisco Bay Area
Beyond the Match: 5 Itineraries from the San Francisco Bay Area
Turn your soccer trip into a true California vacation with easy day trips and weekend escapes
- California Neighborhood Guide: Sacramento’s Midtown
California Neighborhood Guide: Sacramento’s Midtown
The tree-lined, historic neighborhood about a mile from the State Capitol is also a hot artisanal and culinary destination
- Old Sacramento
Old Sacramento
Soak up river history in a ride on or along the water
- Try These 7 Top Travel Trends
Try These 7 Top Travel Trends
From climate hopping and eco-tourism to surprise destinations and solo vacations—these are 2019's trendiest ways to travel
- Check Out 30 New Murals at Sacramento’s Wide Open Walls
Check Out 30 New Murals at Sacramento’s Wide Open Walls
Tour Sacramento's latest outdoor art installations at the nation's largest mural festival
- 9 Places to Celebrate National Roller Coaster Day
9 Places to Celebrate National Roller Coaster Day
California is home to several superlative-worthy rides—some of which have cool views or have appeared in movies
- Zanna Van Dijk’s Diverse California Road Trip
Zanna Van Dijk’s Diverse California Road Trip
The blogger and influencer gets off the beaten track and explores the diversity of California’s hidden gems
- 5 Amazing Things to Do Near Calaveras Big Trees State Park
5 Amazing Things to Do Near Calaveras Big Trees State Park
The Gold Country area has rich prospecting history, cool outdoor adventures, and great wine
Events in this Region
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- 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 Raise a glass to harvest with winery events across California
Places to Eat & Drink
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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”
- Citizen Hotel
Citizen Hotel
Discover an elegant surprise in downtown Sacramento
Videos
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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
Hidden Gems
Murphys’ Under-the-Radar Wine Tasting
California 101
Calaveras Big Trees State Park: 5 Amazing Things
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
Podcasts
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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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