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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 - 8 Family-Friendly Gold Rush Adventures
8 Family-Friendly Gold Rush Adventures
Take on whitewater rapids, pan for gold, and explore California history - 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 - 4 Classic Gold Country B&Bs
4 Classic Gold Country B&Bs
Spend a few nights in California’s prospecting past—while enjoying plenty of 21st-century comforts - Visit the California State Capitol in Sacramento
Visit the California State Capitol in Sacramento
Tour California's historic Capitol and explore Capitol Park - Tuolumne County
Tuolumne County
Gold Rush history, foothill wine, and a backdoor into Yosemite - 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 - 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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- Jamestown
Tuolumne CountyJamestown
- Sutter Creek
Amador CountySutter Creek
- Folsom
Sacramento CountyFolsom
- Placerville
El Dorado CountyPlacerville
- Sonora
Tuolumne CountySonora
- Apple Hill
El Dorado CountyApple Hill
- Elk Grove
Sacramento CountyElk Grove
- Rancho Cordova
Sacramento CountyRancho Cordova
- Nevada City
Nevada CountyNevada City
- Murphys
Calaveras CountyMurphys
- Plymouth
Amador CountyPlymouth
- Jackson
Amador CountyJackson
- Colfax
Placer CountyColfax
- Grass Valley
Nevada CountyGrass Valley
- Auburn
Placer CountyAuburn
Things to do
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- Acorns and Native American Culture
Acorns and Native American Culture
Tribes throughout the Golden State have relied on acorns as an essential food source for thousands of years
- 8 Golden State Game Parlors for All Ages
8 Golden State Game Parlors for All Ages
With options ranging from tabletop favorites to pinball and retro video games, California’s family-friendly hangout spots provide plenty of old-fashioned fun
- 6 Snow-Savvy Reasons to Ski Midweek This Winter
6 Snow-Savvy Reasons to Ski Midweek This Winter
Bolster your budget and dodge the snow crush by hitting the slopes Monday to Friday
- 15 Amazing and Affordable Towns in California You May Not Know
15 Amazing and Affordable Towns in California You May Not Know
Across the state, these towns offer wallet-friendly lodgings and activities
- 58 Reasons Why California Is the Ultimate Playground
58 Reasons Why California Is the Ultimate Playground
Cultivating a sense of play is serious business in the Golden State. Here’s an opinionated guide to help you find all the fun you can handle.
- 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
- 4 Classic Gold Country B&Bs
4 Classic Gold Country B&Bs
Spend a few nights in California’s prospecting past—while enjoying plenty of 21st-century comforts
- 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
- 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
- 12 California Wineries That Welcome Walk-in Visitors
12 California Wineries That Welcome Walk-in Visitors
No reservations are needed at many wineries across the state for some or all tastings, from Mendocino to Temecula
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
- 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
- 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
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
California Dream Eater
Sacramento’s Baconlicious Biscuit Sandwich
California Dream Eater
3 Scrumptious Bowls of Soul in California
Hidden Gems
Murphys’ Under-the-Radar Wine Tasting
California Dream Eater
3 Must-Try Comfort Foods in California
California Dream Eater
3 Farm2Fork Feasts 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
Exploring Tuolumne County
46min
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