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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 HighwayGolden Chain Highway
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- Sip Wine in Gold CountrySip Wine in Gold CountrySample vintages from old vines and new varietals in this under-the-radar California wine region
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- Craft Breweries in Gold CountryCraft Breweries in Gold CountryThe state’s capitol more than holds its own in California’s “beer rush”
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- Amador CountyAmador CountyDiscover great wines, explore historic towns, and take to the slopes in a unique California region
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- 5 Classic Gold Country B&Bs5 Classic Gold Country B&BsSpend a few nights in California’s prospecting past—while enjoying plenty of 21st-century comforts
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- Madera CountyMadera CountyThis middle-of-California county is rich in wineries, pioneer history, and lake-vacation fun
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- 5 Amazing Things to Do in Sacramento5 Amazing Things to Do in SacramentoCalifornia’s vibrant capital city blends politics with high-minded eateries, innovative breweries, Gold Rush history, and ultra-modern hotels
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- Tuolumne CountyTuolumne CountyIn quiet towns west of Yosemite National Park, historic preservation mixes with modern appeal
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- Gold Country Road Trip with Bon TravelerGold Country Road Trip with Bon TravelerTravel 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
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- SacramentoSacramento CountySacramento
- Rancho CordovaSacramento CountyRancho Cordova
- SonoraTuolumne CountySonora
- AuburnPlacer CountyAuburn
- Elk GroveSacramento CountyElk Grove
- Grass ValleyNevada CountyGrass Valley
- MurphysCalaveras CountyMurphys
- PlacervilleEl Dorado CountyPlacerville
- FolsomSacramento CountyFolsom
- Sutter CreekAmador CountySutter Creek
- PlymouthAmador CountyPlymouth
- JacksonAmador CountyJackson
- Nevada CityNevada CountyNevada City
- ColfaxPlacer CountyColfax
Travel Stories
Things to do
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Events in this Region
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- Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee
Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee
May 15–18, 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
- Citizen Hotel
Citizen Hotel
Discover an elegant surprise in downtown Sacramento
- Craft Breweries in Gold Country
Craft Breweries in Gold Country
The state’s capitol more than holds its own in California’s “beer rush”
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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
Hidden Gems
Murphys’ Under-the-Radar Wine Tasting
California Pop
California Pop: Gold Country
California Dream Eater
3 Must-Try Comfort Foods in California
California Dream Eater
3 Farm2Fork Feasts in California
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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's Delicious Diversity
44min
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