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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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  • 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
  • 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
  • Tuolumne County

    Tuolumne County

    In quiet towns west of Yosemite National Park, historic preservation mixes with modern appeal
  • 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

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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

  • 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

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