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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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- Delightful Destinations for Holiday Shopping in California
Delightful Destinations for Holiday Shopping in California
Shop local and soak up seasonal cheer while going through your list
- 2026 Family Holidays at California Hotels
2026 Family Holidays at California Hotels
Embrace the season—and actually relax—at one of these hotels with holiday spirit
- Awesome Places to Shop Local
Awesome Places to Shop Local
Buy from these locally owned, California businesses to directly support their communities
- California Towns with Holiday Spirit
California Towns with Holiday Spirit
Visit these merry spots that put on a seasonal show in winter
- Where to See Holiday Lights in California in 2026
Where to See Holiday Lights in California in 2026
Stroll through these seasonal displays across the Golden State
- 19 Local-Favorite Restaurants in California
19 Local-Favorite Restaurants in California
Seek out these culinary gems—from fine dining to burgers and tacos
- 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
- Discover 7 of California’s Best-Kept Secrets
Discover 7 of California’s Best-Kept Secrets
From a volcano to stargazing skies, seven spots off the beaten path
- 9 Perfect Places to See Fabulous Fall Colors
9 Perfect Places to See Fabulous Fall Colors
Where to go to see leaves as autumn unfurls in California
- 11 Iconic Movie Bars You Can Actually Visit in California
11 Iconic Movie Bars You Can Actually Visit in California
Have your happy hour in a café, cantina, or lounge that starred in a famous film
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
- Craft Breweries in Gold Country
Craft Breweries in Gold Country
The state’s capitol more than holds its own in California’s “beer rush”
- Dining in Sacramento
Dining in Sacramento
The capital of farm-to-fork dining in the capital
- South Fork American River
South Fork American River
River-raft on a Gold Country favorite, with glamping too
- Capay Organic
Capay Organic
Visit a mother ship of sustainable farming
- 8 California Food Trends
8 California Food Trends
Try the regional flavors, surprising ingredients, and classics with a twist that made our list of Golden State culinary trends
- 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
- 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
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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