- 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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- Auburn
Placer CountyAuburn
- Sacramento
Sacramento CountySacramento
- Elk Grove
Sacramento CountyElk Grove
- Rancho Cordova
Sacramento CountyRancho Cordova
- Jamestown
Tuolumne CountyJamestown
- Folsom
Sacramento CountyFolsom
- Sutter Creek
Amador CountySutter Creek
- Plymouth
Amador CountyPlymouth
- Jackson
Amador CountyJackson
- Colfax
Placer CountyColfax
- Sonora
Tuolumne CountySonora
- Nevada City
Nevada CountyNevada City
Things to do
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- 10 Family Outdoor Adventures
10 Family Outdoor Adventures
No matter what type of outdoor adventure your family is after, California has a destination that fits the bill.
- California Restaurants: An A to Z Guide
California Restaurants: An A to Z Guide
Explore this alphabetically arranged guide to California’s essential eateries
- 2026 California Travel Deals You Can Book This Summer
2026 California Travel Deals You Can Book This Summer
Add a little extra sunshine to your vacation with hotel and theme park discounts
- Hotel and Travel Deals in California This Spring
Hotel and Travel Deals in California This Spring
Enjoy serious savings at resorts, wineries, and theme parks
- 16 Amazing California Lakes
16 Amazing California Lakes
Swim, waterski, wakeboard, paddle, fish, or go houseboating on the Golden State’s lakes
- Road Trip: Undiscovered Wine Regions
Road Trip: Undiscovered Wine Regions
Get off the beaten path and sample superior wine in some surprising locations
- Top Food, Beer, and Wine Festivals
Top Food, Beer, and Wine Festivals
Every month offers delicious events for local crops, talented chefs, and great beer and wine
- 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
- How to Forage Responsibly and Sustainably in California
How to Forage Responsibly and Sustainably in California
Where to go, what to expect, and how to forage safely in California
- California’s Outstanding Railroad Experiences
California’s Outstanding Railroad Experiences
Play conductor, marvel at artifacts, go for a ride, or just sip wine and enjoy the scenery
Events in this Region
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- California State Fair
California State Fair
July 17–August 2, 2026 From fried treats to fireworks, this Sacramento classic delivers
- California Wine Month
California Wine Month
September 1–30, 2026 Taste Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and more at events in wine regions such as Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Temecula Valley
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 101
Calaveras Big Trees State Park: 5 Amazing Things
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
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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