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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.
- 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
- 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
- SacramentoSacramento County
Sacramento
- Rancho CordovaSacramento County
Rancho Cordova
- Elk GroveSacramento County
Elk Grove
- Sutter CreekAmador County
Sutter Creek
- JacksonAmador County
Jackson
- PlymouthAmador County
Plymouth
- ColfaxPlacer County
Colfax
- SonoraTuolumne County
Sonora
- JamestownTuolumne County
Jamestown
- FolsomSacramento County
Folsom
- Nevada CityNevada County
Nevada City
- Grass ValleyNevada County
Grass Valley
- Apple HillEl Dorado County
Apple Hill
- AuburnPlacer County
Auburn
- MurphysCalaveras County
Murphys
Things to do
- 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
- Craft Breweries in Gold Country
Craft Breweries in Gold Country
The state’s capitol more than holds its own in California’s “beer rush”
- California Welcome Center - Auburn
California Welcome Center - Auburn
Gold Rush history, Native culture, outdoor adventures