Eleven Days in California Gold Country
An Amazing American Road Trip
A great trip for families, friends or solo, California Gold Country has it all. This eleven-day itinerary will take you to some of the most majestic natural wonders in America, immerse you in the history of the region, and fill you up with some of the best food and wine you can find. What are you waiting for?
Day 1: Sacramento Region
Begin your journey in the Sacramento region, California’s vibrant capital known for its diverse communities and farm-to-fork cuisine. Explore Sacramento’s rich history at the Old Sacramento Waterfront along the beautiful Sacramento River or dive into the capital city’s artistic side at the Crocker Art Museum. Head east to sip your way through nearby Rancho Cordova’s award-winning Barrel District or enjoy abundant watersport rentals at Sac State Aquatic Center. Enjoy shopping at quaint boutiques and visiting museums in Folsom’s Historic District.
Overnight in Sacramento County.
Day 2: Sacramento to Auburn
Embark on a short journey to Auburn, the perfect home base for outdoor adventures and rich history in Old Town Auburn. Enjoy Auburn State Recreation Area and Hidden Falls Regional Park with its waterfalls and sweeping views. Dive into the Placer Wine & Ale Trail for family-owned wineries and farm-to-tap breweries offering a taste of local craft brews.
Overnight in Auburn.
Day 3: Auburn to Lake Tahoe
Travel to Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, surrounded by massive granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Enjoy miles of scenic shoreline and a plethora of summer activities, and snow activities in winter. Experience stunning Lake Tahoe sunsets and panoramic vistas while indulging in a dinner cruise. Take an aerial tram to the mountain top any time of year.
Overnight in Lake Tahoe.
Day 4: Lake Tahoe to El Dorado
Try your hand at gold panning at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, where the California Gold Rush began with the discovery of the first gold nugget. Adventure lovers can enjoy a guided whitewater rafting trip or saddle up for a guided horseback ride through picturesque vineyards, followed by a tasting experience at one of the region’s 70 family-owned wineries. Walk into a real gold mine at Gold Bug Park & Mine.
Overnight in Placerville.
Day 5: El Dorado to Amador
Savor the flavors of Shenandoah Valley, California’s first wine trail. Ride the rails on the historic Amador Central Railroad on a pedal-powered railbike with Rail Explorers through the rolling foothills.
Overnight in Sutter Creek.
Day 6: Amador to Calaveras
Journey to Calaveras County and explore the stories of the Gold Rush at the Angels Camp Museum. Venture to Calaveras Big Trees State Park with its giant sequoias. Meander through the charming streets of Murphys. Explore nearby Ironstone Vineyards, offering exceptional wines, pristine gardens, and the largest gold leaf specimen in the world.
Overnight in Murphys.
Day 7: Calaveras to Tuolumne
Step back in time at Columbia State Historic Park, try gold panning, or take a stagecoach ride. Visit Jamestown, a historic town with quaint shops and eateries. Don’t miss Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, home to vintage trains and a museum showcasing the region’s railroad heritage. Finish your day in Sonora, explore the historic district and local landmarks before settling in for the night.
Overnight in Sonora.
Days 8 and 9: Yosemite National Park
Embark on a two-day exploration of Yosemite National Park. Explore the giant sequoias in the Tuolumne Grove. Spend the first day in Yosemite Valley marveling at iconic landmarks of Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome.
Overnight in El Portal.
Head back into Yosemite National Park to Glacier Point for stunning panoramic in the high country. Visit Cathedral Rocks for granite formations and great photo opportunities. Explore the charming atmosphere of Wawona and the landmark Wawona Hotel. See some of the oldest and largest sequoia trees on earth in Mariposa Grove.
Overnight in Fish Camp.
Day 10: Madera to Mariposa
Start your day at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad for a historic steam train ride through the beautiful Sierra National Forest. Head to Mariposa, known for its charming Main Street. Explore locally owned shops and visit landmarks like the Mariposa Museum and History Center. Overnight in Mariposa.
Day 11: Mariposa to Elk Grove to Sacramento
Visit Main Street Historic Elk Grove to experience a thriving culinary scene and local boutique shopping. Nature lovers can explore various terrains and trails by visiting the Cosumnes River Preserve or Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.
Complete your loop in Sacramento.
Whew! That was quick. There’s so much more to do and see at each stop on this itinerary. Explore the Destinations pages for more detail on each region as well as links to our member sites where you can find information on lodging, travel arrangements and more. It’s time to visit Gold Country!