SACRAMENTO COUNTY

Area Summary:

Home to Sacramento International Airport, and only 90 miles from San Francisco International Airport, Sacramento County is the perfect starting point for Gold Country adventure. Sacramento County boasts big city fun and a fabulous food and drink scene – it is, after all, America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital. World-class museums, including the California State Railroad Museum and Crocker Art Museum, historic districts Old Sacramento and Folsom’s Historic District evoke Gold Rush culture. Add to that a stellar collection of art galleries, top-tier festivals, theatre and music venues, and professional sports, and you have the makings of a distinct California Gold Country vacation.

The cities of Sacramento, Folsom, and Rancho Cordova, connected by Highway 50 and the American River Parkway Trail, invite exploration.

Sacramento

Sacramento, California’s capital city, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures year-round. Once the “beer capital of the west,” Sacramento’s craft beer scene has reemerged with more than 70 regional craft breweries to explore. For those looking for the next great wine region, Sacramento may be the best-kept secret. The Sacramento region and surrounding counties are home to more than 200 wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms, and most are within an hour’s drive or less from downtown.

Folsom

The City of Folsom is located 20 miles east of Sacramento and halfway between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. Distinctive by nature, Folsom’s rich and colorful history dates back to the 1850’s Gold Rush. Settled along the shores of Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma Folsom boasts endless recreational opportunities, cultural venues, and historical sites. You may find recreation enthusiasts enjoying over 50 miles of recreational trails, paddling or water skiing, the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, 46 parks, a year-round Aquatic Center, or golfing at the scenic Empire Ranch Golf Course. After a day of fun, stroll around the shops in the Folsom Historic District, Palladio at Broadstone, and Folsom Premium Outlets, or find yourself enjoying a cold drink and great food at one of Folsom’s delicious restaurants.

Rancho Cordova

Just 2 hours away from San Francisco (SFO), Rancho Cordova rests in the heart of Northern California, with exploration awaiting in every direction. Enjoy the state’s warm weather with outdoor activities like kayaking on the American River, stand-up paddleboarding at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center, or racing motocross at the Prairie City OHV Park. Around town, you can find delicious restaurants like Oz Korean BBQ or Mimosa House, or sip your way through the Barrel District, Rancho Cordova’s tasty collective of craft breweries, distilleries, and a meadery! Planning a long weekend trip? Come check out our fan-favorite events, like CA Mermaid Convention in the spring or the California Capital Airshow in the fall. Our 17 hotels offer comfort at every level as well as breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi. When you book your stay through the Visit Rancho Cordova website, you’ll be eligible for complimentary gift cards, discounts, and perks! ($20 Starbucks gift card? Don’t mind if we do!)

Elk Grove

Situated in the heart of Northern California, and a short 30 minutes from Downtown Sacramento, you’ll find Elk Grove. A tech-savvy city with a small-town feel, Elk Grove is diverse, personable, and never too busy for the finer things in life. Visit the historic Old Town to find the origins of the city and get a taste of our thriving culinary scene. Explore the Corks and Caps of Elk Grove for local gems of some of the state’s best local microbreweries and boutique wineries, nestled between three of California’s most notable wine regions— Napa, Amador, and Lodi. If you appreciate the outdoors, in and around Elk Grove, nature-lovers can explore a wide variety of terrains and trails by visiting the Cosumnes River Preserve or Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge both only a 20-minute drive from the city.