Having traveled to California numerous times, I wanted to return to California. However this time, I planned to take the “road less traveled” and explore with an exciting California Gold Country Road Trip to see what spurred the original growth of California in the 1800s. California is a great state with many wonderful places to visit like from glitzy Los Angeles, Napa Valley’s wine country, beautiful beaches, and more. However, one must remember that the history of the state’s great Gold Rush and the addition of the railroads helped the state grow exponentially in the 1800s. Sometimes all that glitters is gold.
Much of the gold fields were in Northern and Central California. My trip was only for a week so I went to see some of the primary areas that would mix the area’s gold rush history, great farm-to-table food, adventure, and natural beauty. This is a perfect road trip for those looking to learn a bit about the history of the Gold Rush as well as get to experience not only the natural beauty inside of Yosemite, but also natural hidden gems that you may have passed over. If you want to see the most of Gold Country, I recommend staying a few nights in Sacramento, and a few nights in Sonora, a historic California gold mining town.
Read more: A California Gold Country Road Trip to Remember- 7 Day ItineraryDisclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase or booking, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.Travels of Sarah Fay is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you. This is part of a sponsored trip with Visit California and The Black Travel Alliance.
A Brief History of the Gold Rush
One of the greatest events of the early and mid-1800s (from 1848 to 1855) in the USA was the Gold Rush in California. James Marshall found the first gold at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, CA where he was building a lumber mill on the American River in Sacramento for John Sutter.
Once news spread about the gold, over 300,000 came to California from the USA and abroad to try to strike it rich.
The population growth helped spur California to become the 31st state in 1850. Sadly, it did have a horrible impact on the indigenous tribes in the area with so many moving to the area. 1849 was the peak year that many arrived and those there for gold were known as the 49ers. With the need for housing and land for mining, many indigenous people lost their land and homes.
Gold Country rapidly grew and over time many entrepreneurs were setting up shop to supply the huge influx of folks to the area. By 1869 the railroads to the east coast were up and running, but many folks had arrived earlier via trails, steamships, etc. From these early beginnings, I hoped to learn more about the history of Gold Rush Country by touring these towns and regions.
Here is my 6/ 7 Day Itinerary To The California Gold Country
If you want to follow the exact tinerary I did here is my experience the road tripping the California Gold Country from Sacramento, to Yosemite National Park with many surprises in between. The best way to get around this region is by car so if you are looking for great deals check out the RentalCars.com or Discover Cars to compare car rentals.
Day 1 – Sacramento, California Here I Come!
Arrive at Sacramento International Airport
Since I’m an East Coast girl, I flew into Sacramento International Airport (SMF) which is the gateway to Northern California.The airport is extremely easy to navigate and pretty small so it was quick to get in and out. Sacramento is the state capital and has a great historic downtown to explore. It was also an easy ride from the airport to the city.
I arrived late afternoon and first checked into the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel a brilliant urban hotel in the Downtown Commons; a #1 rated hotel in Sacramento per USNews.com. The hotel is in a great location and the stylish room was a fantastic place to relax before starting my city tour.
Some great places include:
Old Sacramento
The first thing I wanted to do was take a quick tour and walk through Old Sacramento Waterfront before I had drinks, dinner, and an early night since it was a long flight. This Historic Landmark District encompasses 28 acres and includes California’s state capital. It is a lively neighborhood along the Sacramento River. As you walk around this the candy shops, bars, and enjoy one of the 100 plus shops in the neighborhood you will quickly feel like you have been transported to a the capital of the California Gold Rush. Take a stroll or bike ride around the Old Town, luckily my hotel provided a free rental for my stay that I could use.
The Old Town is filled with 19th century buildings and is definitely worth an afternoon to explore. There is also a Sacramento Waterfront Trail where you will see locals running, walking, and is perfect to continue exploring Sacramento on you own after your tour. There is also a wonderful scenic boat tour you can do that leaves from close by. While I did not have time for that, I did do a historical walking tour that is a great way to get your bearings on the history of the Gold Rush era in Sacramento.
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
This park is where you can visit the original fort built by John Sutter. Mr. Sutter was one of the key figures in the Gold Rush and you can explore exhibits here. John Sutter arrived back in 1839 via the American River near where it meets with the Sacramento River. Sutter and others created a permanent settlement and the city grew with the Gold Rush and mass migration.
The California State Railroad Museum
This museum celebrates the great Transcontinental Railroad that was vital to the growth and prosperity of the state. I only had enough time to experience the museum for an hour, but it gave me a great taste of the importance of the railroad to California’s history.
A great way to start off my trip.The museum features beautifully restored locomotives and rail cars, along with interactive exhibits that showcase the innovation and adventure of the railroad era. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or just curious about history, the museum offers a hands-on experience that brings the golden age of rail travel to life.
Snacks and Drinks:
Later that day, I returned to the Kimpton and first went for a drink at Revival, their fabulous rooftop bar. Revival offers great bites, snacks, and mocktails (since I don’t drink). What a fantastic view from the rooftop. I
highly recommend it. Not only that is you need coffee to wake up head to the nearby Temple Coffee.
Dinner in Sacramento:
After that flight and walking around, I went for a bite to eat at The Roost. It is a great place to experience some fine cocktails or mocktails in stylish surroundings. The Roost also offers a small plate, tapas-style menu, with a variety of tastes. In addition, they at times have four-course meals that are usually based on a theme, recently it was Japanese style. Cocktails that enhance the experience are also paired with these meals.
Day 2 Sacramento and Nearby Towns to Explore
Depending on your interests, below are suggestions on places to see and things to do in and around Sacramento. Whether you are looking to explore the city from the perspective of the arts, or adventure there is something for everyone. My second day it was time to explore the surrounding areas natural hidden gems within an 45 minutes of Downtown Sacramento. However, some people in my group decided to go to explore the murals on an art walk as well as more of Downtown Sacramento.
Explore the Arts in Downtown Sacramento
Midtown Farmers Market is a great way to spend some time to get to see more of how the locals live, it’s a lively place to see. It’s open every Saturday from 8 am-1 pm, so it may depend on when you visit. They reportedly have 200 vendors at the market. Midtown market is the #1 farmers market in the state and the 3rd largest farmers market in the USA. You may also experience live music and entertainment as you peruse the market.
Mural Midtown Art Walk – Throughout the city you will see many murals that adorn the walls. A great way to experience great artistic offerings is through the many galleries, walking tours, etc. on the Second Saturday – Midtown Association Thus if you are here on weekends from May through October. There are many types of events that are scheduled on their website that may pique your interest like the different art walks and galleries.
Enjoy the Fruits and Farm Fresh Food of Loomis
Lunch Time: I had lunch at Taste the Cafe – High-Hand Nursery in nearby Loomis, CA. Loomis is a charming, rural town about 30 miles via I-80 from Sacramento and it still has its quaint downtown. It had a great selection of farm-to-table dishes. I had a great meal enjoying the wood fired pizza at this really unique cafe. Not only do they serve food here, they sell plants, have live music, and also have a brewery.
After lunch, I explored the nursery grounds and the historic fruit sheds. Loomis Fruit Growers Association started operations in 1901 and the beautiful High Hand Fruit Sheds were built in 1921. They have packed and shipped “Mountain Grown” fruit under the High Hand label for many years via the railroad. This meal and stroll was a great way to prepare for a hike in our next place, Auburn State Recreation Area.
Enoy a day trip to Auburn
Auburn State Recreation Area
Auburn SRA is located about 10 miles via I-80 from Loomis. It is in the heart of Gold Country and covers 40 miles of the North and Middle Forks of the American River. At one time there were thousands of gold miners in this area. I came to the park for a hike, but you may also like that this SRA offers river access, boating, fishing, camping, mountain biking, and gold panning (yes, find your piece of gold), etc. Whitewater rafting is also another adventure you can experience, with Class II-V runs. But first I wanted to go on a hike. I wish I had time for the gold panning, but you may want to try your hand at it, especially if you are with kids.
Scenic hike to Lake Clementine Trail | Visit Placer
There is an upper and lower Lake Clementine given this was made via the North Fork Dam built in 1939. It is about a 4.5-mile hike round trip, but I was told you can drive closer to the dam if walking is an issue. It was a great way to experience nature. I would wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk. First, it takes you along the windy North Fork of the American River, then later you stroll to see the tallest bridge in California, the Foresthill Bridge. At the end of the trail, you get to see a view of Lake Clementine Falls.
Old Town Auburn
Next I went to visit the Old Town of Auburn also formed by the gold rush history and growth of the area. Northeast of Sacramento off 1-80, it is a town of 13+ thousand and located between Auburn Canyon and the foothills of the Sierra Mountains. The historic downtown is cute with a mix of shops, art galleries, restaurants, etc. After spending time here, I was off to Art in the Park. If you are looking for light healthy bites check out The Pour Choice. They also serve drinks, coffee, and have a great menu of fresh food.
Auburn Symphony
Before returning to Sacramento, I enjoyed the Auburn Symphony & Art in the Park. It was an enjoyable evening with local artist exhibits, seeing the River Sisters In Harmony‘s drum circle, and the Auburn Symphony that took the stage. Then I returned to my Sacramento home base at Kimpton The Sawyer in Downtown Sacramento.
Note:While there is not always Art in the Park and Auburn Symphony in the park you can check out events in the Placer County area here.
Day 3 – Sacramento Morning and Then Head to Area Wineries
In the morning I ate a tasty breakfast at the Kimpton then later took a drive to see some local wineries, etc. While I don’t drink alcohol I did go to visit the wineries since I was with a group and to hear the unique stories of Black owned vineyards and wineries in the El Dorado Area.
Visit Black Owned Vineyards and Wineries in the Hidden Gem of El Dorado Wine Country
- Mellowood Vineyard, I went to Mellowood Vineyard which offers wine tasting and a Kenyan cooking experience by its owners from Kenya. The vineyard is located in Fair Play, CA in the greater Sacramento area (about 51 miles from Old Sacramento). It was an awesome, immersive experience to learn more about the tradition and how to make Mariam’s famous pilau dish. Pilau is a mixture of Kenyan rice and beef dish infused with East African spices.
I stayed for lunch and even tried my hand at cooking the pilau. After the pilau is complete we learned the story of how they created Mellowood Vineyard before heading off to our next vineyard located in the picturesque hillside of El Dorado County.
- Field Number Fifteen Winery and Brewery This is another winery located in the area. I got to meet the owner Kenyon Elliot and enjoyed the lovely foothill surroundings. This winery is located in Placerville, CA in the foothills of the Sierras. It was a relaxing afternoon before going to Placerville’s historic Main Street.
- Downtown Placerville – Visit El Dorado – The next stop on this journey was the Historic Main Street in Placerville (also part of El Dorado County). The downtown was so cute with its rustic town center. You can visit the Fountain Tallman Museum which was built in 1852. It has artifacts from the town’s history and furnishings from the period. After seeing downtown, I went to eat!
- Dinner at Placerville Public House If you want to enjoy some food made from scratch, I would try the Placer Public House. They use fresh and organic ingredients and a rotating local craft beer and wines. I vied for a mocktail and had the Pesto Chicken Pastao for dinner.
- Finally it was time to call it a night, I returned to Sacramento for my final night at Kimpton. The Sacramento area was fantastic and the next day I was heading to another area from the Gold Rush period. And, the next few nights I would be based out of Sonora, CA.
Day 4 – Left Sacramento towards Calaveras in Gold Country & the High Sierras.
The next morning at 8 am I started to head toward Calaveras County in Northern California, about 2.5 hours away. Thus, given the distance, I would be staying a few nights at the Hotel Lumberjack in Sonora. This was to be closer to the next places I wanted to explore in Gold Country. The area was beautiful on the drive to our 1st stop.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Our first stop was at this park located in Arnold, CA just over 100 miles from Sacramento. This would bring us to see where giant sequoias (also known as Sierra Redwoods) were discovered. Arriving around 11 am gave me time to see the little museum and shop. We then had a really cute picnic (inside because it was a little chilly) after our hike. These spectacular “giants” were discovered here and as word spread, in 1853 tourists began to arrive at Calaveras North Grove from far and wide.
Next, I took a hike on the Calaveras North Grove Trail which was a 1.5-mile loop to see the wonderful giant sequoias. It was truly magical to see them in this well-preserved park. Many of these trees date back to over 1,000 years. In addition to their height, they are also tremendously wide. It was so stunning. While so enjoyable, it was once again time to leave for our next place about an hour away, Moaning Caverns.
Moaning Caverns
My next adventure was the Spiral Tour at Moaning Caverns in Vallecito, CA. This is the home of the largest single cave chamber in California and it is quite stunning! It’s great for a solo traveler or a family. The cavern has a 20-30 ft. thick ceiling and the cave is tall enough to fit the Statue of Liberty (not including the pedestal).
Moaning Caverns was discovered by gold miners back in the 1840s, but evidence like arrowheads, etc.shows that native tribes have been here before. I took the Spiral Tour that descends 10 stories with 144 stairs down into the cavern. The 45-minute tour was great and I would highly recommend it.
-The cost for this tour is $23 for 12 and up, kids 3-11 are $17, while kids 0-2 are free.
-There are ½ day tours if you have longer and of course, they are more adventurous and cost more (over $100).
-Plan to spend an hour here if you take the shorter tour.
-Being below ground, prepare for cooler weather, around 60 degrees in the cave.
Columbia State Historic Park
After leaving Moaning Caverns I headed to Columbia State Historic Park which was about 10 miles away. The drive took about 30 minutes from Moaning Caverns. This is truly a step back in Gold Rush Town history. The actual town has been preserved including the shops, restaurants, two hotels, and a theater. It was just marvelous to walk around and see more of what it was like back during the Gold Rush. This would be our last stop before arriving at our hotel in Sonora and having dinner.
Dinner at Emberz in Downtown Sonora
Around 6:30 pm I arrived in Sonora for dinner at Emberz Restaurant. Emberz had a great menu including small plates, sandwiches, wood-fired pizza, and more. They use local produce and organic ingredients. I loved my juicy steak here and the starters were definitely delicious.Then I was off to the Hotel Lumberjack The hotel is said to be a “newly envisaged Americana Motel experience” having been updated. Sonora is a great option to stay in if you are looking to still stay in a town versus in the middle of Yosemite and want to explore cultural as well as outdoor destinations in Gold Country.
Having been to the PNW recently I did see motels that were also newly redone in a few places for well-located destinations such as this. Lumberjack was comfortable and located near many nature trails, and more so the pinnacle of the tour in Yosemite National Park were we were headed the following morning. Notably, to stay at a hotel/motel in a National Park you must generally reserve them well in advance. This hotel was centrally located and Sonora has many cute boutique shops and restaurants and a great place to visit on your Gold Rush Road Trip.
Day 5 – Yosemite National Park Day
At 7:30 am the next morning I started on my way to Yosemite, which was 2 hours away. As I mentioned and based on my experience at other national parks, if you want to stay “in the park” those reservations almost need to be made a year in advance. This is especially the case in the top national parks unless they get a cancellation (although those are very few).
Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
I arrived at Yosemite at 9:30 am and me and my friends and I decided to hike to Vernal Falls. This is definitely a doable day hike, and rewarding. I did it on another trip, but this time part of the trail was closed. We also were short on time, so headed back to the meeting point for the Valley Floor Tour an open air bus/trolley tour that takes you to many scenic view points, tells you about the history of the park, and is lead by a National Park Ranger. It costs $40 usd and is totally worth it.
The tour lasts 2 hours and was great especially for those with limited time in the park and also those not wanting to hike. It is by far the most accessible option to see the most in a short period of time.
A Brief History of Yosemite
Yosemite became protected in 1864 by the Yosemite Grant Act and then became a National Park in 1890. The park is over 1,200 square miles in the High Sierras and contains massive meadows, mountains, great valleys, wonderful waterfalls, etc. that one can explore. I have been to the park a few years ago but in the early winter months, some roads were closed due to weather. Thus, my trip in early September was a great time to visit it. But remember some national parks require reservations, which is the case for Yosemite thru mid-October. Remember to check the website for details. If you have your national park pass, it is free to get in. Remember this park does have so much to offer including camping, hiking, etc.
Valley Floor Tour
One of the best ways to see Yosemite is to take a guided bus tour since the park is so large. I was on a 2-hour Valley Floor Tour. This tour gives you more information on the park by an experienced guide and you learn more about the indigenous people, the first non-indigenous settlers, natural history, and more about the park and wildlife. It was a great way to see more especially if you only have the day.
- 4 pm Time to Depart Yosemite to arrive in Groveland, CA one of the Gold Rush Towns as you come and go from Yosemite. Then I would have dinner at Firefall Ranch at 5:30 pm.
- Dinner at Firefall Ranch’s Firefall Ranch Tavern served an awesome dinner, especially after burning so many calories in the park. Firefall Ranch is the sister property to two hotels in the park, Evergreen Lodge and Rush Creek Lodge & Spa at Yosemite. It was a great place to grab a wonderful meal before returning to Hotel Lumberjack for the final night in Gold Rush Country before heading back to Sacramento.
Now that I have seen the new Firefall Ranch, I know I need to come back to stay here. This is a luxurious property located in Groveland that opened recently. There is also a fine dining restaurant here that is calling my name! After dinner we got back late to Sonora and I passed out. It was by far a great, but full day.
Day 6 – Final Day of the Gold Rush Country Road Trip
Now my Gold Rush Country Road Trip was coming to the end, having to return to Sacramento to fly home, but on the way I had one more stop we could not miss.
Explore Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
If you love railroads and the film industry, this park is for you. Railtown 1897 is located a few miles away from Sonora in Jamestown, CA. This town is another landmark town from the Gold Rush period. I got to explore the Historic Jamestown Shops and Roadhouse, a historic and intact, functioning steam locomotive repair and maintenance facility. Part of this dates back to 1897.
This is a unique gem since it combines the railroad history with the history of Hollywood’s film industry. The various historic and functional buildings, including the blacksmith shop, machine shop, roadhouse, etc. are Hollywood props used in movies including Unforgiven, High Noon, etc., and TV shows like Little House on the Prairie (that I adore).
Depart for Sacramento to catch my evening flight on Delta Airlines
With a heavy heart, my Gold Rush Country Road Trip was coming to an end. What an experience to see how these places are such a part of the great history of the country and its marvelous growth. It was an amazing time and experience traveling through California Gold Rush towns. The folks along the way were so nice, and I could have stayed longer to learn even more.
Next time, I will pan for some gold and then stay longer within the majestic Yosemite National Park. I hope that this itinerary gives you a great idea of what it’s like to visit these towns and counties and get a glimpse of the Gold Rush mystique. I know I learned so much from this trip, from the historical charm of the towns along the way to the farm-to-table restaurants, and the magnificent grand scale of the High Sierras and the natural beauty of this region.
Note: This is a 7-day itinerary of the Gold Rush Country Road Trip. Depending on your time and interest you could alter the number of days for the trip. Early September was great weatherwise for this trip and just remember to make reservations as soon as you know your dates.
While I did this itinerary in 6 days, I highly recommend staying here for an entire week as there are still so many things I was unable to do on my list (especially in Sacramento). It was by far an enriching experience to not only learn about the history of the Gold Rush, but also learning about black history in this era, as well as support modern black owned businesses today. I am so appreciative of The Black Travel Alliance including me on this trip with Visit California. It was a trip I will always remember.
Book and Search Flight/Hotel Details
Fun Fact of Gold Rush
According to History.com the Gold Rush was the largest mass migration in US history. It was also a very male-dominated one.
Want to explore more of California Check out my other articles and guides
Check out a day trip to Malibu here.
Learn more about Van life road trips in California here.
Explore my Downtown San Francisco Guide.
How to enjoy Venice Beach California
Book Your Stay In Sacramento, California
<iframe id="stay22-widget" width="100%" height="428" src="https://www.stay22.com/embed/670fe5f1abd2b9ab72654b51" frameborder="0"></iframe>
Save This For Later
Travels of Sarahfay
All Rights Reserved
No copying without written permission.
October 12, 2024
Social Media Guide
@VisitCalifornia
@VisitGoldCountry
@VisitSacramento
@VisitPlacer
@VisitElDorado
@GoCalaveras
@TravelTuolumneCounty
