One of the largest migrations in American history sparks more than 300,000 pioneers to migrate, hoping to strike rich! With hopefuls headed west to California, the unique area of the Sierra foothills is now home to the infamous Gold Rush and is rich with California’s history making it one of the most treasured destinations today.

Road Trip Republic:

Travelling by car along the iconic Golden Chain Highway you’ll pass through quaint towns like:

Auburn - home to the most challenging endurance sport event in the world, like the prestigious 100-mile Western States Endurance Run which draws thousands of Canadian running enthusiasts annually.

Placerville - A charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits. Historic Main Street features unique shops, antiques, fine art galleries, and restaurants. You’ll find small-town charm with a backdrop of Gold Rush history.

Plymouth - A number of Amador County wineries near Plymouth have been creating award-winning vintages in unpretentious wine country dating back to the 1850s. An explosion of tasting rooms and restaurants has added a jolt of grape-fueled energy to the Gold Country foothills.

Nevada City - Originally settled in 1849 as a mining camp, Nevada City features a well-preserved core of historic buildings, including California’s oldest operating structure originally built for performances, the 1865 Nevada Theatre, with past performers ranging from Mark Twain to Mötley Crüe!

Learn more about the Golden Chain Highway Road Trip here!

Family Fun:

Sporting California’s capital, Sacramento, this region of the Golden State is riddled with history, and fun ways for your family to learn firsthand. Here are four places you can experience history and outdoor adventure, California style:

1) Whitewater Rafting in Tuolumne:

For the more adventurous spirit, you can whitewater raft down the Tuolumne River located just outside of bustling Yosemite National Park. This area provides one of the best white water rafting experiences in all the country. You’ll experience incredible scenery, hiking, and beautiful white-sand beaches hidden across the 18-mile stretch within the canyon. This is the perfect experience for families or groups of friends – there’s nothing quite like it! Children 17 years and younger receive a 10% discount on any trip, on any date and they offer a variety of group discounts throughout the season.

2) Moaning Caverns Adventure Park:

Gold miners first explored Moaning Caverns in the 1840’s and 1850’s. Today, visitors enter by descending a metal spiral staircase for cave tours and family adventure! Consider rappelling the 165 feet from the top of the chamber to the bottom, where you’ll find otherworldly rock formations glistening with moisture. For intrepid explorers (prepare to belly crawl), a 2.5-hour adventure tour delves into the cave’s deepest burrows, roughly 280 feet below the floor of the main chamber.

3) California State Railroad Museum: (Sacramento)

Ranked one of the most exquisite railroad museums in the country, the California State Railroad Museum presents 21 perfectly restored locomotives – many open for walk throughs. Walking through these cars gives you a real perspective of what it was like to be working on the railroad or travelling by train. During the high season, the museum offers excursion rides where you can take in the view from a first-class observation car, a closed coach, or an open-air gondola making this a must-do family activity.

4) Live Theatre at the Historic Fallon House in Tuolumne: 

Sierra Rep’s 44th anniversary season features 8 new Main Stage productions along with live concerts and student productions right in the heart of Tuolumne. The theatre has various shows happening throughout the season like Jersey Boys and Misery. Later this year, you can catch a live performance of Cinderella and Sh-Boom a Christmas Miracle! Pair your day at the theatre with lunch at the sought-after Alicia’s Sugar Shack or dinner at Seven Sisters.

Here are more ways you can experience the Gold Country in California – no matter your travel style:

Taste Craft Beer in the Heart of Rancho Cordova
Whitewater Rafting on the American River in El Dorado County
Have a California Farm Stay
Enjoy farm-to-table food and explore Gold Rush history in California’s vibrant capital city
Visit the Amazing Giant Sequoias in Calavaras