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Aerial drone view of the iconic gold-painted Tower Bridge spanning the Sacramento River, with the downtown Sacramento skyline and California State Capitol dome visible in the background. The vertical lift bridge's distinctive yellow steel truss towers stand prominently against a bright blue summer sky. Lush green trees line both riverbanks, and the calm green waters of the Sacramento River reflect the surrounding urban landscape.

Gold Country & SIerra Foothills

Sacramento Valley

California’s Capital, Farm-to-Fork Flavors & Foothill Escapes

Stretching across Northern California’s fertile heartland, Sacramento Valley combines vibrant cities, agricultural landscapes, historic communities, and easy access to the Sierra foothills. 

Historic storefronts and a saloon in Old Sacramento
Old Sacramento

Sacramento

California’s capital city, Sacramento, blends Gold Rush history with a dynamic contemporary culture. Explore the cobblestone streets and historic waterfront of Old Sacramento, visit the Crocker Art Museum, or tour the magnificent State Capitol and its surrounding gardens. In Midtown, tree-lined streets are filled with independent restaurants, craft breweries, galleries, and lively nightlife. Known as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, Sacramento celebrates the surrounding valley’s agricultural bounty through innovative restaurants, farmers markets, and seasonal food festivals. The American and Sacramento rivers also offer scenic trails, kayaking, and miles of cycling routes.

A cafe housed in a Victorian with outdoor tables and a colorful mural
Midtown Sacramento
This historic 1908 yellow bridge across the Cosumnes River is used as a walking bridge as well as providing golf carts a way across the river.
Historic bridge across the Cosumnes River in Rancho Murieta

Rancho Murieta

Southeast of Sacramento, Rancho Murieta offers a quieter retreat along the Cosumnes River, where rolling oak woodlands meet the Sierra foothills. The community is known for its equestrian heritage, golf courses, and peaceful setting. Explore nearby hiking and cycling routes, enjoy a round of golf, or venture into the surrounding Amador and El Dorado wine regions. The area provides a relaxing country escape within easy reach of Sacramento’s cultural attractions.

Bidwell Park in Chico, California
Bidwell Park in Chico

Chico

Farther north, Chico is a lively college town with a historic downtown, independent shops, restaurants, and a thriving arts scene. Its greatest natural treasure is Bidwell Park, one of the country’s largest municipal parks, where oak woodlands, swimming holes, and scenic trails invite outdoor exploration. Wander the grounds of the historic Bidwell Mansion, discover local breweries and farmers’ markets, or explore the surrounding agricultural countryside. In spring and fall, Chico’s tree-lined streets are especially beautiful, with flowering trees and colorful autumn foliage.

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park – Photo courtesy of DowntownChico.com.

Where to Stay in the Sacramento Valley

10 Hotels

Exterior of the Delta King Hotel riverboat moored on the Sacramento RiverGuest room aboard the Delta King HotelCaptain's Quarters Suite at the Delta King HotelA historic stateroom at the Delta King Hotel featuring a queen bed with white linens, a red bed scarf and skirt, dark wood furniture, patterned carpet, and multiple windows looking out from the riverboat

Delta King Hotel

Sacramento$$$

Restored staterooms, Art Deco details, and onboard dining bring the romance of a 1927 riverboat to Old Sacramento’s waterfront.

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Pool at the Murieta Inn & SpaSpacious guest room featuring two beds with upholstered headboards, patterned pillows, mauve bed runners, teal accent wall, exposed wooden ceiling beams and kitchenette.Small dog on a guest room bed at Murieta Inn & SpaKing guest room at The Murieta Inn & Spa featuring a tufted headboard, rust-colored bed runner, teal accent wall, colorful horse artwork, patterned armchair and exposed wooden ceiling beams.King guest room featuring a tufted leather headboard, white bedding, burgundy bed runner, patterned armchair, teal accent wall and kitchenette.

The Murieta Inn & Spa

Rancho Murieta$$

Amid oak-studded foothills near Sacramento, this hacienda-style hotel pairs spa indulgence and relaxed dining with equestrian and golf experiences.

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Elegant guest suite at Villa Arden with a four-poster bed, ornate stone fireplace, chandelier, green velvet chairs.Two-story Mediterranean-style exterior of Villa Arden with golden stucco walls, arched windows, wrought-iron balconies, tiled roof and landscaped gardens beneath mature trees.Grand staircase at Villa Arden Hills with ornate wrought-iron railings, patterned carpet, marble tile floors, decorative mirrors and elegant wall sconces.The dining room at Villa Arden HillsElegant guest suite at Villa Arden with a four-poster bed, ornate stone fireplace, chandelier, green velvet chairs and French doors opening to a garden patio.

Villa Arden Hills

Sacramento$$$

Five romantic suites, garden surroundings, and neighboring wellness resort access create a Mediterranean-inspired escape in Sacramento.

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Historic white Victorian-style exterior of Vizcaya in Sacramento, featuring a columned front porch, balcony, turret, landscaped lawn and entrance sign.Guest room at Vizcaya with an ornate cream-colored bed frame, white bedding, matching bedside tables, decorative lamps and a ceiling fan.Guest room at Vizcaya featuring a dark wood bed with decorative metal scrollwork, white bedding, blue accent pillows and a deep blue wall.Guest room at Vizcaya with white bedding, an ornate dark wood bed frame, peach accent pillow, bedside lamps and patterned carpeting.Guest room at Vizcaya with a dark wood bed frame, white bedding, turquoise patterned accent pillow, round wall mirror and bedside lamps.

Vizcaya Sacramento

Sacramento$$

A restored 1889 mansion, Victorian-style rooms, and tranquil courtyards create a secret-garden escape near Sacramento’s Midtown dining scene.

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Country road iwth golden autumn light in the Sierra Foothills of Amador County

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