SacCounty

ABOUT THE SACRAMENTO REGION

Gold Rush Charm in California's Capital City

Sacramento’s history began in 1839 when Johann Augustus Sutter settled at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers. When the Mexican government and Governor Alvarado granted 48,000 acres of land to Sutter, they did not realize that they had given away a literal goldmine. Gold was discovered in 1848 just thirty miles east of Sacramento, in Coloma. The rest is history!

The news of the discovery spread like wildfire around the globe and fortune hunters came by the thousands from all corners of the world to California—Sacramento to be precise. In fact, it was recorded as the largest human migration in history. California became a state in 1850 and Sacramento its capital four years later. The city has been on the move ever since and is now one of the fastest growing regions in the United States.

Peacefully located in a leafy valley of scenic rivers and canopies of trees, today’s Sacramento is a cosmopolitan convergence of tall, gleaming buildings, hearty Victorians, splendid restaurants and shops, a vibrant arts scene, and a virtual cornucopia of state of the art meeting facilities. Sacramento has been called a snapshot of Wild West history in a modern, world-class city. With a plethora of first-class hotel rooms and attractions Sacramento offers an affordable and exciting vacation and meeting destination. Its amenities, combined with the rich history of California’s Wild West, help visitors once again Discover Gold in California’s Capital City.

If you really want to visit the past, step back in time to the California Gold Rush era in Old Sacramento, a 28-acre town of historic buildings, museums and monuments. With strong preservation efforts, the wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, Pony Express monuments and Mississippi-style riverboats reflect the nostalgic appeal of early American history.

That history comes to life through interactive experiences on steam engine train rides, tours of the State Capitol Building, and historic museum tours.

Recreation: In a city bound by two rivers, the American and the Sacramento, water recreation tops the list for outdoor activities: Salmon and steelhead fishing, river rafting, boating. All can be done on the 1000 miles of waterways around Sacramento and the Delta. Nearby Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma offer sailing and windsurfing.

Sacramento municipal golf courses provide the surrounding community with 540 acres of quality fairways and greens.

More than 120 city parks encompassing over 2,000 acres provide outstanding natural and developed parklands.

Professional sports are represented by the Sacramento Kings of the NBA, the Sacramento Monarchs of the WNBA and the Sacramento River Cats, a Triple-A baseball team.

Annual Events: Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, California State Fair, CA International Marathon, Summerfest, Festival de la Familia, Pacific Rim, Winterfest, Mardi Gras, Free Museum Day, Juneteenth Celebration, Bridge to Bridge Waterfront Festival, Pan Pacific Masters Games, Gold Rush Days, Grape Escape, Salmon Festival, New Year's Eve Sky Concert and Holiday of Lights.

Culture: Sacramento is home to professional ballet, opera and theatre companies.

Entertainment: Performing arts, music, theaters and galleries galore. Sacramento is home to over 32 theaters, galleries and museums. Night time entertainment range from quiet piano bars to folk and pop ensembles, and from country western to rock and roll.

Government: Sacramento is the capital of California.

The city of Sacramento has eight council districts. The county has a board of five supervisors.