What to do in gold country and beyond?

I recently traveled to California's Gold Country with the Black Travel Alliance, a non-profit organization founded in 2020 to support and empower Black travel professionals. This region is rich in American history and opportunities, attracting dreamers and entrepreneurs. Despite its past struggles, a vibrant community of Black-owned businesses thrives, offering unique experiences that honor heritage and embrace innovation.

In this guide, I will share where to stay and dine and points of attraction in this region.

Visit California , Gold Country Visitors Association, and Black Travel Alliance hosted this trip, but the commentary in this post is my own.  

Where is Gold Country exactly?

Gold Country stretches approximately 150 miles along the western slope of California's Sierra Nevada mountains. It spans multiple counties, from Madera County in the south to Sierra County in the north. The region is primarily accessed via State Route 49, which runs from the Sacramento Valley in the west to the Sierra Nevada mountains in the east. Gold Country encompasses historic mining towns and a variety of landscapes. The area is bordered by Yosemite National Park to the south and Lake Tahoe to the north.

Where to eat or grab a drink in g0ld country?

BawkChicken & The Roost
1409 R St #102, Sacramento, CA 95811
A chicken shop and bar under the direction of one of Sacramento's brightest culinary stars, Dennis Sydnor Jr. Journey to the back to experience The Roost, a speakeasy serving up incredible crafted cocktails and share plates.

Oak Park Brewery
3514 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95817
Oak Park Brewing Company is a must-stop for beer enthusiasts in Gold Country. It honors the legacy of Theodore Mack Sr., one of America's pioneering Black brewery owners. The venue not only serves exceptional craft beer but also hosts California's largest Black beer festival. The brewery seamlessly blends historical importance with modern craft beer innovation, creating an atmosphere celebrating heritage and contemporary brewing artistry.

Dom’s Tip: A full food menu is available, so be sure to order the OPB Burger to pair with your brew.

Placerville Public House
305 Main St, Placerville, CA 95667

Placerville holds a significant place in the history of the Gold Rush, as gold was discovered nearby in 1848. It also served as the backdrop for speeches by notable figures such as Mark Twain, Ulysses Grant, and Buffalo Bill Cody. The Placerville Public House is the perfect spot for a great meal, offering a menu that has something for everyone.

Dom’s Tip: Order the dessert pizza.

Emberz Wood-Fired Foodz
177 S Washington St, Sonora, CA 95370
Emberz, located in historic downtown Sonora, offers a dining experience centered around its signature wood-fired pizzas and American cuisine. The restaurant's warm atmosphere and personable staff make it a perfect place to unwind while enjoying everything from casual pizzas to sophisticated dishes like Tomahawk Steak and Bacon Wrapped Scallops.

Dom’s Tip: Order a dirty martini with gin and request extra olives; this establishment accommodates large groups well.

Firefall Ranch
24025 CA-120, Groveland, CA 95321

The Tavern at Firefall Ranch brings a playful twist to California cuisine with Argentinian flair in a cozy-chic setting. The menu will make you want to skip the trails at Yosemite and stay for seconds, plus incredible local wines. I'm still obsessing over their mind-blowing Cured Salmon & Caviar situation - imagine the crunchiest potato pancake crostini crowned with Sacramento River caviar and a zingy lemon crème fraîche that's basically a party in your mouth.

Mellowood Vineyard
2979 Mellowood Dr, Somerset, CA 95684

During our visit to El Dorado County in Somerset, California, we were introduced to Mellowood Vineyard, a unique Kenyan-owned winery. Owner and winemaker Karuga Kimani welcomed us and invited us to prepare beef pilau, a fragrant Kenyan rice dish. While the dish simmered, we enjoyed a flight of his wines, which paired beautifully with the meal. I left with my three favorite bottles and highly recommend visiting Mellowood Vineyard when you're in the Sacramento area.

Field Number Fifteen
4771 Greenhills Rd, Placerville, CA 95667

This vineyard opened in 2021 and introduced us to owner and winemaker Kenyon Elliott. With over ten years in the industry, he sees winemaking as a science, crafting his vintages from organically grown grapes. During our visit, Kenyon let us taste "spicy grapes" right off the vine, which adds a peppery note to the Zinfandel, making it ideal for food pairings. He also grows Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon on the property, which are available online.

Where to grab coffee or tea in gold country?

Revive Coffee
81 S Washington St, Sonora, CA 95370
Coffee shop on Main Street serving coffee, light bites, and beer and wine.

Dom’s Tip: Order the ham and cheese empanadas for breakfast!

Where to stay in gold country?

The Sawyer ( A Kimpton Hotel)
500 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814
While staying in Sacramento, Located in downtown Sacramento, The Sawyer is an excellent option as it is a short distance from the airport, steps away from the Golden 1 Center for my Sacramento Kings fans, and has a lively rooftop pool and restaurant/bar.

Hotel Lumberjack
128 S Green St, Sonora, CA 95370
Are you planning a visit to Yosemite National Park? While there are lodging options near the national park, the closer you are, the more expensive the accommodations tend to be. Sonora is a charming town over an hour away, offering more reasonably priced options. The Lumberjack Hotel provides an early breakfast for those looking to start their day off right.

points of interest/experiences in gold country

Midtown Farmers Market
Every Saturday, year-round, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
1050 20th St, Sacramento, CA 95811

If you're looking to discover over 200 vendors in one place in the Sacramento area, the best way to do so is by attending the Midtown Market. This market is recognized as the top market in California and the third best in the USA. At the Midtown Market, you can find fresh flowers, made-to-order waffles, and a wide variety of cuisines.

Huey P. Newton Hope House
3418 3rd Ave, Sacramento, CA 95817

A beautifully maintained two-story building, the renovated 1885 Victorian home was renamed the Huey P. Newton House during the Black Panthers' 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park
1170 CA-4, Arnold, CA 95223

Calaveras Big Trees State Park in California has two large groves of ancient giant sequoias, including some of the world's largest trees. The 6,498-acre park offers visitors hiking trails, with the North Grove being particularly accessible for viewing these natural wonders.

Moaning Caverns
338 McLean Road, Cortland, NY 13045

Moaning Caverns, California’s largest public cave chamber, is an underground marvel that is large enough to hold the entire Statue of Liberty within its main chamber. It was first discovered by gold miners in 1851. The cave gets its mysterious name from the eerie moaning sounds that once echoed from its entrance. I had the opportunity to descend 165 feet underground via a spiral staircase.

Columbia State Historic Park
11259 Jackson St, Columbia, CA 95310

Experience the preservation of one of California's richest Gold Rush towns, which boasts nearly 30 original buildings from the 1850s. Costumed staff bring history to life as visitors explore the car-free streets of what was once the state's second-largest city during the Gold Rush peak. Enjoy authentic attractions from the era, including stagecoach rides, hand-dipped chocolates, a working blacksmith's forge, and gold panning.

Dom’s  Tip: The coffee shop made me a well-balanced cortado and is a must-stop for a pick-me-up!

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite, located in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, is a stunning display of nature's beauty, featuring massive granite cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls. With iconic landmarks like Half Dome, ancient sequoia trees, and countless hiking trails, it’s a place that makes you feel small in the most beautiful way. Trust me on this; I’m 5’7.

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
10501 Reservoir Rd, Jamestown, CA 95327

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown, California, is a 26-acre site with a functioning steam locomotive repair facility, including a roundhouse and blacksmithing area from 1897. Known as "The Movie Railroad," it has appeared in over 200 films, such as "High Noon" and "Back to the Future Part III."

Have you visited Gold Country? Have questions? Drop a comment.

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