Rancho Cordova | Visit California (2024)

Choose your kind of fun: exploring history, beer-tasting, or paddling down the American River.Rancho Cordovamakes a convenient launching pad for all of it—and theGold Countrytown has plenty of its own local flavor too.

History in and Around Rancho Cordova

As gold prospectors flocked to California in the 1840s and ’50s, the area that was later named Rancho Cordova became a key supply-chain stop betweenSacramentoandFolsomthanks to its proximity to both the American River and the Transcontinental Railroad. As the Gold Rush fever cooled, many prospectors settled in this fertile area and became farmers; some crops, like wine grapes and hops, did especially well, a hint of the bustling wine andbeer scenethat would later thrive here. In the 20th century, Rancho Cordova was the home of the early aeronautical industry, both for its Mather Air Force Base and for airplane construction during both World Wars.

Today, several historic hotbeds are all within a short drive. Head about 15 miles west from Rancho Cordova toOld Sacramento, the oldest part of thecapital city, with its underground tours and theCalifornia State Railroad Museum. Or go northeast about 10 miles from Rancho Cordova toFolsom’s Historic District, browsing the antique shops on Sutter Street. Venture about 20 miles farther to explorePlacerville’s rich Gold Rush history, including theEl Dorado County Historical Museum.

You’re also just minutes away from the historic buildings atMarshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park,located near the spot where, in 1848, James W. Marshall first found gold in the American River. Today you can still pan for gold in the river at theAuburn State Recreation Area, about 30 miles from Rancho Cordova.

Outdoor Fun in and Around Rancho Cordova

TheAmerican River, whose calm Lower section runs through Rancho Cordova, offers plenty of other ways to play too. Rent a raft, inner tube, or paddleboard atAmerican River Raft Rentalsto enjoy this mellow stretch of water. Forwhitewater raftingthrills, you’ll want to head northeast of Folsom to the American River’s South Fork (Class II and III rapids), the Middle Fork (Class IV), or the North Fork (up to Class V).

For angling,Fish Habit Outfittersoffers guidedfly-fishing experienceson the Lower American River. Depending on the season, you can catch striped bass, shad, Chinook salmon, or steelhead. Or hike and bike with a view: TheJedediah Smith Memorial Trailoffers a 32-mile paved bike trail that runs through town, along the river, and stretches all the way from Folsom to Sacramento.

For more water sports, go to the nearly 20,000-acreFolsom Lake State Recreation Area,home to two lakes and theSacramento State Aquatic Center.Located on Lake Natoma, the center offers calm waters for stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), rowing, and canoeing (nothing faster than 5 mph). For more speed, hit the waters of the recreation area’s 11,500-acre Folsom Lake, which has waterskiing, wakeboarding, and sailing.

Away from the water,Mather Golf Courseoffers a Jack Fleming–designed championship course as well as aCertified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaryfor migratory birds. Or check out the calendar atPrairie City State Vehicular Recreation Areaformotocross and ATV events.

Where to Eat and Drink in Rancho Cordova

Since Sacramento is the nation’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, it’s no surprise that Rancho Cordova has its own agricultural street cred. On Saturdays, peruse the twolocal farmers’ marketsatSunrise Station MarketandSoil Born Farms, which also does pop-up brunches. For lunch or dinner, check out local favorites such asFamous Burgers & Brew(once named one ofNational Geographic’s 10 Best Burgers),Formaggio Taverna and Patio, andRudy’s Hideaway Lobster House & Barwhere lobster tails can be paired with seasonal gilled artichokes.

Rancho Cordova is increasingly known for itsbeverage scene, thanks to itsBarrel District, made up of six breweries, two distilleries, one meadery, and a wine-tasting room. Try the stouts atClaimstake Brewing, the blueberry mojito hard kombucha atShorebirds Brewing Company, or the Dude Monster Hazy IPA atMovement Brewing Company. For an excellent beer-and-food combination, pair the acclaimed mac ’n’ cheese atLogOff Brewingwith the house Blanche De Rancho witbier.

For craft spirits, visit the tasting rooms atGold River Distilleryto try the house-made gin and California bourbon, or the family-ownedJ.J. Pfister Distilling Co., which uses local organic potatoes in its signature vodka.

Wine lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy a global selection of wines at downtown Rancho Cordova tasting room,Drink Eezy. While their sustainable, single-serve wine bottles have garnered a good bit of deserved attention, thekitchen’s delicious small bites, flatbreads, and happy hour plates are all the more reason to drop in. Or venture into the nearbySierra Foothillsto explore wineries inEl DoradoandAmador County, home of old-vine Zinfandels as well as Syrahs, Viogniers, and Barberas at wineries includingDeaver VineyardsandAndis Wines.

Plan Your Trip to Rancho Cordova

Rancho Cordova offers an all-season getaway if your main priorities are exploring history or tasting your way along the Barrel District. (Local hotels and tasting rooms are prettydog-friendlytoo.) Summer and fall, meanwhile, are especially good for enjoying the fruits and baked goods at the farms and stores ofApple Hill, little more than 30 minutes away. Peruse Rancho Cordova’scalendarto plan your trip around more seasonal events such as theHangtown Motocross Classic, thehorse, pony, and dog shows at the Murieta Equestrian Center, the cosplay-welcomeCalifornia Mermaid Convention, and theCalifornia Capital Air Show, one of the biggest air shows in North America.

When booking your stay, start at theVisit Rancho Cordova website, where you can shop forhotel deals and packages, including perks like free gift cards when you book at a participating hotel.

Rancho Cordova | Visit California (2024)
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