California's Unique Capital City Is Full Of Gold Rush History And Farm-Fresh Food

When it comes to cities in California, Sacramento doesn't get a lot of love. After all, the Golden State is home to some of the most alluring metropolises in the U.S., such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and this lovers' paradise with vibrant streets and tasty food. With such glamorous siblings, it can be hard for Sacramento to compete, but sleep on this state capital at your own peril, because once you scratch beneath the surface, it's a fun, fascinating, and very delicious place.

Situated almost smack dab in the middle of the state, Sacramento sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers and is home to just over half a million people. The town was founded in 1848 during the feverish days of the California Gold Rush and was designated the state capital in 1854.

Today, Sacramento is primarily known as a place of government and commerce, but visitors will also find a laid-back and affordable city that boasts heaps of museums, stately homes, tree-lined streets, and access to over 200 parks. The city is also known as America's "Farm-to-Fork Capital." This is due to Sacramento's proximity to one of the country's richest agricultural regions (not to mention the vineyards of Napa Valley, California), whose variety of seasonal products make their way straight to the kitchens of the city's many top-notch restaurants.

In 1848, gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, about 50 miles east of present-day Sacramento. This kicked off the California Gold Rush, when about 300,000 people made their way to the Golden State to seek their fortune in the ground. Given its ideal location at the meeting place of two rivers, Sacramento quickly grew as a gold rush distribution hub, and that rough-and-tumble history can be seen in person in the Old Sacramento neighborhood. This historic riverside district features wooden sidewalks and Old West-style buildings housing saloons, shops, eateries, and more. There's even the Delta King — a paddlewheel riverboat that has been converted into a hotel — for those who want to sleep surrounded by the district's historic charms.

While you're there, jump on an Old Sacramento Underground Tour, where docents in period costumes guide guests through the subterranean labyrinth beneath the neighborhood. From there it's just a quick stroll to the fascinating California State Railroad Museum, and if you're in the mood for even more history, pop into the Sacramento History Museum. This reproduction of the 1854 City Hall and Waterworks building tells the story of the city's dramatic gold rush past.

To catch a bit of government in action, hop on a free guided tour of the State Capitol — which was designed as a mini-replica of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. This includes admission to the State Capitol Museum, which exhibits items from California's storied history, including an impressive collection of flags used in various American wars.

A day of exploring the city's past through Old Sacramento and its museums is sure to work up an appetite, and luckily, there is no shortage of options for fresh, expertly prepared fare. Sacramento is home to well over 1,600 restaurants, making it one of the country's most exciting culinary destinations.

For some of the town's best farm-to-table dining, sit down for a meal at Grange Restaurant & Bar. Situated in the boutique Citizen Hotel, this excellent eatery focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and boasts a two-story wine vault. Other top choices include the Michelin-starred The Kitchen, TableVine — which offers wine country-style dishes — along with The Firehouse Restaurant, one of the city's premier spots for fine dining.

If you're coming to town in September, be sure to attend the annual Farm-to-Fork Festival at Terra Madre Americas. This two-day event includes cooking demonstrations, tasting sessions, celebrity chefs, and the Tower Bridge Dinner, where hundreds sit down for a locally sourced meal on the city's iconic bridge over the Sacramento River. To reach the city, Sacramento International Airport is just a 16-minute drive from downtown, though some visitors come from San Francisco International Airport, which takes around two hours. For more exciting culinary action, check out this underrated Northwest city that has become a new foodie destination.