Discover Rancho Cordova: A Must-Visit Town in California’s Gold Country

Get on the Water

Rancho Cordova is surrounded by nearby rivers and lakes, making watersports one of the area’s biggest draws. The American River, flowing down from high in the Sierra Mountain Range and split into three forks, is one of the state’s best options for world-class whitewater rafting, with a little bit of everything for all levels and experiences. American River Raft Rentals offers recreational float trips on the lower sections of the river close to town. The class I and II river is a fun way to explore the natural beauty of the area.

For those looking for more of a thrill, the Middle Fork is less than an hour from town, and it features some of the state’s most heart-pounding class IV rapids. A rafting trip there will take you through a secluded canyon in the Sierra Nevada foothills to tackle the Tunnel Chute, which was created by miners in 1899 who diverted the river to help dig for gold. Today rafters are the beneficiary of this unique element that takes them through a narrow chute and a 90-foot tunnel.

The American River Bike Trail is an incredible resource for cyclists, offering 32 miles of uninterrupted pedaling.
Ray Bouknight

From the flowing streams of the American River, you take you to beautiful Lake Natoma, a tranquil lake surrounded by scenic wilderness. It’s the perfect spot for any kind of non-motorized boating you’d like to do, from canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding to sailing and windsurfing. (Boats with a motor are permitted, but the lake’s speed limit of 5 mph keeps all but fishing boats away.)

Sacramento State Aquatic Center is located on the lake, where you can rent boats and take courses in sailing, rowing, and windsurfing with an emphasis on creating fun and safe experiences. It’s also internationally renowned for hosting world-class rowing championships.

Cast a Line

For anglers, the region is filled with excellent fishing opportunities. Fly fishing enthusiasts—and those who want to try it for the first time—can take advantage of Fish Habit Outfitters, an excellent guide service that leads trips on the American River. Try your hand at catching striped bass, shad, Chinook salmon, and steelhead.

Hit the Trails

Just off the lake, you’ll find a number of trails to help you explore the region. The paved American River Bike Trail (also known as the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail) is a 32-mile path that stretches from Lake Folsom all the way to downtown Sacramento, making it an excellent resource for cyclists. Other trails in the area—like the Middle Ridge and Shady Trails—are excellent options for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking.

Fly in the Sky

For those looking for an extreme adrenaline rush, the Skydive Lodi Parachute Center is a located about 40 minutes south of Rancho Cordova. Take the plunge from 13,000 feet above the ground (in tandem, attached to an instructor your first time) and get an unbelievable view of the area—as well as a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. If you want a more relaxing view from above, Sky Drifters offers hot-air balloon rides.

Arts and Culture

The California State Railroad Museum offers a glimpse into how trains shaped the state and the country.
Joe Ross

The culture in Rancho Cordova offers visitors opportunities to explore its past and celebrate the creativity of the region. If traveling as a family, the Sacramento Children’s Museum is a perfect starting point and a prime location for children to explore different aspects of music, art, science, culture, and many other interesting programs that aim to inspire and develop foundational skills.

"We are the only children museum in the community, and we do our best to showcase what the community has to offer," says Meghan Toland, Director of Museum Advancement. “It’s a great and essential stop for children of all ages because there are so many opportunities for engagement, play, and learning.”

To get a better idea of western expansion and the role it played in the United States, the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is an excellent place to visit. It gives visitors an in-depth look into the gold-mining history and the process to which it developed, leading to one of the largest mass migrations in America. Visitors can even pan for gold and participate in tours of the park. Another great family destination is the California State Railroad Museum, which highlights rail development in the Golden State. The museum even offers the opportunity to ride along the Sacramento waterfront in a vintage steam or diesel train.

For a taste of the area’s art scene, look no further than the Harris Center for the Arts and the Crocker Museum. The Harris Center is an impressive three-stage facility dedicated to visual and performing arts, where you can catch music, dance, or theater. The Crocker Museum is one of the oldest public art museums in the west, and it is one of the finest in California with a variety of world art as well as historic art connected to the state.

Lifestyle

The California Capital Airshow is one of the largest in the nation.
Ernesto Andrade

Fine Dining

Sitting near the heart of California’s Central Valley, Rancho Cordova is one of the nation’s top agricultural centers, which means access to plenty of fresh produce—and excellent restaurants. You’ll find nearly every type of meal imaginable in the area, from Michelin-starred fine dining to every ethnic option you could crave.

Breweries and Wineries

Traveling is a lot more fun with good food and nightlife, and Rancho Cordova thrives in this realm with a bustling Barrel District, which includes six breweries, two distilleries, and one meadery (honey wine).

"The Sacramento area is booming with breweries right now as you can find over 60 breweries that do a great job of bringing the community together and being a friendly gathering place for locals and visitors alike," says Heidi Wilder, co-owner of Fort Rock Brewing, which is conveniently located right across the street from the Sacramento State Aquatics Center on Lake Natoma. “We are either the first or last stop on the brewery tour,” she says. “And the best thing is that we are dog and family-friendly.”

In addition to the brewery and distillery culture, the nearby Sierra Foothills of El Dorado and Amador County produce 50 different varieties of grapes for fine wines. Hotels in Rancho Cordova offer a "Sierra Foothills Wine Passport," which features free wine tastings that are a great way to explore the area.

Both experiences can be made easier by signing up for the mobile experience passes! While checking in with the Barrel District Passport, pass holders can redeem prizes along the way. The Sierra Foothills Wine Passport still offers two complimentary tastings per pass!

Festivals

You’ll also find some amazing annual festivals, like Rancho Cordova’s iFest, an international gathering celebrating ethnic diversity in the community. The California Capital Airshow, which has become one of the largest in the nation, brings people to Mather Airport in Sacramento to enjoy the USAF Thunderbirds and other amazing aerial acts. You’ll find more than 50 aircraft on display, a STEM education area, and a kid’s zone for the young ones to enjoy.

Get exclusive updates and discounts by signing up as an Airshow Insider!

Rancho Cordova is a community that has something to offer for every type of person, paired with consistent sunny skies and scenic surroundings. It’s a great spot for a weekend getaway to enjoy outdoor activities during the day and relax with a glass of wine in a great restaurant at night. Come and see for yourself what makes this place so special.

Written by RootsRated Media for Rancho Cordova Travel and Tourism.