Find Adventure in Surprising Places
Northern California is a popular destination for meetings of all sizes. The breathtaking cliffs and majestic redwoods near the coast offer spectacular sights, the salty breeze of the Bay entices the senses, and the rolling vineyards of Napa and Sonoma Counties provide a gorgeous backdrop for group gatherings. A little further inland, the Gold Country region is home to mazes of sparkling waterways and the sweeping landscapes of the Sierra foothills, boasting more affordable accommodations without sacrificing any of the rich beauty that has come to be known as California's best selling point.
That's precisely what makes Rancho Cordova a great place for teambuilding events and retreat-style meetings and one of NorCal's best-kept secrets.
Located in the epicenter of Gold Country, Rancho Cordova is close to, well, everything. Its proximity to California's capitol, easy access to award-winning mountain wineries, and day-trip distance from Lake Tahoe delights travelers from all over the world. The city's hotels ranging from economical extended stays to four-star lodging are great for events of any length, giving you the most bang for your buck at the center of the action.
But the city of Rancho Cordova itself is home to amazing attractions, too, and you don't have to travel very far from your hotel to find unique activities for your group.
![](https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/Rancho_Horses_10-SMALL.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=098c1cdb8a33f0cc0891c21f885cc7c4 320w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/Rancho_Horses_10-SMALL.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=6c4c4a605a59513b1b2ce7a43840e921 540w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/Rancho_Horses_10-SMALL.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=89ba9926aaf0f510d13efa3f574341d6 768w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/Rancho_Horses_10-SMALL.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=49039dd631fc1b8d48611a2d1532a216 1024w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/Rancho_Horses_10-SMALL.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=8c670f7fc7e726d1f508ca2d81bceb5a 1200w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/Rancho_Horses_10-SMALL.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=cb59c208b7088a7164a65426973cdb96 1440w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/Rancho_Horses_10-SMALL.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=887d965a9a7ede0d17c5ca907008ffa0 1920w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/Rancho_Horses_10-SMALL.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=85e05cb5af588ad9a90c2ecb9479e39c 2560w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/Rancho_Horses_10-SMALL.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=b787fcd49137cfd01165cbcbbc1bfe5a 3840w)
Quirky Events, Diverse Cuisine & Small-Town Vibes
Curious and captivating Rancho Cordova regional events that draw large crowds every year include the California Mermaid Convention, the largest mermaid con on the West Coast, the Hangtown Motocross Classic held at Prairie City OHV Park, and the California Capital Airshow, one of the top five airshows in North America.
The city itself is incredibly diverse. With over 90 languages and 100 dialects spoken here, Rancho Cordova is a hotspot for cultural community events like May's International Festival & Wines of the World and international flavors to satisfy every palate.
Visitors love to browse the aisles of KP International Market to find snacks and foods from around the world, sample delicious lumpia at Fiesta Philippines, and enjoy all-you-can-eat hotpot at Oz Korean BBQ. A mouthwatering brunch at The Mimosa House or afternoon pick-me-up at Famous Burgers & Brew makes the tastebuds sing.
Your group can wind down (or get the real party started) with craft brews and spirits in the award-winning Rancho Cordova Barrel District. This collection of 10 establishments is home to incredible beers, wines, mead, cocktails, hard kombucha, and alcohol-free sips. Many locations partner with local food trucks and others like J.J. Pfister Distilling Co. or Drink Eezy offer tasty bites and event space.
![](https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/JJPFISTER-58-small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=e43114150ee0ad974ef8d0731b5cb689 320w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/JJPFISTER-58-small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=51d3ec60863099ed07ca9e6075fe4567 540w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/JJPFISTER-58-small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=85a37ff3488fd4e75749f1eac8bb7c8d 768w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/JJPFISTER-58-small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=531fa0c1acaa499ee5c825e11b9d200c 1024w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/JJPFISTER-58-small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=c350335c68f859de8c4c545150ba02ba 1200w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/JJPFISTER-58-small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=74a2e67e207b9ae2e81f563f45072760 1440w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/JJPFISTER-58-small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=9f3e664ce7b091a3d3e4e65f50e050b1 1920w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/JJPFISTER-58-small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=b712ebac320b2bcd510a6b718df91283 2560w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/JJPFISTER-58-small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=e457226ff461a67c8d2be92a3a47bd83 3000w)
I didn't know a thing about Rancho Cordova before this FAM... and now I can't wait to come back! Rancho Cordova has something for everyone. It offers all the best of the California lifestyle.Fredda O., UC Berkeley
Interesting Attractions for the Ultimate Team-Building Event
Retreat-style meetings in Rancho Cordova are a real treat. We like to say that we're "outsidey" instead of "outdoorsy," because our natural environment is friendly to adventurers of all experience levels, not just the elite few. Here, everyone can enjoy the great outdoors at their own pace.
With our close access to The American River and Lake Natoma and our year-round temperate weather, our watersport activities draw people from all over the region. Sacramento State Aquatic Center is one of our top recommendations for meetings hosted in the summer months because they offer a variety of rentals (stand up paddleboards, kayaks, windsurfers, boats... and more!), group classes, and a WET Obstacle Course for team-building PLUS rentable event space that overlooks the water.
Shadow Glen Family Stables provides horseback lessons and group rides around the scenic landscape of Rancho Cordova. The American River Parkway offers miles of gorgeous walking trails as well as group volunteer opportunities to enhance and protect the natural environment. Soil Born Farms Urban Agriculture & Education Project is a great place to take a cooking class, learn about nature, do some yoga, or host an outdoor meeting session.
If you want to take your fun indoors, you'll find activities like rock climbing at Granite Arch Climbing Center, art classes at Heart Craft Studio, or free exhibits at The Mills Station Arts & Culture Center (The MACC).
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Attend Our Next FAMiliarization Trip & Focus Group
Visit Rancho Cordova hosts FAMiliarization Trips & Focus Groups for meeting planners a few times per year. We'd love to welcome you to our city, put you up in a great hotel, and show you what makes Rancho Cordova so special! You'll experience a range of attractions, venues, and restaurants and mingle with hoteliers.
After spending a few days together, we want to hear what you think of our city. Our sales team, Maggie and Lisa, will say goodbye and you'll participate in a private focus group led by a non-biased third party to share your thoughts on the experience. This helps us grow as a team and improve our destination for other planners.
To learn more and apply for our next trip, read about our FAMbassador program here.
Not ready to take the leap just yet? Sign up for our Meeting Planner newsletter to be one of the first to know more about upcoming trips, Rancho Cordova updates, and news from our Director of Sales, Maggie Thyken Huss.
![](https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/VisitRanchoCordova-maggie1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=65e340f3cca7a7dc3f930dfbad6b50cf 320w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/VisitRanchoCordova-maggie1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=02648a48a071e37386cc2843d1fe4b74 540w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/VisitRanchoCordova-maggie1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=2553c6ffa0234065b41c40f56bbced25 640w)
I've been living in this region for 24 years and never knew Rancho Cordova had this much to offer in the way of lodging, meeting space and activities. I am already looking into booking one of the places I learned about on my FAM Trip. Maggie and crew are awesome, and if invited again I would participate without hesitation.Rosemary H., Hospital Council of Northern and Central California