Choose your kind of fun: exploring history, beer-tasting, or paddling down the American River. Rancho Cordova makes a convenient launching pad for all of it—and the Gold Country town 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 between Sacramento and Folsom thanks 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 and beer scene that 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 to Old Sacramento, the oldest part of the capital city, with its underground tours and the California State Railroad Museum. Or go northeast about 10 miles from Rancho Cordova to Folsom’s Historic District, browsing the antique shops on Sutter Street. Venture about 20 miles farther to explore Placerville’s rich Gold Rush history, including the El 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 the Auburn State Recreation Area, about 30 miles from Rancho Cordova.
Outdoor Fun In and Around Rancho Cordova
The American 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. For whitewater rafting thrills, 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 guided fly-fishing experiences on 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 Trail offers 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-acre Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, home to two lakes and the Sacramento 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 a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for migratory birds. Or check out the calendar at Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Areafor motocross 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 two local farmers’ markets at Sunrise Station Market and Soil Born Farms, which also does pop-up brunches. For lunch or dinner, check out local favorites such as Famous Burgers & Brew (once named one ofNational Geographic’s 10 Best Burgers), Formaggio Taverna and Patio, and Rudy’s Hideaway Lobster House & Bar where lobster tails can be paired with seasonal gilled artichokes.
Rancho Cordova is increasingly known for its beverage scene, thanks to its Barrel District, made up of six breweries, two distilleries, one meadery, and a wine-tasting room. Try the stouts at Claimstake Brewing, the blueberry mojito hard kombucha at Shorebirds Brewing Company, or the Dude Monster Hazy IPA at Movement Brewing Company. For an excellent beer-and-food combination, pair the acclaimed mac ’n’ cheese at LogOff Brewing with the house Blanche De Rancho witbier.
For craft spirits, visit the tasting rooms at Gold River Distillery to try the house-made gin and California bourbon, or the family-owned J.J. Pfister Distilling Co., which uses local organic potatoes in its signature vodka.
Wine lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy a global selection of wines at a downtown Rancho Cordova tasting room,Drink Eezy. Or venture into the nearby Sierra Foothills to explore wineries in El DoradoandAmador County, home of old-vine Zinfandels as well as Syrahs, Viogniers, and Barberas at wineries including Deaver Vineyards andAndis 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 pretty dog-friendly too.) Summer and fall, meanwhile, are especially good for enjoying the fruits and baked goods at the farms and stores of Apple Hill, a little more than 30 minutes away. Peruse Rancho Cordova’s calendar to plan your trip around more seasonal events such as the Hangtown Motocross Classic, the cosplay-welcome California Mermaid Convention, and the California Capital Air Show, one of the biggest air shows in North America.
When booking your stay, start at the Visit Rancho Cordova website, where you can shop for hotel deals and packages, including perks like free gift cards when you book at a participating hotel.
