Sacramento is the capital of California and home to Cal Expo, the State Fair Grounds. Much of California's history can be found here: Sutter's Fort, which operated the saw mill up the American River where gold was discovered in 1848, Old Sacramento, a preserved gold rush era town, complete with boardwalks and saloons (they still serve sarsaperilla!), a large Rail Museum and the Capital Mall are all here.

Up the road are several Gold Rush towns, each with their own preserved history. The American and Feather Rivers surge in the summer months as snow melts in the Sierras, creating a terrific white water experience, whether you like rafting or prefer kayaks.

Sacramento is also home to a large port that takes much of California's produce down river and out to the San Francisco Bay. Sacramento makes a great stop on the way to Lake Tahoe with many fine restaurants and shopping malls.

Sacramento's Mediterranean climate results in hot and dry summers and winters that are cool and occasionally wet. In the summer (May through Sept.), daily temperatures average above 80 F (26 C), and in the winter (Nov. through Mar.), visitors can expect temperatures to be around 55 F (13 C). Those enjoying Sacramento in the summer months are advised to protect themselves from the sun while outdoors.