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The city of Sacramento was founded in 1849 out of an old fort at the onset of the Gold Rush era. This tiny settlement grew almost overnight into a bustling distribution point for the thousands in search of gold. The formation of the First Transcontinental Railroad started here, the first successful Pony Express ended in Sacramento and it became the statehood of California when people flocked to pan for gold in Northern California. Over the years though, Sacramento has been overlooked as a destination point and its history forgotten. This beautiful city is filled with trees and parks, historic buildings and wineries. Theres shopping, casinos and museums. Its a wonderful place to see where California came from and enjoy the scenery that abounds in every corner.

Get a feeling of what Sacramento would have been like long ago when you stroll through Old Sacramento. Considered a National Historic Landmark, this area is filled with sites and sounds that remind you of the pioneer days, including wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, historic buildings and one of the best railroad museums in all of North America. The California State Railroad Museum has 21 restored train cars and locomotives and showcases the history of the railroad through fantastic displays. The Big Four Building, so named because of the four important business leaders that worked there, is also considered a National Historic Landmark. This stunning building was reconstructed in 1965 and was the site where the Central Pacific Railroad and Southern Pacific Railroad were founded. The earliest settlement in Sacramento dates back to 1839. John Sutter established the original Fort along with about two dozen others. The pioneer group laid the first roads and homes in Sacramento. This original Fort has been preserved and is a wonderful place to explore the history of the Gold Rush years back in the 1850s. Cruise down Highway 49 and see Sacramentos Gold Rush days as you tour the 300-mile stretch and make your way to historic mining locations.

Learn more about Sacramentos first inhabitants at the State Indian Museum where exhibits and demonstrations show how Californias Indians lived. The Sacramento Discovery Museum is a great place to bring the kids. There are lots of hands-on displays, a replica of the 1854 City Hall, an Indian thatched hut and a newspaper print shop.

Californias Capitol was first built in the 1870s and is one of the most recognized landmarks throughout the city and stands out with its elegant 120ft glass dome. The museum housed on its first floor is worth exploring and if you visit on the right day, you can sit in on a California legislature. Sacramento's oldest congregation is located in the St. Pauls Episcopal Church. Its a beautiful building, complete with Tiffany stained-glass windows and a Johnson Tracker organ.

Although the Gold Rush days are long gone, Sacramento still offers you the thrill of trying out your luck. Three of its more popular casinos include the Cache Creek Indian Bingo and Casino, the Jackson Rancheria Casino and the Thunder Valley Casino. Slots, blackjack, bingo or the high stakes room are all at your fingertips. And when youve worked up an appetite, you can enjoy a huge selection of great restaurants and buffets that each place offers.

After youve won all that money, Sacramento offers a shoppers haven. But the good news is that even if you dont win at the tables, the outlet malls give you the best prices for top brand fashions. The Folsom Premium Outlets are located just east of Sacramento where youll find over 80 outlet shops that give you savings of up to 65% off. Need even more stores? Located between San Francisco and Sacramento lies the Vacaville Premium Outlets, home to 120 stores. Feel like taking in some of that old charm? Old Sacramento has more than 125 boutiques all housed in buildings that were established during the Gold Rush days.

Enjoy Sacramentos beautiful outdoors with a visit to the American River Parkway. Its a great place to go for a bike ride, hike the paths or try out horseback riding. The Sacramento River and the American River flow together when they reach Sacramento and the result is a city filled with great water activities like jet skiing, kayaking and white water rafting.

California is a huge state that has a great selection of cities to explore. Make Sacramento one of them and learn a bit of history while you take in the scenery, shops, casinos and museums.