In fact, the Gold Country is so immense that it would take weeks to thoroughly explore. But rather than provide an exhaustive list of every town, I have narrowed my coverage to include three of my favorite regions, each of which can be explored in just 2 or 3 days: the charismatic side-by-side towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley to the north; the well-preserved Gold Rush communities of Amador City, Sutter Creek, and Jackson in the central Gold Country; and at the southern end of the Gold Country, the wonderfully authentic neighboring mining towns of Angels Camp, Murphys, Columbia, Sonora, and Jamestown.
Any of these regions will provide an excellent base for exploring and experiencing the Gold Country, whether you're intent on panning for gold, exploring old mines and caverns, or rafting the area's many white-water rivers. In fact, the Gold Country is one of the most underrated and least congested tourist destinations in California, a winning combination of Old West ambience, adorable (and affordable) bed-and-breakfasts, and outdoor adventures galore.
