| About Sacramento County...Home to California's state capital, Sacramento County is situated in what is known as the Central Valley, one of the state's prime agricultural regions. At just 994 square miles in size, it is one of California's smaller counties but is a bustling area full of small towns that are growing in leaps and bounds, accommodating those who work in state government or other jobs that take them into Sacramento on a daily basis.
Currently, the population of Sacramento County is about 1.4 million. Most of the county sits at sea level but the eastern portion sits in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Major watercourses in the area include the Sacramento River, which forms the county's western border, and the American River. There are seven incorporated cities in Sacramento County, three of which were established in the last decade. The county seat is also the state capital, Sacramento. The oldest city in the county, Sacramento was incorporated in 1850 and has a population of about half-a-million. It was a major distribution point during the Gold Rush era and the terminus for wagon trains, stagecoaches, the Pony Express, and the first Transcontinental Railroad. Thanks to Sacramento's location at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers, the city remains an important shipping center for the Sacramento Valley. Today, Sacramento is the center of both county and state government and visitors can tour the Renaissance Revival-style capital building and a variety of other attractions. Some of the most popular include Sutter's Fort in Old Sacramento; the Crocker Art Museum, the oldest public art museum west of the Mississippi; the California Museum of History, Women, and the Arts; and the Eagle Theater, California's first permanent theater. The city is also rich in the performing arts, boasting the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra, Sacramento Ballet, and the Sacramento Opera Company. Just south of the city of Sacramento is Elk Grove. One of the county's newest incorporated cities, it actually has a history that dates back to 1850, when it was a stagecoach stop. Originally an agricultural town, Elk Grove is now a thriving suburb of Sacramento. Nonetheless, visitors can still enjoy old-fashioned community special events like the Elk Grove Western Festival, Dickens Faire, the (Johann) Strauss Festival, and the annual Community Harvest and Giant Pumpkin Festival. East of the capital city is Rancho Cordova, incorporated in 2003 and home to about 60,000 residents. Further south is the city of Galt, nicknamed the "Great American Little Town." This city of about 25,000 is located near the Cosumnes River, the only remaining unregulated river on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. The Cosumnes River Preserve is home to 250 bird species, more than 40 fish species, and some 230 plant species. Other incorporated towns include the city of Citrus Heights, where travelers can visit Rusch Botanical Gardens, representing the seven biomes of California. The city of Folsom is most famous for its prison. The penitentiary was immortalized by country singer Johnny Cash, who wrote and performed Folsom Prison Blues in 1956. Cash also gave a memorable concert at the facility in 1968. While in Folsom, don't miss historic Sutter Street, a 3-block area which looks much the same as it did in 1850. On Thursday nights in the summertime, Sutter Street hosts Thursday Night Market, when locals and visitors can shop for a variety of wares made by local craftsman and plenty of local produce. Isleton, Sacramento County's smallest incorporated city is home to less than 1,000 residents. Situated at the far southern end of the county, it's best known as the birthplace of Pat Morita, famous for his roles in the Karate Kid movies. The southern portion of Folsom Lake, near the city of Folsom, sits in Sacramento County while the rest of the lake is divided between Placer and El Dorado Counties. Folsom Lake has miles of beaches, several boat launches, bike trails, and overnight campsites. It's also a great place to fish and enjoy a picnic lunch. Other outdoor pursuits in Sacramento County include the 23-mile Jedediah Smith Memorial Bicycle Trail, also a favorite with equestrian aficionados and those looking for a good birdwatching location. Little Sacramento County also has about a dozen golf courses, suitable for a variety of skill levels. Kayaking and rafting fans will find a number of outfitters that offer exciting guided runs on the American River, one of the best whitewater rivers in Central California. In addition, several county parks - like Gibson Ranch, Elk Grove Regional, Ancil Hoffman Park, and Discovery Park - offer a variety of different outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking and biking trails. When the sun goes down, dining and nightlife opportunities are many, especially in the state capital. Sacramento County restaurants are plentiful and varied, featuring a number of wonderful ethnic eateries as well as standard chain restaurants and fast food joints. Shopping is tops as well. Towns offer everything from mega shopping malls to unique mom-and-pop shops touting boutique clothing, regional art, and intriguing antiques.
Cities of Sacramento County
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