Last week, I had the pleasure of returning to one of my favorite historic sites in California – . It’s located in Coloma, CA, approximately 50 minutes east of Sacramento. Its significance lies in the fact that James Marshall discovered gold here in 1848, beginning the . The area is beautiful and full of history so both nature lovers and history buffs can find reasons to visit.

If you’re planning a trip this summer, this area of California is certainly worth considering. Here are just a few reasons which hopefully spark an interest:

– It’s considered one of the most significant historic sites in the country

Location of first gold discovery

– You can hike, picnic, and pan for gold

– There are hundreds of artifacts on display including an 1865 Concord Stagecoach

– You can wander through 20 historic buildings and see a replica of the original sawmill

– The drive from Coloma to Auburn is breathtaking (and a little scary)