Sacramento (metro pop. 1.7 million) is California's state capital, located in the middle of the central Sacramento Valley. Founded in the heat of the California Gold Rush, the city managed to survive by becoming the state capital and its convenient central location to northern California's cities, attractions, and roads. Today, Sacramento is a rapidly expanding metropolitan area that is still forging its cultural identity.

With a major new convention center near the impressive capitol building, Sacramento's yearly visitors number in the millions. Popular attractions include one of the nation's premiere railroad museums, located at the terminus of the first transcontinental railroad. A scenic riverfront area runs through the city for strolling or biking. Visitors can also check out a basketball game from hometown team the Kings, or take in the zoo, some theater, or fine cuisine in historic Old Sacramento.

Sacramento is located in central California, about 90 miles northeast of San Francisco. For nearby ski resorts, check out Boreal Mountain Resort or Dodge Ridge.