California's Peaceful Sacramento Suburb Is A Quiet Escape With Friendly Vibes

The main stem of the American River winds its way across the northern part of the Golden State for all of about 30 miles, so, as you probably guessed, the waterway doesn't rank anywhere on the list of California's longest rivers. However, it definitely could rival any of the prettiest. "There are many serene tranquil pockets up and down this river. It's beautiful!" one person shared in a Yelp review. "The river is clean and the water is nice," another wrote, adding that "it's a good place to visit if you are a local or a tourist." If you are from out of the area and want to check it out, the small Sacramento suburb of Gold River is a great spot to stay.

For starters, the affluent master-planned community hugs the southern bank of the American River right in the heart of California's Gold Country, giving you a front-row seat to the rustling waters and the beauty beyond. The neighborhood's laidback and welcoming atmosphere is another big draw. "This is a very quiet, family-friendly community with a lot of nearby outdoor activities to choose from," one local shared on Niche. 

Combine all that with the fact that Gold River is really accessible, sitting just a short drive away from the state capital and its stress-free Sacramento International Airport (SMF). If you're not a fan of the cold, the only downside is that Gold River can get quite chilly in the winter, so opt to visit in the warmer summer months or during the shoulder seasons if you plan on soaking up the outdoors.

If you're looking to get away from the big city hubbub for a few days, Gold River makes for a peaceful respite in nature. The suburban community is flanked by the American River to the north, with countless nature preserves and lush parks within reach. 

The Sunrise Recreation Area is the closest patch of wilds to roam. The park has two sections — Upper Sunrise and Lower Sunrise — that sit on opposite sides of the Sunrise Bridge. The former runs along Gold River's riverfront and has a boat ramp if you want to tackle the currents. The latter traces the northwest edge of the neighborhood and has scenic trails. A portion of the 32-mile-long multi-use Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, also known as the American River Bike Trail, cuts through the park, connecting Old Sacramento and Folsom, another Sierra Foothill suburb known for its outdoor recreation.

Both sections of the Sunrise Recreation Area are open from sunup to sundown throughout the year and will cost you $7 to park (with an extra $3 charged on certain holiday weekends), at the time of writing. East of Gold River is the Sacramento State Aquatic Center, a haven for all things watersports. The center is right by the Nimbus Dam on Lake Natoma, a reservoir on the American River, and offers a variety of lessons for paddling, sailing, boating, rowing, and the like. 

In Gold River, lodging options are on the sparser side, owing to the largely residential suburban vibe. That said, there is a Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham just off of U.S. Route 50 (also known as the El Dorado Freeway), which does have decent Tripadvisor reviews for its location, service, and cleanliness. "Great value with plenty of amenities!" one comment reads. The breakfast and Wi-Fi are complimentary, so that's definitely a perk. Whether you're in town for several days or just staying overnight, you can find a slew of other familiar hotel brands in the neighboring city of Rancho Cordova. Some of the top-rated picks online include the Hyatt Place, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, and Hampton Inn.

For a more quintessential Gold River experience, consider connecting with the friendly locals by renting out one of the abodes in town. The neighborhood doesn't have a lot of vacation rentals listed online, but you may be able to snag something on Airbnb. Once you work up an appetite, there are plenty of good eats to tuck into in the area. Zinfandel California Cuisine, a local favorite, serves up classic West Coast dishes with a Mediterranean twist. Grab Italian fare at the Old Spaghetti Factory or tuck into seafood staples at Rudy's Hideaway Lobsterhouse, both of which are located just outside of town.