Sacramento established itself in the early days as a Gold Rush town, and was a major part of the heady days of gold discovery in the mid 19th Century. Today it is the seventh largest city in the state of California, but is an incredibly influential one as it is also the capital of the state. A modern and visually stunning city, it has become a drawcard for tourists eager to experience a history-rich area in the United States- an area where the friendly people, the unique countryside and the Mediterranean climate help ensure that no one goes home disappointed.

It seems that Sacramento still has the golden touch, and it comes highly recommended as a destination for you on your driving holiday. It is in one of the most interesting and diverse states in America, and there are numerous things to see and do in the city and its immediate surrounds. To get you started, here are a few places you can visit in your rental car:

1. Old Sacramento

Once the site of a bustling pioneer town, today Old Sac is a popular tourist attraction that has retained all the features of the Gold Rush era. Wide dirt and cobblestone streets are traversed by horse drawn carriages and bordered by 'olde style' buildings. It is the perfect place to discover the areas rich history, and have a lot of fun in doing so. Located right on the banks of the Sacramento River, paddleboat rides are one of the ways you can enjoy Old Sac. There are also plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops and museums to browse through.

2. Mckinley Park

This is one of the most beautiful parks in the whole of the city, the ideal place to spend a relaxing day enjoying nature and making use of the numerous facilities within the park. Grassy verges and lots of trees make way for amateur sports facilities that include a soccer pitch, tennis courts and a baseball field, making it a popular place for kids. BBQ and picnic facilities let you try out your outdoor culinary talents! There is also a large trail around the lake, making it popular amongst joggers.

3. California State Railroad Museum

This is possibly the highlight of Old Sacramento, and should not be missed. It is the largest train museum in the country, and seeks to recreate the golden days of the American Railroad, when it was relied upon heavily for exploration and transportation. The exhibits are fun and informative, and there are a number of very shiny locomotive restorations. Some months of the year you can even go for a ride behind a steam train...

4. Sacramento Zoo

This nicely contained zoo is home to more than 400 animals, and is an entertaining and educational place to take the kids for a day. Rare creatures such as the snow leopard and the red panda are genuinely inspiring, and the large flamingo enclosure is also a favourite.

5. Folsom Lake

One of the largest lakes in N. California, Folsom is a 40 kilometre drive from Sacramento in your hire car. It is situated at the base of the Sierra foothills, and offers great opportunities for all sorts of recreation. On the lake itself enjoy waterskiing, boating, swimming and fishing, and in the surrounding countryside outdoors pursuits such as horse riding, hiking and camping are popular. There is also a long cycle track that connects the lake with a number of parks before eventually reaching Old Sacramento.

Gavin Wyatt