Originally known as Mayhew’s Crossing, Rancho Cordova is a Gold Rush town that is now enveloped by Sacramento’s urban sprawl. It takes its current name from the Cordova Vineyard that was located in the heart of Rancho Rio de los Americanos, a Mexican land grant that was given to William Leidesdorff in 1844.
Things to do in Rancho Cordova
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss a visit to the Sacramento Children’s Museum, which is packed with hands-on and interactive exhibits. It features a miniature city where kids can go shopping at Leo’s Market, as well as an observational beehive and terrariums with live reptiles. Older kids can let loose in the Imagination Playground or the Art Studio while toddlers will love the farm-themed Baby Bloomers area.
If you want to stretch your legs, follow the American River Parkway, which extends for more than 50 kilometres through Sacramento County. In Rancho Cordova, it takes in River Bend Park with its picnic facilities and resident deer. Encompassing around 180 hectares, it is a popular setting for horseback riding, as well as a launching point for rafting expeditions along the American River.
Changing art exhibitions are showcased within the Mills Station Arts and Culture Center, which occupies a historically significant building that dates back to 1911. It also regularly hosts lectures and art classes, as well as film screenings. Nearby is the Mills Center, a popular local shopping destination with retail stores and fast-food eateries.
Getting around Rancho Cordova
Rancho Cordova is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Sacramento and 30 minutes from Sacramento International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America. Both trams and buses connect to Rancho Cordova while renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.