Located directly north of Sacramento, Yuba City is backed by the rugged volcanic peaks of the Sutter Buttes. The area was inhabited by the Maidu people when Spanish and Mexican expeditions arrived in the early 18th century and gold was discovered in the region in 1848. It is believed that the settlement was named after the wild grapes (“uba” in Spanish) found growing here.
Things to do in Yuba City
For a dose of local history, visit the Sutter County Museum, which exhibits artefacts, photographs and documents related to the region’s past. In addition to exploring the cultural heritage of the area’s Native American people, it features displays dedicated to the California Gold Rush and prominent local resident, John Sutter. In 1840, the Swiss immigrant received a large land grant from the Mexican government, upon which gold was later discovered.
Rising north-west of Yuba City are the volcanic lava domes of the Sutter Buttes, which are sometimes referred to as the “world’s smallest mountain range”. Join a guided walk to learn about the area’s significance to the Maidu and Wintun people whose spiritual sites have been discovered on the mountain slopes.
In neighbouring Marysville is Ellis Lake, a man-made reservoir surrounded by a leafy park where you can stroll or picnic. Rent a pedal boat to explore the lake at your leisure or cast a fishing line from the shore while keeping your eyes peeled for Canada geese, mallard ducks and red-winged blackbirds.
Getting around Yuba City
Yuba City is around 45 minutes’ drive from Sacramento and 40 minutes from Sacramento International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America. Regular buses connect to Yuba City and connect most of its attractions. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.