While the Golden State is renowned for its Pacific coastline, planners in search of off-the-beaten-path gems would do well to break away from the scenic and storied shoreline to explore the often overlooked interior landscapes of California.
Among the best of that tempting territory is the terrific troika of Sacramento, the Central Valley and the High Sierra, where lures range from the state capital’s metropolitan elements to some of the most impressive parks the West has to offer.
Here’s a look at some of the region’s best group settings and experiences when it comes to leaving an awesome impression on attendees.
Sacramento
Where to start in a state capital showcasing a cornucopia of possibilities? Lucy Steffens, the Sacramento CVB’s director of travel trade, points planners toward four of the city’s top museums for some uniquely Californian memory-making.
The Crocker Art Museum inspires from the outset. The snazzy modern structure overflows with works ranging from Renoir paintings to Ansel Adams photographs, a gamut of different talks and tours, plus a wealth of event spaces that make it a true group favorite. The California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento might sound a bit “one-track,” but it’s actually a vibrant attraction offering fun experiences, including authentic historic train rides aboard a variety of carriages. Planners can also engineer an awesome event of their own in a host of memorable settings, including a historic roundhouse building with space for 550 standing.
Meanwhile, at the Aerospace Museum of California, attendees can take in about three-dozen varied aircraft, including a Tomcat “Top Gun” fighter jet that is a popular favorite, or feel the actual sensation of flight aboard a high-tech simulator. If history trumps high-tech for your group, a sojourn to Sutter’s Fort provides one of the region’s best portals to the past. Gold Rush-era artifacts and exhibits are part of the fun at the famed fortress, but the most intriguing offering might be the Pioneer Dinners that can be hosted for groups of 25 or larger. Authentically adorned period docents add to the festive feast, which can range from fancy fare to casual BBQ, and group activities make things even more memorable.
California’s capital is also within easy reach of destinations such as the wildly Western downtown of Folsom or the Thunder Valley Casino Resort, about 30 minutes northeast of in Lincoln. The property features dining, gaming and entertainment, as well as ample event space that includes the 10,000-square-foot Pano Hall.
Peaks and Parks
The Mammoth Lakes area has boomed from a popular ski haven into a year-round wonderland of fresh-air adventure, though its temptations aren’t limited to outdoorsy options. In fact, Lara Kaylor, media relations manager for Mammoth Lakes Tourism, touts elements of the region’s ‘inside story’ when it comes to vibrant venues for visiting groups.
For an evening adventure, Kaylor advises groups to head for the Mammoth Brewing Company’s Tasting Room, which recently took up residency in a newer and larger space due to its local popularity. The venue boasts its own gamut of brews, tasty pub grub, a beer garden space and funky events ranging from retro ski parties to live music fests.
Another fresh offering is the Mammoth Rock ’n’ Bowl, where the strike and spare fun can practically get lost in the shuffle of diversions. The likeable lanes also offer state-of-the-art golfing simulators that can transport duffers to iconic courses like Pebble Beach and St. Andrews, two restaurants, a bar and lounge, and several event spaces.
Kaylor also suggests a pair of local group-friendly lodgings, the Westin Mammoth and Tamarack Lodge & Lakefront Restaurant.
PageBreak
Roughly 90 minutes northwest, Yosemite National Park showcases scenery and serenity, with plenty of group-friendly spaces and experiences on tap. The Tenaya Lodge is one bastion of activity, with an on-site rock wall, archery, organized hikes and an Ascent Spa—with a unique group challenge of teams striving to create their own original spa product. Geocaching is another popular group activity at Tenaya.
Yosemite’s Gold Country, aka Tuolumne County, sprawls northward of the famed national park and is a trove of outdoor temptation as well, boasting much of the Stanislaus National Forest and two historic state parks—Railtown 1897 and Columbia—in addition to Yosemite.
Tuolumne County’s CVB director, Lisa Mayo, says in addition to its regular meetings business, the region is emerging as a new MICE locale, and fun possibilities include a private party aboard the Movie Train at Railtown State Park, plus Yosemite photo safaris, working cattle ranch cookouts and even gold panning. Other possible stops include the Sierra Outdoor School, showcasing a range of fun from A (archery) to Z (ziplining), and the old-timey Columbia Candy Kitchen, where attendees can craft some confections of their own.
A variety of venues are also handy to host an outside-the-box affair, from a sprawling meadow at the Evergreen Lodge to Sonora’s restored old Opera Hall to the Indigeny Reserve, where attendees can sip hard cider and brandy amid 20,000 apple trees.
For groups seeking a retreat, the Saddle Creek Resort is a short drive due west of the Yosemite/Stanislaus Forest border, and offers 17 lodge bungalows, a popular golf course and an array of meeting and function areas. Attendees can also enjoy a side outing to nearby Copperopolis, a Gold Rush era-themed attraction that provides a tempting trip back in time.
Valleys and Vistas
California’s spacious Central Valley runs downward from Sacramento into the state’s southern realms, including the often overlooked city of Stockton not far from the state capital. Wes Rhea, Visit Stockton’s CEO, says a pair of particular offerings come to mind when thinking of unforgettable experiences for meeting groups.
Groups of up to 55 attendees can embark on a cozy cruise boat out of the Stockton Marina operated by Opportunity Cruises. The California Sunset can host everything from casual lunch outings to formal dinner affairs, and groups of 30 or more will enjoy exclusive outings that can be tailored to their specific plans.
For something a bit more traditional but equally intriguing, Rhea recommends hosting an affair at the Haggin Museum, where he says the magnificent surroundings are certain to provide a wow factor for any group. In addition to its event spaces and traditional fine arts galleries, the venue is also home to some odd and unexpected display items—such as a trunk used in an infamous 1906 murder.
A stone’s throw south, in Modesto, the McHenry Mansion is considered a gem of the city and a frequent site of regal events in its 1883 main house or acclaimed gardens, but the city has a number of offbeat sites and excursions as well. The Fat Cat Music House & Lounge, for example, shows off a cool VIP lounge that overlooks the venue’s stage via a spacious open window and is available for groups of up to 50. The historic Sierra Railroad, meanwhile, offers group fun ranging from dinner events to seasonal ‘“rail and raft” adventures that add white-water rafting.
Heading farther south, Merced offers one of the Central Valley’s most extensive event facilities, Vista Ranch and Cellars. Its event center and adjoining lawns can host up to 180 for a formal indoor affair or entertain up to 800 alfresco.
Rounding out the Central Valley’s lower realms, Fresno is home to Chukchansi Park, where the Houston Astro’s minor-league team, the Fresno Grizzlies, play. The venue boasts several group seating areas, from casual picnicking promenades to VIP suites, all for profoundly less than what you’d pay at a major league stadium.
The final major outpost along the valley is Bakersfield, home to the historic Fox Theater, where groups can take in a headline act, film, or have an unforgettable shindig of their own. The 1930 film palace was one of the last grand movie houses of its era and has been lovingly restored to become one of the city’s prized venues.
