Peacefully located in a leafy valley of scenic rivers and canopies of trees, Sacramento is a cosmopolitan convergence of tall, gleaming buildings, hearty Victorians, splendid restaurants and shops, a vibrant arts scene, and a virtual cornucopia of state-of-the-art meeting facilities.

Sacramento is the capital of California, seat of the state government, and home to California State University Sacramento. Sacramento has been called a snapshot of Wild West history in a modern, world-class city. Its amenities combine with the rich history of California’s Wild West. That history comes to life through interactive experiences on steam engine train rides, tours of the State Capitol Building, and historic museum tours. Sacramento’s central location and low cost of living make this a fabulous city. It’s in the middle of everything, just 90 miles from San Francisco and Lake Tahoe and only 50 miles from the Napa Valley.

Sacramento is both the state capital and seat of Sacramento County. Located on the Sacramento River at its confluence with the American River, this city has a deepwater port via a 43-mile channel to Suisun Bay, making shipping a major job and income source. The city is known for its camellias; a camellia festival is held annually along with the California State Fair and Exposition.

Reprinted, with permission of the publisher, from 50 FABULOUS GAY-FRIENDLY PLACES TO LIVE (www.FabCities.com) © 2005 Gregory A. Kompes. Published by Career Press, Franklin Lakes, NJ. 800-227-3371. All rights reserved.