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Why Visit Sacramento
Sacramento's identity is forged in the 1849 Gold Rush. The Old Sacramento Waterfront, a National Historic Landmark, preserves Victorian architecture from its time as the Transcontinental Railroad's western hub. Insider tours reveal the original underground city, raised in the 1860s to evade devastating floods.
The city sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, offering 32 miles of trails on the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail. When visiting Sacramento, you can go beyond cycling to see fall salmon runs. An uncommon sight is the Effie Yeaw Nature Center's resident, non-releasable birds of prey.
As America's Farm-to-Fork Capital, the city's culinary scene is rooted in its agricultural abundance, with over 1.5 million acres of regional farmland. Local menus feature delta crawfish and heirloom tomatoes. A local gem is Corti Brothers deli, an institution since 1947 with rare international foods.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Mar-Maymild, blooming flowers
- Jun-Aughot, peak tourists
- Sep-Novpleasant, fewer crowds
- Dec-Febcool, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightLayers
- #Sunscreen
- #WaterBottle
- #Camera
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 days with side trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language here
- #CaliforniaStateCapitol
- #OldSacramento
- #Sutter'sFort
- #CrockerArtMuseum
- #SacramentoZoo
- #DiscoveryPark
- Explore California State Railroad Museum
- Cycle along the American River
- Enjoy live music in Midtown
- Taste local wine in Old Sacramento
- Visit the historic Governor's Mansion
Recommended Hotels in Sacramento by Experience
Things to do in Sacramento
Discover
Exploring Sacramento reveals a city rich in history and art. Discover the Old Sacramento Waterfront's Gold Rush-era buildings, tour the California State Capitol Museum, and view extensive collections at the Crocker Art Museum.
Experience
Enjoy farm-to-fork dining at local markets, cycle the scenic American River Bike Trail, or catch a Sacramento Kings game. The city's calendar is full of events, from the Aftershock Festival to summer concerts in the park.
Old Sacramento Waterfront
Historic district with Gold Rush-era architecture and museums.
California State Capitol Museum
Neoclassical building housing a museum and state government.
Crocker Art Museum
The longest continuously operating art museum in the West.
American River Bike Trail
A 32-mile paved pathway for cycling, running, and walking.
Tower Bridge
Iconic golden vertical lift bridge crossing the river.
California State Railroad Museum
Museum showcasing railroad history with restored locomotives.
Capitol Park
Victorian-style garden with memorials and diverse trees.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Sacramento International Airport (SMF). A convenient option from the Sacramento airport to city center is the SacRT Airport Express bus. Amtrak's Sacramento Valley Station (SAC) also offers a direct train to Sacramento from major cities.
Getting Around
The core of public transport in Sacramento is SacRT's light rail and bus system; use the Connect Card for easy payment. Car rental in Sacramento is another option for exploring the wider region. Downtown and Midtown are also very walkable.
Local Essentials
When driving in Sacramento, be mindful of the one-way streets in the downtown grid. Utilize the city's extensive bike paths, especially the scenic American River Parkway. For first-timers, booking Old Sacramento Waterfront parking online saves time.
Where to Stay in Sacramento
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Sacramento's farm-to-fork ethos means you eat with the seasons. Taste dishes with heirloom tomatoes and local craft beer. The dining culture is relaxed, with a focus on patios. Explore the best restaurants in Sacramento.
Enjoy
Eat at The Kitchen, a theatrical fine-dining spot; book months ahead. Grange Restaurant & Bar has a sophisticated vibe; check happy hour. Tower Cafe is an eclectic, bustling brunch destination; expect waits.
The Kitchen Restaurant
An interactive and theatrical dining demonstration dinner.
Frank Fat's Restaurant
A political landmark serving classic Chinese food since 1939.
Zocalo
Lively spot for regional Mexican fare and creative cocktails.
The Firehouse
Upscale dining in a historic 1853 firehouse building.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Sacramento's heritage through events like the annual Gold Rush Days, with its dirt-covered streets and historic reenactments. Experience diverse traditions at the South Sac Heritage Festival and the Japanese Food & Cultural Bazaar.
Enjoy
Discover must-see modern creativity in Sacramento. Enjoy indie rock and electronic music at Concerts in the Park, or explore large-scale murals and public art during the Wide Open Walls festival. These are things to do for every creative mind.
Aftershock Festival
October's premier hard rock and heavy metal music festival.
California State Fair
July celebration with food, livestock exhibits, and concerts.
Farm-to-Fork Festival
September food and music event with chef demos and tastings.
Wide Open Walls
Mural festival in August transforming the city with public art.
Sacramento French Film Festival
June event showcasing contemporary and classic French cinema.
Sacramento Pride
June festival and parade celebrating LGBTQ+ culture.
A Great City Base
Sacramento is a really manageable city for a short trip. The mix of historic buildings in the Old Sacramento Waterfront and the modern downtown is quite nice. It's super walkable, and the pace feels relaxed. A great spot for exploring Northern California.
So Much Green Space
Really enjoyed how much nature there is right in the city. The American River Parkway is perfect for a long walk or bike ride. It's great to have that kind of outdoor escape so close to all the downtown amenities. The huge trees are just incredible to see.
Fascinating History
There's so much Gold Rush history here. The California State Railroad Museum was interesting, even for someone not huge into trains. The area around it is well-preserved without feeling like a theme park. It offers a solid look into the past.
The Food Scene is Real
Sacramento's reputation for fresh food is well-deserved. Everything we ate, from small cafes to nice dinners, tasted amazing. You can tell they take their local produce seriously. It's woven into the whole experience of being there, not just a gimmick.
Beautiful Neighborhoods
Loved the tree-lined streets and classic houses, it's a beautiful city to just wander through. Midtown has some amazing street art and cool little shops. It felt very safe and laid-back. People were friendly everywhere we went.
Impressive Capitol Park
The State Capitol building is quite impressive, and the grounds around it are beautiful. Capitol Park is like a botanical garden with trees from all over the world. It's a peaceful spot right in the middle of everything. We spent a good while just strolling there.