Looking for Gold Rush history, riverfront charm, and a booming farm-to-fork food scene? Head to Sacramento! California’s capital city is packed with Old West heritage, modern museums, and scenic bike trails along the American River. Whether you're exploring Victorian streets or dining al fresco downtown, Sacramento mixes history with hip.

Sacramento, CA Highlights:

  • For Families: Visit Fairytale Town – Kids can play in whimsical storybook-themed structures in a shaded park near the zoo.
  • For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Bike or stroll the American River Parkway – A 32-mile scenic trail perfect for cycling, running, and nature watching.
  • For Kids: Discover hands-on science at the Powerhouse Science Center – Interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and outdoor space discovery areas.
  • For an Adventure: Explore Gold Rush history in Old Sacramento – Stroll cobbled streets, ride riverboats, and visit the California State Railroad Museum.
  • For Shoppers: Browse Midtown boutiques and markets – Find vintage fashion, records, books, and artisan goods in Sacramento’s trendiest district.

Best Time to Visit Sacramento, CA

The best time to visit Sacramento is in spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), when temperatures are pleasant and ideal for walking tours, outdoor festivals, and riverfront dining. Summers can be hot but are great for water activities.

How to Get to Sacramento, CA

  • If you are traveling by car: Sacramento is at the junction of I-5 and I-80, about 1.5 hours from San Francisco and 2 hours from Lake Tahoe.
  • By Train: Amtrak provides service to Sacramento via the Capitol Corridor, California Zephyr, and San Joaquin lines.
  • By Air: Sacramento International Airport (SMF) offers domestic and select international flights and is just 15 minutes from downtown.
  • By Bus: Greyhound, Megabus, and FlixBus offer affordable connections to nearby cities and regions.

Where to Stay in Sacramento, CA

  • Kimpton Sawyer Hotel – Sleek, modern hotel with a rooftop pool in the heart of Downtown Commons (DOCO).
  • Delta King Hotel – Historic riverboat turned boutique hotel moored in Old Sacramento with dining and river views.
  • The Citizen Hotel – Stylish, politically themed hotel in a 1920s tower, perfect for history and design lovers.

Best Things to Do in Sacramento, CA

Immerse Yourself in Masterpieces at the Crocker Art Museum

Immerse Yourself in Masterpieces at the Crocker Art Museum

© Crocker Art Museum

The Crocker Art Museum is one of the oldest public art museums in the country and one of the top attractions in Sacramento. Judge Edwin B. Crocker was a wealthy businessman who, along his wife, started the art collection in 1869.

Eventually, that collection led to a museum, which was established in 1885. The permanent collection includes works from California, several pieces of American art, European paintings and drawings, international ceramics, and African, Asian, and Oceanic art.

Experienced docents provide guided tours if you’re interested in an in-depth explanation of the many exhibits. The museum also offers several educational opportunities, studio classes, and access to the Gerald Hansen Library.

216 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, 916-808-7000, Map

Ride Through Railroad History at the California State Railroad Museum

Ride Through Railroad History at the California State Railroad Museum

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Located on I Street in Old Sacramento, the California State Railroad Museum is actually a group of six buildings covering over 225,000 square feet. The numerous exhibits are truly fascinating, and they focus on the history of railroads in California and the West. First opened in 1976, the museum has a collection consisting of 21 restored train cars and locomotives.

The museum hosts exhibits throughout the year and they also maintain educational programs like adult excursions and school trips. Their large library collection is equally impressive. If you are looking for fun things to do in Sacramento with kids, the museum also offers a variety of train rides.

125 I Street, Sacramento, California, Phone: 916-445-7387, Map

Step Into Politics and Heritage at the California State Capitol Museum

Step Into Politics and Heritage at the California State Capitol Museum

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Located on 10th Street in the downtown area of Sacramento, the California State Capitol Museum includes the grounds and building of the California State Legislature. The historic building dates back to 1869, and the museum belongs to the California state park system.

The gardens around the building consist of 40 acres of shrubs and trees from around the world, and there are several beautiful and compelling memorials. Visitors can view short films in the theater and visit many of the restored offices. Group and school tours of the museum are available as well as daily public tours.

1315 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, 916-324-0333, Map

Watch this 2-minute video clip of Old Town Sacramento and other ideas.

Explore Innovation at the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity

Explore Innovation at the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity

© meisterphotos/stock.adobe.com

The SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity is an interactive museum for children and features captivating exhibits.The museum focuses on education, and it offers several different kinds of programs such as school field trips, after school programs, summer camps, and homeschool programs. Private events like birthday parties, company meetings, and weddings can also be scheduled at the museum.

SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, 400 Jibboom St, Sacramento, CA 95811, Phone: (916) 674-5000

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

If You’re Fascinated by Classic Cars, Cruise Into the California Automobile Museum

If You’re Fascinated by Classic Cars, Cruise Into the California Automobile Museum

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Located on Front Street along the Sacramento River, the California Automobile Museum has a collection of over 160 beautifully restored classic cars on display in its large 72,000 square foot facility. The collection includes classic cars, early models, hot rods, muscle cars, racecars, and many other kinds of vehicles that automobile enthusiasts will love.

Formerly known as the Towe Auto Museum, the California Automobile Museum seeks to exhibit and preserve the history of the automobile by educating all the visitors who stop by. Because many of the automobiles are on loan to the museum, the exhibits often change, so you will never have the same experience twice. Group tours are available, and they are led by knowledgeable docents.

2200 Front Street, Sacrament, CA 96818, 916-442-6802 , Map

Savor Farm-to-Table Flavors at The Waterboy

Savor Farm-to-Table Flavors at The Waterboy

© The Waterboy

Seasoned restaurateur Rick Mahan established The Waterboy in 1996. This neighborhood restaurant in Midtown Sacramento serves delicious meals and provides outstanding service. Chef Adam Schulze chooses only the freshest meat, vegetables, and seasonings from local farmers and growers in Sacramento Valley. The Waterboy has an exquisite seasonal menu that is greatly influenced by the cuisines of Northern Italy and Southern France. Diners will also appreciate great selections from a wine collection and a full bar of artisanal cocktails and aperitifs. If you are looking for romantic date night ideas in Sacramento, this is a great place to try. The dessert menu is equally impressive, and includes delights such as an affogato, different types of sorbets, and brown butter gateau with summer berries.

The Waterboy, 2000 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, California, Phone: 916-498-9891

Stroll Through Gold Rush History in Old Sacramento

Stroll Through Gold Rush History in Old Sacramento

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Old Sacramento State Historic Park is a 28-acre historic district consisting of more than 100 shops, restaurants, museums, and attractions. Everything is designed to call to mind the time of the Transcontinental Railway and the California Gold Rush. Sitting along the Sacramento River, Old Sacramento started to undergo restorations in the 1960s.

Today, it is listed as a State Historic Park as well as a U.S. National Historic Landmark. If you are wondering what to do in Sacramento to learn about the local history, this is a great place to visit. There are many historic buildings in Old Sacramento along with several museums, including the popular Sacramento History Museum. Visitors can take a cruise on historic riverboats, relax in a horse-drawn carriage, and ride on an authentic train from times gone by. Map

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Meet Wild Friends at the Sacramento Zoo

Meet Wild Friends at the Sacramento Zoo

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The Sacramento Zoo is located on West Land Park Drive in William Land Park. When it first opened in 1927, the zoo occupied just four acres of land and served as the home of 40 animals; it was known as “the little zoo in the park.” In the 1960’s, however, the zoo expanded to its current 14 acres and is now home to more than 500 animals including amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles.

The zoo adheres to principles of conservation, education, and recreation. It also provides visitors with the opportunity to go on self-guided art tours, and they welcome school field trips as well. The Sacramento Zoo is open every day of the week.

3930 West Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822, 916-808-5888, website, Map

Relax and Reconnect at McKinley Park

Relax and Reconnect at McKinley Park

© McKinley Park

Located at 601 Alhambra Boulevard in East Sacramento, McKinley Park is a custom designed park and playground. It was built in just six days by a group of more than 2,000 volunteers from the local community. These volunteers supplied all the funding as well as the equipment and materials. Some of the highlights include the “Alhambra Theater” entrance arch, the Fredrick N. Evans Memorial Rose Garden, the “Tower” bridge, and a riverboat and street trolley, among other fascinating attractions. Visitors will find plenty of opportunities for fun and exercise with the park’s large climbing wall, jogging trail, basketball court, and several play areas for children, including a large tree house.

McKinley Park, 601 Alhambra Boulevard, Sacramento, California, Phone: 916-452-8011

If You Love Victorian Elegance, Tour the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park

If You Love Victorian Elegance, Tour the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park

© Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park

The Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park is located on N Street in downtown Sacramento close to the State Capitol Building. Built in 1856 during the California Gold Rush, the mansion is listed as a U.S. National Historic Landmark, and it has also been named a California Historical Landmark. Some of the highlights you can find in the 19,000 square foot mansion include historic paintings, gorgeously restored woodwork, sweeping 17 foot high ceilings, and elegant furnishings like gilded mirrors, carved moldings, and refurbished carpets and drapes. Guided group tours and school field trip tours are available, and the Leland Stanford Mansion is open every day.

800 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, 916-324-0575 , website, Map

Where to Eat in Sacramento, CA

  • The Waterboy – Refined seasonal American fare with European influences in Midtown.
  • Pushkin’s Kitchen – Gluten-free and allergy-friendly eats that are fresh, creative, and crowd-pleasing.
  • Localis – Michelin-starred tasting menu restaurant offering innovative dishes using hyperlocal ingredients.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Farm-to-Fork Festival (September) – Celebrate local food, wine, and agriculture with tastings, music, and chef demos.
  • California State Fair (July) – Family-friendly fun with rides, concerts, livestock, and plenty of fried food.
  • Midtown Second Saturday (monthly) – Evening art walk and street fair featuring galleries, music, and food trucks.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Sacramento, California:

  • Davis (20–25 min) – A lively college town with bike paths, museums, and a beloved farmers market.
  • Folsom (25–30 min) – Bike the Johnny Cash Trail, explore Folsom Lake, or visit the historic district and prison museum.
  • Clarksburg (25–30 min) – Tour riverside wineries in the lesser-known but stunning Delta wine country.
  • Elk Grove (20–25 min) – Shop, dine, or take a walk through its family-friendly parks and trails.
  • Old Sugar Mill (Clarksburg) (25–30 min) – Taste wines from multiple wineries housed in a restored sugar factory.
  • American River Parkway (Accessible from multiple points) – Perfect for a peaceful escape into nature, biking, or floating the river.
  • West Sacramento (5–10 min) – Home to Sutter Health Park, where you can catch a River Cats baseball game.
  • Fair Oaks (30 min) – Explore the quaint village, relax by the American River, and meet its famous free-roaming chickens.
  • Capay Valley (30 min) – Visit organic farms, go olive oil tasting, and enjoy pastoral countryside views.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What museums and attractions can visitors explore in Sacramento?
    • Sacramento is home to fascinating museums such as the Crocker Art Museum, the California State Railroad Museum, and the California Automobile Museum.
  • What are some romantic things to do in Sacramento?
    • Couples looking for romantic activities should not miss a stroll through Old Sacramento and a visit to the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park, which was built in 1856.
  • What activities are available for families in Sacramento?
    • Parents can take their kids to McKinley Park to enjoy the playground and have a picnic in the park.

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