Sacramento

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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