The state capital of California, Sacramento is a compact city packed with tons to see and do. Largely underappreciated by tourists who tend to flock to California’s bigger cities, Sacramento is a gem bursting with historical and cultural delights. From it’s beautiful Old Town to its fascinating museums and brilliant art galleries, any visitor will find plenty to keep them occupied.
Straddling multiple rivers and surrounded by mountain ranges, the city has a natural scenic charm. The delightful architecture of many of its buildings, both historic and contemporary, blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape into a uniquely picturesque metropolis.
In this post we’ll be going through the fifteen best things to do in Sacramento. Whether travelling alone, with friends, or with kids, the Californian capital has a wide enough variety of attractions to fill anyone’s travel itinerary. There’s tons more for you to discover and enjoy in Sacramento but this list will provide a fantastic introduction to the city and great starting point for planning your trip.
Sacramento At A Glance
The area of Sacramento – meaning “sacrament” in Spanish – was so named for the lush grapevines lining the valley and riverside, and the general natural beauty of the region, likening them to consecrated wine. Much of this natural beauty remains. It is often dubbed the ‘city of trees’ since it has a higher tree to human ratio than any other city in the world.
The first permanent settlement, which would one day grow into the city of Sacramento, dates back to 1839. The settlement expanded into a city just a decade later as new residents flocked to the area in search of gold. By 1854 it had grown enough to be designated as the state capital of California.
By now, Sacramento has grown to a population of around 525,000 people, making it the sixth most populous city in California and still growing faster than any other city in the state.
Best Time To Visit Sacramento
If you want to enjoy the city’s balmy climate, the best time to visit Sacramento is during the late spring or early autumn seasons. Between April through June and September through October you can enjoy warm, mostly dry days whilst avoiding the scorching heat of high summer.
The winters can get cool and drizzly, but rarely get really cold enough to be worth worrying about. You’ll also have the benefit of fewer fellow tourists to contend with.
Events-wise, there’s pretty much always something going on in Sacramento. However, most of the bigger public events are held around late spring through early summer.
15 Best Things To Do In Sacramento, California
1. Walk Through History Along The Old Sacramento Waterfront
Running along the east bank of the Sacramento River as it passes through downtown, Old Sacramento is a stunning area you could spend a whole day exploring. The beautiful district is packed with historic buildings lining quaint cobbled streets.
Many of the buildings are now used as museums for various curiosities, so you’ll have plenty to discover. If you really want to immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere, consider taking a tour of the area via horse drawn carriage.
For all that the aesthetic and atmosphere of Old Sacramento has been preserved, it still has plenty of life in it. The historic architecture houses an array of modern shops and restaurants for you to enjoy as you stroll around the picturesque neighbourhood.
1014 2nd St #200, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States
2. Marvel At The Iconic Big Four Building
One of the most historic and iconic buildings in Sacramento is the Big Four Building at the northern end of the Old Town. It gets its name from the group of affluent merchants who once occupied its ground floor.
The building is linked to the founding of some of western America’s most important railway systems, with significant influence on the area’s trade and developing economy.
101-115 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States
3. Browse The Sacramento History Museum
Right next door to the Big Four Building is the Sacramento History Museum. The museum is dedicated to the early development of Sacramento, with particular emphasis on the gold rush period.
The museum also has a focus on the various cultures that have called the Sacramento area home over the years. It is one of the best places in the city to learn about the tribes who inhabited the area before the city’s founding.
Along with the exhibits, the Sacramento History Museum also runs various tours of the local area. Particularly popular are the Underground Tours which take you down into the hidden areas beneath the Old Town.
101 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States
4. Take A Peek At The California State Railroad Museum
The California State Railroad Museum is located right behind the Big Four Building where the local rail system was conceived. The museum houses various classic train cars and engines, exhibits on the development of the western railways, and elaborate toy train constructions.
On the weekends you can hop aboard one of the old diesel or steam trains for a tour along the Sacramento River. Make sure to check ahead for departure times and availability.
125 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States
5. Cross Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge connects Downtown and West Sacramento, crossing the Sacramento River at the south end of the Old Town. The striking yellow bridge, dominated by its two 160 foot (49 metre) tall towers, is an icon of the city.
The bridge operates on a vertical lift system, raising straight up to allow larger river traffic to pass underneath. The bridge itself is open to both road and pedestrian traffic, so you can cross however you prefer.
Sacramento, CA 95814, United States
6. Take In The Views At River Walk Park
One of the best places to take in the view of the whole Old Sacramento Waterfront area and Tower Bridge is from River Walk Park, right on the opposite bank of the Sacramento River.
The trails leading along the water’s edge let you take in the colourful architecture of the Old Town in its entirety.
The pretty park has plenty of space to spread out on the grass and enjoy the view. It’s a particularly popular picnicking spot. It’s especially lovely at night, when you can enjoy Sacramento’s illuminated skyline. River Walk Park runs right in front of the Ziggurat building. The landmark building is styled after a golden pyramid, looming over the west bank of the river.
651 2nd St, West Sacramento, CA 95605, United States
7. Learn Something New At The California State Capitol Museum
Right at the heart of Sacramento city centre you’ll find the California State Capitol Building. The resplendent white building is a wonder of towering columns and marble statues topped with a soaring dome.
Along with the state’s legislature, the Capitol Building houses a museum in the basement and ground floor. The museum celebrates the heritage and development of California. As well as artefacts from throughout the state’s history, you can also enjoy statues and murals depicting people and events significant to California.
1315 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States
8. Relax In California State Capitol Park
The Capitol Building is surrounded by California State Capitol Park. The expansive park contains various landscaped gardens peppered with monuments, memorials, and art installations. A network of pathways lead through the grounds, taking you past the numerous sights.
1300 L St, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States
9. Take In The California Automobile Museum
Any petrolhead or car enthusiast passing through Sacramento will want to swing by the California Automobile Museum. The 72,000 square foot museum is home to over a hundred cars from across the last century. They’re displayed chronologically, making it easy to observe how car design has changed through the years.
Along with their permanent display, there are also new special exhibitions put out each month. Each exhibition spotlights a particular niche of the automobile industry, so it’s worth checking out even if you’ve already visited before.
On the third Sunday of each month, visitors to the museum can even enjoy a free ride in one of the cars included with their entry ticket. The experience only runs from 10am to 2pm, so best to get there earlier to beat the queue.
2200 Front St, Sacramento, CA 95818, United States
10. Admire The Leland Stanford Mansion
Just across from the Capitol Building is a beautiful Victorian era mansion. Built in 1856, the Leland Stanford Mansion has been restored to the state of its original period, complete with era appropriate furnishings throughout the house.
It now stands as a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle and fashions of Sacramento during its founding days. Guests can enjoy guided tours of the house to learn more about its history and how its occupants would have lived.
800 N St, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States
11. Wander Through The Old City Cemetery
Opened in 1849 and grown to around 44 acres, the Old City Cemetery may seem like a morbid place to visit on vacation but it’s abundant with Sacramento’s rich history. The sprawling graveyard is the final resting place for dozens of Sacramento’s notable residents.
Modelled after the style of a Victorian garden, the cemetery is aesthetically lovely. Even if you have little interest in looking out for significant names on the headstones, the well-maintained rose gardens and ornate tomb markers make it a charming if macabre place for a stroll.
1000 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818, United States
12. Appreciate The Works Of Crocker Art Museum
Established in 1885, the Crocker Art Museum is the longest running gallery in western America. Over the years it has amassed an impressive collection of works in various mediums from all over the world.
Featuring both classic and contemporary, realism and abstract, the Crocker collection will appeal to any art lover, no matter your preference. New exhibitions are being put out throughout the year, so it’s always worth checking if they have an upcoming event to suit you.
216 O St, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States
13. Meet The Residents Of Sacramento Zoo
Spread over 15 acres in the south of the city centre, Sacramento Zoo is home to dozens of animal species from across the world. Housing rare and endangered animals, alongside some familiar regional species, makes the perfect educational family friendly outing.
Kids and adults alike can enjoy learning about the strange and wonderful creatures we share our planet with. You can even get the opportunity to experience an up-close encounter with some of the zoo’s friendlier residents.
3930 W Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822, United States
14. Take The Family To Land Park
Sacramento Zoo is located within Williams Land Park, a sprawling recreation area at the south of the city centre. In addition to its ponds and leafy green spaces, Land Park is packed with family friendly attractions.
Along with the zoo, Land Park is home to two theme parks – Funderland, aimed at smaller children, and Fairytale Town, which is modelled around various children's stories and nursery rhymes – playgrounds, an amphitheatre, several sports fields, and ornamental gardens.
3901 Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822, United States
15. Look At The Art Of The Kennedy Gallery
Sacramento is a city with a particularly vibrant arts scene, and the Kennedy Gallery is at the very heart of it. Dedicated to celebrating modern art and artists, this beautiful 1890s house is home to three floors of art galleries.
With an eclectic company of resident artists across a range of specialisations, from oil-painting to glass blowing and bronze casting, there’s a fantastic collection of art to admire. Frequently changing exhibits ensure there’s always something new to pop in and see.
1931 L St, Sacramento, CA 95811, United States
Best Hotel To Stay At In Sacramento - Delta King Hotel
If you want a hotel with river views, you couldn’t ask for better than Delta King Hotel, housed within a boathouse on the Sacramento River. Located right at the heart of Sacramento Old Town, the placement of the Delta King Hotel is the height of both convenience and atmosphere.
The hotel leans into its historic surroundings, with tastefully vintage décor and quaint period features throughout. The covered dining terrace offers stunning views across the water to River Walk Park, Tower Bridge, and the Ziggurat.
In spite of its historic vibe, the hotel boasts all the modern conveniences you need. The good-sized cabin rooms are air-conditioned, with flat screen televisions and coffee machines. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Final Thoughts
Sacramento is a truly wonderful yet often overlooked destination. Our guide to the 15 best things to do in Sacramento will hopefully have helped you plan a perfect travel itinerary for a dream vacation to the city.
That means all you have left to do is get everything booked, so you can start looking forward to experiencing it all for yourself.