No matter what kind of getaway you’re planning, there’s a lot to love about Sacramento, California. It’s been described as “America’s most diverse city”, and that’s true for its destinations and attractions as well. Whether it’s history, nature, culture, or food, Sacramento has something to offer visitors. So if you’re planning that California trip, check out the 12 best things to do in Sacramento, California.
The Crocker Art Museum
Not only is the Crocker Art Museum a must see, it’s also the oldest public art museum in the western United States. Open since 1885, and having received a facelift in 2010, the museum houses a permanent exhibition of American art depicting the California Gold Rush and frontier life.
The collection spans hundreds of years of art history, and features paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and ceremonial objects from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The museum also houses thousands of master’s drawings, works on paper that stretch back into the Renaissance. It also includes an extensive collection of ceramic pieces, including works by noted contemporary artists, antique Korean pottery, and pieces from the stone age.
All this makes it a must-see location, whether you’re an art lover, a history fan, or just want to soak in some culture.
Old Sacramento Waterfront
Sacramento is the oldest incorporated city in California, and the city shows off that history proudly in the Old Sacramento Waterfront. There’s a lot to see and do, and taking a walk through the district will transport you right back to the days of the Gold Rush and the Old West.
Located on the banks of the Sacramento River, the Waterfront offers over 125 dining, shopping, and tourist options to choose from. Inside the historical buildings, shoppers will find bespoke boutiques and stores offering everything from Americana antiques to footwear. And when the walking gives you an appetite, check out one of the many restaurants, saloons, and old-timey candy stores for an authentic sweet treat. Be sure to also look for the iconic Tower Bridge for a few upvote-worthy selfies. Then come back after dark to take in live entertainment, or catch a performance at the comedy clubs, or take a cocktail cruise in one of the many river-going boats.
Food Tours
If it’s food you want, then come hungry. Sacramento has an incredibly diverse population, with international cuisines to satisfy any appetite, and the city is one of the USA’s leaders in the ‘farm-to-fork’ movement. And you’re not going to fill your plate and social feed faster than on a food tour.
These tours are also perfect for hungry minds as well, as most will include history lessons about the region and its ties to agriculture and winemaking. You’ll go to places only the locals should know about, and sample anything from the finest street foods to gourmet cocktails.
Most of these tours last three hours, so bring your walking shoes and an appetite.
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Capitol Park and Capitol Museum
Sacramento is the capital city of California, and is an important political and economic hub. If political history is your cup of tea, then the California State Capitol Museum will be a must see. The magnificent neo-classical structure, completed in 1874, houses antiques, governor’s portraits, and artistic views of California. For the history of the state, don’t skip this one.
But if you’d rather get some sunshine and enjoy the trees, then Capitol Park is the place to be. Spanning 40 acres, the park features hundreds of species of trees from around the world. Wander through the rose gardens, pay respects to the many memorials of fallen heroes, or hit one of the trails and tracks looping around the park. The park is also dog friendly, so your four-legged friend can join in on the fun on their lead.
Hit the water
With over 250 days of sunshine per year, you’re going to want to cool off. And what better way to beat the heat and get the heart pounding than going on a river adventure? The city lies at the junction of two rivers: the Sacramento, and the American river. These waterways offer intrepid visitors exhilarating experiences for any skill level. Ranging from family and half day trips, all the way up to extreme 2-day white water excursions, there’s something on the rivers for any skill and thrill level.
And if braving the currents isn’t your idea of fun, there’s always a land-based water option. Raging Waters Sacramento offers more than 25 slides, giving high-speed thrills to any age.
American River Bike Trail
If you think the best view is the one from a bicycle saddle, then Sacramento has you covered. The American River Bike Trail offers over 30 miles of natural, well-maintained splendor. The trail is rated for all skill levels, and will follow the beautiful American river.
The paved track starts in downtown Sacramento, and ends in Folsom, although there are plenty of ways onto the trail if you wanted a different start point. The trail can also be explored on foot, or even on horseback, and dogs on a lead are welcome. Don’t get swept up in the traffic, remember to find your way to the river to enjoy the nature. You might spot some resident deer or otters.
Sacramento Zoo
Lions, tigers, and bears? Oh my! There’s that and much more at the Sacramento Zoo. Housing over 500 individual animals, representing more than 120 species, the Sacramento Zoo offers visitors a close encounter with animals great and small.
With species from nearly every continent, the Sacramento Zoo houses mammals, including big cats, towering giraffes, and uncommonly seen anteaters, reptiles, like lizards and pythons, a range of birds, and many more. And when it’s feeding time, be sure to check out one of the many eateries right in the park, and maybe pick up a souvenir for the folks at home.
Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament
Completed in the late 1800s, the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is one of the largest cathedrals in the western United States. This active Roman Catholic place of worship was inspired by European churches built in the Renaissance, and features a truly stunning exterior.
The interior is equally richly decorated, and visitors will be blown away by the stained-glass windows and the adorned panels in the vaulted ceiling.
Indoor Skydiving
Want to feel the thrill of freefall without actually stepping out of a plane? iFly Sacramento has got you covered, and is ready to offer an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. First-time flyers go through orientation and training, led by world-class athletes. And then it’s into a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel to learn what flying feels like.
After learning some basics, like how to stabilize your fall, you’ll be taught tricks, turns, and flips, and get to freely float around the flight tunnel. Your family or friends can even join in as well and take part in some tandem falls, or play some special freefall games.
Midtown
Sacramento is the fastest growing city in California, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the up-and-coming Midtown district. The epicenter of Sacramento’s foodie and art scene, Midtown has more than 600 shops, boutiques, eateries, bars, and clubs on offer.
The art is overflowing in this part of town, and visitors or art lovers of any kind will be spoiled for choice here. In the summer, performers play their heart out on the streets, and pop-up stalls offer even more choices. Come after dark to experience the nightlife in one of the clubs, and catch some live music after a food tour dinner.
Sutter’s Fort State Historical Park
Named after John Sutter, one of the earliest settlers in the area, Sutter’s Fort State Historical Park transports visitors to the past, and shows them the realities of daily life for a pioneer. The Park is a faithful recreation of the fort as it would have been in its heyday, and is staffed and operated by living history enthusiasts.
Each area of the fort is equipped as it would have been, with tools, weapons, and everyday utensils that early pioneers would have used. Visitors will also learn more as they tour, through the volunteers, or through the numerous informative placards and signs.
With affordable admission fees and a care for the past, Sutter’s Fort State Historical Park invites you to see a keystone of Sacramento’s history.
California State Railroad Museum
Railroads and trains are a key part of California’s history, so no visit to Sacramento is complete without checking out the California State Railroad Museum. The museum houses actual historical locomotives, train cars, dioramas, and information about the people who built and drove the rails.
The museum has frequent exhibits as well, meaning there will always be something fresh and interesting to see and do here. With hands-on interactive exhibits, and passionate volunteers, you’re guaranteed to leave the museum way more knowledgeable about trains.
And be sure to extend your visit by taking a 50-minute round-trip on the Excursion Railroad. You’ll ride in a historical and authentic train car along the Sacramento River, pulled by an antique diesel or steam locomotive. Tickets are available for open-air and coach classes, but you can also travel in old-world first-class style. Being able to experience Sacramento by rail is bound to be an unforgettable and unmissable experience.
Those are our choices for the 12 best things to do in Sacramento, California. What about you? If you’ve been, what did you enjoy? Leave a comment telling us what we missed, or give us your recommendation. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to like the video. Subscribe to ViewCation for more travel content, and be sure to hit the bell for notifications.