Sacramento, California, the state capital of “The Golden State”, has long been a center for innovation and culture. Despite this, it tends to get overlooked by some of the state’s more well known cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Renowned for its abundant Gold Rush past, verdant parks, and a thriving culinary scene, Sacramento never fails to enchant both residents and visitors. For someone planning a trip to California, the list of things to do in Sacramento encompasses activities spanning history, food, sports, nature, and much more.
1. Old Sacramento Waterfront
Stepping inside the Old Sacramento Waterfront is like stepping back in time. If you’re a history buff, this may be one of your favorite spots in the capital. This 28-acre National Historic Landmark District is nestled beside the picturesque Sacramento River. Old Sacramento is a lovely blend of the old and the new, with its historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and wooden walkways. Within Old Sacramento, there is also the California State Railroad Museum, which has rebuilt locomotives and railroad relics on display. A day spent in Old Sacramento is sure to be a peaceful and relaxing adventure, one where you can enjoy delicious meals at local eateries, take a leisurely stroll through charming shops, and watch the sunset aboard a scenic riverboat cruise.
2. The California State Capitol and Museum
Any traveler to Sacramento has to see the California State Capitol, because, well, Sacramento is the state capital of California, after all. The state’s operational capital government and state museum is housed in a stunning work of architecture that was completed in the 1870’s. Here, you can explore the museum to gain insight into California politics, stroll through the lush grounds that the building sits on, and admire the magnificent neoclassical architecture of the capitol. Capitol Park, located in the heart of the city, provides a peaceful sanctuary with its beautiful assortment of trees and monuments. If you’re more interested in the learning and history route of the State Capitol, public tours are available on weekdays from 10 AM – 4 PM.
3. Midtown Sacramento
Midtown in Sacramento is a vibrant neighborhood well-known for its combination of history, culture, and nature. In this growing district, lovers of good, art, and the nightlife scene all have something to indulge in. Each month, the neighborhood’s galleries and other venues organize the Second Saturday Art Walk, which showcases local art walks, live music, nightlife, and culinary arts that make up everything that Sacramento is. In the evening, midtown is the perfect place to experience Sacramento’s nightlife as well because of the abundance of clubs, live music venues, and lively entertainment options.
4. Golden 1 Center
For sports enthusiasts, and especially those looking to catch the action of an NBA basketball game, you’ll want to plan your trip around a visit to the Golden 1 Center. Home to the Sacramento Kings, the arena opened in 2016 and is considered one of the best arenas in the entire association. Located in the heart of downtown Sacramento, the arena is centrally located near plenty of bars and restaurants, boosting your gameday experience. In recent years, the Kings have emerged as one of the better teams in the NBA, so it’s a bright era for the franchise coupled with the brand new arena. Personally, I love traveling to new sporting venues across the country, and am looking forward to the first time I can check out a Kings home game.
5. The Sacramento Zoo
Zoos are not just a place for children to enjoy animals, and the Sacramento Zoo is no different. There are close to 400 animals within the zoo, across more than 120 species. Some of the more unique exhibits in Sacramento’s zoo include the Giraffe Encounter (where you can feed giraffes and interact with them on the observation deck), the reptile house (where you can take a tour to learn how reptiles and amphibians are cared for), and the cheetah exhibit (where you can get a close-up look at some of the world’s fastest animals). Other exhibits within the zoo include one’s home to entertaining primates, magnificent huge cats (such as jaguars, snow leopards, and lions), and eye-catching birds like owls and parrots. Aside from just getting a look at their animals, the zoo does a great job of teaching visitors about the natural world by promoting their extracurricular program and activities. These are typically aimed at the zoo’s dedication to wildlife conservation and continuous education on this topic.
6. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park offers an intriguing look into early Sacramento history, and is a perfect day excursion for those who enjoy both history and nature. This restored 19th-century fort was a key agricultural and trading hub during the Gold Rush around 1849, hence the local football team name of the 49ers. Public self-guided tours are open daily from 10 AM – 5 PM, offering some context for those visiting while also allowing more of a self-paced experience rather than walking along with a professional guide. Within the fort’s museum, visitors are likely to marvel at the artifacts and exhibits depicting the daily life of early settlers and Native Americans who inhabited the Northern California region.
7. A Taste of Organic Food
Sacramento takes great pleasure in being referred to as the “Farm-to-Fork Capital” of the United States, and the city’s culinary scene reflects its rich agricultural past. For context, Sacramento is surrounded by over 1.5 million acres of farmland, which produce over a hundred unique crops, including almonds, grapes, peaches, and olives. Visitors – and especially those who are foodies – traveling to the state capital in 2024 – will get a first-hand look at how the region’s freshly produced farm-to-fork products come to be. But when it comes to food, Sacramento is not just known for its produce; the city is an underrated slice of food heaven. Fine dining can be found throughout all pockets of the city. Each year, there is also the Farm-to-Fork Festival, which honors local wine, beer, and food while providing live entertainment and cooking demos to those in attendance. This is yet another way in which Sacramento aids to build a sense of community with its residents and tourists alike.
8. The American River Parkway
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the 23-mile American River Parkway is the perfect spot in Sacramento. Of course, there is the river itself, which starts in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and eventually flows into the Sacramento River, located in the downtown portion of the city. As for physical and recreational activities, visitors can partake in hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking. With this, the parkway provides a sense of country and rural living just steps from the business of Sacramento’s bustling downtown. The parkway’s inviting picnic areas and pathways provide the ideal setting for a leisurely day of fun and relaxation in the quaint setting of beautiful Northern California.
If you’re planning a trip to Northern California and to just check out San Francisco and San Jose, see if you can fit a few days visiting Sacramento into your itinerary. Or, if you’re just looking for a new place to visit that offers a unique experience in art, food, and entertainment, then Sacramento is your place.
