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15 Peak-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Sacramento, CA

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Sacramento, the state capital of California, is a storied city with a long history and several visitor attractions. It's about 93 miles northeast of San Francisco within the Fundamental Valley of California. Notably, the city sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. This region boasts sunny days throughout the year with hot and dry out temperatures throughout the summer.

The urban center'southward history is readily on display at places like Old Sacramento, near the waterfront. This historic commune dates back to the mid-1800s and the California Gilded Blitz. Several buildings all the same stand from this era, offering an immersive world to walk through. Today, mod establishments occupy these old storefronts, including some of Sacramento's best museums.

Much of Sacramento's appeal extends beyond its historical attractions. This modern seat of state government touches upon several aspects of fun things to do. From fashionable neighborhoods to airy city parks and miles-long bike trails, the metropolis offers several ways to enjoy its nice weather.

The best time to visit is more often than not between jump and autumn. This is a great time of year weather-wise and is also when the city hosts some of its nigh prominent festivals and events.

Find the best things to run into and do in this city with our listing of the top tourist attractions in Sacramento.

Encounter also: Where to Stay in Sacramento

ane. California Land Railroad Museum

Exhibit at the California State Railroad Museum — Showroom at the California State Railroad Museum | Photograph Copyright: Brad Lane

With more than 200,000 square feet of exhibit infinite, the California Country Railroad Museum is among the world's largest railway museums. Located in Old Sacramento, this museum is one of the premier attractions in the city.

It houses restored steam locomotives and railway coaches dating from 1862 to 1944. Almost all the wagons tin can be viewed inside. Some cars are furnished, complete with dining identify settings, which show the level of condolement in one case offered on the trains. Yous can walk through a sleeper machine besides.

Exhibits focus on railroad history and other related topics. A few prominent displays touch upon the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad and the office early on immigrants had in laying the get-go tracks. More than broadly, the museum showcases the ways the railroad industry influenced California history.

Families with children will appreciate the Kids' Corner educational programs and All Aboard for Story Time volume readings. Other educational programs include a Junior Engineer plan for children ages vii-12.

During the summertime months, the California State Railroad Museum operates trains along the Sacramento River. Riding aboard a historic steam locomotive or a vintage diesel train is sure to be ane of the highlights of your visit.

Address: Second Street and I Street, Sacramento, California

Official site: http://www.csrmf.org/

Read More than: All-time Museums in Sacramento

ii. State Capitol

I of the top places to visit in Sacramento is the State Capitol building. This construction is an first-class example of Neoclassical architecture and was congenital in the 1860s. It underwent pregnant restoration in the 1970s, updating the Capitol to modern building code and preserving some of the most celebrated rooms.

Today, the California Land Capitol is the eye of country authorities and also operates as the California State Capitol Museum. The public is welcome to tour the historic halls throughout the calendar week. A few of the preserved rooms in the museum include the governor's primary office and the 1906 treasurer's office. Other historic attractions include portraits and various other artworks, also as antiques.

The Capitol edifice itself is an eye-catching attraction. Simply the side by side colorful gardens extending several blocks, comprising Capitol Park, get in the most beautiful among Capitol complexes in the United States. Tall palms and numerous other species of trees and plants line the pathways, and several monuments stand out against the foliage.

Since December 1988 a bronze group sculpture, the Vietnam War Memorial, has stood in the northeast part of Capitol Park (L and 15th Street); its construction was entirely funded by donations, and it commemorates those who sacrificed their lives in the longest war involving the USA.

Address: 1315 tenth Street, Sacramento, California

Official site: capitolmuseum.ca.gov

iii. Crocker Museum of Art

The Crocker Fine art Museum holds an impressive collection of California art from the Gold-Rush era until the present, every bit well as European paintings and drawings and American photography.

The original collection, which however forms the courage of the museum, was donated by Margaret Crocker. This private collection was assembled by Estimate Edwin B. Crocker from 1868 to 1872. The museum'south main building is a grand Italianate Victorian-era mansion, a California Historical Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In addition to the Victorian firm, the Crocker Museum of Fine art displays some of its collection in the contemporary Teel Family Pavilion, which opened in 2010 and tripled the original museum'due south size.

The California fine art collection represents works created from 1860 to the present, while the assortment of European art includes 17th-century Dutch and Flemish artwork, Italian Baroque paintings, and 19th-century Cardinal European pieces. The museum's photography drove boasts stunning images by Ansel Adams and Dorothea Lange, among other American photographers.

For children (historic period v and nether) the museum'due south Tot Country area is a delightful infinite devoted to playful activities and easily-on creative installations. The museum too offers Art Camp classes for children and painting classes for adults.

During summer, the museum hosts music concerts and a film serial; movies are shown in the outdoor courtyard.

Address: 216 O Street (Between 2nd and 3rd Streets), Sacramento, California

Official site: http://www.crockerartmuseum.org/

4. Old Sacramento

Sometime Sacramento covers eight blocks (28 acres) of historic buildings forth the city's waterfront, designated equally a National Historic Landmark. Some of the Gold Rush-era structures are at present part of the Quondam Sacramento State Historic Park, including the Eagle Theater congenital in 1849, the B. F. Hastings Building (circa 1853), and the Big Four Building dating to 1855.

Former Sacramento includes more than than 50 celebrated buildings, mostly from the 1850s, which represent the metropolis'southward original commercial commune, an area that once thrived thanks to the commerce propelled by the Pony Limited and the transcontinental railroad.

The buildings are still occupied past over 125 locally owned shops, restaurants, hotels, and museums, which makes the expanse appealing for tourists. Expect crowds of people filling these historic streets, window shopping, and being guided past the senses. It's a fun area to wander and soak in the history of the expanse.

Shops in Old Sacramento — Shops in One-time Sacramento | Photograph Copyright: Brad Lane

Fun things to exercise in One-time Sacramento include taking a jaunt in a equus caballus-drawn carriage, boarding a riverboat excursion, or climbing aboard a vintage locomotive for a railroad ride. And the California State Railroad Museum and Sacramento History Museum are nearly neighbors in Old Town, each offer a first-class museum experience.

Originally, this surface area was seen as a great commercial heart for the new city in the mid 19th century. However, floods proved to exist a serious problem, and the city was raised by adding earth to this depression-lying area. Eventually, the focus of the city center shifted, and this area had go an impoverished carmine light district. In the 1960s, the surface area underwent redevelopment, which led to the cosmos of what can be seen here today.

Official site: http://oldsacramento.com/

5. Sutter's Fort State Celebrated Park

Sutter's Fort State Historic Park — Sutter's Fort Country Celebrated Park | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane

Sutter'due south Fort Museum stands on what was in one case the site of the first outpost of the white homo in California, set up by the German-Swiss immigrant Johann Baronial Sutter in 1839. The adobe house congenital in the aforementioned twelvemonth has been restored in the original fashion, and houses relics of the pioneering and gold-blitz catamenia.

Today, the replica fort surrounding the adobe house sits well-nigh the center of the city in Midtown, approximately 1.5 miles east of the State Capitol. Visitors pay a small fee to enter the state celebrated park and outset touring the display rooms. Rangers fix next to several of these displays, offering additional information nigh the showroom.

Of note are items related to the town's founder, whose estates reached as far as the other side of the American River near Coloma. After gold was discovered, Sutter was literally overrun by aureate-seekers, to such an extent that he was forced to abscond.

Address: 2701 L Street (Between Chiliad and 50 Streets and 26th and 28th Streets), Sacramento, California

Official site: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=485

6. California Automobile Museum

The California Automobile Museum displays a collection of more than 120 vintage automobiles dating from 1885 to current times. The museum has an extensive collection of Ford cars, with models from 1904 to 1969. The extensive array of archetype and modernistic vehicles on brandish shows the development of American automobiles over the past 130 years.

Special exhibits presented throughout the year focus on diverse themes, such as California motorcar culture, pickup trucks, camping, and road trips. Visitors can also participate in the museum's lively events, including a summer serial of Drive-in Movie Nights. The museum also offers Lord's day Drives on the third Lord's day of each month.

Address: 2200 Front Street (at the corner of V Street), Sacramento, California

Official site: http://world wide web.calautomuseum.org/

vii. Fairytale Boondocks

A popular recreational destination for families with young children, Fairytale Town is a storybook-theme park with 25 play sets based on fairy tales and nursery rhymes such as Cinderella, Humpty Dumpty, Female parent Goose, and Peter Rabbit.

The park also has gentle farm animals, which children can visit. Eeyore the miniature Sicilian ass (a graphic symbol in Winnie the Pooh) and Maddie "the Moo-cow that Jumped over the Moon" are amid the favorites.

Other highlights of FairyTale Town include the learning gardens, puppet shows, music performances, and the collection of 20 "magic story boxes" that tell stories through narration and songs.

Accost: 3901 Land Park Bulldoze, Sacramento, California

Official site: http://www.fairytaletown.org/

8. Sacramento Zoo

Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the Sacramento Zoo, home to more than 500 exotic animals, from aardvarks and African lions to giraffes and jaguars, likewise as more than than 200 reptiles. A few other favorite residents include ruddy pandas, snow leopards, and various primates similar chimpanzees and orangutans.

The xiv-acre zoo also has 14 different aviaries, which provide shelter to 35 species of birds. Many of the zoo animals are rare and endangered. As a way to support wildlife protection, the zoo is involved in local and international conservation projects.

Plan some of the day to enjoy the surrounding William Land Park, better known as Country Park. Alongside the zoo, it'due south habitation to Fairytale State and all-encompassing parkland. The park's several paved and dirt trails are a pedestrian favorite, passing by scenic landscape features like ponds and gardens.

Accost: 3930 West Country Park Drive, Sacramento, California

Official site: http://www.saczoo.org/

9. California State Indian Museum State Historic Park

To understand the history of California, a skillful way to start is by learning almost the original inhabitants: Native Americans. The California State Indian Museum State Historic Park gives visitors an in-depth view of the civilisation and lifestyle of the indigenous people who have lived on the state that'south now California for thousands of years.

The museum illustrates Native American life by presenting iii distinct themes: Family, Nature, and Spirit. The exhibits feature items used in everyday life and for specific occasions, including a redwood canoe, formalism objects, and hunting and angling tools, some of which date back 2,400 years. Photographs and educational content help provide deeper insights into the culture.

California State Indian Museum State Historic Park — California State Indian Museum Land Historic Park

Note the Indian basket collection, a superb assortment of more than 3,000 woven items, from decorative bowls to burden baskets for carrying heavy loads, cooking baskets designed to steam nutrient, and watertight baskets for preparing acorn soup.

Y'all can likewise take role in the museum's easily-on activities such as creating trounce chaplet and using a mortar and pestle to grind acorns.

The museum store sells jewelry, baskets, and other handicrafts made past the local Native American community.

Accost: 2618 Yard Street, Sacramento, California

Official site: http://world wide web.parks.ca.gov/indianmuseum

ten. Midtown

At the heart of Sacramento'due south urban eye, Midtown is a vibrant and bustling area of the city located between 16th and 29th Streets and between E and R Streets. The acme tourist attraction within Midtown is Sutter'due south Fort State Historic Park.

Midtown is also the place to go for shopping, art gallery hopping, theater and trip the light fantastic toe performances, one-act shows, and gourmet dining at trendy restaurants. It's a fun area to wander mean solar day and night, with entertainment stemming from every street corner.

Many of the art galleries participate in Second Saturdays and host gratis receptions on every second Saturday of the calendar month from 6pm to 9pm.

Among locals, a popular event is the Midtown Farmers Market place, which brings together more than than 50 farmers and other vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, and food products. The farmers market place features chef demonstrations on a monthly basis and craft vendor stalls on the 2nd Saturday of the month.

Official site: http://exploremidtown.org

11. American River Cycle Trail/Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail

American River Bike Trail — American River Cycle Trail

Role of Sacramento County's American River Parkway Regional Park, the American River Trail is a well-maintained paved path, which winds through a pleasant natural environment, lined by shady oak copse. It's besides i of the more popular walking and hiking trails in the Sacramento area.

The 32-mile trail parallels the American River, starting in the metropolis of Folsom and ending upwards in Onetime Sacramento. Access to the park is bachelor from Discovery Park, Howe River Access nature preserve, Paradise Beach recreation expanse, and River Bend Park.

12. McKinley Park

McKinley Park, on the due west edge of East Sacramento, is 1 of Sacramento's busiest parks. But with over 30 acres of open space, it'southward rarely a crowded identify to visit. Throughout this ample parkland that dates back to the 1870s, several park amenities lend to frequent twenty-four hour period trips.

Sports facilities are arable at McKinley Park. Alongside basketball, lawn tennis, and volleyball courts, the park as well has softball and soccer fields. Horseshoe pits are also bachelor. And during the extended summertime months, the swimming and wading pool at McKinley is a hot spot to cool off.

Other civilities at the park include a library and community centre. The mural nature is another reason to visit. Paths wind effectually and throughout the open up space, passing by palm trees and ponds.

For flower enthusiasts, spend some time at the Fredrick N. Evans Memorial Rose Garden.

Address: 601 Alhambra Boulevard, Sacramento, California

13. California Museum

For residents and visitors alike, the downtown California Museum is worth a visit. This not-turn a profit facility shares the story of past pioneers and innovators that shaped the Golden State. Exhibits on display cover early immigrants that built the railroads and intrepid women whose California legacies last today.

The California Hall of Fame is a signature showroom on the first flooring of the museum. Several familiar names beautify this tribute to current and by residents, including the likes of Walt Disney, Willy Mays, and Dr. Maya Angelou. Placards beneath each inductee offer actress insight into the lives of these California all-stars.

Other topics at the museum include the California Gold Blitz, the internment of American citizens during World War Two, and the history of California missions. Expect to spend approximately half the day wandering the two floors of exhibits.

Address: 1020 O Street, Sacramento, California

Official site: https://www.californiamuseum.org/

xiv. Leland Stanford Mansion Country Historic Park

Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park — Leland Stanford Mansion State Celebrated Park | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane

Recently renovated to the tune of 22 one thousand thousand dollars, this stunning mansion will non fail to impress y'all. Considered an infrequent example of Victorian-era architecture, the xix,000-square-foot building features 17-human foot ceilings and ornate woodwork, and is furnished with catamenia pieces.

The mansion is located right downtown, and the juxtaposition of this ornately decorated building ready confronting the mod glass buildings is stunning. Its location also makes it an easy piece of architecture to espy, ii blocks southwest of the Land Capitol.

Tours are available most days but may be canceled on occasion, every bit the edifice is also used for state functions and to host international dignitaries. Tours are costless and last approximately thirty minutes. Narration along the way dives into the stately history of the mansion.

15. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament has been a spiritual heart in Sacramento since 1889. Fitting for a California architectural landmark, the cathedral's multi-towered facade is reminiscent of a Spanish colonial church.

The exquisite Neoclassical interior reveals an inspiring domed ceiling and decorative details. Colorful stained-glass windows illuminate the sanctuary, imparting an ethereal glow.

The cathedral offers Eucharist celebrations (Mass) every day and also provides ceremonies for baptisms, weddings, and other occasions. The museum is downtown, less than two blocks from the Country Capitol.

Address: 1017 11th Street, Sacramento, California

Official site: https://world wide web.cathedralsacramento.org

Where to Stay in Sacramento for Sightseeing

Tourists who want to see the top attractions of Sacramento should stay in the metropolis center, near the State Capitol or Old Sacramento. From here, other prime attractions are shut by, including the California State Railway Museum, Governor's Mansion State Historic Park, and Crocker Art Museum. Here are some highly-rated hotels in these convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

Across the street from the State Capitol, the Hyatt Regency Sacramento is ane of the city's about pop hotels, with a health spa, outdoor puddle with cabanas, and hot tub.
Those who adopt boutique accommodation will appreciate The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection in an elegant building from the early 1900s. Every room is different, and the hotel is also habitation to the renowned farm-to-fork Grange Restaurant.
Reverse the Convention Center and merely a block from the State Capitol, the Sheraton Grand Sacramento , with a fitness center and heated outdoor pool, is another popular upscale choice.