The reason people visit Sacramento is clear, as it offers museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
A first stop for many visitors to the city is the State Capitol and Museum, which documents the history of California and offers daily tours of the capitol building, its legislative chambers, and restored historic offices. The California Museum, home to the California Hall of Fame, is located just one block from the Capitol in the State Archives Building. Also popular is the California State Railroad Museum, which features two stories of railroad history, old locomotives, exhibits, and excursion train rides. This museum, as well as the Sacramento History Museum, are located within the historic district of Old Sacramento. The History Museum explores the local region's history from before the Gold Rush to the present throughout the museum’s two floors of interactive galleries. Another ode to the city's past exists in the Sutter Fort State Historic Park. The 19th-century fort was once an agricultural and trade colony in the Mexican Alta California province, and the first non-indigenous settlement in the California Central Valley.
Beyond history, the current culture of Sacramento is also alive and thriving. The Crocker Art Museum is the longest continuously-operating art museum in the West, featuring California art as well as diverse international works. For families, other popular attractions include the Sacramento Zoo, which houses nearly 15 acres with native and endangered species, and the nearby Fairytale Town, featuring a storybook-themed park with animals, gardens, and a cafe.
With a history founded in the Gold Rush, Sacramento is a place that attracts history buffs from all over. Whether you're an expert or not, Old Sacramento's historic tours provide interesting insights into the city's past. Steam train rides are also very popular.
For an escape from the city bustle, Sacramento also has a scenic park in the center of the downtown, called Cesar Chavez Park, where outdoor concerts are often held. If that is not enough, travelers can also head to the outskirts of the city to Folsom Lake. This Reservoir sits on the American River with swimming beaches, boat launches, picnic areas, campgrounds. During the summer, it is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, biking, sailing, kayaking, or jet-skiing.
Museums and Attractions:
Sacramento is celebrated for its prestigious museums and historical landmarks. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Sacramento. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Nevada City Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game for $25 details
- Sacramento Sutter District History and Food Walking Tour for $98 details
- Sacramento Street Art Walking Tour - See the Murals Sacramento is Famous For for $45 details