Location: Sacramento
Top Things to do in Sacramento
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What to do and see in Sacramento, California (CA): The Best Things to do
California's capital city is often overlooked by tourists seeking out better known destinations in other corners of the state. Look again: Sacramento offers a range of exciting, educational and historic attractions sure to entertain all. Families will want to check out the cheetahs, jaguars and crocodiles at the Zoo while political buffs should head to the state Capitol, which features a park and museum on California history, or the Governor's Mansion. Anyone with an interest in trains will enjoy the Railroad Museum's massive collection of antique locomotives. Everyone will enjoy the restaurants and shops of historic Old Sacramento on the city's lovely waterfront.
Restaurants in Sacramento
1. California State Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,760 reviews
Come along for the ride. Stand in the shadow of a 150-year-old, 40-ton monument to innovation, engineering and history. Take a ride along the rails that played a key role in the development of the Golden State. See the history of the California railways come to life in engaging exhibits. A visit to the California State Railroad Museum is a not-to-be-missed experience for persons of all ages.
Reviewed By KLE2013 - Centreville, United States
The Railroad Museum in Old Town Sacramento offers an outstanding experience with a film, guided tours and fascinating restored train cars and locomotive engines. There are docents in most of the exhibited cars that happily share the history of the car- the dining car and the mail car were particularly interesting. The history of the Transcontinental Railroad and its construction is vividly recalled in a series of displays. Exhibits provide information to engage both children and adults. We visited with friends and their children aged 5 and 12 and both children found areas of interest from the model trains to the hands on electronics experiments. Admission for adults is $12 and your ticket allows multiple reentry for that same day. The museum is open from 10-5 daily and you could easily spend several hours exploring the three story museum.
2. Crocker Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,133 reviews
The Crocker Art Museum was one of the first art museums in the U.S. and is now one of the leading art institutions in California. Established in 1885, the Museum features one of the country’s finest collections of Californian art, exceptional holdings of master drawings, a comprehensive collection of international ceramics, as well as European, Asian, African, and Oceanic art. The Crocker is CLOSED every Monday.
Reviewed By TeamExplorers - Sacramento, United States
A long-term resident of Chicago I regularly enjoyed visiting the Art Institute of Chicago. Now a resident of Sacramento and a member of the Crocker Art Museum I enjoy this museum equally. In terms of size there is, of course no direct comparison but The Crocker is a true gem judging on its own merits. The beautiful modern structure, filled with a wide variety of treasures--permanent and visiting--is well worth frequent visits. The integral Crocker Family home is an outstanding historical treasure and gives an in-depth and interesting view of life in mid-1800's. The Crocker's involvement in the Sacramento community is of particular note as it gives rise to all sorts of events drawing in folks from all walks of life in our city. The Crocker Café in the lobby is perfect place to share lunch or a light dinner with friends and family. We visit the Crocker frequently and always come away refreshed. The Crocker is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) which is itself a basis for our recommendation you visit The Crocker.
3. American River Bicycle Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 619 reviews
Part of the American Discovery Trail, this path is exclusively for non-motorized use, and it extends throughout the city.
Reviewed By M8826GWpeters
This city was built at the confluence of two rivers because; well, it is the confluence of two rivers. For a hundred years we then ignored that locale, except for the landed elite few who built private homes overlooking one or the other river. Then, sometime late last century, civic leaders and benefactors rediscovered the gem of our nearly 30 miles of uninterrupted river shore. The Jedediah Smith bike trail is a paved two lane route exclusively for bicycles running from the Old Port Sacramento waterfront to the shores of Folsom lake, with nary a highway crossing, stoplight or intersection with automobile traffic. It is mostly shaded by native oaks and cottonwoods, with continuous views to the American River and periodic ‘off ramps’ to neighborhoods such as Campus Commons, Carmichael, Rancho Cordova, Fair Oaks and Folsom. It’s not uncommon to see beaver, herons, duck, geese and even deer along this route. There are ample opportunities for picnics, fishing, rafting and swimming. It’s a great day out for cyclists, or families, or couples - anyone looking for the great outdoors right in their back yard.
4. Capitol Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 538 reviews
This popular park, surrounding the California State Capitol, has trees from around the world and memorials to significant state events.
Reviewed By SearchAndVisit - Ocala, United States
A walk to the capitol buildings provided shade under trees from various countries as well as California. The rose garden is beautifully maintained and the Vietnam Memorial is reason enough to slow down and reflect. This park is a gem and should be included in your visit downtown. Californians should be proud.
5. California State Capitol Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,379 reviews
MESSAGE FOR TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF TOURS AT STATE CAPITOL In an effort to protect public health and the safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff as the state responds to the continued threat of COVID-19, California State Parks is temporarily suspending all guided tours at the California State Capitol Museum. The California State Capitol IS NOW CLOSED to the public. This 19th-century granite building, modeled after the U.S. Capitol, is home to the California Legislature and houses a public museum and a surrounding garden. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Reviewed By curiosityseeker19
To me this is our city's pride and joy. A most beautiful building that luckily was saved due to an increase in patriotism during the Bicentennial year. The building was seismic proof so many of it's roof top statues were removed. A display of the seismic proofing can be found in the basement along with a nice gift shop. Free tours are offered and well worth it. Their is a big statue in the rotunda and tours take you inside the assembly and senate chambers with it's Czech lead crystal chandeliers, and walk passed the governor's portraits. There are rooms of historic information, a film to watch and antiqued furnished rooms. Don't miss Arnold Schwarzengger's bronze bear in front of the governor's office and the hallway of county exhibits. Due to security there is only one entrance now. The capitol grounds with it's memorials, camilla garden, peace rose garden tree arboretum, and site of Res. Gerald Ford's almost assassination.
6. Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Reviewed By Tessa2
This a a must see on any Sacramento visit. The free tour is very interesting. The history of this building is very neat. Period furniture pieces in pristine condition are a bonus.
7. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 302 reviews
Reviewed By tinaNtravel - San Jose, United States
The inside of the Cathedral contains two stories of beautiful stained glass windows. The vaulted ceiling, woodwork and architecture are all impressive. The paintings and the altar are also quite beautiful. The Cathedral is just a short walk from the Capital building. You can park in the parking garage on 10th street and walk up the slight incline to get to the Cathedral and down to get to the Capital building. The only downside of the Cathedral is that the mass schedule does not appear to be correct. I tried to go twice on Sunday (before and after visiting the Capital building), when there should not have been a mass, according to the schedule, but there was. Note: the Cathedral has a small gift shop that was closed when I visited and restrooms downstairs.
8. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 546 reviews
Recreation of John Sutter's fort.
Reviewed By Jrbeck - Sacramento, United States
Sutter’s Fort was Sacramento before there was a Sacramento. From here, volunteers rescued many of the doomed Donner Party. It was Sutter who sent Marshall upthe American River to build a saw mill......and he discovered GOLD. There are docents always there to teach pioneer skills. Great trip for school kids and history buffs.
9. Old Sacramento
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,110 reviews
This historic area of restored buildings, museums and novelty shops brings life to the Sacramento waterfront.
Reviewed By mfossler67 - Boulder, United States
I moved to Arizona from the Sacramento area in 2005. Some of my fondest memories were spent here in Old Sacramento from jazz festivals, walking the kids in strollers (was a bit of a challenge at times with the cobblestone streets and wooden sidewalks), and walking around hitting some of the great bars and restaurants. Weekends are always crazy, but on this particular day, my eldest son (now 25 who was born in Sac), and I took our time wandering through the different stores. We stopped at the historical building as the railroad museum was too pricey for us to just quickly go through. We hit our old favorites like the toy and kite store, the salt water taffy shop, the olive oil sore, and my all time favorite, Enchantment, where I picked up some cards for my daughter and some incense. It was nice walking around on this Sunday morning. Come early to find parking, as this is always a challenge.
10. Sacramento Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 627 reviews
Children and adults alike delight in this zoo's almost 400 species of wildlife.
Reviewed By doctorbove - Sacramento, United States
We have a membership to the zoo, and we do not even have kids. Nestled right near William Land Park in Sacramento, you are able to get up close and personal with giraffes, lions, gibbons, meerkats, and so much more! With over 500 animals, including exotic and endangered varieties, there is something for everyone. They host special events, have a Zoo Train, and the staff are very knowledgeable about their inhabitants. There may be no way that you would ever think that all of these animals could be right in your backyard, but guess again! Please do something for yourself, and put this affordable outing on your calendar today...you will not regret it. No doubt that your children or grandchildren will certainly enjoy seeing the animals, but then again, so will you!
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