Often overshadowed by larger cities along the California coast, this dynamic capital offers a rewarding mix of history, culture, and entertainment. From preserved historic districts to vibrant arts and dining scenes, it has far more to offer than many visitors expect.
Sacramento serves as the capital of California and is home to landmarks such as the impressive California State Capitol. The city also features a large and well-preserved Old Town filled with Gold Rush-era architecture, museums, and historic attractions.
Beyond its political importance, Sacramento is recognized as an economic and cultural hub and has even been described as one of the most diverse cities in America. Its neighborhoods showcase thriving arts, food, and nightlife scenes, while nearby outdoor spaces provide opportunities for recreation and exploration.
Old Sacramento
Full of beautiful historic buildings, interesting museums, and bustling businesses; Old Sacramento really is a treat to explore. Covering a huge part of the city center, the lively historic district and its wealth of attractions take you back to the days when Sacramento was a thriving riverfront pioneer town.
Impressively home to the largest concentration of historic buildings and landmarks in the state, the area has a lovely Old West look and feel with horse-drawn stagecoaches slowly makes their way along its scenic streets. Dotted about are over a hundred shops and restaurants with countless cafes and hotels now also to be found occupying its attractive old buildings.
As well as stopping by sights such as the Sacramento History Museum and old Eagle Theater, you can also enjoy a cruise on a historic riverboat or a romantic ride in a steam train or stagecoach.
California State Capitol
Standing out delightfully against the lush green grounds around it is the California State Capitol, the city’s standout symbol and sight. Set within Capitol Park, the sparkling Neoclassical structure has been home to California’s government since 1869.
Now recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the brilliantly bright white building showcases some exquisite architecture with its lofty dome towering above a pretty portico and fine Corinthian columns. Inside is just as appealing as elegant artworks and antiques line its grand galleries and stately rooms with portraits of the governors also on show.
Aside from touring around the building and visiting its magnificent museum, it is also well worth exploring the surrounding gardens which are home to lots of important and impressive monuments and memorials.
Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
One of the city’s most beautiful buildings, the stunning Leland Stanford Mansion is now protected as part of a state historic park. Set in the heart of downtown, it lies not far from the State Capitol Building and often acts as an official reception center for the Californian government when foreign dignitaries are in town.
Built in 1856 during the Californian Gold Rush, the massive and majestic mansion showcases some striking Second Empire style architecture and lies among some immaculately manicured grounds and gardens. Recently restored, its elegant interior is just as tastefully decorated with exquisite artworks, period pieces, and fine furnishings on show.
Visitors can now take tours around the marvelous mansion and its gardens which were recognized as a national historic landmark in 1987.
California State Fair
An extraordinary event like no other, the California State Fair welcomes millions of visitors each year, come to enjoy its enticing array of attractions, exhibits, and live entertainment. Held over the course of seventeen action-packed days, it showcases the best of California’s agriculture and industries with concerts, competitions and carnivals all taking place.
Since its first edition in 1854, the annual fair has been one of the most popular and well attended events in the state and it is easy to see why. As well as innumerable stands and displays, it has over fifty carnival rides and a fantastic food festival for visitors to enjoy.
Held at the Cal Expo site just ten minutes’ drive northeast of the center, the California State Fair is definitely well worth checking out for its lively ambience and endless attractions and animal shows.
American River Bicycle Trail
When in town, a wonderful way to see some of the city’s scenic surroundings is to take a peaceful and picturesque cycle ride along the American River Bicycle Trail. Stretching over fifty kilometers in length, the paved pathway is very popular with locals and tourists alike as it takes you past some simply spellbinding scenery and nature.
One of the longest trails of its kind in the country, the path meanders its way from Discovery Park in Sacramento all the way to Beal’s Point at Folsom Lake. As it runs alongside the American River, it passes through lush green spaces and pristine parks with recreation areas also dotted about.
Besides biking, you can also run, walk, jog, or horseback ride along the path which is also known as the Jebediah Smith Memorial Trail after the famous fur trapper and explorer.
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
Now surrounded by the city, Sutter’s Fort is the site of what was once the first European outpost to be established in California. Protected as part of a state historic park, it makes for a very interesting place to visit with its artifacts and exhibits exploring the infamous Gold Rush period.
Named after Johann August Sutter, the German-Swiss immigrant and agriculturalist who built the fort, it was erected out of adobe in 1841. Now wonderfully well-restored, the two-storey structure is fascinating to explore with old antiques and informative displays coating its interior.
Although it was abandoned less than a decade later when gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill, the fort is certainly well worth visiting for the important role it played in the settlement of the state.
California State Railroad Museum
Another must-visit place for people interested in learning more about the history of both the city and the state is the superb California State Railroad Museum. Located on the northern edge of Old Sacramento, its excellent exhibits and vintage locomotives look at the massive impact railroads had on American society.
Founded in 1976, the museum now has over twenty restored railroad cars and trains for visitors to explore with innumerable artifacts and old equipment pieces also on show. While some exhibitions shine a light on the working conditions and lives of railroaders during the Gold Rush years, others focus on how trains impacted travel, trade, and the endless expansion West.
Aside from taking in all their fine features, you can actually take a ride on one of its diesel engines or steam locomotives as the museum operates an excursion line alongside the Sacramento River.