30 Best Places to Visit and Things to do in Sacramento, California

The capital city of California, Sacramento, is a city that is rich in culture, history, and an array of other impressive things that can interest almost every type of traveler. The tagline “California begins here” perfectly describes the feeling you get when you step into Sacramento.

This culturally inspired city never ceases to amaze the visitors through the several monumental buildings, natural spreads, and other touristy spots. Sacramento holds its history and past close to its heart, and this can clearly be seen through the many avenues dotting this city. Fall in love with this wonderful city by checking out these amazing places to visit in Sacramento and things to do in Sacramento.

California State Railroad Museum

If you are a train buff, visiting the California State Railroad Museum will surely leave you smiling with excitement. You would love the incredible collection of vintage locomotive trains featured by this railroad museum.

When in this museum, make sure to hop aboard the Sacramento Southern Railroad’s restored passenger train for an exciting 45-minute jaunt by the river. Due to certain weather constraints, this train only runs on a few selected dates in a year.

By BenFranske CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 125 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814, US | Timing:10am-5pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/NX5FEn6uWCe7pXaf9 | Phone number: +19164457387

Old Sacramento State Historic Park

This spectacular river port park, located right alongside Downtown in Old Sacramento, is a star attraction drawing several tourists every year. The park’s old-fashioned atmosphere with the Gold Rush-era’s vibes makes it the perfect park for an evening stroll.

The aromatic whiffs of saltwater taffy in this park make it an ideal place during the summer evenings. This park proudly hosts the largest number of buildings registered in the National Directory of Historic Places including the historic Eagle Theatre.

By Morn at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 111 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814, US | Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/z8FUdCWSa8P62eJb7 | Phone number: +19164457387

Sacramento Zoo (Saczoo)

Sacramento Zoo first opened its gates to visitors in 1927 with only 40 different animals. However, with the help of the sponsored drive by the Sacramento Union Newspaper, a few other animals were adopted by the zoo in 1948.

This zoo now houses more than 500 animals in its enclosures. A few baby flamingos were recently added to this zoo. These adorable flamingo hatchings became so popular that they even caught the eye of the celebrity, Jimmy Fallon.

By L Wade Brown, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 3930 W Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822, US | Timing: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/urYmoU3m2jm6oD4B8 | Phone number: +19168085888

Crocker Art Museum

Crocker Art Museum is accommodated by the ornately structured Victorian Mansion. Apart from the striking architecture, this museum boasts an incredible collection of art pieces. The brilliantly curated contemporary art collection featured in this museum makes it an art lover’s paradise.

You can also witness incredible works by European painters and masters of California adorning the walls of this museum. This museum is recognized internationally for featuring the largest ceramic collection from different parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Europe.

By Crockerart, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 216 O St, Sacramento, CA 95814, US | Timing: Monday-Sunday: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/ebcNvDr9q9sFnzG67 | Phone number: +19168087000

California State Capitol

One of the most recognizable structures of California is the gleaming dome atop the California State Capitol. This historic building in California, which is a crucial Sacramento point of interest, features beautiful portraits of several figures who are of historical significance.

West Wing is the best place to check out these splendid paintings and portraits. You can also take a stroll in the 40 acres of land spread with luscious gardens and even visit the memorials surrounding the building.

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Address: 1315 10th St room b-27, Sacramento, CA 95814, US | Timing: 10:30 am to 04:00 pm Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/4jKcGVuMNUHHK3A29 | Phone number: +19163240333

Sutter’s Fort

Sutter’s fort was built in 1843, and this fort was earlier referred to as the New Helvetia fort meaning New Switzerland fort. Since its introduction, the Sutter’s fort has been seen serving as a trading post and also a rehabilitation center for the survivors of the Donner Party.

This fort also acted as a refugee camp during the San Francisco earthquake in 1906. Due to these reasons, in 1961, this fort received the title of the National Historic Landmark.

By Howcheng, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: 2701 L St, Sacramento, CA 95816, US | Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/6zqdPNw3bdSno6jh9 | Phone number: +19164454422

B Street Theatre

The B Street Theatre has slowly emerged as one of the most interesting Sacramento attractions. This more or less serves as an institution where several critics can be seen regularly visiting to witness great shows.

The main goal of this theatre is to promote literacy as well as education by creating high-quality shows for the viewers. This theatre has been conducting shows for more than 30 years, and for 14 years, it has been winning the title of “Best Live Theatre.”

By Co-Workers at B Street Theatre, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 2700 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA 95816, US | Timing: As per the shows | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/XVTeMM4S3TmNJNNp8 | Phone number: +19164435300

Home to Antique the California Automobile Museum

The California Automobile Museum was founded in 1982 by a few volunteers. The story behind this event is as interesting as the museum. A few volunteers were engrossed in a meeting where one of them pulled out a note of $100 for the museum and asked if anybody else can match him.

To his surprise, there were five other people other than him who came forward to contribute $100 each for establishing this museum. This is how the starting funds to establish this non-profit museum was collected. One of the very first collections of the museum was a variety of Ford vehicles. Now, the museum features a diverse collection of automobiles of multiple makes.

By Dariusz Jemielniak, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: 2200 Front St, Sacramento, CA 95818, US | Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google map location: https://g.page/CalAutoMuseum?share | Phone number: +19164426802

Visit the Leland Stanford Mansion

One of the best things to do in Sacramento, CA, is to visit the Leland Stanford Mansion. More commonly referred to as the Stanford Mansion, this building is an architectural wonder of historical importance, located in the heart of the city.

This historic mansion with a sprawling garden serves as the California government’s official reception unit. It is also one of the workplaces of the city’s Governor, who uses this mansion essentially for official purposes.

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Address: 800 N St, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/qLVgR3c9QWK9XhMr5

Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is a popular church among the Catholics residing in the city. This cathedral accommodates around 99 churches and serves more than a million Catholics.

Although there have been several renovation operations on this cathedral, it continues to tower through the Sacramento skies looking as spectacular as it was before. The most intriguing characteristics of this church are the 34 meters high dome and the 13-foot crucifix located in the church interiors.

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Address: 1019 11th St, Sacramento, CA 95814, US | Timing: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 3:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/oeSr2v6mRE5Q44CcA | Phone number: +19164443071

Go to Historic Crest Theatre

This theatre in Sacramento first came into being about a century ago when it was popularly known as the Empress Theatre. Later on, the name of the theatre was changed to Hippodrome Theatre.

After this, the theatre was renamed the Crest Theatre, and the entire venue was remodeled. This theatre hosts plenty of interesting events like the Sacramento Japanese Film Festival, French Festival, Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and International Film Festival.

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Address: 1170 Broadway St, Fresno, CA 93721, US | Timing: As per the shows Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/qUF3LM2vkGs2ENDZ6 | Phone number: +15592680044

State Indian Museum

The State Indian Museum in California was first opened for public viewing in 1940 and is one of the most interesting things to see in Sacramento. The main goal of this museum is to display three varied themes that represent the reflection of the elements crucial to the Indians.

These three themes are Family, Spirit, and Nature. This museum features artifacts and photographs that display the journey of Indians towards prosperity in California through the years. Many of the display pieces here are donated by native Indians and hold historical significance. This museum also features an exhibition that purely focuses on Ishi who is believed to be the last lone Indian survivor of the Yahi tribe.

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Address: 2618 K St, Sacramento, CA 95816, US | Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/hmiNdDDRZbuzkBvG9 | Phone number: +19163240971

Lawrence Argent “Leap”

Lawrence Argent “Leap” is one of the best places to visit in Sacramento. The 10,000-pound red rabbit installation, which is around 56 feet in length, runs inside the International Airport of the city and is known to hold the travel means for all those visitors traveling to Sacramento.

This suspended rabbit is curated using 1400 triangles of aluminum and is placed in such a way that it seems as though it is leaping inside a suitcase that is placed on the airport’s floor.

Address: 401 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574, US | Timing: 24/7 | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/d9WYkEo6fBMjReq26

Tower Bridge

The Tower Bridge or Sacramento River Bridge is the connecting link between the Eastern Sacramento County and Western Sacramento. This elegant bridge was built in 1935, and during the launch of the bridge, around 100 homing pigeons were flown across the entire state to give this good news to the residing locals of the city.

Although this bridge has undergone several innovative renovations, most of the original equipment still remains intact. Before 1960, this bridge was majorly used as a railroad.

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Address: Sacramento, CA 95814, US | Timing: 24/7 | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/xvQGSqwuWVWXfmJPA | Phone number: +19168088300

American River

American River is a prominent river in the history of California, that surrounds the city and runs about 120 miles emerging from the Sierra Nevada mountain’s melted snowpack.

This river now hosts an abundant number of recreational activities for all the visitors. The main attraction which draws visitors near this river is the trail that runs along the American River, that is used by runners, bikers, and strollers throughout the day.

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Address: California, US | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/WvLRYvNx6QcuUKC27

Explore Delta King Hotel the Riverboat Hotel

Staying aboard the Delta King Hotel is an exciting experience that must be witnessed if you are visiting Sacramento. This hotel is actually a vintage paddle wheeler that is docked amidst the river.

The best time to visit this hotel is during the night when it lights up bright like a Christmas tree. This hotel also houses a grill and a bar where you can sip on your favorite drink while snacking on some deliciously curated meals by the onboard chef.

Address: 1000 Front St, Sacramento, CA 95814, US | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/TbKXETLkFhUZqzzd6 | Phone number: +19164445464

Go on a Mural Tour

One of the fun things to do in Sacramento is to go on a Mural Tour. The Mural Tour is best for exploring the most unique and alive parts of Midtown Sacramento. Through this tour not only will you learn in-depth about the historic murals in this part of the city, but you will also get an idea about the current art scene in Sacramento.

During the Mural Tour, take a short walk in the Improv Alley where you can see various unique paintings on the walls as well as the dumpsters.

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Address: 00602850160000, Sacramento, CA 95811, US | Timing: 24/7 Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/rxM43di2tMqABaic9

River Cruise

A river cruise is the best way to take in the intriguing history of the city while comfortably cruising through the Sacramento River. Such a river cruise tour sails past some of the most popular Old Sacramento attractions, including Street Bridge, Delta King, Air Force Docks, and Tower Bridge.

During the river cruise tour, you will learn more about the culturally rich history of Sacramento, which includes insightful information about the Pony Express, Gold Rush, and so much more.

Address: 36339 S River Rd, Clarksburg, CA 95612, US | Timing: 08:00 am to 10:00 pm Google map location: https://g.page/sacrivercruise?share | Phone number: +1916-800-7887

Go Golfing

Since Sacramento, California enjoys decent and desirable weather throughout the year, many outdoor activities can be enjoyed in the different avenues housed by this city. Golfing is one such exciting outdoor activity that can be enjoyed year-round in Sacramento.

If you wish to practice your golfing swings in Sacramento, the ideal place to head to would be Haggin Oaks, which features a huge garden. This place opens its gate for golfers 24/7, throughout the day from May to September.

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Address: 3645 Fulton Ave, Sacramento, CA 95821, US | Timing: 06:00 am to 08:00 pm | Google map location: https://g.page/hagginoaks?share | Phone number: +19164814653

Go Biking at Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail

One of the most interesting things to do in Sacramento is to visit the Jedediah Smith Memorial Bike Trail or the American River Bike Trail. This bike trail is about 32 miles long and is ideal for fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers. This delightful bike trail runs between Beal’s Point and Old Sacramento’s Discovery Park (a popular park in Sacramento).

The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail is best explored on a bike. You can even rest on any of the park benches or stop at any of the park food centers accommodated by the Discovery Park Garden.

Address: Sacramento, CA, US | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/ahL3tvoDBJpQXZPt8

California State Fair

California State Fair has been known to host several interesting events since 1854, which was the year of its inception. A few of the many events hosted here include blue-ribbon livestock, horse racing, and agricultural exhibition.

Such events are a great way to showcase the city’s bounty to the visitors. There are a few events like the corn dog and deep-fried snickers eating contests, which were recently introduced to the public.

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Address: 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815, US | Timing: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/otxxYg7xh5VXn6Hq7 | Phone number: +19162633247

Wells Fargo Museum

If you are visiting Sacramento with your kids, you must add visiting this museum to your Sacramento things to do list. This museum was launched in 1852 and with time this unit transformed into a museum featuring the innovations of the Gold-Rush era, Pony Express, statewide stagecoaches, and transcontinental telegrams.

In this museum, you can even hop aboard a stagecoach that has been preserved through time. In this museum, kids can ride a mechanical pony for free and listen to some interesting trail stories.

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Address: 1000 2nd St, Sacramento, CA 95814, US | Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/3Lxm95gXckwGYsFo8 | Phone number: +19164404263

Fairytale Town

Are you thinking about what to do in Sacramento when visiting with kids? Another place to visit in Sacramento, California when traveling with your family is the Fairytale Town museum. All the popular nursery rhymes and fairytales that your kids learn about in school are brought to life in this museum.

With 25 varied play areas in this museum reflecting different stories, your child will definitely have a great time seeing all the fairytales come to life. Plenty of beloved characters like Mary’s sheep, Peter Rabbit, and others are dotted throughout this museum.

Address: 3901 Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822, US | Timing: 10:00 am to 04:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/yNqHivRLug6KLR617 | Phone number: +19168085233

Have Fun Time with Family at Scandia Fun Center

If you are visiting Sacramento with your family, make sure that you visit Scandia fun center during your visit. The main attraction of this fun center is the ride spanning 165 feet, which swings at a speed of 65 miles per hour.

One standard rule which applies to all the visitors of this center is that they are not allowed to scream while enjoying the ride so that the people residing in the nearby areas do not get disturbed.

Address: 5070 Hillsdale Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95842, US | Timing: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/hKUD85EkfPDMKKQG9 | Phone number: +19163315757

Support Local at Farmers Markets

You are never too far away from a farmer’s market in Sacramento. Such a market is organized throughout the year and almost on all days of the week during the summer and fall seasons. Since Sacramento is agriculturally rich, you can get farm-fresh produce at such a market.

Here, you can find plenty of food trucks selling multiple culinary delights. Also, such a market also features many street performances showing off their talent to the visitors of the market.

By Downtowngal, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: W St &, 8th St, Sacramento, CA 95818, US | Timing: 08:00 am to 12:00 pm Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/wPbXY3HqCa1CKYJu6 | Phone number: +19166880100

California State Library

California State Library is an iconic center in history responsible for the collection, preservation, generation, and dissemination of varied information.

The California State Legislature first established this library in 1850. In current times, this library acts as the central research and reference center for the state government as well as the Legislature.

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Address: 914 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814, US | Timing: Monday to Friday: 09:30 am to 04:00 pm Google map location: https://g.page/CAStateLibrary?share | Phone number: +19163239843

Underground Tour

If you truly wish to know in-depth about the history of Sacramento, you must participate in the underground tour conducted in Old Sacramento. Each underground tour is for about 45 minutes and focuses on sharing a few crucial glimpses of Sacramento’s history.

Through this tour, you can know how it was like to live in Sacramento about 150 years ago. You also get a chance to travel underneath some of the most historic buildings in Old Sacramento.

Address: 101 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814, US | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/F4DVCD1smArwKPq2A | Phone number: +19168087059

Go Wine Tasting at Old Sugar Mill

The Old Sugar Mill functioned as a beet sugar refinery up until 1934. The bucolic decor and the exposed walls made of brick make this renovated Old Sugar Mill look aesthetically appealing.

This place not just serves as a winery but also offers regular wine tasting tours as well. The Old Sugar Mill hosts more than ten different wine types in the northern part of California. The wine tasting tours here are complemented with pleasant background tunes, picnics, food, and seasonal events.

Address: 35265 Willow Ave, Clarksburg, CA 95612, US | Timing: 11:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/6eozDFc9s1mo3dhr7 | Phone number: +19167441615

Explore the Midtown

It is a natural tendency for people visiting Sacramento to explore Downtown Sacramento. However, if you wish to witness some of the most intriguing cultural happenings and try out some of the most delicious food offerings, you must head to Midtown.

When you visit this area during the day, you can see the streets bustling with festival-goers and shoppers. If you wish to check out the popular dining venues, clubs, and bars, you must visit this area after sunset.

Address: Midtown, Sacramento, CA, US | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/2MaCrj6ia1UEefJk7

Enjoy the Lights at Dovewood Court

If you are visiting Sacramento during December, you must not miss visiting the Dovewood Court. Each holiday season, every house in Dovewood Court is wonderfully decked up with lights and other decor pieces.

One of the best things to do in Sacramento to enjoy your time in Dovewood Court is to stroll through the court, take a short drive here, or just leisurely relax at the benches while soaking in the Christmas scenes around you. Make sure to carry some non-perishable food items while visiting this place.

Address: Dovewood Ct, Orangevale, CA 95662, US | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/JojgxbV617mXPBcY9

Some of the fabulously unique Sacramento attractions and sights are housed in Northern California. Are you still wondering what to do in Sacramento city? Pack your bags this winter and explore the wide array of gems hidden away in this truly intriguing capital of California.