15 Fun Things to Do in Sacramento

Welcome to Sacramento, California’s lively capital city. It’s in the heart of the Central Valley. About 93 miles northeast of San Francisco, it’s a place full of history, culture, and fun attractions.

Sacramento has lots to do for everyone. You can visit historic waterfront areas or check out top museums. The city is full of attractions that will interest history lovers, art fans, and those who love adventure.

Exploring Sacramento shows it’s more than a political hub. You can see old gold rush sites or try new foods. The city has something for everyone, from history to outdoor fun to cultural spots. It’s a journey through California’s rich past.

Ready to find out the best spots in Sacramento? This guide will show you the top attractions and hidden treasures. Your adventure in this vibrant city is about to begin!

Explore the California State Capitol

The California State Capitol is a key landmark in Sacramento. It offers a deep look into California’s rich history. The Capitol’s Neoclassical architecture makes it a standout sight, bringing the state’s democratic story to life.

The Capitol Park covers 40 acres, set across 12 city blocks. It’s a beautiful setting for the Capitol building. Finished in 1874, it’s a key piece of architectural history and the heart of state governance.

Take a Guided Tour of the Capitol

Guided tours at the Capitol are engaging and informative. They highlight the political history of California. Key sights include:

Viewing the impressive 53-foot diameter rotunda
Exploring chambers where state legislators make decisions
Discovering displays representing all 58 California counties
Seeing paintings of California’s governors on the third floor

Visit the Capitol Museum

The California State Capitol Museum offers a close-up look at the state’s government history. It takes you back in time to see historic spaces. These spaces show California’s political growth from 1850 to today.

Here’s what you need to know:

Open weekdays 8 AM to 5 PM
Free admission
Wheelchair accessible
Assistive listening devices available

The State Capitol is a must-see for history buffs or anyone curious about California’s government. It offers a unique experience that connects visitors with the state’s democratic heritage.

Discover the Sacramento Zoo

The Sacramento Zoo is in the heart of William Land Park. It’s a great place for sacramento family fun. With nearly 500 animals from over 125 species, it’s perfect for sacramento day trips.

Founded in 1927, the zoo has grown a lot. It now has 14.7 acres of wildlife. Visitors can see animals from all over the world.

Meet the Amazing Animals

The zoo is home to many amazing animals. You can see:

African lions with their mighty roars
Playful red pandas
Rare snow leopards
Exotic reptiles in the Reptile House

Educational Programs for All Ages

The Sacramento Zoo offers more than just animal viewing. There are interactive experiences like:

Giraffe Encounter ($5 per person, daily at 10 am and 2 pm)
Conservation Carousel ride with 32 animal carvings ($3 per ride)
Animal enrichment sessions

Here’s some info for visitors. The zoo is open from 9 am to 4 pm. There’s free parking and it’s easy to get to by SacRT Bus Routes #11 and #106. The zoo also helps animals worldwide, donating over $1 million in the last decade.

Stroll Through Fairytale Town

Sacramento entertainment hits new heights at Fairytale Town. This whimsical park turns stories into interactive adventures. Located at 3901 Land Park Drive, it has been a hit with families for over 60 years. It’s a place where both kids and adults can spark their imagination.

Right across from the Sacramento Zoo, this park is a dream come true. It features 25 play sets inspired by fairy tales and nursery rhymes. You can see Cinderella’s castle, Mother Goose’s neighborhood, and Peter Rabbit’s world.

Enjoy the Play Areas

The park’s play areas let kids dive into their favorite stories. They can:

Slide down the crooked chimney of the Old Woman’s Shoe
Walk along the Yellow Brick Road
Interact with gentle farm animals
Explore imaginative storybook landscapes

Attend Seasonal Events

Fairytale Town changes with the seasons, adding more magic. Families can enjoy themed celebrations, performances, and interactive experiences. These events make memories that last a lifetime.

Here’s some practical info for visitors:

Operating hours vary by season
Dish & Spoon Cafe offers various food options
Children must be accompanied by adults
Free street parking available
Public transit options include bus routes 6 and 62

Looking for a fun afternoon or a magical family outing? Fairytale Town is the place to be. It’s a sacramento family fun experience that has been enchanting visitors for years.

Visit the Old Sacramento Waterfront

Step into a living time capsule at the Old Sacramento Waterfront. It’s a top sacramento sightseeing spot in California. This National Historic Landmark District covers 28 acres, taking you back to the Gold Rush era.

The waterfront is known for its 19th-century architecture. You’ll see wooden boardwalks and historic buildings. They tell stories of the pioneering spirits who came before us.

Explore Historic Buildings

Discover the area’s architectural treasures through these notable historic sites:

Eagle Theater (built in 1849) – California’s oldest existing theater
B.F. Hastings Building (circa 1853) – A pristine example of frontier commerce
Big Four Building (dating to 1855) – Representing early California business

Take a Riverboat Cruise

For an unforgettable sacramento sightseeing experience, take a riverboat cruise. The iconic Delta King riverboat, launched in 1927, now offers hotel and dining. Cruising these historic waters gives you breathtaking views and a deep connection to the region’s maritime heritage.

Old Sacramento Waterfront is more than a tourist spot. It’s a living museum where history comes alive. It invites visitors to walk through time and learn about California’s early years.

Experience the California State Railroad Museum

Discover one of the most fascinating attractions in Sacramento. The California State Railroad Museum is in the heart of Old Sacramento. It takes you back to the golden age of rail travel.

This museum covers 200,000 square feet. It showcases California’s rich railroad history. It’s perfect for history lovers and families looking for fun activities.

See Iconic Locomotives

The museum has an amazing collection for train fans of all ages. You’ll see:

19 restored steam locomotives
Vintage train cars from 1862 to 1944
Over 1,000 vintage toy train cars

Join Special Events

There are special events all year. You can:

Take Seasonal Excursion Train Rides (April-September)
Go on a Spookomotive Train Ride in October
Experience the Polar Express in November and December

Tickets are affordable: $15 for adults and $8 for youth (ages 6-17). Kids 5 and under get in free. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours make history come alive.

Find it at 125 “I” Street in Old Sacramento. It’s among the top railroad museums in the U.S. It’s a place that sparks imagination and wonder for everyone.

Relax at Discovery Park

Discovery Park is a 302-acre natural oasis in Sacramento. It’s where the American and Sacramento Rivers meet. This county park is a great escape from city life, with lots of activities.

It’s part of the American River Parkway Regional Park. This makes it a top spot for nature lovers. It’s perfect for exploring the area’s beauty.

Picnic Paradise

There are many picnic areas in the park. They offer:

Shaded areas under mature oak trees
Picturesque river views
Spacious grounds for family gatherings
Clean, well-maintained facilities

Water Adventures

Kayak lovers will love Discovery Park. It’s a great place to start your river journey. You can rent kayaks and paddle along the river.

Activity	Details	Recommended Time
Kayaking	River exploration	2-3 hours
Fishing	Multiple river access points	Half-day
Bike Trail Access	32-mile American River Trail	Full day

Pro tip: Get there early and pack light. This way, you can enjoy more of Discovery Park’s outdoor fun.

Tour the California Museum

The California Museum is in the heart of Sacramento. It’s a top spot for those who love to explore the state’s rich culture. Here, you can dive into California’s diverse and dynamic history.

Discover California’s Remarkable Stories

The museum has amazing exhibits that show California’s heritage. You can see displays on:

California’s pioneering spirit
Influential state residents
Cultural transformations
Pivotal historical moments

Explore Captivating Exhibits

Inside the museum, you’ll find many attractions. The California Hall of Fame is a highlight. It honors people who have greatly influenced the state.

Exhibit Highlights	Key Features
California Missions	Historical exploration of early settlement
Uprooted Exhibit	Japanese internment camps history
Remarkable Women	Showcasing influential female figures

Practical Visitor Information

Planning your visit is easy with these details:

Location: 1020 O St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM, Sunday 12 PM – 5 PM
Admission: Adults $10, Students/Seniors $8
Last admission: 4 PM daily

Whether you love history or just enjoy exploring, the California Museum is a great choice. It offers a deep dive into California’s rich and complex heritage. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to learn more about the state.

Discover Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park

Sacramento attractions take you on a journey through California’s rich history. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is a key part of this journey. It was founded in 1839 by Johann August Sutter. Here, you can dive into the early days of California.

The fort is a top spot for those who love history and are curious about the past. You can see the restored adobe compound. It was the heart of California’s Central Valley in the 1800s.

Step Back in Time

Walking through the fort feels like stepping back to the mid-1800s. The rooms are set up to show what life was like for early settlers. You’ll see:

Bakery with traditional cooking equipment
Blacksmith Shop demonstrating metalworking techniques
Carpentry Workshop with period tools
Gunsmith Shop displaying early firearms
Immigrants Quarters representing living conditions

Participate in Living History Events

The park hosts lively events that make the pioneer era come alive. Skilled interpreters in period clothes show:

Traditional crafting techniques
Authentic cooking methods
Storytelling about Gold Rush experiences
Historical reenactments of daily frontier life

The fort is at 2701 L St, Sacramento, CA 95816. It’s open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is just $7 for adults. It’s a great and affordable place for families and history lovers.

Indulge in Local Cuisine

Sacramento is a top spot for food lovers. It turns fresh ingredients into amazing meals. The city’s farm-to-fork movement is more than a trend. It’s a deep love for California’s farming heritage.

The city’s food culture is at the heart of its entertainment scene. Thanks to its location in the Central Valley, restaurants get ingredients from nearby farms. This makes meals fresh and full of local flavor.

Explore Farm-to-Fork Dining

Local dining in Sacramento is all about celebrating the region’s crops. Here’s how:

Restaurants use ingredients from within 100 miles.
Seasonal menus reflect what’s in season.
Places like Localis offer Michelin-starred farm-to-table meals.

Visit Popular Food Markets

Sacramento’s food and nightlife scene buzzes in its markets and events:

Market/Event	Highlights
Midtown Farmers Market	Weekly Saturday market with fresh produce and local goods
Farm-to-Fork Festival	Annual celebration featuring local chefs and agricultural producers
Food Truck Gatherings	Diverse cuisine options from mobile kitchens

Sacramento is surrounded by 1.5 million acres of farmland and 160 different crops. It offers a food journey that connects diners to their meals’ origins. Every bite tells a story of local love and farming excellence.

Check Out the Crocker Art Museum

The Crocker Art Museum is Sacramento’s top art spot. It’s a cultural gem for those who love art and history. Opened in 1885, it’s one of the oldest art museums in the West. It has over 15,000 artworks, from the Gold Rush era to today.

It’s a must-see for anyone interested in Sacramento’s art scene. The museum shows art from California and around the world. The 2010 addition of the Teel Family Pavilion expanded its space, making visits more engaging.

See Diverse Art Collections

Art enthusiasts will find something special here. The museum has paintings, sculptures, and more. It welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year, with 20 temporary exhibits.

It also offers programs like Art Access. These make art fun and accessible for everyone. It’s a place where art meets community.

Attend Art Classes

There’s more to do than just look at art here. The Crocker has classes for all levels. You can learn to draw or take photography classes.

These programs turn the museum into a place of learning and creativity. It’s a place where Sacramento’s artistic spirit comes alive.

FAQ

What are the top attractions in Sacramento?

Sacramento has many must-see spots. You can visit the California State Capitol and Old Sacramento Waterfront. The California State Railroad Museum and Sacramento Zoo are also great places to explore.

Don’t miss Fairytale Town, Discovery Park, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, and the Crocker Art Museum. Each offers a unique look at the city’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

Is Sacramento a good destination for families?

Yes, it’s perfect for families! Places like Fairytale Town and the Sacramento Zoo are great for kids. The California State Railroad Museum and Discovery Park offer fun and learning for everyone.

What makes Sacramento’s culinary scene unique?

Sacramento is known as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital. It’s famous for its fresh, local food. You can find everything from fancy restaurants to food trucks here.

Local chefs work with farmers to create amazing meals. This makes Sacramento’s food scene truly special.

When is the best time to visit Sacramento?

Sacramento is great all year, but spring and fall are the best. The weather is mild during these times.

It’s perfect for outdoor fun, festivals, and seeing the city’s sights. You won’t have to worry about too much heat or cold.

How can I explore Sacramento’s historical sites?

Sacramento is full of history. You can visit the California State Capitol and Old Sacramento Waterfront. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park and the California State Railroad Museum are also must-sees.

Many of these places offer tours and interactive exhibits. They bring Sacramento’s history to life.

Are there outdoor activities in Sacramento?

Yes, Sacramento loves the outdoors. Discovery Park is great for kayaking, fishing, and biking. The city also has many parks and bike trails.

There’s the Sacramento Zoo and natural spots nearby. It’s perfect for those who love nature and adventure.

What cultural experiences can I find in Sacramento?

Sacramento is rich in culture. The Crocker Art Museum and California Museum are must-visits. You’ll find art, history, and live performances here.

The city also hosts cultural events. They showcase Sacramento’s vibrant artistic and historical heritage.