Sacramento, California Travel Guide

Sacramento, California: Discover the charm of California's capital with its historic sites, lush parks, vibrant food scene, and rich cultural heritage.

Welcome to Sacramento, the vibrant capital of California, where history meets modernity in a seamless blend. Nestled at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, this city offers a rich tapestry of attractions for every kind of traveler. From its historic Gold Rush-era Old Sacramento to its bustling downtown, Sacramento is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Sacramento, a historic district that brings the past to life with its preserved 19th-century buildings and charming riverfront. Here, you can visit the California State Railroad Museum, one of the finest in the nation, or take a scenic river cruise. The district's unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment options make it a lively spot throughout the day and night. Sacramento is also a city of parks and greenery. The American River Parkway offers miles of scenic biking and hiking trails, while the Capitol Park is an urban oasis with beautiful gardens and historic monuments. Don’t miss the State Capitol building itself, where you can tour the seat of California’s government and admire its stunning architecture and art. Foodies will find Sacramento a delight, as it proudly holds the title of 'Farm-to-Fork Capital'. The city's culinary scene is vibrant and diverse, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From trendy eateries in Midtown to the bustling farmers' markets, every meal here is a celebration of the region's agricultural bounty. To top it off, the city's burgeoning wine scene offers plenty of opportunities for tastings and tours. Art and culture enthusiasts will appreciate the Crocker Art Museum, one of the oldest art museums in the West, and the numerous galleries and music venues scattered throughout the city. Sacramento’s calendar is filled with festivals, concerts, and cultural events, ensuring there’s always something happening. Whether you're interested in history, outdoor activities, culinary delights, or cultural experiences, Sacramento has something for everyone. Its welcoming community and laid-back vibe make it a perfect destination for a memorable getaway.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sacramento.

Visit Old Sacramento early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful stroll along the river.
Check out the local farmers' markets for fresh produce and unique local goods. The Midtown Farmers' Market is a favorite.
Rent a bike and explore the American River Parkway for a scenic and active way to experience the city's natural beauty.
Tour the California State Capitol Museum for a deeper understanding of the state's history and government.
Make dining reservations ahead of time, especially for popular farm-to-fork restaurants in Midtown.

Neighbourhoods in Sacramento

Old Sacramento Historic District

Downtown Sacramento

Midtown Sacramento

East Sacramento

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Sacramento

Explore Sacramento: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Sacramento

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Best Attractions

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William Land Regional Park

Explore the lush landscapes, family-friendly attractions, and serene lakes of William Land Regional Park in Sacramento, a perfect urban retreat.

4.6

m2 Wines

Experience the best of California's wine country at M2 Wines, where exquisite wines and scenic views await every visitor.

4.7

Pony Express Statue

Discover the Pony Express Statue in Sacramento, a historical monument celebrating the daring spirit of America's legendary mail service.

4.4

What Cheer House

Discover the rich history and architectural beauty of What Cheer House in Old Sacramento, a must-visit historical landmark for every traveler.

4.5

Best landmarks in Sacramento

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Old Sacramento Waterfront

Discover the historical heart of Sacramento at Old Sacramento Waterfront, a charming blend of shops, restaurants, and museums along the scenic river.

4.6

William Land Regional Park

Explore the lush landscapes and family-friendly attractions of William Land Regional Park, a serene escape in the heart of Sacramento.

4.6

California State Capitol Museum

Explore California's rich history at the California State Capitol Museum, a majestic blend of architecture, culture, and nature in Sacramento.

4.7

California State Railroad Museum

Discover the rich history of railroads at the California State Railroad Museum, where history comes alive through interactive exhibits and stunning train collections.

4.8

Best restaurants in Sacramento

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Tower Café

Experience diverse flavors and warm hospitality at Tower Café - Sacramento's go-to spot for eclectic breakfasts and lunches.

4.6

Cafeteria 15L

Discover Cafeteria 15L: A must-visit American restaurant in Sacramento for brunch lovers and cocktail enthusiasts seeking vibrant flavors.

4.4

Fox & Goose Public House

Discover the charm of Fox & Goose Public House in Sacramento - your destination for authentic British cuisine and cozy dining experiences.

4.5

Iron Horse Tavern - R St. Sacramento

Discover culinary excellence at Iron Horse Tavern in Sacramento – where American flavors meet fine dining in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.4

Best bars in Sacramento

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Yard House

Discover Yard House in Sacramento: a vibrant gastropub with a vast selection of craft beers and delicious New American cuisine for every taste.

4.4

The Shady Lady Saloon

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious offerings at The Shady Lady Saloon, Sacramento's unique bar destination for food and drinks.

4.5

Dive Bar

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Sacramento at Dive Bar, where craft cocktails and a unique ambiance await you.

4.2

The Jungle Bird

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of The Jungle Bird, Sacramento's premier Tiki bar, serving exotic cocktails and delicious cuisine in a tropical setting.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Sacramento

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The Shady Lady Saloon

Experience the vibrant nightlife and delicious culinary offerings at The Shady Lady Saloon in Downtown Sacramento, where live music meets a charming bar atmosphere.

4.5

Dive Bar

Experience Sacramento's nightlife at Dive Bar, a vibrant cocktail lounge known for its creative drinks and lively atmosphere.

4.2

The Flamingo House Social Club

Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Flamingo House Social Club in Sacramento, where delicious food and creative cocktails meet lively entertainment.

4.3

Torch Club

Discover Sacramento's vibrant nightlife at the Torch Club, a lively cocktail bar known for live blues music and a welcoming atmosphere.

4.5

Best shops in Sacramento

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Vacaville Premium Outlets

Discover unbeatable deals at Vacaville Premium Outlets, where top brands meet incredible prices in a vibrant shopping atmosphere.

4.4

Evangeline's

Explore Evangeline's Gift Shop in Old Sacramento: A unique destination for souvenirs, local art, and handcrafted treasures.

4.7

Garden of Enchantment

Discover unique gifts and local crafts at the enchanting Garden of Enchantment in Sacramento's historic district.

4.7

Zanzibar Trading Co

Discover unique gifts, local art, and handcrafted treasures at Zanzibar Trading Co, Sacramento's vibrant cultural hub for tourists.

4.8

Explore Sacramento on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Sacramento, mapped for you.

Sacramento Essentials

Sacramento is well-connected by various modes of transportation. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) offers numerous domestic flights and some international connections. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare service, or shuttle to reach downtown Sacramento. Amtrak also provides train services to Sacramento from major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Additionally, major highways like I-5 and I-80 make it easily accessible by car.
Sacramento has an efficient public transportation system operated by Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT), including buses and light rail. For short distances, downtown Sacramento is quite walkable. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available, as are bike rentals and scooters for a more eco-friendly option. If you're planning to explore the outskirts, consider renting a car.
The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available throughout the city. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Pay are also commonly accepted. For smaller establishments or local markets, carrying some cash can be useful.
Sacramento is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas, especially in neighborhoods like Del Paso Heights and Oak Park, which have higher crime rates. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and use hotel safes to store valuables.
In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Sacramento has well-equipped police and medical facilities. The UC Davis Medical Center and Sutter Medical Center are among the top hospitals in the area. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually. Sacramento's climate can be hot in summer, so lightweight clothing is advisable. Don't wear overly revealing clothes when visiting historic or religious sites. Religion: Do respect all religious customs and places of worship. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly handshake or smile. Don't be surprised if locals are more informal. Eating & Drinking: Do try local farm-to-fork cuisine. Don't tip less than 15-20% in restaurants, as it is customary.
To experience Sacramento like a local, visit the Midtown Farmers Market on Saturdays for fresh produce and local crafts. Explore the historic Old Sacramento Waterfront, where you can take a scenic river cruise. For a unique experience, rent a bike and ride along the American River Bike Trail. Don't miss out on attending a local event or festival, such as the Sacramento Music Festival or the California State Fair, to get a true taste of local culture.

When is the best time to visit Sacramento?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Sacramento

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Sacramento. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
- GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yuh]
- YesYep
  [yep]
- NoNah
  [nah]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez/no prob-lem]
- Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
- Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry
  [ex-kyuse me/sor-ee]
- How are you?How's it going?
  [hows it go-in]
- Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [good. yuh?]
- Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [ya speak ing-lish?]
- I don't understandI don't get it
  [I dont get it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check the menu?
  [can I chek the menu?]
- I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [I dont do meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
- I would like to pay, pleaseCan I pay now, please
  [can I pay now please]
- Help!Help!
  [help]
- Go away!Get lost!
  [get lost]
- Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call the cops]
- Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [get a doc]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy]
- I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [just brows-ing]
- How much is it?How much?
  [how much]
- That's too expensiveToo pricey
  [too pry-see]
- Can you lower the price?Can you drop it?
  [can you drop it]
- What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
- Half past (10)Ten-thirty
  [ten-thur-tee]
- MorningMornin'
  [mor-nin]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
- EveningEvenin'
  [even-in]
- YesterdayYest'day
  [yest-day]
- TodayToday
  [to-day]
- TomorrowTomorrah
  [tom-or-rah]
- 1One
  [wun]
- 2Two
  [too]
- 3Three
  [three]
- 4Four
  [four]
- 5Five
  [five]
- 6Six
  [six]
- 7Seven
  [sev-in]
- 8Eight
  [ate]
- 9Nine
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wheres the]
- What's the address?What's the addy?
  [whats the add-ee]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?
  [can you point it out]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens the next bus]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket to]

History of Sacramento

Sacramento was founded in December 1848 by John Sutter, Jr., and named after the Sacramento River, which forms the western border of the city. The river itself was named by Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga for the Holy Sacrament. Early settlers were drawn to the area by the fertile land and the potential for agricultural development.
The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in nearby Coloma in 1848 triggered the California Gold Rush, transforming Sacramento into a bustling hub for miners and entrepreneurs. The influx of people and wealth rapidly accelerated the city's growth and established it as a key supply center for gold miners heading to the Sierra Nevada foothills.
In January 1862, Sacramento experienced one of the worst natural disasters in its history. The Great Flood of 1862 submerged much of the city, leading to extensive damage and loss of life. In response, the city undertook significant engineering efforts to raise the streets and buildings above flood levels, a project that took several years to complete.
In 1854, Sacramento became the permanent state capital of California, after several years of the capital moving between various cities. The decision was influenced by Sacramento's strategic location, its booming economy due to the Gold Rush, and its growing infrastructure. The State Capitol building, completed in 1874, remains a central landmark and a symbol of California's governance.
Sacramento played a pivotal role in the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad. The Central Pacific Railroad, which began in Sacramento, was one half of the project that connected the eastern and western United States by rail. The completion of the railroad in 1869 was a monumental achievement that facilitated commerce, travel, and communication across the country.
Old Sacramento is a historic district located along the Sacramento River. It features restored and reconstructed buildings from the mid-19th century, capturing the essence of the Gold Rush era. The district is a National Historic Landmark and includes attractions such as the California State Railroad Museum and the Sacramento History Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's rich past.
In 1860, Sacramento became the western terminus of the Pony Express, a fast mail service that connected the East and West Coasts of the United States. The Pony Express significantly reduced the time it took for mail to travel across the country, playing a crucial role in communication during its brief existence until the completion of the transcontinental telegraph in 1861.
Throughout its history, Sacramento has been a melting pot of various cultures and ethnicities. The Gold Rush brought people from all over the world, including Chinese immigrants who played a significant role in building the Transcontinental Railroad. This cultural diversity is reflected in the city's neighborhoods, cuisine, festivals, and cultural institutions, making Sacramento a vibrant and dynamic place to visit.
Today, Sacramento is a thriving metropolitan area known for its political significance, economic growth, and cultural offerings. It is home to numerous museums, theaters, parks, and educational institutions. The city's commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in its urban development and public transportation projects, making it a model for other cities in California and beyond.