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Old Sacramento State Historic Park: A Gold Rush Legacy

Relive the Gold Rush era in Sacramento's historic district, with museums, train rides, and underground tours.

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Step back in time at Old Sacramento State Historic Park, a living history museum on the Sacramento River. Explore original Gold Rush-era buildings, ride a historic train, and experience California's vibrant past.

A brief summary to Old Sacramento State Historic Park

  • Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets and exploring the park's many attractions.
  • Check the event calendar for festivals, reenactments, and special activities happening during your visit.
  • Consider taking an underground tour to discover the hidden history beneath the streets of Old Sacramento.
  • Visit the California State Railroad Museum, one of the largest railroad museums in North America.
  • Enjoy a riverboat cruise for scenic views of the Sacramento River and the city skyline.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Sacramento Valley Station (Amtrak), Old Sacramento is a short, two-block walk west. Exit the station and walk towards the large, green Interstate Highway bridge. Follow the striped walkway under the bridge, through the parking lot, to reach Old Sacramento. Alternatively, from the California State Capitol, take a pleasant stroll towards the Sacramento River. Head west on Capitol Mall, and you'll find the park entrance near the intersection of Capitol Mall and Front Street.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus and light rail lines serve Old Sacramento. Check Sacramento Regional Transit (RT) for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. From the State Capitol, the Yolobus line 40 will take you directly to Capitol Mall at Front WB. From there, it is a short walk to the park. A single ride on Sacramento RT costs $3.

  • Driving

    From Interstate 5, take the 'J Street' exit and follow the signs to Old Sacramento. Parking is available in several garages and metered street parking. The Old Sacramento Garage (I Street between 3rd and 2nd) and the Tower Bridge Garage (Capitol Boulevard at Neasham Circle) offer all-day parking. Metered street parking is available throughout Old Sacramento, enforced from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.. Parking costs vary. Metered street parking is typically $1.75 per hour. Garage parking rates range from $10-$20 per day.

Unlock the Best of Old Sacramento State Historic Park

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Discover more about Old Sacramento State Historic Park

Old Sacramento State Historic Park, a National Historic Landmark District, transports visitors to the California Gold Rush era. Located on the Sacramento River, this 28-acre park features over 50 historic buildings, many dating back to the 1850s, making it the largest concentration of Gold Rush-era structures in California. Once a bustling commercial center and the western terminus of the Pony Express, the first transcontinental railroad, and the transcontinental telegraph, Old Sacramento played a pivotal role in California's development. The city's streets were raised a level to combat regular flooding, leaving behind a network of tunnels beneath the modern streets. Today, visitors can explore museums like the California State Railroad Museum, the Sacramento History Museum, and the Wells Fargo History Museum. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, riverboat cruises, and historic train excursions. Costumed docents bring history to life with reenactments and tours, including the popular underground tours that explore the city's hidden tunnels. Old Sacramento hosts numerous events throughout the year, including Gold Rush Days, the Sacramento Music Festival, and holiday celebrations. With its blend of history, entertainment, and dining, Old Sacramento offers a unique and immersive experience for all ages.

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