Background

Old Sacramento Waterfront: A Gold Rush Legacy

Experience California's Gold Rush history at Old Sacramento Waterfront, a vibrant district with museums, shops, dining, and riverfront charm.

4.6

Step back in time at Old Sacramento Waterfront, a National Historic Landmark District on the Sacramento River. Experience the charm of the Gold Rush era with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, museums, and a lively atmosphere filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions.

A brief summary to Old Sacramento Waterfront

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Explore the original street level under the boardwalks to see how the city was raised to combat flooding.
  • Check the Old Sacramento Waterfront's event calendar for festivals, concerts, and live demonstrations.
  • Visit the Sacramento History Museum and take the Underground Tour to learn about the city's hidden history.
  • Enjoy a scenic stroll along the Sacramento Riverfront and explore the Delta King, a historic riverboat hotel.
  • Take advantage of Third Thursdays for live demonstrations and artist activations in various businesses.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Sacramento Valley Station (Amtrak), walk west, following the signs towards Old Sacramento Waterfront. The walk is short, taking you along 2nd Street near the California State Railroad Museum. This is a free and direct way to access the waterfront.

  • Public Transport

    Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) offers bus and light rail services to Old Sacramento. Several bus lines, including 11, 30, and 41, stop near the waterfront. The Light Rail Gold Line also provides convenient access. Check the SacRT website or app for the most up-to-date routes, schedules, and fare information. A single ride fare is typically $2.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From downtown Sacramento, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) to Old Sacramento Waterfront typically costs between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and distance. The drop-off point is usually near the Old Sacramento Visitors Center at 1002 2nd St.

  • Driving

    When driving to Old Sacramento Waterfront, use the address 1002 2nd St, Sacramento, CA 95814 for the Visitors Center as a general destination. Two-hour metered street parking is available throughout Old Sacramento Waterfront from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Surface lot parking is available at Front & L Street. Two public parking garages are available: Old Sacramento Garage (entrance on I Street between 3rd and 2nd) and Tower Bridge Garage (entrance on Capitol Blvd at Neasham Circle). Metered street parking and garages typically cost $1.75 per hour. Weekend pre-pay rates at some garages are around $15.

Unlock the Best of Old Sacramento Waterfront

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Old Sacramento Waterfront

Old Sacramento Waterfront, a 28-acre National Historic Landmark District and State Historic Park, transports visitors to the California Gold Rush era. Nestled along the Sacramento River, this vibrant district boasts cobblestone streets and well-preserved 19th-century buildings, offering a glimpse into the city's origins as a bustling trading center. Originally called Sutter's Embarcadero, Sacramento quickly grew after John Sutter established Sutter's Fort in 1839. The Gold Rush in 1848 spurred further development, but the city faced challenges with flooding and fires. In the mid-1850s and 60's, a daring project raised the city streets to combat the frequent flooding. Today, you can still see the original street level beneath the boardwalks and in basements. Old Sacramento Waterfront offers a variety of attractions, including the California State Railroad Museum, the Sacramento History Museum, and the Delta King, a historic riverboat turned hotel. Visitors can explore unique shops, dine at diverse restaurants, and enjoy events throughout the year. Don't miss the opportunity to ride a horse-drawn carriage, take a scenic stroll along the riverfront, or learn about the area's past through immersive museum exhibits. With its blend of history, culture, and entertainment, Old Sacramento Waterfront provides a captivating experience for all. Whether you're interested in exploring Gold Rush relics, discovering local art, or simply enjoying the waterfront ambiance, this historic district promises an unforgettable visit.

Popular Experiences near Old Sacramento Waterfront

Popular Hotels near Old Sacramento Waterfront

Select Currency