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Old Sacramento Waterfront: A Journey Back in Time

Discover California's Gold Rush history at Old Sacramento Waterfront: museums, shops, dining, and riverfront charm await!

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Step back into California's Gold Rush era at the Old Sacramento Waterfront, a National Historic Landmark District on the Sacramento River. Explore cobblestone streets, preserved 19th-century buildings, museums, shops, and restaurants in this vibrant historic area.

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 underground city to see the original street level from before the city was raised to prevent flooding.
  • Visit the California State Railroad Museum, one of the largest railroad museums in North America.
  • Take a stroll along the Sacramento River and enjoy the views.
  • Check the Old Sacramento Waterfront events calendar for festivals and activities.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Sacramento Valley Station (Amtrak/Regional Transit), Old Sacramento Waterfront is a short walk. Follow the signs westward through the parking lot to reach Old Sacramento at 2nd Street near the California State Railroad Museum. Walking is free.

  • Public Transport

    Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) operates bus and light rail services to Old Sacramento. Several bus lines serve the area. The Light Rail Gold Line also stops nearby. Check SacRT's website or app for routes, schedules, and real-time information. A single ride on SacRT costs $2.50.

  • Driving

    Old Sacramento Waterfront is located west of Interstate 5, between the I Street and Tower Bridges. Use the address 1002 2nd St, Sacramento, CA 95814 for navigation. Two-hour metered street parking is available throughout Old Sacramento from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Surface lot parking is available at Front & L Street. Public parking garages are available: Old Sacramento Garage (I Street between 3rd and 2nd) and Tower Bridge Garage (Capitol Boulevard at Neasham Circle). Metered street parking and garage parking costs vary. Check SacPark.org for rates.

Unlock the Best of Old Sacramento Waterfront

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Discover more about Old Sacramento Waterfront

The Old Sacramento Waterfront is a captivating blend of history, culture, and entertainment nestled along the Sacramento River. This 28-acre district, a National Historic Landmark, transports visitors to the bustling days of the California Gold Rush. Established in 1848, Old Sacramento preserves the architectural and cultural legacy of this transformative period. With 53 historic buildings, the district has more buildings of historic value condensed into its area than most similar-sized areas in the West. Explore well-preserved 19th-century buildings, including the iconic Big Four Building and the B.F. Hastings Building. The waterfront's charm extends beyond its historic streets. Visitors can stroll along the riverfront, explore the Delta King (a riverboat turned hotel), or hop aboard the Sacramento Southern Railroad for a nostalgic train ride. Museums like the California State Railroad Museum and the Sacramento History Museum offer glimpses into the region's past. Old Sacramento is home to unique shops, boutiques, and dining establishments. The wooden boardwalks and gas lamp-lit streets create a distinctive ambiance. Throughout the year, Old Sacramento hosts festivals and events, including Gold Rush Days and the Theatre of Lights.

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