Waterfront Wheel: A Whimsical Riverside Experience
Enjoy panoramic city and river views from this charming Ferris wheel in Sacramento's historic Old Town.
The Waterfront Wheel, a 65-foot Ferris wheel in Old Sacramento's Waterfront Park, offers riders scenic views of the city and the Sacramento River. A fun and visually exciting attraction, it provides a nostalgic carnival-style experience for families, couples, and solo travelers.
A brief summary to Waterfront Wheel
- 1150 Front St, Sacramento, Old Sacramento, California, 95814, US
- Visit website
- Monday 11 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-8 pm
- Thursday 11 am-8 pm
- Friday 10 am-9 pm
- Saturday 10 am-9 pm
- Sunday 10 am-9 pm
Local tips
- Check the operating hours before you go, as they vary throughout the week.
- Visit during sunset for the most picturesque views of the city and river.
- Combine your ride with a stroll through Old Sacramento to explore its historic buildings and attractions.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Sacramento Valley Station (Amtrak), walk west, following the signs to Old Sacramento. The Waterfront Wheel is located in Waterfront Park in front of the Rio City Cafe. The walk is short and direct.
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Public Transport
Take the Sacramento Regional Transit bus routes 11, 30, 31, 62, 86 or 88 to the stop on 3rd St. between I and L, which is just a block from Old Sacramento Waterfront. From there, walk towards the river and you'll find the Waterfront Wheel in the Waterfront Park. A single ride on Sacramento Regional Transit is $2.50.
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Driving
From I-5, exit onto Capitol Mall and follow the signs to Old Sacramento. There are several parking options, including metered street parking ($1.75 per hour, enforced 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily) and parking garages. Garages like the Old Sacramento Garage (I Street between 2nd and 3rd) and Tower Bridge Garage (Capitol Blvd at Neasham Circle) are close by. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially during peak hours and events.
Discover more about Waterfront Wheel
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ebner Hotel
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Explore the historical significance of Ebner Hotel, a landmark in Old Sacramento, showcasing the charm and heritage of California's Gold Rush era.
Lady Adams Building (California Historical Landmark No. 603)
0.1 km
Explore the Lady Adams Building, a historic landmark in Sacramento's Old Town, where the charm of the Gold Rush era comes to life.
Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot
0.2 km
Discover California's railroad history at the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot, a historic museum in Old Sacramento showcasing vintage trains and interactive exhibits.
Site of Orleans Hotel (California Historical Landmark No. 608)
0.2 km
Explore the rich history of Sacramento at the Site of Orleans Hotel, a key landmark from the Gold Rush era in Old Sacramento.
Site of Home of Newton Booth (California Historical Landmark No. 596)
0.2 km
Discover the rich history of Sacramento at the Site of Home of Newton Booth, a California Historical Landmark that celebrates the legacy of its 19th-century governor.
Site of the Sam Brannan House
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Explore the Sam Brannan House, a historical landmark in Old Sacramento, and delve into California's intriguing past through its architecture and rich stories.
Sacramento Visitor Center
0.2 km
Explore Sacramento through the Visitor Center: Your essential resource for the city's attractions, history, and culture.
B. F. Hastings Bank Building
0.3 km
Explore the B. F. Hastings Bank Building, a historical landmark in Old Sacramento that showcases California's rich banking heritage and architectural beauty.
Old Sacramento (California Historical Landmark 812)
0.3 km
Experience the charm of Old Sacramento, a historical landmark that echoes the Gold Rush era with its preserved architecture, museums, and vibrant atmosphere.
Sacramento's Original Street Level
0.4 km
Explore Sacramento's Original Street Level, a historical landmark that showcases the rich heritage and stories of California's vibrant capital city.
Big Four Building
0.4 km
Discover the Big Four Building, a historic landmark in Old Sacramento that embodies the spirit of the Gold Rush era and railway history.
Historic Lamp Posts
0.4 km
Discover the enchanting historic lamp posts of Old Sacramento, illuminating the charm and history of this vibrant district.
I Street Bridge
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Discover the I Street Bridge in West Sacramento, a stunning landmark offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the city's vibrant culture.
Site of China Slough (California Historical Landmark No. 594)
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Old Folsom Powerhouse Sacramento Station A (California Historical Landmark #633-2)
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Unmissable attractions to see
Waterfront Park
0.0 km
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Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
0.1 km
Experience 19th-century education in a living replica schoolhouse in Old Sacramento, where history comes to life for all ages.
What Cheer House
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Discover the rich history and architectural beauty of What Cheer House in Old Sacramento, a must-visit historical landmark for every traveler.
Theodore Judah Monument
0.2 km
Honoring Theodore Judah, the visionary engineer who conquered the Sierra Nevada and paved the way for the Transcontinental Railroad in California.
O'Mally's Irish Pub
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Experience the authentic taste of Ireland at O'Mally's Irish Pub in Old Sacramento, where hearty food, great brews, and a lively atmosphere await!
Old Sacramento
0.2 km
Experience California's Gold Rush history at Old Sacramento Waterfront, a vibrant district with museums, shops, and riverfront charm.
Old Sacramento Waterfront
0.2 km
Experience California's Gold Rush history at Old Sacramento Waterfront, a vibrant district with museums, shops, dining, and riverfront charm.
Tower Bridge
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Sacramento's iconic Tower Bridge: A blend of Art Deco design, engineering marvel, and symbol of California's capital city.
Wells Fargo Museums
0.2 km
Explore the history of Wells Fargo and the American West in Old Sacramento, with tales of pioneers, gold, and the Pony Express.
River Walk Park
0.3 km
Enjoy scenic views, walking paths, and public art at this vibrant waterfront park in West Sacramento, offering recreation and relaxation for all.
Scavenger Hunt Walking Tours - Old Sacramento
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Discover Old Sacramento's Gold Rush history through an engaging scavenger hunt walking tour, perfect for families and history enthusiasts.
Pony Express Statue
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River City Saloon
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Experience the Wild West in Old Sacramento's River City Saloon, where history, drinks, and good times flow freely.
Old Sacramento State Historic Park
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Relive the Gold Rush era in Sacramento's historic district, with museums, train rides, and underground tours.
Sacramento History Museum
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Explore the captivating history of Sacramento through engaging exhibits and artifacts at the Sacramento History Museum, a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Essential places to dine
Rio City Cafe
0.0 km
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Joe's Crab Shack
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Experience the joy of fresh seafood in a lively setting at Joe's Crab Shack in Old Sacramento.
Railroad Fish & Chips
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Experience delicious seafood and classic American dishes at Railroad Fish & Chips in historic Old Sacramento.
The Firehouse Restaurant
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Indulge in fine dining at The Firehouse Restaurant, where historic elegance meets innovative New American cuisine in Old Sacramento.
The Pilothouse Restaurant at the Delta King
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Experience the charm of Sacramento at The Pilothouse Restaurant on the historic Delta King—where fine dining meets breathtaking river views.
Honey and The Trapcat
0.2 km
Savor classic American dishes at Honey and The Trapcat - a charming eatery nestled in historic Old Sacramento.
ReUnion Kitchen & Bar
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Experience authentic American cuisine at ReUnion Kitchen & Bar nestled in historic Old Sacramento - where comfort meets culinary creativity.
Bear & Crown British Pub
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Discover the flavors of modern British cuisine at Bear & Crown Pub in Old Sacramento – your cozy retreat for food and drink.
La Terraza
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Experience the vibrant tastes of Mexico at La Terraza in Old Sacramento – where every meal is a celebration of flavor.
Fanny Ann's Saloon
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Foundation Restaurant & Bar
0.4 km
Experience the best of American cuisine at Foundation Restaurant & Bar in Sacramento – where tradition meets innovation in every bite.
Yard House
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of New American cuisine at Yard House in Downtown Sacramento, where great food meets an energetic atmosphere.
Il Fornaio Sacramento
0.4 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Il Fornaio Sacramento - where tradition meets modern dining in the heart of California.
House Kitchen & Bar
0.6 km
Experience vibrant American cuisine and exquisite cocktails at House Kitchen & Bar in Downtown Sacramento - your culinary haven awaits!
Echo & Rig
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Old Sacramento Trading Post
0.0 km
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Evangeline's
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Garden of Enchantment
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Explore the whimsical Garden of Enchantment in Old Sacramento, where unique gifts and local artistry come together to create unforgettable memories.
Mea Vita
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Explore the unique charm of Mea Vita in Old Sacramento, where local crafts and artistry come together to create an unforgettable shopping experience.
Kolores
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Old Sac Shirts & Gifts
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Blu Nile Art
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Sacramento Shop - Atrium 916
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Cali Way
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Visions of Eden
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Pregame Vintage
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Capitol Books & Gifts
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Gearhead Gift Shop
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The Constellation Marketplace
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Old Gold
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Back Door
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Vega's
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Sean Finnegan's Pub
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Brannan Manor Restaurant & Spirits
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The Other Office
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Last Stop Saloon
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Revival
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Fizz Champagne & Bubbles Bar
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Chambers Room
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Malt & Mash | Irish Pub
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Ten Ten Room
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Dive Bar
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Smic's Bar Sacramento
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The Shady Lady Saloon
1.8 km
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The Roost
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