Top Attractions in Sacramento

Sacramento has shaken off its reputation as a sleepy government town and emerged as one of California's most exciting cities. The farm-to-fork capital of America combines Gold Rush heritage with a modern food, craft beer, and arts scene that draws visitors from across the state.

Old Sacramento Waterfront

This 28-acre historic district along the Sacramento River features wooden sidewalks, restored Gold Rush-era buildings, and a lively mix of shops, restaurants, and museums. Old Sacramento offers horse-drawn carriage rides, the Sacramento History Museum, and shows at the Eagle Theatre, California's first theater. The district hosts popular events throughout the year including Gold Rush Days.

California State Railroad Museum

One of the finest railroad museums in North America, the California State Railroad Museum houses 21 beautifully restored locomotives and cars. Interactive exhibits tell the story of the transcontinental railroad and its role in shaping the American West. Seasonal excursion train rides along the Sacramento River add to the experience.

California State Capitol Museum

The working state capitol building doubles as a free museum with restored historic offices, exhibitions on California history, and gorgeous grounds featuring a 40-acre park with trees and memorials from around the world. Free guided tours run daily.

Crocker Art Museum

The oldest public art museum west of the Mississippi, the Crocker houses an outstanding collection of Californian art, European masterworks, and international ceramics. The museum underwent a stunning modern expansion that blends seamlessly with the original 1870s Italianate building.

Food & Dining Scene

Sacramento has fully earned its title as America's Farm-to-Fork Capital. Surrounded by some of the most productive farmland on the planet, the city's chefs have direct relationships with local growers, and seasonal menus change constantly.

Must-Try Local Foods

  • Farm-to-fork cuisine — The Kitchen restaurant offers an interactive prix fixe experience; Mulvaney's B&L uses ingredients from the Sunday farmers market steps away
  • Crawdads — Sacramento River crawfish are a local delicacy, especially during spring crawdad festivals
  • Diverse Asian cuisine — The Stockton Boulevard corridor offers Vietnamese pho, dim sum, Filipino adobo, and Thai cuisine in authentic family-run restaurants
  • Craft beer — Track 7 Brewing, New Helvetia Brewing, and Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse are just a few in a city with over 50 craft breweries

The Midtown neighborhood is the dining epicenter, with blocks of walkable restaurants and bars along J Street and R Street. The monthly Second Saturday Art Walk turns the grid into a street party with open galleries, food vendors, and live music.

Outdoor Activities

Sacramento sits at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers, creating abundant water recreation, and the Sierra Nevada foothills are less than an hour east.

American River Parkway

This 23-mile greenway along the American River is Sacramento's outdoor crown jewel. Bike or jog the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, kayak through gentle rapids, or swim at popular beaches. The parkway connects the urban core to the suburban town of Folsom and feels like a wilderness corridor running through the city.

Rafting the American River

In summer, thousands of Sacramentans float the Lower American River on rafts and inner tubes. For whitewater thrills, the South Fork of the American River in Coloma offers class II-III rapids through the same canyon where gold was discovered in 1848.

Cycling

Sacramento is consistently ranked one of the most bike-friendly cities in America. Beyond the river parkway, the flat grid of Midtown is perfect for cycling between restaurants, bars, and shops. The city hosts the annual Amgen Tour of California stage finish.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Midtown Sacramento is where the nightlife thrives. The Handle District along R Street features converted warehouse spaces now home to cocktail bars, art galleries, and live music venues. The Golden 1 Center, home of the Sacramento Kings, hosts major concerts and events in a state-of-the-art downtown arena. Ace of Spades is the city's premier mid-size music venue, while Harlow's draws jazz, soul, and R&B acts. For cocktails, The Flamingo House and Shady Lady Saloon are local favorites with creative drink menus and vintage vibes.

Hidden Gems

Sutter's Fort State Historic Park

This reconstructed 1839 trading post in the heart of Midtown is where the California Gold Rush essentially began. Sutter's Fort living history demonstrations show daily life in Mexican-era California, and the site is surprisingly tranquil surrounded by the modern city grid.

Effie Yeaw Nature Center

Tucked within the American River Parkway in Carmichael, this nature preserve offers trails through oak woodland where you can spot deer, wild turkeys, hawks, and occasionally coyotes. Naturalist-led programs make it an excellent family outing.

Tower Bridge at Sunset

Sacramento's iconic gold-painted vertical lift bridge connecting West Sacramento is one of the most photographed landmarks in Northern California. Walk or bike across at sunset when the bridge and river glow golden, then grab dinner in the developing West Sacramento waterfront area at spots like Raley Field.