The 13 things to do in Sacramento

Are you planning to stop in Sacramento on a trip to California? Discover our selection of things not to miss in this radiant city!

Sacramento, less known than San Francisco or Los Angeles, is the capital of the American state of California. It is located at the confluence of the American River and the Sacramento River. The city, which began to grow in the era of gold rush (1848), now houses more than 485,000 inhabitants. As the terminus of the first transcontinental railway, the city quickly developed. Thus, and from the second half of the nineteenth century, Sacramento became a major shopping and agricultural centre.

River City’s surname benefits more than 230 days of sunshine a year, but it’s not its only asset! Car Sacramento is rich in its history and culture. Its visitors, from all ages, enjoy walking around in its pretty neighborhoods and parks. Ancient monuments leave room for more modern: this is all its charm. Another major asset: a growing artistic scene.

Are you wondering if to visit the California capital? Find inspiration with our selection of the 13 things to do in Sacramento!

1. Sacramento historic district

You can't miss the historic quarter of the city if you're planning to visit Sacramento! This 12-hectare district, which became a national historic park in 1965, extends to the edge of the Sacramento River, on the original business district of the city. The district’s architecture is a testament to its history. There are historic buildings, exciting museums that retrace the history of the city, attractions, shops and even restaurants. The whole thing reminds of an old western. The visit of Sacramento historic district is a real dive in the Far West of the 1850s!

2. California State Railroad Museum

Located in the Sacramento historic district, the California State Railroad Museum is one of the most popular museums in the city. Through six large buildings, it allows its visitors to go back to time. The goal is clear: all about the appearance of the railway in the West American and its economy. In addition to permanent and temporary exhibitions, a simulator has been set up. However, there is more interest in museum restorations. Indeed, a railway post office, as well as cars and locomotives were rehabilitated. The goal is to make the experience even more realistic and interactive. Add to your list of things to do in Sacramento!

3. Crocker Art Museum

Place to culture in the oldest museum in the city. The Crocker Art Museum was founded in 1885 by Judge Edwin Bryant Crocker. This beautiful building houses nearly 15,000 works of art, including the largest exhibition of Californian art in the world. Here, the works date from the gold rush to the present day. In addition, the museum is renowned for its large collection of ceramics and its many works from all over the world (Africa, Asia, Oceania and Europe). Temporary exhibitions and events, such as film screenings, concerts, adult and child workshops or conferences, are regularly organized to enrich these collections.

4. Sutter Fort

Founded in 1839 by Swiss immigrant John Sutter (1803 – 1880), this fort was originally an agricultural and commercial colony. But in 1848, an employee named James Marshall discovered gold in a Sutter sawmill, marking the beginning of the gold rush in California, and the abandonment of the Sutter Fort. Since its complete restoration, the fort has been listed on the list of national historical monuments and is visiting throughout the year. John Sutter is considered one of the major figures of the gold rush in California.

5. The Capitole and its park

What to do in Sacramento? Discover the Capitole, this neo-classical building built in the heart of the city. This park has been home to the government of California since 1869, but also a museum, the California State Capitol Museum, which retraces California’s history through artifacts, murals, portraits, films and antiques. Don't miss visiting its beautiful park in which pretty plantations are surrounded by memorials of the California Civil War and statues.

6. Sacramento History Museum

The history of Sacramento is inseparable from the gold rush, and the Sacramento History Museum is the only museum dedicated to this period. Located in the Old Sacramento district, the museum offers temporary exhibitions, in addition to permanent exhibitions, spread over five galleries, on the birth of the city, the press, the gold rush, the agricultural history of the region or Nisenan and Maidu Amerindian cultures. The building deserves to be seen if you plan to visit Sacramento!

7. The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament

The city bears the name of Sacramento, which means Sacrament in French, because of the Sacramento River, appointed by the Spanish explorers and settlers who discovered it. This mother church, located in the city centre of Sacramento, bears the name of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. The cathedral, in the style of Italian Renaissance, dating from 1887 was renovated several times. It houses an impressive organ, mosaics, statues and stained glass, and its central bell tower is 66 metres. Now you know what to do in Sacramento!

8. Midtown

Midtown has the reputation of being the trendy district of Sacramento, but also the centre of its artistic, musical and cultural scene. In recent years, many bars, restaurants, shops, and other art galleries and concert halls have flourished in this former residential area. Its wooded and flowery streets feature beautiful colourful Victorian houses, and some of its walls are decorated with beautiful paintings. Visiting Sacramento is also immersing yourself in its atmosphere, so don’t miss this neighborhood!

9. Tower Bridge

The Tower Bridge is the bridge that connects the west of the California capital, which is located in Yolo County, east of the city, in the county of Sacramento. Built in 1935, the Tower Bridge has been renovated several times since but its original architectural style has been preserved. The bridge sometimes rises to let the imposing boats pass over the river and is illuminated every evening. For the small anecdote, at the time of the inauguration of the bridge, nearly a thousand passenger pigeons were released through the state to transmit the news.

10. American River Parkway

Enjoy a nice day to stroll around the American River Parkway, by bike or on foot. Its trail extends over 51 kilometres between Discovery Park and Beal’s Point, along the river. This walk is a must-see in Sacramento!

11. Other museums

As announced above, the city is full of museums more interesting than others. For history and culture enthusiasts, you can also visit, among other things, the following museums:

• The California Museum
• The State Indian Museum
• The Aerospace Museum
• The Automobile Museum

12. Leland Stanford Mansion State

Leland Stanford (1824 – 1893) is the eighth governor of California and one of the members of the Big Four, this group of 4 entrepreneurs who originated in the Central Pacific Railroad of California. With his wife, he also founded the renowned Stanford University in 1891. Leland Stanford bought this elegant Italian Renaissance home in Sacramento, which served as its main residence and executive office. Although the Government of California continues to use the home occasionally, the Leland Stanford Mansion State, known as the historic monument of California and the United States, is open to the public.

13. His rivers

The geographic location of the city of Sacramento, between the American River and the Sacramento River, makes it a great place to enjoy the joys of river sports, such as rafting, canoeing or kayaking, or simply relax your feet in the water. Just a few minutes' drive away, you will find yourself in the middle of nature and access many parks, beaches, bike paths and trails. Do not hesitate to explore the surroundings of the city if you ask that to do in Sacramento!

How to get to Sacramento?

From France, there are two choices:

• Take a flight, with at least one stopover, to Sacramento International Airport, from which you can reach the city centre by shuttle, Yolobus or renting a car. Our partner Ulysses will help you find the most suitable flight for your need.
• Take an average direct flight from 11:15 to San Francisco International Airport or Oakland International Airport (from 350€ per day). Again, we invite you to compare flights with Ulysses. Then rent a vehicle, or take the subway then the train to Sacramento Valley Station (Amtrak) or the bus (Flixbus USA or greyhound). Sacramento is about 150 kilometres from San Francisco and Oakland. If you plan to make a road trip in California, renting a vehicle in San Francisco or Oakland is the ideal solution.

Do not hesitate to check the flight comparison Ulysses to find the most attractive flights according to your dates and your departure city!

On-site public transport (tramways and bus) serve the entire city. To organize your trips, you can visit the Sacramento Regional Transit website. Otherwise, renting a bike can be an excellent alternative!

Where to stay in Sacramento?

You plan to visit Sacramento for several days and ask where to stay? Choose from the many accommodations available on this hotel comparison or on the Airbnb website!

The Old Sacramento district is ideal to stay in the heart of the historic centre, close to the main attractions of the city, and enjoy its unique atmosphere. Downtown business district will seduce those who would like to enjoy the nightlife of the city. If you are looking for a residential but dynamic and cultural area, where you can easily walk or bike, you will feel like home in the Midtown Sacramento area. Finally, with a more substantial budget, you can choose to stay in the rich and chic neighborhood of the East Sacramento.

Can’t you make a choice? Find our article on the different areas where to stay in Sacramento!