What Are the BEST Things to Do While in Sacramento?
Sacramento, California’s capital city, has a rich history and a number of popular tourist attractions. It is located in the Central Valley of California, about 93 miles northeast of San Francisco. Additionally, the city is situated at a confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers. Year-round sunshine and warm, dry temperatures characterize this region.
Old Sacramento, which is located near the waterfront, is a great spot to learn about the city’s history. The California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s gave rise to this historic neighborhood. Several structures from this era are still standing, allowing visitors to experience another world entirely. Modern businesses, including some of Sacramento’s most popular museums, now occupy these historic shops.
The 15 Things You Can’t Miss In Sacramento
But there is much more to Sacramento than its historic sites. This state capital’s cutting-edge design incorporates a slew of entertaining features. The city’s excellent weather may be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from chic areas to open green spaces and miles of bike trails. The following are 15 fun things to do when visiting Sacramento!
1. Sacramento Zoo
Located in William Land Park, the Sacramento Zoo is accessible via West Land Park Drive. At the time of its founding in 1927, the zoo was known as “the little zoo in the park” because of its small size and initial population of 40 animals. After expanding to its current 14 acres in the 1960s, the zoo now houses more than 500 species of animals, including amphibians and birds.
Why We Recommend Visiting The Sacramento Zoo
The zoo adheres to conservation, education, and recreation principles. Visitors can also take self-guided art tours, and the museum is happy to host school field trips. The Sacramento Zoo is open to the public every day.
2. The Crocker Art Museum
The Crocker Art Museum, which first opened its doors in 1885 under the name E. B. Crocker Art Gallery and is now known simply as the Crocker Art Museum, is the oldest art museum west of the Mississippi River. The museum, which you can find in Sacramento, California, is home to one of the most significant art collections in the state of California.
Why We Recommend Visiting The Crocker Art Museum
Artworks from California, as well as European paintings and drawings, foreign ceramics, and art from Africa and the rest of the world, are part of the museum’s permanent collection. If you want to learn more about the museum’s various exhibits, you can take a guided tour!. The Gerald Hansen Library, studio sessions, and educational opportunities are also available at the museum.
3. Rafting on the American River
The South Fork of the American River is ideal for a quick half-day trip, while the Middle Fork of the American, rated class 3-4, is ideal for those looking to spend the entire day on the water. In most cases, you’ll only need to bring a sense of adventure to join in on the fun!
Why We Recommend Rafting on the American River
It’s impossible to describe the thrill of a NoCal river ride in an inflatable raft (or kayak or canoe, depending on your taste) when you’re surrounded by some of the most stunning natural scenery in the state. The American River in California is the most exhilarating river in the country, with its rafter-worthy rapids and heart-pounding excitement.
4. Ultimate Terror Scream Park
Located at the heart of Sacramento, in the Ultimate Terror Scream Park you can choose between the New Orleans-themed haunted house, the spooky asylum, or the house of the undead, and then do your best not to scream as you make your way through this maze of terrifying scares.
Why We Recommend Visiting Ultimate Terror Scream Park
The only year-round haunted house experience in the Greater Sacramento area awaits courageous souls with real performers, scary visual effects, and a whole bunch of otherworldly ghouls and demons to terrify your socks off. We recommend it for adrenaline lovers!
Consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket if you plan on going somewhere busy on the weekends or during the holidays.
5. California State Capitol Museum
The grounds and structure of the California State Legislature are part of the California State Capitol Museum, which is located on 10th Street in downtown Sacramento. The museum is housed in an 1869 mansion that is now a part of the California State Parks network.
Why We Recommend Visiting the California State Capitol Museum
Fourteen acres of international shrubs and trees line the perimeter of the building’s grounds, which also include a number of striking memorials. The theater features short films, and the refurbished offices are open to the public. The museum offers daily public visits as well as group and school tours.
6. Raging Waters
Raging Waters, Sacramento’s largest waterpark, has over 25 water attractions, slides, and pools. Located in the heart of downtown Sacramento, this park offers a variety of activities to fit any mood.
Why We Recommend Visiting Raging Waters
Besides being fun for water attraction enthusiasts, it’s a good idea to stop at Raging Waters’family-friendly restaurant for a bite to eat when you’ve had enough of all the running around and having fun. Some rides have a height and weight limit, much like any other amusement park.
7. The B Street Theater
Over the past forty years, this local favorite has been entertaining locals with a broad spectrum of in-your-face performances within its small boundaries, tucked away near Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (ironically, not on B Street, however).
At its inception, B Street was a touring theater company for children, but it has now expanded into a venue that showcases (as they describe it) theater for adults as well as theater for children, music events, and more.
Why We Recommend Visiting the B Street Theater
The little B Street Theater, which has a capacity of only 140 people, is sure to satisfy your theatrical cravings, regardless of whether you want a quick and enjoyable taste of live theater or an unforgettable performance that will have your jaw on the floor.
8. Fly Over Sacramento on a Hot Air Balloon
Float above California’s Sierra Nevada foothills! The weather is tranquil, and the landscapes are quiet, making this a popular ballooning location. Your flight launches from the Cosumnes River, providing unique aerial views. Admire the surrounding lakes, rivers, plants, and wildlife. This flight’s views of Deer Creek Hills preserve are popular.
Why We Recommend A Sacramento Hot Air Balloon Ride
With a hot air balloon, you’ll be able to take in the magnificence of California’s landscapes like no other way. The Sierra Nevada mountains, canyons, and valleys are all part of most tours, although the exact route you’ll take will depend on your preferences for company and schedule.
9. Zipline Over The North California Scenery
Quarry Park Adventures provides one of Northern California’s largest zip lines and a choice of family-friendly packages, despite the fact that the city offers a few other options, this is one of the most well-known experiences.
Why We Recommend Ziplining Over Northern California
As an adrenaline junkie, why not take advantage of a gorgeous zipline tour in Northern California? Sitting in a harness, you’ll get an aerial perspective of the lush greenery as you soar 60 feet above the canopy at speeds of over 30 mph.
10. Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
The Leland Stanford Mansion, more commonly referred to as simply the Stanford Mansion, is a historic mansion and California State Park located in Sacramento, California. It serves as the official reception center for the Californian government and as one of the official workplaces of the Governor of California. The Stanford Mansion was built in the early 20th century.
Why We Recommend Visiting The Leland Stanford Mansion
This is a mansion that dates back to the Victorian era and is known as the Governor’s Mansion. There are no public tours available through the building’s 33 rooms because it is presently used as an official residence. However, it has a very pleasing aesthetic, and it’s worth the visit!
11. Catch a Game at the Golden 1 Center
In the center of Sacramento, California, in the United States, sits the indoor arena known as Golden 1 Center. The publicly owned arena is a component of the $250 million, 16-story mixed-use Downtown Commons (DoCo) business and entertainment zone.
Why We Recommend Visiting The Golden 1 Center
The NBA is one of the most popular sports to watch live. For the past three decades, the Sacramento Kings have called the city of Sacramento home. Check out the NBA stars at the Golden 1 Center for a fun experience!
12. Dine By The Water In a Sacramento River Restaurant
Take advantage of the warm weather by eating alfresco at one of the many eateries along the Sacramento River. You have the option of eating at a new restaurant every single day of the week. Some of the best restaurants in the waterfront area are Rio City Café, Scott’s Seafood on the River, Delta King Restaurant, and Chevys Fresh Mex.
Why We Recommend Dining By the Sacramento River
Dining with a nice view is always a calming experience, and Sacramento has this memorable moment to offer. Restaurants at Sacramento River are perfect for enjoying simplicity in a relaxed but energetic setting, whether you’re with family or friends.
13. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament
Sacramento’s mother church, the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, is the seat of the Catholic faith in the city. Nearly a million Catholics and 99 churches are served by the cathedral. Despite the fact that the cathedral was erected in 1887, subsequent repairs have ensured that the cathedral continues to serve its people while maintaining its stunning appearance.
Why We Recommend Visiting the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament
There is a 34-meter high internal dome in the cathedral and a crucifix that is 13 feet high and 14 feet wide with a 14-foot crown hanging above it that weighs close to a ton. Visiting the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is eye-catching and a beautiful experience in general.
14. Do Some Bar Hopping On K Street
Even while K Street runs straight through downtown, it’s on the western side of town that things really get going. Only a single light rail line presides over the pedestrian-only strip, which comes to life on weekends as revelers flock to its bars and clubs.
Why We Recommend Visiting K Street’s Bar Scene
Depending on your mood, Sacramento’s nightlife can range from low-key to high-intensity. Wine bars and hipster breweries are just some of the options available in the neighborhood. You’ll always be able to find a pub that suits your mood.
15. Enjoy The City Vibe in Midtown
Restaurants in Midtown are diverse, offering everything from fashionable, upmarket dining to contemporary global cuisine to craft brewers and nightclubs, all within a few blocks. Additionally, there are numerous independent galleries, retail boutiques, and vintage shops.
Why We Enjoy Visiting Midtown
In addition to taking advantage of all the hip locations Midtown has to offer, you can anticipate the renowned Midtown events like the Midtown Farmers Market, a year-round certified farmers market that takes place on Saturdays in the center of Midtown’s Lavender Heights neighborhood. Also, set aside some time to visit the 2nd Saturday At Walk, a gathering of Sacramento galleries and neighborhood shops that runs from around 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. or later (on the second Saturday of every month).
