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Sacramento is a special place with all the things vacationers could be looking for in a major city, ranging from an international airport to beautiful restaurants and great neighborhoods. As the capital of California, it is more than a state political hub.
The state boasts an incredible nightlife scene, beautiful farmers' markets, magnificent arts, and rich history all worthy of exploring. Sacramento is full of charm and has something for everyone. Here is an ultimate guide to seeing Sacramento like a local.
What To Know Before You Visit Sacramento
Getting around Sacramento is easy because it’s flat. One can simply bike around or use Lime Scooters to explore the city. Visitors planning to get outside the city limits should use cars.
Public transport and Uber are also convenient if exploring outside the city.
The best time to explore the city for good weather is between March and June and September through November. At this time the temperatures are cool, perfect for being outside.
Winters can be extremely cold and summer super hot.
Three days are enough to have a perfect experience of California's capital.
While Sacramento has almost everything vacationers would expect to find in a major city, it's not that big, so three days is enough to explore the city unless one is planning to stick around for more days and enjoy the amazing city vibe.
This Is The Best Time To Visit Sacramento
Between April and June is the best time to visit Sacramento, and not only because of the splendid weather. This period is when the city sees several fun outdoor festivals and concerts to catch.
The temperatures hover at the highs of the 70s and 80s, with minimal rains and humidity.
Another good time to explore the city is September through November, for good weather, good deals, and fantastic autumn views.
Summers temperatures can hit the 90s, yet it's the time when Sacramento is liveliest. If travelers are planning to visit in summer, which is the perfect tie to explore the gorgeous beaches around, pack sunscreen and skin care products for protection against extreme heat.
The California State Fair in July is the main event in the summer.
Winters can be a great time to visit too, as the city doesn't experience extremely cold winters like other cities. High temperatures hover between the 50s and 60s.
Winter is when Sacramento experiences the highest amount of rainfall. It is also a good time to enjoy fewer crowds, great deals, and beautiful snowy landscapes within an hour's drive.
The main event to catch in winter is the California International Marathon, happening every December.
How Can You Get Around Sacramento
Biking is one of the most popular options for getting around Sacramento, thanks to its numerous streets that are very easy to navigate through. The streets have designated bike lanes, plus a bike-sharing program that vacationers new to the city can utilize, the JUMP Bike.
Walking is another good option, as some of the city's attractions are reachable in a matter of a few minute strolls.
From the nearest train station, vacationers may only walk up to minutes to get to the Old Sacramento and California State Railroad Museum. The Riverfront is also located nearby.
Light Rail is the most popular transportation means in the city. The system operates three routes, including:
- Blue Line, offers transport services in North Highlands, North Sacramento, Downtown, and South Sacramento.
- Gold Line, starting from downtown to East Sacramento to Rancho Cordova and Folsom.
- Green Line, running from downtown to the River District.
When it comes to the cost of public transportation, vacationers can choose to pay per trip or buy a seven-day pass.
- The cost of a day trip: is $2.75
- The cost of a seven-day pass: is $7
Uber and Lyft are other options to consider. They are convenient, and can be a good choice for visitors on a budget but are exploring outside the city, as they can share rides and divide the cost.
Getting around in a car is perfect for families and those exploring outside the city. Sacramento has plenty of parking, and one can choose metered parking or garages.
Where Can You Stay In Sacramento?
From luxury resorts to budget hotels, Sacramento offers accommodation options with amazing rooms and world-class amenities to give vacationers memorable stays in the city.
Here are the best spots to check out.
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel (Luxury Option)
Located in the heart of Downtown Commons, Kimpton Sawyer Hotel is the best luxury option vacationers should consider. The hotel overlooks Golden 1 Center and is surrounded by incredible shopping, top-notch restaurants in the city, art galleries, and farmers' markets to explore.
The rooms are stylish and come with unique features that impress every traveler.
- Accommodation: Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
- Address: 500 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, valet parking, business center, Wi-Fi available in all areas, and a flat-screen TV.
Inn Off Capitol Park Ascend Hotel Collection (Mid-Range)
From this beautiful mid-range hotel, vacationers can easily access the Sacramento Zoo, California Museum, Space Center of Sacramento, and the Discovery Museum Science.
The amenities in this hotel are fantastic, so staying here is one of the best options when visiting Sacramento.
- Accommodation: Inn Off Capitol Park Ascend Hotel Collection
- Address: 1530 North Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker, coffee machine, Wi-Fi available in all areas, flat-screen TV, cable or satellite TV, free toiletries, internet, and parking.
The Vine Inn Davis (Budget Option)
The Vine Inn Davis is a perfect budget option for families visiting Sacramento on a budget and who are willing to stay outside of town in Davis.
From here, vacationers only need to walk about five minutes to the University of California, Davis, and Pence Gallery.
- Accommodation: The Vine Inn Davis
- Address: 221 D Street, Davis, CA 95616
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker, coffee machine, free parking, flat-screen TV, cable or satellite TV, free toiletries, internet
Where To Have the Best Food In Sacramento
Tower Café
Tower Café is one of the best places to satisfy every kind of craving. The café offers flavors from around the world and is a perfect place to have breakfast.
Founded in 1990, this café is located near the historic Tower Theater on Broadway.
Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Coming with an incredibly unique atmosphere, grabbing some eats for lunch at Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar guarantees a wonderful experience, thanks to their extraordinary food options.
The Waterboy
The Waterboy offers a relaxing dining experience, thanks to the great meals prepared with amazing ingredients.
Some of the items on the dinner menu include Mary's chicken, fennel saffron, house-made spaghetti, roasted cauliflower, butternut squash, and more.
Top-Rated Sights To See In Sacramento
California State Railroad Museum
Boasting an exhibit space covering over 200,000 sq ft, the California State Railroad Museum is one of the largest railway museums in the world. The museum is one of the most impressive attractions in Sacramento.
Located in Old Sacramento, the museum is home to steam locomotives from as early as 1862. There are fascinating exhibits at the museum, mostly educating travelers on the railroad's history.
State Capitol
Constructed in the 1860s, the State Capitol building is a must-visit for vacationers into Neoclassical architecture. The building was taken through a major restoration in the 1970s, transforming it into a modern structure, but some of its historic rooms are well-preserved.
While it's the center of the California State Government, it is also the California State Capitol Museum and is open for exploration. Travelers can witness the restored rooms, including the main office of the governor and the treasurer's office which dates back to 1906.
Crocker Museum Of Art
Crocker Museum is one of the best places to explore Sacramento's amazing art scene. The museum houses California art, European paintings, and American photography.
Parking is available, including in public garages, parking lots, and street parking near to the museum.
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Wednesday & Friday-Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Thursdays
- Cost of entrance: $15 for adults, $8 for children aged 6-17, $10 for seniors, military, and college students, and free for kids under five.
Old Sacramento
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Old Sacramento boasts beautiful historic buildings spread along the city's waterfront. Some of the places to explore in Old Sacramento include the Eagle Theater and the B.F. Hastings Building, and the Big Four Building.
There are over 50 historic buildings in this National Historic Landmark, most of which were constructed in the 1950s. These buildings house some of the best restaurants, hotels, shops, and museums in Sacramento.
How To Spend A Perfect Day In Sacramento
There are several things vacationers can do in Sacramento. Visiting for a day means that vacationers have to make some choices. Here is how one can spend a perfect day in Sacramento.
To get started, have some breakfast in the old Sacramento Historic District. From there, vacationers will have a lot to keep them busy, including shops selling all kinds of things.
When done exploring Old Sacramento, visit Sacramento Zoo, housing giraffes, and travelers can get up close and interact with the beautiful creatures for only $5 (on top of the zoo admission cost).
This zoo is a perfect place to visit with kids since there are a few exciting rides to enjoy. Spend some time in this zoo before breaking for lunch.
Delta King, a riverboat, boasting an elegant hotel and two eateries, is a nice place to have lunch. After lunch, explore Leland Stanford Mansion then head to the State Capitol Building and spend some quality time there.
Learn about California's political history, getting through amazing exhibits. In the evening, head to the Tower Bridge and enjoy incredible sunset views.
Sacramento is full of fun adventures, an amazing food scene, cultural and arts scene, and several accommodation options to choose from, a visit to California's capital is definitely going to be worth it.
FAQ
Q: Is Sacramento CA worth visiting?
Definitely! There is a wide range of fun activities and attractions to explore in Sacramento, and while it's California's political hub, its arts, cultural, food, and entertainment scenes are incredible.
There are several farmers' markets, historical buildings dating back to the 1850s, and beautiful museums to explore. Spending some days exploring California's capital is totally worth it.
Q: How can I spend a day in Sacramento?
Sacramento has plenty of bucket-list destinations, but there are some highlights to see in one day. The old Sacramento Historic District is worth a trip, with tons of shops to explore. The Sacramento Zoo is another place to explore, and after lunch, a riverboat lunch is just the ticket.
Travelers can also fit in a visit to Leland Stanford Mansion and the State Capitol Building. Then, catch a glimpse of the Tower Bridge before retiring for the evening.
Q: Is Sacramento a walkable city?
Sacramento is considered a walkable city with several admirable features, including restaurants and shops. Plus some of the city's attractions are reachable in a matter of a few minute strolls.
From the nearest train station, vacationers may only walk up to minutes to get to the Old Sacramento and California State Railroad Museum. The Riverfront is also located nearby.
Q: What is the best way to get around Sacramento?
Light Rail is the most popular transportation means in the city. The system operates three routes, including:
- Blue Line, offers transport services in North Highlands, North Sacramento, Downtown and South Sacramento.
- Gold Line, starting from downtown to East Sacramento to Rancho Cordova and Folsom.
- Green Line, running from downtown to the River District.
When it comes to the cost of public transportation, vacationers can choose to pay per trip or buy a seven-day pass.
- The cost of a day trip: is $2.75
- The cost of a seven-day pass: is $7
Q: Is there anything cool in Sacramento?
Sacramento is brimming with beautiful attractions to cool sites to explore, including the State Capitol building, Crocker Museum, one of the best places to explore Sacramento's amazing art scene, Old Sacramento, and Sacramento Zoo for amazing giraffe exhibits and fun rides for kids.