Sacramento CA is the home of California State Capitol Building. This iconic neoclassical building has been around for over a century. This is a must-see attraction for history and political enthusiasts alike.
Golden 1 Center is home to the Sacramento Kings, a professional basketball team. The city is also home to several minor league sports teams.
Old Sacramento
Old Sacramento, a California State Park and historic district, is home to many buildings from the Gold Rush era. Its wooden planked sidewalks and old-fashioned shops make it a popular destination for tourists who stroll, gawk at the facades, and shop. Besides the museums, restaurants and bars, it also offers river cruises, an excursion train and a public market.
It is best to view the golden-yellow Tower Bridge at sunset or in the evening. Another architectural landmark is the 10-story Ziggurat building, modeled after ancient Mesopotamian pyramids.
Tours are available at the Sacramento History Museum and delve into the city’s shady past with stories of saloons, gambling halls and houses of ill-repute. The half-mile tour is guided by a “shady character” who leads guests through the historic area.
Midtown
Sacramento, long criticized as a government-town and ignored by investors who chased Silicon Valley, is reinventing itself. The city is embracing a Northern Californian sensibility of music, art, food, and craft coffee. It is repositioning as the next major urban center for young professionals and families.
Midtown is a favorite hangout for locals, thanks to its neighborhood feel and abundance of cafes and restaurants. The Grid is formed by the intersection of numbered and lettered streets. It is easy to navigate, and there are many trees that provide shade.
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is a must-see on any trip to Midtown. It’s one of the earliest settlements of non-Native American people and is fascinating to visit.
Capitol Park
Sacramento is not complete without the neoclassical California State Capitol Building and its grounds. Visitors can observe the Senate and Assembly in session inside the building. The building also has historic rooms and exhibits of each county.
Visitors can explore the outside of the park, which includes a rose-garden, a map with trees from all over the world, and monuments honoring important people in California’s history. Capitol Park in Sacramento is my favorite outdoor space, especially during the spring.
Guests of the Inn Off Capitol Park, Ascend Hotel Collection can walk to this popular destination in less than a mile. It is close to both a metro station and a convention center. It offers high speed internet access in public areas and free parking on site.
Crocker Art Museum
When Judge Edwin Bryant Crocker bought this block in the late 1800s, he built an elaborate house and gallery to hold his growing collection of art. Designed by architect Seth Babson, no expense was spared.
Crocker scoured Europe looking for the finest artworks to add to his collection, and his acquisitions are still part of today’s museum. The museum’s collection of California paintings, European drawing and international ceramics makes it a popular destination for art enthusiasts.
Its photography collection is also a standout, with strengths in historic and contemporary media. The museum’s holdings of African wood carvings and sculptures are particularly impressive. If you’ve ever visited New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, this will feel like a smaller version with an equally impressive selection. It is a must-see on any Sacramento day trip itinerary.
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
The fort is open from 10am to 5pm, seven days a week. It costs $5 for adults and $3 for children 5-17 to enter the park.
Swiss immigrant John Sutter built this fort in 1839 on a land grant from the Mexican government to establish an agricultural and trading colony. Today it offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century California. The walls of the fort contain reconstructed rooms, including a blacksmith’s shop, a stable, a store and a kitchen.
The fort also hosts living history demonstrations. Those who wish to learn more about the historical significance of the park can take guided tours. Guests can also visit the onsite museum. Fort is surrounded by a nice half-mile path. Dogs are allowed to roam the property as well, but must be kept on a leash.
