Growing up as a geeky child in California, I initially explored Sacramento during a hands-on civics course trip following sixth grade. While my fellow students from that educational outing hold fond memories, I discovered that revisiting Sacramento with my spouse for a brief getaway was even more enjoyable.
When to visit Sacramento
Sacramento serves as the capital of California and is located in the Central Valley region. The city experiences very high temperatures, often exceeding 100°F during summertime; hence, we scheduled our visit for January when the weather in the Central Valley tends to be considerably milder. Similar to many parts of California, Sacramento sees increased rainfall from January through February, which means having an assortment of indoor attractions would be beneficial if traveling during these months.
Locations to Explore in Sacramento
California State Capitol
The grand Capitol building in Sacramento stands as an impressive monument. Rising five floors high, this Neoclassical structure invites tourists to delve into both its exterior beauty and the intricate operations of state governance. Offering free guided tours, the Capitol attracts over a million visitors annually.
In 1852, California’s capital was temporarily relocated to Sacramento, and this change became permanent in 1854. Despite subsequent attempts by various Bay Area cities such as Oakland, San Jose, Berkeley, and even Monterey to become the governmental hub of the 31st state, Sacramento has retained its status. The construction of the Capitol Building commenced in 1860 and concluded after a span of fourteen years.
The California State Capitol is an essential destination for those who love history as well as for individuals intrigued by governance and political processes. This structure holds the title of being a National Historic Landmark. While tours are complimentary, they can be taken solely during weekday hours between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Crocker Art Museum
As an aficionado of fine arts, you should definitely visit the Crocker Art Museum, which holds the distinction of being the first public art gallery west of the Rockies since 1885. This institution showcases works ranging from classic European pieces to cutting-edge Californian creations. Originally set within E.B. Crocker’s historic Victorian residence, today it also encompasses a state-of-the-art extension launched in 2010, significantly expanding its exhibition space.
In California’s history, we discuss the “Big Four,” who financed the Central Pacific Railroad—Leland Stanford, Collis Potter Huntington, Mark Hopkins Sr., and Charles Crocker. This railway formed the western portion of the transcontinental railroad and enriched all these individuals significantly. E.B. Crocker, being the elder sibling of Charles Crocker—who graduated as a civil engineer from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York (a place I also call home)—was not only a judge on the California Supreme Court but also served as the legal advisor for the Central Pacific Railroad.
Although he isn’t considered part of the elite group known as the Big Four, Crocker achieved significant success. His wealth soared into the millions. Following a debilitating stroke in 1869, he stepped back from active work. In pursuit of leisure with his kinfolk, they traversed through Europe, during which he amassed an impressive array of artwork. On returning stateside, he transported numerous loads of acquired and custom-made artworks. These formed the foundation of what would become the expansive holdings of the Crocker Art Museum. At any moment, only a portion of this vast assortment can be exhibited simultaneously. The gallery showcases traditional pieces—especially those reflecting the era when Crocker was collecting—as well as contemporary creations.
The admission fee for adults at the museum is $15. They offer a senior discount, allowing visitors to determine their own eligibility criteria. I strongly suggest taking advantage of the complimentary guided tours. These tours greatly enhanced my experience; spending about an hour with our friendly and well-informed guide made me appreciate the museum nearly double the amount compared to visiting without one.
The museum operates on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays between 10 AM and 5 PM, with extended hours until 9 PM on Thursdays.
Old Sacramento
Located west of the capital, Old Sacramento is a historical neighborhood featuring an array of old structures, museums, retail outlets, eateries, and the famous riverboat called the Delta King. This place saw settlement beginnings in the 1840s when it served as the primary hub for commerce and governance within the town. Nowadays, this locale attracts numerous tourists who come to admire the well-preserved architectural styles from the Gold Rush era alongside its bustling ambiance. Tourists here have the chance to walk through the streets leisurely, explore exhibits at the California State Railroad Museum, and browse various boutique shops and specialized retailers.
I have several fond aspects of Old Sacramento, such as the California Railroad Museum (as shown below). However, our connection is somewhat complex. It could win me over with additional intriguing art galleries and boutiques instead of so many tattoo shops. Some peculiar establishments catch attention, for instance, Cerealism—a store that offers cold cereal—often drawing crowds long enough to form lines outside. Such an attraction surely resonated with my younger self back in sixth grade.
Several yearly happenings take place in Old Town Sacramento, such as Gold Rush Days, an event that honors the area’s past through historical enactments. Another notable occasion is the Sacramento Music Festival, where attendees can enjoy live tunes along with various culinary delights.
Sutter’s Fort
Located near downtown, Sutter’s Fort is a historic park within California State Parks. This site mainly consists of a reconstructed version of the initial structure, established back in 1839 by John Sutter—a pioneering figure who originally came from Switzerland but became an American citizen. As among the earliest non-native establishments in California’s Central Valley, this fort held considerable importance during the region’s formative years. The onset of the California Gold Rush occurred due to an incident involving one of Sutter’s workers, John W. Marshall, as he labored on constructing a lumber mill at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
John Sutter constructed the initial fort as an operational cornerstone for his farming and commercial ventures within the area. This location functioned not only as a pivotal point for economic activities but also as a gathering spot for political discussions and social interactions. Notable historical personalities who played key roles during California’s formative years, such as James Marshall and John C. Fremont, visited this site frequently.
In 1848, the initial fort met with destruction due to a devastating blaze; however, it was subsequently rebuilt. Nowadays, this restored structure functions as both a museum and an educational hub, providing guests insight into the daily existence of those who resided and labored within during California’s nascent era. Guests have the opportunity to traverse through several adobe structures such as the forge, woodworking area, cooking space, along with examining the lone remaining authentic edifice from that period.
The fort features multiple exhibitions that showcase the history of the site along with details about its residents. These displays cover various topics such as John Sutter’s story, the impact of the California Gold Rush, the contributions made by Native Americans during the state’s formative years, and how agriculture evolved within the area.
Recently, the park has revised its details regarding Sutter and his highly dubious interactions with his indigenous neighbors. Essentially, Sutter turned out to be an atrocious neighbor who viewed these native inhabitants merely as resources at his disposal. Whenever a tribe refused to labor under him, he initiated personal conflicts against them multiple times. This aspect definitely wasn’t covered in my fourth-grade history book.
Note for those not from California: In the state, students typically study California history in fourth grade. During this time, we each created a model of a
California Mission—
Or maybe our dad was the one who did it. Additionally, as a special offer, both fourth-grade students and their parents can enjoy complimentary entry into 19 various state parks with the
California State Parks Exploration Pass
It doesn’t encompass Sutter’s Fort but provides complimentary access to the California State Railroad Museum underneath.
Sutter’s Fort welcomes visitors all year long. Guests have the option of joining guided tours or wandering around independently. Throughout the year, educational activities and various events are hosted at the fort as well.
California State Railroad Museum
For my money, the
California State Railroad Museum
Is the finest railway museum in the United States… or perhaps the one I’ve enjoyed most during my visits.
Sacramento boasts a rich legacy tied to railways. It not only served as the endpoint for the Central Pacific Railroad but also witnessed the inception of California’s initial railway system, the Sacramento Valley Railroad, back in 1852.
The California State Railroad Museum located in Old Sacramento focuses on showcasing the historical significance of the transcontinental railroad and its impact on California. This facility features authentic locomotives such as the “Gov. Stanford,” christened in honor of Leland Stanford, who was part of the renowned group known as the “Big Four.” Additionally, visitors can explore the inaugural engine from the Southern Pacific Railroad, which bears the name of Collis Potter Huntington.
The exhibit features an array of railway vehicles such as a Pullman car, a refrigerator car, a personal railroad car, and a dining car. Additionally, the museum showcases bespoke chinaware from different train companies and presents a mail car illustrating the operation of traveling postal services throughout America’s past.
The museum provides an optional guided tour along with a 22-minute movie detailing the construction of the transcontinental railroad, as well as interactive displays designed specifically for children.
During our initial visit to the museum, we were accompanied by my children. At that time, my son was five years old and deeply into his Thomas the Tank Engine period. He had on his engineer cap and carried along his wooden train whistle. On subsequent visits without the kids, I found myself enjoying the experience equally as an adult.
The California State Railroad Museum operates every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with exceptions on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The admission fees are set at $12 for adults, $6 for youths aged between 6 and 17 years old, and entry is complimentary for children who are five years old or younger.
California Museum
The California Museum centers around the individuals who shaped and continue to inhabit California. It particularly strives to bring attention to various ethnic groups that may not have received sufficient coverage in those old 4th-grade history textbooks. Located within the museum, the Unity Center honors the multifaceted diversity of Californians’ backgrounds, traditions, and cultural identities. Established in 1999 as a reaction against hate crimes, this center features engaging multimedia displays highlighting key figures from California’s civil rights movement.
The museum features an ongoing exhibition titled “Women Inspire,” which highlights notable Californian women. Additionally, there are displays dedicated to California’s indigenous peoples and the historical significance of the missions. Despite my prior knowledge regarding the discriminatory practices against Asian Americans, such as the Anti-Asian exclusion acts, learning about lesser-known incidents was eye-opening. For instance, I hadn’t been aware of the Watsonville Riots from 1930, during which groups of white assailants targeted Filipino agricultural workers over a span of five violent days.
The museum serves as the location for the official California Hall of Fame, honoring athletes, activists, actors, scientists, entrepreneurs, politicians, and various distinguished Californians.
Discovery Park
Located where the American and Sacramento rivers meet, just north of Downtown Sacramento, Discovery Park spans across 302 acres of an urban sanctuary. This spot functions as the west entrance to the American River Parkway—a vast 32-mile long natural corridor extending towards Folsom. Visitors can enjoy numerous outdoor pursuits here such as sailing, angling, biking, and having picnics, which makes this place a favored locale for residents and tourists alike.
The park serves as a favorite location for community gatherings during weekends. Last time when we visited the park seeking a peaceful stroll, we unexpectedly encountered several festivals and dined at a food truck instead.
Sacramento River Cats
One disadvantage of visiting Sacramento in January is that you can’t attend a minor league baseball game with the Sacramento River Cats. The River Cats are based in West Sacramento. The team is affiliated with the San Francisco Giants and is a member of the Triple-A West league. The team plays its home games at Sutter Health Park. The season runs from April to September.
Founded in the year 2000, the River Cats initially served as the Triple-A affiliate for the Oakland Athletics. In 2015, they switched their allegiance to become part of the San Francisco Giants’ system. Over recent years, these players have demonstrated remarkable success within the realm of minor league baseball.
A significant part of enjoying Minor League Baseball lies in the fact that the players have less experience and skill when contrasted with those in Major League Baseball. To compensate for this difference, teams often provide engaging promotional activities and special occasions such as firework displays, free merchandise handouts, and themed evenings. Imagine scenes like children sprinting across the bases during breaks in play and other straightforward yet amusing diversions.
Sutter Health Park features a playground, picnic area, and multiple dining choices. With a seating capacity of 14,014, it ranks among the biggest minor league stadiums in the nation. Additionally, starting from 2025, the venue will host both the River Cats and the Oakland A’s until the latter team finishes relocating to Las Vegas.
Eateries and Alcoholic Drinks in Sacramento
Scott’s Seafood
Scott’s Seafood on the River is more than just a hotel eatery; it’s an essential part of Sacramento’s culinary scene with genuine local appeal. Situated mere paces away from the banks of the Sacramento River and linked to The Westin Sacramento Riverfront Hotel & Spa, this establishment marries fine dining with a relaxed Californian atmosphere. Its standout feature is undoubtedly the riverside terrace, which provides stunning panoramic vistas of the peaceful waters, enhancing every moment whether you’re enjoying a simple midday bite or a candlelit supper. While staying at the Westin, both my spouse and I had the pleasure of having our meals outdoors, relishing the gentle warmth of the night along with delectable cuisine.
She chose the zesty Cajun pasta, a heaping portion brimming with charred shrimp, sausage, and chicken. For my part, I went with the marinated skirt steak adorned with an aromatic chimichurri ranch sauce. Our meal began with a traditional Caesar salad featuring anchovy fillets, prepared exactly as one would have enjoyed under Caesar’s watch, and concluded splendidly with the restaurant’s signature apple cobbler.
Hours:
Monday – Friday
- Breakfast: 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM
- Lunch: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Dinner: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday
- Brunch served from 6:30 am to 3:00 pm
Dinner: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
4800 Riverside Boulevard, Sacramento, California 95822
scottsseafoodontheriver.com
Old Sugar Mill
Located just 15 minutes south of Sacramento, the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg provides a distinctive wine tasting adventure inside a preserved 1930s beet sugar factory. This delightful spot features 14 small-batch wineries all gathered beneath one roof, highlighting wines sourced from various parts of Northern California. Its modern yet rustic design lends itself well to guests who range from laid-back tourists to dedicated oenophiles. If you visit during the weekend, be sure to check out the food trucks stationed at the rear; they offer another layer of enjoyment as part of your visit.
While visiting us, we stopped by Bump City Wine Co., established by Roger Smith, who plays keyboards for Tower of Power. The ambiance at their tasting room is casual yet filled with musical elements, harmoniously matching their top-notch, prize-recognized wine collection. Among the varieties tasted—mostly sourced from Sonoma Valley—we tried an array of both white and red wines. Each participant had to cover a tasting charge of $15, a price point notably lower compared to what’s typical in Sonoma these days.
Bump City Wine Co. operates Fridays through Sundays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with no reservation needed. For additional details, check out their site at
bumpcitywineco.com
.
We didn’t bring any Bump City wine home since our wine refrigerator was already at capacity, yet we would surely come back to Old Sugar Mill during upcoming trips. It’s impossible to sample offerings from all fourteen wineries in just a single visit.
Hours:
Monday through Sunday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Please be aware that individual winery hours might differ; it’s advisable to verify the exact tasting room hours directly with each winery.
oldsugarmill.com
35265 Willow Avenue, Clarksburg, CA 95612
West Sac Burgers and Beer
Burgers and Brew occupies a historically significant structure that once housed a fire station in West Sacramento. Many of the original elements from the firehouse have been maintained within the eatery, like the classic overhead doors and an antique fire truck. Constructed at the beginning of the twentieth century, this edifice functioned as the local firehouse for decades. Following the relocation of the firefighting unit, the property transitioned through multiple uses, serving roles ranging from a communal hub to a storage space.
Upon opening in the structure formerly housing a fire station, the proprietors at Burgers and Brew chose to maintain as much of the edifice’s inherent historical charm as they could while simultaneously refurbishing it to suit contemporary culinary standards. This blend yields an exceptional ambience that harmoniously merges past aesthetics with present-day enhancements, resulting in a distinctive setting for enjoying meals.
As implied by its name, this spot specializes in burgers and beer. Go for the burger, avoid the fish sandwich, and if you decide to have a salad, request the dressing be served separately.
Hours
:
Monday through Saturday: 11 AM to 10 PM
Sunday: 11 AM to 9 PM
317 3rd Street, West Sacramento, California 95605
The Underground Tasting Room
Directly across the street from the California State Railroad Museum lies the Underground Tasting Room, where visitors can sample wines. For those embarking on an adult-oriented visit, they could potentially bypass the typical cereal dessert option in favor of tasting wines from Fenton Herriot Vineyards located close by in Placerville (previously known as Hangtown). While this wasn’t necessarily my top pick among all the numerous wineries throughout California, trying it out is definitely worthwhile.
Hours
:
Monday – Wednesday: closed
Thursday: 3-7 pm
Friday-Sunday 1-8 pm
Urban Roots Brewery and Grill
The Urban Roots Brewing and Smokehouse is the type of eatery and brewpub that made us wonder why our hometown doesn’t have anything quite like it. This place boasts several indoor and outdoor areas. During our visit, they had a wedding reception taking place in the rear barrel room, yet plenty of space remained available both indoors and outdoors, including an additional backyard terrace that was entirely unoccupied.
I tallied 21 house-brewed beers on tap along with 2 ciders.
beer menu
incorporated multiple IPAs, a Pilsner, lagers, a saison, and a couple of stouts. Joan sampled the BBA (Bourbon Barrel-aged) What’s Up Danger, a Belgian strong dark ale, along with the Mellowwood Doppelbock and found herself enjoying both selections immensely.
Next up is the cuisine. Urban Roots specializes in smoked dishes, offering barbecue meats à la carte for $8-$16 each along with sides priced at $8. They also serve sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Joan opted for the Pulled Pork Sandwich, generously topped with onions rings and coleslaw, while I chose a bratwurst. We split an order of their signature Burnt End Beans.
Hours
:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday through Thursday: 11 AM to 9 PM
Friday – Saturday: 11 AM to 10 PM
Sunday: 11 AM to 9 PM
The final opportunity for food and beer service is 30 minutes prior to the closure of business hours.
1322 V Street, Sacramento, CA 95818
Tree House Cafe
The
Tree House Cafe
In West Sacramento, there’s a cozy little coffee shop that offers a modest selection of food items, yet their breakfast burritos stand out. It has a handful of indoor seats along with some outdoor dining options available.
Hours
:
Mon: Closed
Tuesday: 6 AM – 6 PM
Wednesday through Friday: 7 AM to 4 PM
Saturday to Sunday: 8 AM to 4 PM
630 Third Street, West Sacramento, CA 95605
Tower Cafe
If you resided in California during the period from 1960 to 2006, you might recall Tower Records, headquartered in Sacramento, with its distinctive tower sign. This particular sign originated at the Tower Theatre in Sacramento. Adjacent to this theatre stands another local landmark of Sacramento: the
Tower Cafe
This spacious café features an extensive outdoor garden patio that attracts many visitors during lunch and brunch hours. If you decide to visit for brunch on Sundays, be prepared to wait a little while.
On our recent Sunday outing for brunch, we relished the vibrant ambiance of the eatery along with the outstanding service and delicious morning dishes. Our selections included French toast and blueberry corn pancakes. Delicious!
Hours:
Monday and Tuesday: 8 AM – 3 PM
Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday: 8 AM – 9 PM
Friday & Saturday: 8 AM – 10 PM
1518 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818
Accommodations
The Westin Sacramento Riverfront Hotel & Spa
On our latest journey, we lodged beside the tranquil shores of the Sacramento River.
The Westin Sacramento Riverfront Hotel & Spa
provides a peaceful escape mere moments away from the city center. This accommodation welcomes pets and merges contemporary sophistication with rustic allure, offering ample modern suites. Visitors can revel in high-end features such as marble surfaces, antique-style bathtubs, and rainfall showerheads. Additionally, for an idyllic stay, some rooms offer riverside vistas along with individual terraces overlooking the flowing waters.
The hotel’s communal areas are equally appealing, featuring a vibrant and spacious lobby adorned with a living green wall created by a local artist, a carefully selected boutique area displaying handcrafted items from regional artisans, and a tap wine station presenting choices sourced directly from neighboring Clarksburg and Napa vineyards. Visitors have access to an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, and Spa La Lé for rejuvenation purposes. Culinary experiences stand out here too, particularly at Scott’s Seafood on the River where diners can savor freshly caught sea delicacies alongside other treats, all enjoyed alfresco mere steps away from the riverside. To read more about what this establishment has to offer, check out my detailed overview of the amenities.
Hotel Scoop
.
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