Best Things to Do In Sacramento

Top Things To Do in Sacramento, CA

Sacramento, the state capital of California, is a city rich in history and culture, as well as a variety of things to astonish visitors with!

California originates here, according to a common Sacramento saying, and after spending some time in this city, you'll see why. It's a city that has never forgotten its past, and it's still awash in gold from the days of the Gold Rush.

Let's look at some of the best things to do in Sacramento because it's one of the most accessible places to fall in love within the country.

1. In Old Sacramento, pay a visit to the Sacramento State Historic Park.

Old Sacramento Historic Park, established in 1965 and listed as a National Historic Landmark, encompasses the whole business center from the 1850s.

There are several historic buildings in the area, like the Eagle Theater, that were built at the beginning of the Gold Rush epoch.

With fires and floods, as well as the successful elevation of the streets, the seashore in this area has seen its fair share of tragedy and victory throughout history. As a result, visitors from all over the world are now descending on the site to take in the breathtaking 28-acre park.

2. At the California State Railroad Museum, visitors can relive their childhood memories.

The California State Railroad Museum is one of the top and best tourist attractions in Sacramento. Every year, around 500,000 visitors come to this museum to reminisce about their childhood and learn about the history of the railroad. Six buildings with a combined floor area of 225,000 square feet make up the museum's physical structure.

Throughout the state, you will witness various restored railway cars and engines that were once in service. In this exhibit, you can see how the railroad impacted the economy and culture of California. One of the museum's features is the Railway Post Office, where visitors can board to get an authentic taste of what life was like in the past.

3. The Crocker Art Museum's exhibits inspire you.

Originally known as the E.B Crocker Art Gallery, this magnificent company has been renamed and is now the longest continuously operating art museum in the western United States and Canada. The museum is home to a massive collection of artworks that date back to the Gold Rush and up until the present day.

The museum, which opened its doors in 1871, is home to one of the largest collections of foreign ceramics in the United States, as well as a vast collection of art from Asia, Africa, and Europe, among other things. Aside from the sculptures, there is a lot to see and do in this area, and you could easily spend an entire day roaming around the grounds.

4. You can get up close and personal with the animals at the Sacramento Zoo.

In addition to being fascinating, the Sacramento Zoo's history shows how it progressed from what was formerly referred to as "the little zoo in the park" to the vast, stunning zoo that you will see today. When it first opened, the zoo was somewhat small, consisting of only about 40 species gathered from local parks.

Today's zoo houses 400 animals from all over the world, with most of its activities directed toward wildlife conservation, education, and recreation. There is a lot to see and do here, and the kids, especially, will have a great time visiting all of the animals and learning about them.

5. The Abandoned Sutter's Fort is a must-see attraction in the area.

Before the Gold Rush, Sutter's Fort served as the community's focal point, and it was this event forever altered the geography of California. Construction of the fort began in 1839. It was a hive of activity until 1848, when a soldier stationed at the fort named James W. Marshall discovered gold (approximately 45 miles east of the fort), initiating the Californian Gold Rush. Following that, the fort was abandoned and left in its current state.

As a result, the fort has been fully restored to its former splendor and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The two-story adobe structure that serves as the fort's primary structure is the site of the first gold discovery, which sparked the California Gold Rush in 1848.

6. In California, it is possible to witness the old with the new.

A highlight of California's history and current government structures can be seen at the California State Capitol Museum, conveniently located in the heart of Sacramento.

You have the option of participating in a guided tour of the museum as a group or exploring the museum on your own, whatever is more convenient for you.

The entire facility has been recognized as a museum, albeit the most exciting exhibits are found in the basement and first level of the building.

7. California Automobile Museum is an excellent spot to spend some time in.

The California Automobile Museum is a museum that is solely dedicated to cars. A group of volunteers founded the California Automobile Museum in 1982, and the story of how it came to be is fascinating in and of itself. The museum is located in Sacramento, California. An event took place during one of the volunteers' meetings when one of them brought out a 100 dollar and asked whether anyone else would be willing to match him. The non-profit museum was established after five more people stepped forward.

The museum's initial collection was meant to be the world's most extensive collection of Ford automobiles. Still, as time went on, the museum began to look for other automotive makers to add to its collection of Fords. Today, you have the option of selecting from a genuinely diverse and exhilarating selection of automobiles.

8. A Performance at the B Street Theatre is highly recommended.

The B Street Theatre has established itself as a Sacramento institution, and critics continue to flock to the venue to witness more extraordinary performances. Through the presentation of high-quality shows, the theatre seeks to promote both education and literacy in the community.

The traveling element of the theatre has performed in front of almost 3.6 million California kids for nearly three decades. For the previous 14 years, the Sacramento News has rated this facility the 'Best Live Theatre' in the city. This photograph depicts the B Street Theatre, which has not yet been constructed or relocated.

9. Take in the magnificence of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento is considered the mother church of the Catholic faith. In other words, the church serves approximately a million Catholics and comprises 99 separate congregations or churches. To ensure that it continues to serve its people while also looking gorgeous, the cathedral, which was constructed in 1887 and has stood proudly for nearly a century, has recently undergone renovations.

The internal dome of the cathedral, which stands 34 meters tall, is a sight to behold. Another striking feature is the 13-foot crucifix with a 14-foot crown draped overhead, which weighs about a tonne and is 13 feet by 14 feet.

10. It is possible to see the Kings at the Sleep Train Arena.

When a city has an NBA team, it is always worthwhile to make an effort to attend a game. Since 1988, the Sacramento Kings have played their home games at the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento. They have been a part of the NBA for the longest time, and while they have not been the most successful club in the league, they have been champions on several occasions throughout their history.

After being sold to a Silicon Valley technology entrepreneur for a record-breaking $535 million in 2013, the team has been under new ownership since 2013. Sacramento Kings will relocate from Sleep Train Arena to the latest Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento in the fall of 2016, replacing the current facility.

11. The California State Indian Museum is a great place to learn about Indian culture.

It was in 1940 that the California State Indian Museum first opened its doors to the public, intending to educate the general public about three distinct subjects. The themes encompass all that is important in Indian culture, including spirit, family, and nature, among others. Photographs and artifacts depicting the lives of California's indigenous peoples throughout thousands of years can be found throughout the museum's collection.

On display will be a large number of traditional artifacts provided by native Indians, as well as an exhibition devoted to Ishi. In the Yahi tribe's history, Ishi is regarded as its last survivor.

12. Crest Theatre is a fantastic place to go for a night in the town.

The Empress Theatre, which opened its doors before the Crest Theatre in 1912, was the first theatre in the city to do so. Over the years, the theatre has witnessed more than its fair share of dramatic events, both on and off the stage. One of the most well-known accidents occurred in 1946, when a marquee collapsed off the structure, killing a pedestrian walking by.

The Theatre now hosts various events, including live performances and screenings of old or specialty films. An annual event dubbed The Trash Film Organization takes place every summer for six weeks and showcases cult cinema and independent and indie-produced films.

13. Recuperate from the raging waters

When people search for best things to do in Sacramento, Raging Waters is another popular attraction. Raging Waters is Sacramento's largest waterpark, with more than 25 water rides, slides, and pools to keep you entertained all day long. The park, located in the middle of Sacramento, offers something for people of all ages and moods.

If you get hungry after all of the running around and having a good time, you can stop for a bite to eat at the family-friendly restaurant. Because of the severe nature of several of the attractions, there are height and weight restrictions, just as there are at any other theme park.

14. Invigorating exhibits await you at the California Museum.

The California Museum, located in downtown Sacramento and houses the California Hall of Fame, is a must-see attraction in Sacramento. The remarkable things that individuals from California have accomplished in the past will leave a lasting impression on you as soon as you step foot inside the building.

The museum also pays homage to Native Americans, who are featured prominently. Because of the outstanding people they have learned about, visitors cannot help but feel energized and revitalized when they enter the building.

15. Take a ride across the bridge at Tower Bridge.

In addition to being known as the Sacramento River Bridge, the Tower Bridge links the communities of West Sacramento and East Sacramento in Yolo County and Sacramento County, respectively. Upon completion of the bridge in 1935, 100 homing pigeons were dispatched throughout the state to alert residents of its completion.

While much of the original bridge machinery still exists, several restorations have been carried out on the structure throughout its history. After serving the railway until 1960, when it was deactivated to accommodate rising traffic volume, the bridge was reopened. Hanging out at the Sacramento Tower Bridge should be on your list for the best things to do in Sacramento.

16. See The End Of The Pony Express

Located in Sacramento, California, the Pony Express Terminal served as the final destination of the Pony Express system. It was also the first building to house the California Supreme Court, which opened its doors in 1859.

Wells Fargo History Museum is located within the building, designated as a National Historic Landmark.

A great deal about the Gold Rush can be learned here, and there is a recreation of numerous artifacts from the older era.

17. Visit the Eagle Theatre for a little while.

It is called the Eagle Theatre, and it is a theatre located in the heart of the city.

This was the very first permanent theatre in California, and it was located in Sacramento at the time. Building materials included a wooden frame with a canvas roof, which was constructed in 1849. The majority of the crowd was likely made up of gold miners from the surrounding area who were having a good time.

In addition to appearing on the television show Ghost Adventures, the theatre is rumored to be haunted. It was during the filming of this show that the team was said to have captured an image of a rocking chair rocking by itself. The California Department of Parks and Recreation now owns the theatre, which is listed on the California Historical Landmarks Register as a historic landmark.

18. Travel Around the Historic City Cemetery with us.

The Old City Cemetery is the oldest in Sacramento, having been established in 1849 and serving as the final resting place for many notable Californians throughout the years. Previous Sacramento mayors, California governors, and victims of the cholera epidemic of 1850 are all buried on these grounds, as are former Sacramento city council members.

This beautiful Victorian garden has been created around the cemetery, and you can take a lantern-guided tour of the graveyard to learn more about the people who once lived here and to experience and learn more about their fascinating history. In recent years, the grounds have been primarily maintained by volunteers, who each adopt a plot and take on the gardening responsibilities that would previously have been performed by relatives or staff.

19. Museum of African American History and Culture, Sacramento, California

Even though the Gold Rush is always the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Sacramento, this wonderful city has so much more to offer than that. A visit to the Sacramento History Museum will take you back in time to the area's early inhabitants, farm life in the 1800s, and so much more.

In addition, the museum is highly interactive. The way it is presented gives the visitor the impression that they lived among the people decades ago. Every situation is brought to life by the museum's guides, who have been hired specifically to show you around. You can learn about how the city reclaimed itself after being ravaged by flooding in the 1860s and the 1870s by visiting this museum.

20. Sacramento State Hornets Football Team in action.

The State Hornets, despite not being the most successful of college football teams, are well worth a look if you're in town for a visit. They play their home games at Hornet Stadium, where they always have a large and enthusiastic fan base supporting them. You can always count on a great atmosphere at the stadium, which can accommodate more than 21,000 people. E

Every year, the UC Davis Aggies, the Hornets' archrivals in the Sacramento area, face off against the Hornets. It is usually played on the final day of the regular season because Tower Bridge separates the two teams. The Causeway Classic, named after the bridge that separates them, is a competition in which the teams compete for prize money of $100,000.

21. Ride your bike along the American River Bike Trail

There are 32 miles of bike trail between Discovery Park in Old Sacramento and Beal's Point on the American River Bike Trail, which is also known as the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail. Because it is entirely paved and has two operational lanes, the trail is a beautiful place to ride.

There are numerous amenities available along the route, including restrooms, water fountains, and public phones. If you get hungry, there are plenty of places you can stop at along the way to grab a bite to eat and take a break before continuing on your journey.

22. Enter The World Of Fairytales.

A children's museum and play area on 2.5 acres in Sacramento, Fairytale Town is a favorite destination for families. Every one of your favorite nursery rhymes and fairytales will come to life in this museum, which has been designed specifically for that purpose. There are more than 25 different areas to play in, each based on a children's story that can be brought to life with a bit of creativity.

There are also a variety of animals scattered throughout the park, such as Peter Rabbit and the sheep that Mary bred and kept. If you're a child of any age, Fairytale Town is a beautiful place to revisit and reminisce about your past.

23. Riding The Sac Brew Bike Is A Fun Experience

For groups who want to do something different with their time, the Sac Brew Bike is the perfect solution! Jump on this multi-person bike with your friends and take a leisurely ride around some of Sacramento's most popular drinking and dining establishments.

The driver operates the steering to ensure that you are still traveling in the correct direction after a few drinks. You all pile into the vehicle and begin pedaling. This is a unique experience in the city, and it is well worth your time to participate because it is not often that you can exercise while having a good time.

24. In The Kitchen, Prepare Your Meals

If you are looking for a unique occasion venue or want to treat yourself, you should consider The Kitchen restaurant. Farm-to-Fork Dining was founded in 1991 by a husband and wife team committed to the concept of "Farm-to-Fork" dining from start to finish.

It has been a sell-out night after night for more than 20 years because everything in the restaurant comes from locally sourced farmers and producers! Even though it is not a cheap restaurant, it is well worth the money if you celebrate something special.

25. The Dive Bar Will Astound You!

Seeing is indeed believing, and if you're looking for something truly extraordinary, you should stop in at The Dive Bar for a pint or two. An approximately 7,500-gallon water tank is located above the bar, and within the tank are mermen and mermaids available for your enjoyment.

In addition to hosting private parties, the bar is also open to the general public who wants to relax for a while. Unique and unforgettable, the bar is an excellent venue for witnessing a once-in-lifetime event. These are the top things to do in Sacramento.