Things To Do In Sacramento
California State Capitol and Museum
Address: 10th Street & L Street, Sacramento, CA
Website: http://www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov/
Phone: 916.324.0333
Operating continuously since the day the doors opened in 1869, California State Capitol Museum is where the State of California's legislature met. By the late 1970s, the building was declared seismically unsafe and had become an eyesore. The Legislature decided to stay in its traditional home and authorized a massive restoration. Today, from the intricate tile work on the front lobby floor to the lovingly etched filigreed detail in alcoves under the rotunda, the craftsmanship of a bygone era is evident. Docent guided tours are free
Capitol Park
Address: 1301 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=495
Phone: 916.324.0333
Capitol Park, which surrounds the Capitol building on all four sides in downtown Sacramento, is a splendid, 40-acre arboretum, with 450 species of trees and flowering shrubs, plus numerous monuments. The 1870 rose garden celebrates peace, with poems written by California schoolchildren about peace etched in granite. The powerful Vietnam Memorial—with its wall of names and lifelike depiction of soldiers killing and dying—is a painful reminder of what happens when the peace is broken. Also found in different parts of the park are memorials to veterans of both world wars; fallen peace officers, firefighters and 9/11 victims; and historic figures in state history. Between the memorials you’ll enjoy strolling past flower gardens; an abundance of orange trees and towering palms; and fountains, a trout pond and a replica of the Liberty Bell.
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Crocker Art Museum
Address: 216 O Street, Sacramento, CA
Website: http://www.crockerartmuseum.org
Email: cam@cityofsacramento.org
Phone: 916.808.7000
Founded in the 1870s, Crocker Art Museum is known as the first art museum in the West. The historical building with hand-carved doors, ornate walls and parquet floors, creates a gorgeous backdrop as impressive as the art. The art includes the Gold Rush, Victorian and European masters and contemporary works. The museum hosts art talks, classical concerts, jazz concerts, and tours (afternoons and weekends). A gift shop is also available.
Old Sacramento
Address: 1101 Second Street, Sacramento, CA
Website: http://www.oldsacramento.com
Phone: 916.264.7777
For a taste of the Old West, complete with dirt and cobblestone streets flanked with wide wooden sidewalks and "Bonanza"-style buildings, visit Old Sac. Tour the historical four blocks in a horse-drawn carriage or take a ride on a riverboat. Bustling with activity, this place offers tourist shops, museums and antique trains. On weekends you can usually hear Cajun, blues, or folk music in one of several saloons and restaurants.
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California State Railroad Museum
Address: 111 I Street, Sacramento, CA
Website: http://www.csrmf.org/
Phone: 916.445.6645
California State Railroad Museum is the largest train museum in the country. Dedicated to accuracy and detail, the California State Railroad Museum, located in historic Old Sacramento, recreates the golden days of American railroading circa 1849. Adults and kids alike can wander for hours among restored locomotives, cars, bridges and railroad equipment. Indoor and outdoor displays bring to life rail travel during the Gold Rush Era
Sutter's Fort
Address: 2701 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=485
Email: info@parks.ca.gov
Phone: 916.445.4422
Originally built in 1839, Sutter's Fort is symbolic of the Gold Rush era in California. It is equipped with 12 cannons and a jail. Costumed docents re-enact living history as mountain men, traders, trappers and blacksmiths. View replicas of covered wagons or watch while docents make handicrafts. A self-guided audio tour is a good way to experience all this fort has to offer.
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California Military Museum
Address: 1119 Second Street, Sacramento, CA
Website: http://www.militarymuseum.org
California Military Museum has a large display weapons, uniforms, battle flags and medals. In chronological order, you can see artifacts from before California was a state through the Spanish/American War, Civil War, World War I and II, and Bosnia. There is also information about Teddy Roosevelt's life, the San Francisco earthquake and a research center for anything you may have missed. The gift shop has memorabilia for sale.
Hornblower Sacramento Historic River Cruise
Address: 1206 Front Street, Sacramento, CA
Website: http://www.hornblower.com/hce/home/sac
Email: sf@hornblower.com
Phone: 916.788.7020
Spend the afternoon on a one-hour narrated cruise. Learn about the legendary past of California's capital city, from the first days of the Gold Rush to the booming metropolis that is here today.
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Sacramento Zoo
Address: 3930 West Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA
Website: http://www.saczoo.com/
Email: info@saczoo.com
Phone: 916.264.5888
The Sacramento Zoo is home to more than 400 animals, including the snow leopard, red panda, eagles and reptiles. In addition to the animals, the zoo has lakes, gardens, an educational amphitheater, and a train that runs through the premises. Service and amenities also include picnic areas, concessions, gift store, stroller rentals and complimentary wheelchairs.
California State Indian Museum
Address: 2618 K Street, Sacramento, CA
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=486
Email: info@parks.ca.gov
Phone: 916.324.0971
Located next to Sutter's Fort, California State Indian Museum displays history from the Native American perspective. View intricately woven baskets, ceremonial dance regalia, sacred objects, headdresses, native instruments and other cultural items used by California's native people. Themes surrounding the natural world and its connection to the spiritual world add a rich contrast to the exhibits. Enjoy self-guided audio tours, which are activated by pushing indicated buttons.
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RiverWalk
Address: 651 2nd Street, Sacramento, CA
Website: http://www.sacramentoriver.org/
Phone: 916.617.4620
RiverWalk is a natural oasis meandering along the western bank of the Sacramento River. The network of scenic trails begins in the shadow of the Tower Bridge across Third Street from Raley Field. The paved trail is lined with native plants as well as signs that colorfully describe them. The centerpiece of this urban jewel is the Grand Staircase just below the Money Store ziggurat; it doubles as a concert amphitheater highlighting entertainers from everywhere.
Downtown Sacramento - Shop, Eat, Drink, and Night Life!
Website: http://sacramento.downtowngrid.com/
Sacramento's online business directory, sacramento.downtowngrid.com is The Central City's very own site, connecting businesses, residents, visitors and community.
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California Auto Museum
Address: 2200 Front Street, Sacramento, CA
Website: http://www.calautomuseum.org/
California Auto Museum displays antique automobiles of all makes and models. Antique mannequins and artifacts enhance this museum's history of the automobile. Showcasing more than 150 classics, the museum also features dream exhibits which explore society's passion for speed, independence and the "cool" image associated with cars. Guided tours, video programs, group discounts, a gift shop, private party room (with cars displayed) and a research library are available.
William Land Park Golf Course
Address: 1701 Sutterville Road, Sacramento, CA
Phone: 916.277.1207
This 9-hole layout, at 5208 yards, has the length and difficulty of many 18-hole courses. With a pair of par-four holes and one par-five, even low handicappers will find their skills challenged. In fact, many regulars consider the par-three, third hole to be one of the best holes north of Pebble Beach. William Land Park Golf Course maturity is evident in the large trees lining the fairways and lush, manicured greens.
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Art Foundry Gallery
Address: 1021 R Street, Sacramento, CA
Website: http://www.artfoundryinc.com/about.html
Email: artfoundryinc@aol.com
Phone: 916.444.2787
Are you interested in bronze art or casting? Art Foundry gallery is devoted to a variety of unusual bronze works. Casting demonstrations are provided as part of its participation in the Second Saturday art walk. Works by local artists in many metallic-based mediums are always on display as well as for sale.
The California Museum
Address: 1020 O Street, Sacramento, CA
Website: http://www.californiamuseum.org/
Email: info@californiamuseum.org
Phone: 916.653.7524
The California Museum offers the history of the state in a dazzling array of high-tech, multimedia displays and exhibits. The museum makes the subject of history an entertaining treat for the entire family. It uses interactive displays (including holograms) to depict the "People, Place, Politics, and Promise of California" in its four main galleries. A highlight of the museum is the display of the original California Constitution.
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Westfield Downtown Plaza
Address: 545 Downtown Plz, Sacramento, CA
Website: http://www.westfield.com/downtownplaza/
Phone: 916.446.5338
For all your shopping needs, the Downtown Plaza will provide. Located just yards away from the city’s main historic district, the rapid move from the old-fashioned section of the city directly into the modern world is a testament to American progress. Complete with marketplaces alongside specialty shops and clothing boutiques, the Plaza feeds into an enormous mall that makes a visit here one of the most popular things to do in Sacramento California.
Leland Stanford Mansion Historic Park
Address: Corner 8th and N Streets, Sacramento, CA
Website: http://www.stanfordmansion.org/index.html
Phone: 916.324.0575
The Victorian-era Leland Stanford Mansion, after a 14-year, $22 million restoration and rehabilitation, is now open to the public. The Mansion serves as the State’s official address for diplomatic and business receptions as well as offering public tours as a California State Historic Park.
Built between 1856 and 1872, the four-story, 19,000 square foot Mansion has special historical and architectural significance. It served as the office of three governors during California’s early years: Leland Stanford, Fredrick Low and Henry Haight. It was also the site of California’s first presidential visit by Rutherford B. Hayes and General Sherman in 1880. The Mansion was acquired by California State Parks in 1978.