Exploring Sacramento, California: 10 Best Things to Do & See

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Sacramento is California’s capital, but it feels more like a city made for wandering. You’ll find Gold Rush history along the river, plus leafy parks and museums splashed with color.

It’s easy to stroll through old-time streets or get inside the State Capitol. On sunny afternoons, the American River calls for a lazy walk or a spot to just sit and watch the water drift by.

Families might gravitate toward the zoo or the playful parks, while history buffs can get lost in forts and railroads that shaped the West.

Whether you’re in town for a quick weekend or stretching your stay, Sacramento’s mix of culture, nature, and that local vibe keeps things interesting.

Here are 10 of the best things to do and see in this friendly city:

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Keep in mind: Our articles may contain errors, despite our best efforts. So, do thorough research before deciding on a travel destination.

1. Old Sacramento Waterfront

Old Sacramento Waterfront brings the Gold Rush to life with wooden boardwalks, river views, and 19th-century storefronts. The place has a way of making history feel close enough to touch.

The district grew fast in the 1850s as merchants and miners moved goods along the river. It’s wild to picture all the hustle that once filled these streets.

After devastating floods, the city literally raised downtown streets in the 1860s. You can still see evidence of those old levels in some of the underground spaces.

Today, you can wander through museums or poke your head into a candy shop. Maybe catch a riverboat or hop on a vintage train ride if you’re feeling adventurous.

Here’s a cool tidbit: many buildings here are part of a National Historic Landmark district. They’re protected for their architecture and history, which just adds to the vibe.

Hungry? Slip into a saloon-style restaurant or grab a coffee before you dive back into the lanes.

Thinking about staying nearby? The Delta King Hotel, a restored riverboat, offers plenty of historic charm. Or the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel has modern rooms just steps from Downtown Commons.

Next, you can take a short walk to the Tower Bridge for sunset views. Then, if you’re not ready to call it a night, circle back to the waterfront for a relaxed evening along the river.

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2. California State Railroad Museum

The California State Railroad Museum shows how trains helped build modern California.

Step inside and you’ll find gleaming locomotives and vintage passenger cars. Exhibits dive into the story of the Transcontinental Railroad.

The Southern Pacific “cab-forward” locomotive stands out. Engineers used this design to breathe cleaner air while passing through mountain tunnels.

The 1869 joining of the rails at Promontory Summit linked Sacramento to the East. That move turned the city into a major transport hub.

Kids can climb into old railcars or watch model trains zip around. Adults get to learn about the workers who laid track through some seriously tough terrain.

Seasonal excursion rides along the river make for a fun, easygoing outing. Afterward, you might stroll Old Sacramento’s boardwalks for snacks or souvenirs.

If you want to stay nearby, check out the Delta King Hotel on the river. Embassy Suites by Hilton Riverfront Promenade is another solid option.

You can end the day with a walk toward the water. You’ll see the Tower Bridge and the skyline starting to light up. Pretty relaxing…

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3. California State Capitol

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(State Capitol, Sacramento, California, USA – Photo by Wil Stewart)

The California State Capitol blends a working seat of government with a public museum. Built in the late 1800s, its white dome and grand halls resemble the look of the U.S. Capitol.

Guided and self-guided tours take you through the Assembly and Senate chambers, portraits of past leaders, and displays on state history.

One fact worth noting: the dome rises about 220 feet, making it one of the city’s most recognizable features.

Outside, Capitol Park surrounds the building with paths, memorials, and trees from around the world. It’s an easy spot to slow down between meetings or sightseeing.

Nearby stays include Hyatt Regency Sacramento, right across the street, and The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection, in a historic tower with classic details.

Consider timing your visit when the legislature is in session to feel the buzz, then walk in the park for a quiet breather among monuments and shaded benches.

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4. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park

Sutter’s Fort dates to the 1840s, when John Sutter built an adobe-walled outpost that became a hub for traders and incoming settlers.

The nearby 1848 gold discovery at Coloma accelerated migration, and the fort became a waypoint for families moving west. Inside today, rooms are furnished to show daily pioneer life: blacksmith tools, cooking setups, and trade goods.

The fort’s restoration is among the earliest in California, preserving a rare example of pre-Gold Rush architecture.

Costumed interpreters sometimes demonstrate skills like weaving or traditional cooking, helping the past feel hands-on.

The Midtown location makes it easy to combine with cafés and neighborhood boutiques.

For lodging close by, look at Fort Sutter Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, or The Citizen Hotel downtown for easy access across the grid.

You could plan a simple loop: explore the fort, get lunch in Midtown, then drift toward Capitol Park for a late-afternoon walk under the trees.

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(Downtown, Sacramento, California, USA – Photo by Leo_Visions)

5. Crocker Art Museum

The Crocker Art Museum opened in 1885, making it one of the oldest art museums in the West. It grew from the Crocker family mansion, which still forms part of the complex alongside a modern wing.

Inside, you’ll find California art from the Gold Rush era, European paintings, and a renowned ceramics collection.

The museum’s holdings include works from Asia, Africa, and Oceania, giving a wider view of global art alongside regional pieces.

Rotating exhibitions keep repeat visits fresh, and community programs make art feel accessible. The riverside location near Old Sacramento invites a relaxed day. You can browse galleries, then head toward the water for dinner.

For nearby hotels, check Embassy Suites by Hilton Riverfront Promenade or the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel around Downtown Commons.

Try visiting earlier in the day to enjoy the collection, then step outside for a calm stroll toward the Tower Bridge.

6. William Land Regional Park

William Land Park is a green, family-friendly escape with lakes and picnic spots. There’s plenty of space to slow down and just breathe.

The park hosts Fairytale Town, a storybook-themed play space. Funderland Amusement Park is right there too, packed with kid-sized rides that are actually fun.

You’ll find the Sacramento Zoo on the south side. It’s easy to plan a full day here without driving all over town.

Here’s a bit of history: William Land donated money to build this park back in the early 1900s. He wanted Sacramento locals to have a peaceful place to enjoy the outdoors.

Rent a bike if you’re up for it, or just feed the ducks by the pond. Sometimes you can just wander the shaded paths. They really do feel tucked away from all the city noise.

If you need a place to stay, The Westin Sacramento is nearby along the river. The rooms are comfortable, and it’s a quiet spot with easy access to the park.

I’d say keep it simple: start at the zoo, grab a picnic by the lake, then maybe end with a loop through Fairytale Town. Or just take a slow walk beneath those old trees.

7. Capitol Park

Capitol Park wraps the State Capitol in gardens, monuments, and walking paths. It’s a calm place to take a break downtown, with benches under trees and small memorials along the pathways.

The park’s plantings include species from around the world, reflecting California’s diverse climate and agricultural ties.

Several memorials honor veterans and public service, offering quiet corners for reflection. The grid location makes it easy to pair with nearby museums, coffee shops, and a peek inside the Capitol itself.

If you’re staying close, Hyatt Regency Sacramento sits right by the park, and The Citizen Hotel is a short walk across downtown.

Plan a slow walk through the gardens, pause at plaques that tell short stories, then in the surrounding streets, you can get a snack or a quick coffee.

8. Sacramento Zoo

The Sacramento Zoo opened in 1927 and has grown into a community favorite focused on animal care and education. You’ll meet giraffes, red pandas, lemurs, and more across leafy habitats in William Land Park.

Keep an eye out for talks or feedings that help you learn about behavior and conservation. The zoo supports international conservation programs, teaming with partners to protect threatened species and habitats.

Paths are easy to follow, and the compact layout works well for families with strollers. After your visit, it’s a short hop to the park’s lakes and picnic areas.

For lodging nearby, The Westin Sacramento offers river access and a relaxed vibe a short drive away, while downtown hotels like Kimpton Sawyer work well if you want restaurants within walking distance.

You could map a simple plan: zoo in the morning, lunch in the park, then a drive downtown for an afternoon museum visit.

9. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge spans the Sacramento River with a bright gold profile and a vertical-lift design that raises the central section for river traffic.

Completed in 1935, it replaced the older M Street Bridge and improved connections between Sacramento and West Sacramento.

In the 1970s, the bridge was painted its distinctive gold to echo California’s identity and make the structure stand out against the skyline.

Look for deco details along the towers and watch for cyclists and pedestrians using the walkway. The riverfront here is easy to enjoy: a short loop brings you to Old Sacramento’s boardwalks and the Crocker Art Museum.

For close stays, consider Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown or The Exchange Sacramento, both near the waterfront.

Try walking across near sunset, when the light warms the towers. Next, continue along the promenade for dinner with views of boats and city lights…

10. American River Parkway

The American River Parkway stretches roughly 32 miles from Discovery Park toward Folsom, with the paved Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail running most of the way.

It’s popular for biking, jogging, kayaking, and quiet walks along shaded sections of riverbank. An interesting fact: the parkway protects a broad swath of riparian habitat, giving wildlife like herons, deer, and otters room to thrive close to the city.

Trailheads are well signed, and you can plan short segments if you don’t want a long ride. Pack water, sunscreen, and snacks, and then pick a section that matches your pace.

Hotel options vary by entry point: downtown hotels like Hyatt Regency or Embassy Suites work for Discovery Park access, while stays nearer to Rancho Cordova put you closer to the middle segments.

Here, you can enjoy the river breezes and finish with a stop at a café before heading back.