When people think of California travel, the same names always float to the top—Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and maybe Yosemite or Lake Tahoe if you’re the outdoorsy type. But there’s one city that rarely gets the attention it deserves, despite being a cultural, historical, and culinary gem: Sacramento.
I’ve lived in California for over a decade and visited every major city more times than I can count. But it wasn’t until I spent a week exploring Sacramento—not just passing through on my way to Lake Tahoe or Napa Valley—that I truly realized how much this city has to offer. It’s a city that surprises you slowly, then sweeps you off your feet when you least expect it.
Let me take you with me on this journey—through its streets, flavors, museums, parks, and its incredible sense of authenticity. By the end of this post, I hope you’ll feel what I felt: that Sacramento might just be the most underrated travel destination in all of California.
First Impressions: A City That Grows on You
The first time I arrived in Sacramento, I was expecting little more than government buildings, dry heat, and a sleepy downtown. But what I found was a city that balances charm and depth like a seasoned traveler balances their backpack—carefully, thoughtfully, with room for a few surprises.
What struck me first was the pace. Sacramento is lively, yes, but not frantic. People say hello. Baristas make real conversation. Uber drivers don’t speed like it’s NASCAR. It’s a city that seems to be saying, “You don’t have to rush here. Take your time.” And I did.
The Historic Heart: Old Sacramento Waterfront
📍 Location: 101 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814
🎟 Admission: Free access to the district; individual attractions have fees
💡 Tip: Visit early in the morning to enjoy the riverfront without the crowds
If you love stepping back in time, Old Sacramento is your portal to the past. Cobblestone streets, wooden sidewalks, restored 19th-century buildings—it feels like walking through a gold rush town straight out of a movie. But this isn’t a kitschy tourist trap. It’s a living piece of California history.
I wandered into the California State Railroad Museum (\$12 admission), and even as someone who isn’t particularly into trains, I was completely captivated. The museum houses beautifully restored locomotives, immersive exhibits, and even a train simulator. It’s interactive, thoughtful, and extremely well-curated.
Nearby, you can ride the Sacramento Southern Railroad for a scenic 45-minute trip along the riverfront. Tickets are around \$15 and can be reserved via the California State Railroad Museum website.
Food Tip: Grab a bite at Rio City Café—try their blackened fish tacos while sitting on the patio overlooking the river.
Capitol Park and the California State Capitol
📍 Location: 1315 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814
🎟 Admission: Free
💡 Tip: Guided tours are available daily; check the official website for updated hours
I didn’t expect the California State Capitol to impress me much—after all, it’s a functioning government building, and I assumed it would feel sterile or overly formal. But the moment I stepped into Capitol Park, I realized I had underestimated it. The Capitol is surrounded by a stunning 40-acre botanical oasis filled with carefully landscaped gardens, war memorials, native plants, and more than 200 types of trees from around the world. The World Peace Rose Garden in particular took my breath away—vibrant, fragrant, and surprisingly serene for being right in the city center.
Inside the Capitol building itself, the atmosphere is both grand and deeply historical. With its soaring Greek Revival architecture, marble staircases, and gold-accented rotunda, the building feels almost like a cathedral dedicated to democracy. Guided tours bring you through restored legislative chambers, portraits of former governors, and even the historic Governor’s office set up just as it would have been a century ago.
One of my favorite parts was the underground museum exhibits, which explore California’s legislative process, social movements, and unique state symbols. Whether you’re into politics, architecture, or history, this stop offers something meaningful—and it’s completely free.
Don’t miss: The massive Capitol dome from the outside at sunset—it lights up beautifully and feels both regal and welcoming.
Midtown Sacramento: Where Culture, Art, and Food Collide
📍 Location: Roughly between 16th St and 30th St, Sacramento
💡 Tip: Use the JUMP bike/scooter system to explore easily
This is where I fell in love with Sacramento.
Midtown is a kaleidoscope of murals, art galleries, boutique shops, craft breweries, and world-class dining—all wrapped in an unapologetically local vibe. Unlike LA or SF, Sacramento’s cool isn’t curated for Instagram; it’s organic, grounded, and proud of its roots.
🌮 Food Stop: The R Street Corridor
Try Beast + Bounty, a beautifully designed restaurant blending wood-fired meats with fresh, vegan-forward sides. Or hit Mas Taco Bar for adventurous tacos like duck confit and Korean short rib.
🎨 Art Stop: Wide Open Walls
This street art festival turns the city into an open-air gallery. You can find massive murals on nearly every block—download the Wide Open Walls mural map to explore.
The Crocker Art Museum
📍 Location: 216 O St, Sacramento, CA 95814
🎟 Admission: \$15 for adults
🎟 Tickets: crockerart.org
💡 Tip: Visit on Sundays for family-friendly programming and local artist showcases
I’ve visited dozens of art museums across the U.S., and the Crocker Art Museum is easily among my favorites. It’s the oldest public art museum west of the Mississippi and blends a stunning Victorian mansion with a modern wing filled with light and steel.
Their collection spans from European masters to contemporary California artists. The real showstopper for me, though, was their collection of African and Oceanic art—raw, powerful, and moving.
The café is a lovely bonus—grab a latte and sit in the outdoor sculpture garden when the weather’s nice.
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
📍 Location: 2701 L St, Sacramento, CA 95816
🎟 Admission: \$5 for adults
🎟 Tickets: Purchase on-site or via California State Parks Pass
💡 Tip: Time your visit during one of the “Living History” events for costumed reenactments
Sutter’s Fort is one of the earliest settlements in the Sacramento Valley and tells the complicated story of early California—Native American displacement, the Gold Rush, and frontier life.
Walking through the fort, I was struck by how hands-on everything felt. There are blacksmiths, period kitchens, old armories, and reconstructed cabins. It’s educational without being boring and deeply immersive, especially for families or history buffs like me.
The Farm-to-Fork Capital: Yes, the Food Deserves a Section of Its Own
Sacramento’s not just another city with a few trendy restaurants. It’s literally the Farm-to-Fork Capital of the U.S., and once you eat here, you understand why.
🍷 Best Brunch: Tower Café
Located near the historic Tower Theatre. The French toast alone is worth the flight.
🍽 Dinner to Remember: The Kitchen
One of only a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants in Northern California. It’s a theatrical, multi-course experience (\$275+ per person, reservations required via OpenTable).
🍻 Craft Breweries Worth Visiting:
- Urban Roots: Great BBQ and hoppy IPAs
- Device Brewing: Chill, local vibes and creative small batches
🥬 Don’t Miss: The Midtown Farmers Market
Every Saturday, 8 AM – 1 PM. It’s not just about produce—there’s live music, food trucks, local crafts, and a contagious community spirit.
Practical Planning: Booking Tickets, Flights, and Hotels
✈️ Flights
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is small but efficient, and flights are often cheaper than those to SF or LA. Use Google Flights, Hopper, or Skyscanner to find great deals.
From LAX or SFO, direct flights are under 90 minutes.
🏨 Where to Stay
- Kimpton Sawyer Hotel: Downtown luxury with a rooftop pool (\$250+/night).
- The Citizen Hotel: Political charm meets modern comfort; part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.
- Use Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Expedia for deals.
🍽 Restaurant Reservations
Use OpenTable and Resy for top restaurants, especially during weekends.
🎟 Attraction & Event Tickets
Check Eventbrite for local events, and Viator or GetYourGuide for organized tours and day trips.
🚗 Getting Around
Downtown is very walkable. For longer distances, use:
- JUMP Bikes & Scooters: App-based rentals
- SacRT: Affordable public transport system
- Turo: If you prefer to rent a car from locals
Why It Mattered to Me: A Final Reflection
I’ve been to flashier cities, bigger cities, louder cities. But Sacramento reminded me why I travel in the first place—not just for entertainment or sightseeing, but for connection, discovery, and a sense of place.
There’s something special here: a city that isn’t trying too hard, but simply is—rich in history, quietly creative, deeply local, and irresistibly real.
So next time you’re planning a California trip, skip the over-touristed chaos. Come to Sacramento. Stay a while. Let the city surprise you like it did me.
✈ Recommended U.S. Platforms for Travel Planning
| Type | Platform | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | Hopper, Google Flights, Skyscanner | Find the best airfare deals |
| Hotels | Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com | Compare rates & book accommodations |
| Restaurants | OpenTable, Resy | Make reservations easily |
| Attractions | Viator, GetYourGuide | Pre-book tours & experiences |
| Local Events | Eventbrite | Discover what’s happening in town |
| Car Rentals | Turo, Enterprise | Rent from locals or traditional companies |
If you’re looking for a travel destination that delivers authenticity, value, and unforgettable experiences without the big-city price tag, Sacramento might just become your new favorite.
Let it surprise you. It sure surprised me.
