Sacramento is at the crossroads of politics, commerce, and agriculture, as both California’s state capital and the gateway to a fertile farming valley. Downtown, visitors can get cultured at the Capitol Building and Crocker Art Museum, while Midtown is the place to go for craft breweries and restaurants dishing up the region’s celebrated “farm-to-fork” cuisine. Along the riverfront, the best things to do in Sacramento include the Gold Rush exhibits, the Delta King riverboat, and the California State Railroad Museum.
It’s best to plan a visit to Sacramento in spring or fall when the weather isn’t too hot. These shoulder seasons avoid the rains and bad storms that usually take place from November through February and the heat waves that can make some summer days unbearable. Summer isn’t usually the best time to visit, unless you’re planning to go to California’s State Fair at the city’s Cal Expo Center in July.
Sacramento is one of the top ten largest cities in California. If you’re visiting one area, such as Downtown or Midtown, walking is your best option; however, if you’re planning to visit different parts of the city, a car is a great way to do so. Most areas, such as Old Town, have either street parking or parking garages, along with ZipCar, taxi, and rideshare access.
For families, the city’s Land Park neighborhood is one not to miss. It’s home to Fairytale Town, Funderland Amusement Park, and the Sacramento Zoo (complete with a carousel and life-size dinosaur exhibit)—and all three attractions are within walking distance of one another. Plus, the surrounding area offers plenty of green space for picnicking and lounging, along with duck and lily ponds.
