Planning a day journey to Sacramento? Or maybe you’ve simply bought 24 hours to spend and undecided kill your time? Properly, you’re in the appropriate place, as we’ve bought one of the best concepts for what to do in Sacramento in sooner or later.
From touring the State Capitol Constructing to exploring Outdated City Sacramento and the extra trendy mural-laden Midtown, there’s lots to see in 24 hours or much less on this vibrant metropolis.
I spent two nights in Sacramento and had one full day of sightseeing, and skilled what I felt was a effectively rounded tour of town.
On this information, I share my good sooner or later in Sacramento itinerary that can let you acquire an appreciation of its wealthy historical past and trendy eclectic tradition that makes up its vibrant spirit at present.
One Day in Sacramento Itinerary
At the moment will likely be an extended day with numerous strolling. For those who don’t wish to stroll, see under for get round Sacramento utilizing public transport.
This itinerary assumes that you just arrive the evening earlier than and have a full day beginning the following day, however should you arrive mid-afternoon, simply scroll right down to the time under and work your method on from there.
When you’ve got a bit greater than 24 hours to kill, maybe an extra morning, then I like to recommend including on a motorcycle trip alongside the American River Path or Sacramento River Bike Path as your final exercise. It’s an effective way to see town and get some exercize in. You’ll be able to hike the path too.
8:00am: See the Johnny Money Mural, Midtown
We’ll start our itinerary in Midtown, stroll throughout downtown, and end up within the Sacramento River Parkway State Parks. That is the guts of Sacramento and the place all the highest sights are based mostly.
Starting with a photograph op, over in Outdated City Sacramento, the Johnny Money Mural is a must-see for music followers. This vibrant mural pays tribute to the legendary singer and options pictures of his life and profession.
The Johnny Money Mural, which is 15 tales tall and was created by the identical artist who produced the 2008 Obama Hope poster to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of his Folsom Jail Blues album, attracts guests from throughout.
The Johnny Money Mural in Sacramento is situated on the intersection of sixteenth and J streets.
8:30am: Seize a espresso and breakfast at Temple Espresso Roasters (Midtown)
For an amazing cup of espresso, our high suggestions are to move to Temple Espresso in Midtown Sacramento.
This hip café affords all kinds of coffees, in addition to pastries and sandwiches for breakfast or lunch.
Take note of the five hundred,000 pennies that make up the café’s ground. I’m certain you’ll discover good luck.
Temple Espresso has varied places within the metropolis. My analysis earlier than visiting advised me it’s among the finest espresso in Sacramento. It’s a double thumbs up from me!
9:00am: Discover Midtown and its murals
Midtown is the hip and stylish area of Sacramento situated largely alongside the residential neighborhood with outdated properties and tree-lined streets.
It’s additionally the middle of Sacramento’s artwork, music, and cultural scene stuffed with breweries, hip cafes, upscale eating and golf equipment, artisans, and vibrant murals.
I liked wandering the streets of this neighborhood, absorbing the vibe, having fun with a espresso, buying and exploring all of the colourful and enjoyable murals.
Most of the artwork galleries take part in Second Saturdays and host free receptions on each second Saturday of the month from 6pm to 9pm.
Amongst locals, a preferred occasion is the Midtown Farmers Market, which brings collectively greater than 50 farmers and different distributors promoting recent produce, fruit, greens, and meals merchandise
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Midtown Sacramento Arts and Meals Tour
Discover the nice artwork and meals of Midtown Sacramento on a 3.5-hour strolling tour. See colourful murals and listen to about their historical past, cease into galleries, be taught concerning the metropolis’s structure, and pattern dishes at favorites eateries on this full of life district.
Click on to be taught extra and e-book your tour
10:00am: Espresso break in Placita MX
For those who’re searching for a extra distinctive buying expertise or in want of one other espresso, head to Placita MX (Okay Road) in Midtown.
You’ll discover somewhat style of Mexico inside a small constructing with artisan enterprise bordering a beautiful courtyard space. Gadgets vary from classic finds, unimaginable art work, garments and trendy residence décor.
You could even see artist, John S. Huerta, at work in his studio. He’s the artist behind a few of Sacramento’s most well-known murals, my favourite one is Frida Kahlo on the facet of the Midtown MX constructing.
12:30pm: Lunch at Midtown’s Catina Alley
Across the nook from Placita MX is Catina Alley, the place we stopped for some deliciously recent and spicy Asada steak and Baja fish tacos.
Cantina Alley has Oaxaca and Mexico Metropolis impressed ala carte road meals; most recognized for his or her tacos. They’ve changed the chips and salsa usually served in Mexican eating places with chicharrons – fried pig rind.
I liked the ambiance of this restaurant, with its outside patio, big mural, sculptures, and bar lined with {photograph} ceramic tiles. It undoubtedly made me wish to go to Mexico Metropolis!
1:30pm: Go to Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
Sutter’s Fort is a reconstructed fort from the early days of Sacramento and one of the crucial unmissable historic websites within the metropolis.
It was inbuilt 1839 by Swiss immigrant John Sutter, who acquired a land grant from the Mexican authorities.
He used the land to construct an agricultural institution and named it New Helvetia (New Switzerland.) Nearly a decade after it was established, miners coming to California for the Gold Rush overran Sutter’s land grant and Sutter’s Fort is all that continues to be of New Helvetia.
At the moment, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is open day by day for self-guided excursions and Customer Heart has displays on John Sutter and the California Gold Rush.
The fort is open for excursions from Wednesday-Monday from 09:00am to 04:00pm. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to stroll round the entire thing.
We had a fast cease right here on a brief bus tour of town simply to have a look at the skin.
2:30pm: Go to the State Capitol Constructing and Grounds
The California State Capitol is a must-see for any customer to Sacramento, if solely to have a look at the constructing. After the Gold Rush in 1854, Sacramento was designated as the brand new capital of California.
The Capitol constructing serves as each a museum and the state’s working seat of presidency. The constructing homes the chambers of the California State Legislature, made up of the Meeting and the Senate, together with the workplace of the governor of California
The California State Capitol Park and the World Peace Rose Backyard on the Capitol grounds is a well-liked place to calm down amongst the plush gardens. It spreads throughout 40 acres and options timber from throughout California, together with Redwoods and over 650 various kinds of roses.
We solely walked across the entrance space of the Capitol to benefit from the constructing and gardens, however you are able to do a guided tour which lasts about 90 minutes. You’ll be able to go to the gardens any time.
The California State Capitol Museum is open from Monday-Friday from 9:00am to 05:00pm, and closed on weekends. Guided excursions run from 10:00am – 4:00pm, and are free, however reservations are advisable as they will solely take 10-20 folks on every tour (test the web site on reserve tickets).
4:00pm: Discover Outdated Sacramento State Historic Park
Are you able to step again into Gold Rush instances? The Outdated Sacramento Waterfront has been preserved to keep up that 1850s really feel with recreated or restored buildings. You’ll discover wood sidewalks, horse drawn carriages or perhaps even a residing historical past character or two.
On the way in which to Outdated Sacramento from the State Capitol, stroll alongside N Road to admire the structure of The Leland Stanford Mansion, a historic Victorian Mansion.
Outdated Sacramento State Historic Park covers eight blocks (28 acres) of historic buildings inside the Gold Rush enterprise district. It turned a Nationwide Historic Landmark in 1965.
Outdated City Sacramento is a enjoyable and full of life district within the coronary heart of town, stuffed with charming outlets, eating places, and museums, in addition to lovely structure.
Because it’s one in every of Sacramento’s high vacationer sights, I used to be nervous this area could also be somewhat kitschy, however I liked it! The structure of the buildings had been beautiful and it was tastefully set out and designed and it had such a enjoyable wild west vibe that felt genuine to that spirit, greater than poorly fabricated!
The ambiance at evening was buzzing and the right place to finish our day of exploring in Sacramento.
Highlights of Outdated Sacramento State Historic Park:
- The California State Railroad Museum: The most important railroad museum west of the Mississippi is in Sacramento and homes quite a few locomotives, rail vehicles – together with eating and mail vehicles – a mannequin prepare exhibit and tells the story of the constructing of the transcontinental railroad in addition to the position the railroad performed within the historical past of California and the western states.
- The Eagle Theater: the primary ever theater inbuilt California.
- The Wells Fargo Historical past Museum: recreates what a nineteenth century Wells Fargo workplace appeared like in California and showcases how the corporate influenced Gold Rush period commerce
- Pony Categorical Terminal: the western finish level to the Pony Categorical and the primary location of the California Supreme Court docket. For these of you who don’t know, the Pony Categorical was a US mail service within the 1860s that delivered letters and newspapers between Missouri and California by horseback.
- Pony Categorical Riders Statue nearly-two-ton statue honoring the Pony Categorical riders
- Sacramento Historical past Museum: fascinating take a look at town’s previous with the story of the California Gold Rush and the constructing of the Transcontinental Railroad which started in Sacramento.
- The Crocker Artwork Museum is the oldest artwork museum within the Western United States and has an in depth assortment of Californian artwork.
OPTIONAL AFTERNOON TOUR IDEA: RIVER CRUISE
The Sacramento River affords lovely views of town and its environment, and what higher option to take pleasure in them than on a river cruise? This stress-free and informative tour takes passengers down the river, previous landmarks just like the State Capitol and Tower Bridge. It’s the right option to spend a day in Sacramento. See costs and availability for the tour right here.
7:00pm: Sundown on the Riverfront Promenade and Tower Bridge
With its views of the Sacramento River and the enduring vibrant yellow Tower Bridge, the Riverfront Promenade is ideal for a stroll at sundown.
The Sacramento Riverfront Promenade is a mile-long, 20-foot-wide, pedestrian and bicycle path extending from the prevailing promenade (Tower Bridge to O Road) to Miller Park.
Tower Bridge is a fantastic instance of Artwork Deco structure and is effectively price a go to. Constructed in 1935, the middle part of this bridge lifts 100 ft above the Sacramento River.
Because the solar units, the bridge and river are bathed in a heat orange glow, making for a really beautiful sight.
8:00pm: Dinner at Rio Metropolis Cafe, Sacramento
As 80% of the meals within the US is produced from the Central Valley area the place Sacramento is situated, you possibly can look forward to finding a flourishing farm-to-fork foodie scene within the metropolis.
For those who’re searching for a extra refined Sacramento eating expertise, however with a relaxed really feel, then Rio Metropolis Café on the Sacramento River is the right spot.
The open and ethereal warehouse-style construction is suited to its riverside location because it was constructed to resemble a nineteenth century steamboat depot. Sundown on the patio overlooking the river and historic Tower Bridge is tranquil.
The farm-to-fork menu options dishes made out of seasonal substances sourced from space farms and ranches. I liked my Atlantic salmon and blood orange mezcal signature cocktail.
9:00pm: Drink at Fanny Ann’s Saloon
For those who’re searching for an amazing place to drink in Sacramento, look no additional than Fanny Ann’s Saloon. This historic bar is without doubt one of the oldest within the metropolis and affords a wide array of beers on faucet, in addition to cocktails and wine.
It’s named after the steamboat that was used for transportation throughout the Gold Rush (and later helped the North within the Civil Struggle!)
There are three ranges of memorabilia, together with an historical firehose on wheels, posters, arcade video games and funky nooks and crannies. It has a Wild West quirky really feel. A number of the posters gave us an amazing snicker for days after!
For those who’re searching for an off-the-cuff dinner, Fanny Ann’s has been serving up burgers to rave about and beers since 1973! The peanut butter burger is the specialty!
Getting Round Sacramento
For those who don’t have your personal automobile, getting round Sacramento is straightforward with the assistance of Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT). Select from a wide range of bus and lightweight rail routes to get you the place you’ll want to go.
Click on right here for rental automobile costs for Sacramento should you intend to discover additional out and want one.
In case you are staying in downtown, the highlights on this itinerary can simply be loved strolling from level to level. The longest distance could be from Outdated City Sacrament to Midtown, which is a couple of 30-minute stroll.
This can even let you see many fantastic murals alongside the way in which, in addition to getting a really feel for the heartbeat of town, and maybe encounter just a few hidden treasures.
The town is laid out on a grid system with numbered streets operating north to south and lettered streets operating east to west, making getting round and seeing locations within the space a breeze.
In any other case, the SacRT mild rail and bus traces are simple and handy to make use of, and ride-share apps reminiscent of Lite and Uber are additionally accessible.
The place to remain in Sacramento: Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront
For those who’re searching for a spot to remain in Sacramento, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade is a good choice.
The resort is barely a brief stroll to Outdated Sacramento Waterfront District and about half-hour to Midtown Sacramento. The suite rooms are spacious with a separate lounge space and desk for many who work as they journey.
In addition they have night social hour with free drinks and snacks! Search for their particular cocktail of the day. Warning, it might be sturdy.
This resort affords beautiful views of the river and Tower Bridge from its rooms and suites, in addition to free breakfast, WiFi, and parking.
Greatest time to go to Sacramento
The perfect time to go to Sacramento is the spring (April-June) or fall (September-November) as they’ve delicate temperatures and dry climate, in addition to fewer crowds.
Summer season is peak season, and may get highly regarded, with highs usually reaching into the 90s and typically even the 100s.
The one purpose I might go to Sacramento in the summertime is for the California State Honest competition, which is held in July, however the excessive warmth will not be my vibe.
Sacramento in Spring is gorgeous, with its blooming cherry blossoms and full of life farmers’ markets, and October can also be a good time to go to as Sacramento goes all out for Halloween!
Closing Ideas
Sacramento was by no means on my checklist of locations to go to in California. I barely even knew it was the capital of California and assumed it could be a bland, capital metropolis.
I like it when my travels present me I do know nothing. As our primary on our journey manifesto says. “all the time journey with an open thoughts!”
Now I wish to return and discover extra of this vibrant metropolis (at the moment one of many quickest rising in California for affordability and life-style!)
However, I hope this information to spending a day in Sacramento, CA has helped you propose spend 24 hours not less than, and provide you with an thought of what it’s like.
There’s a lot to see and do in Sacramento and it really has one thing for everybody, from lovely structure and museums to nice eating places and bars. So get out and discover all that Sacramento has to supply!
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