Top 10 Things to Do in Sacramento: Your 2026 Vacation Guide

January 2026 • Things To Do

Sacramento, California's vibrant capital, offers an incredible mix of history, culture, outdoor adventures, and world-class sports. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, or outdoor enthusiast, there's something for everyone. Here are the top 10 things to do in Sacramento to make your trip unforgettable, plus a bonus sports section and tips for where to stay.

California State Capitol building Sacramento historic landmark for vacation visitors

1. California State Capitol -- Free and Fascinating

Why visit: See where California laws are made, admire stunning neoclassical architecture, and learn about state history.

Tips: Take the free guided tour. Don't miss the Capitol Museum on the basement level. Capitol Park (40 acres) has peacocks.

Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM, Sat 9 AM-5 PM

Distance from City of Trees House: 5-minute drive (2 miles)

Old Sacramento historic waterfront district cobblestone streets and shops

2. Old Sacramento -- Step Back in Time

28-acre historic district with cobblestone streets, wooden sidewalks, and preserved 19th-century buildings.

Must-dos: California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento Southern Railroad excursion train, Old Sacramento Schoolhouse, B.F. Hastings Building, Waterfront stroll, Gold Rush-era saloons.

Dining: The Firehouse (upscale American) and Old Spaghetti Factory (family-friendly).

Distance: 10-minute drive (3 miles)

Crocker Art Museum Sacramento California art gallery and exhibitions

3. Crocker Art Museum -- California's Oldest Public Art Museum

California art from 1848 to present, international works. Historic Crocker home (1868).

Highlights: California art by Wayne Thiebaud, Asian art collection, rotating exhibitions, family art studio for kids.

Hours: Thu-Sun 10 AM-5 PM. Admission: $12 adults, $6 youth (6-17), free for under 6.

Distance: 15-minute drive (4 miles)

Sacramento Zoo family-friendly attraction with exotic animals

4. Sacramento Zoo -- Perfect for Families

Compact but well-maintained zoo with over 500 animals. Great for younger kids.

Don't miss: Giraffe deck -- eye-level feeding, Reptile house, Train ride (seasonal), Playground.

Hours: Daily 9 AM-4 PM. Admission: $16 adults, $11 youth (2-11), free for under 2.

Distance: 12-minute drive (4 miles)

Sacramento American River Trail scenic bike path outdoor recreation

5. American River Bike Trail -- Outdoor Adventure

32 miles of paved, scenic trails along the American River. Perfect for biking, walking, running.

Our favorite segment: Discovery Park to Folsom (shaded, river views, wildlife).

Distance: 5-minute drive to nearest access point

Sutters Fort State Historic Park Sacramento California pioneer era landmark

6. Sutter's Fort -- Pioneer History

Recreates California's pioneer era (1839). John Sutter's fort was the birthplace of Sacramento. Living history events, exhibits, blacksmith demonstrations.

Best for: History buffs, families with school-age kids.

Hours: Daily 10 AM-5 PM.

Distance: 10-minute drive (3 miles)

Sacramento River cruise boat tour waterfront sightseeing experience

7. Sacramento River Cruise -- See the City from the Water

Hornblower Cruises offer scenic tours. Options: 1-hour narrated cruise, dinner cruise (2.5 hours), special event cruises.

Departure: Old Sacramento waterfront.

Distance: 10-minute drive

California Automobile Museum Sacramento classic and vintage cars exhibit

8. California Automobile Museum -- Car Enthusiast Heaven

Over 150 classic cars. Early Ford Model T, 1950s tailfins, 1960s muscle cars, electric vehicle exhibit.

Hours: Thu-Mon 10 AM-5 PM. Admission: $10 adults, $8 youth (6-18).

Distance: 15-minute drive

Tower Bridge Sacramento iconic golden Art Deco landmark connecting West Sacramento

9. Tower Bridge -- Iconic Sacramento Landmark

Gold-painted vertical lift bridge. Walk or drive across for stunning views.

Best photo spots: R Street pedestrian walkway (east side), Tower Bridge Gateway (west side), at night when lit up.

Distance from City of Trees House: 2-minute walk across the river!

Midtown Sacramento Farmers Market fresh local produce and crafts

10. Midtown Farmers Market -- Local Flavors

Every Saturday morning (8 AM-12 PM) at 20th and J Street. Fresh produce, artisan foods, crafts, live music.

What to buy: Fresh-picked fruits/veggies, pastries, coffee, flowers, handmade jewelry.

Distance: 10-minute drive

Bonus: Sports and Entertainment

Sutter Health Park (Oakland A's): 7-minute walk (0.4 miles) from our front door. No parking hassles -- just stroll over.

Golden 1 Center (Sacramento Kings): 5-minute drive (2 miles). Leave 20 minutes early for traffic.

Stay at City of Trees House -- Your Sacramento Home Base

Prime location -- West Sacramento, minutes from downtown.
Luxury amenities -- private hot tub, neon game room, 432 Mbps WiFi, Tesla EV charger.
Pet-friendly -- fenced yard.
Family-friendly -- bunk room, baby amenities.
Walk to Sutter Health Park.
5 minutes to Golden 1 Center.
10 minutes to Old Sacramento.

FAQs

What's the best time of year to visit Sacramento?

Spring (April-June) and fall (Sept-Oct) offer pleasant temperatures (70s) and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot (100F+). Winter is mild but rainy.

Are these attractions kid-friendly?

Yes! Sacramento Zoo, Fairytale Town, and museums are perfect for families. We have baby amenities at the house.

Can I get around without a car?

Partially. Old Sacramento and downtown are accessible by rideshare or light rail. A car is recommended for many attractions.

Restaurant recommendations?

Mulvaney's B&L (farm-to-fork), Drake's: The Barn (local beer and pizza), Temple Coffee (artisan coffee).

What's the parking like?

At City of Trees House, free driveway parking for 2-3 cars. Downtown attractions have paid parking ($5-15/day).

Ready to explore Sacramento? Check availability and book your stay at City of Trees House — your perfect Sacramento home base.