What To See And Do in Sacramento California in a Day (With Photos)

Are you looking for things to do in Sacramento? Take a look at our list of top things to do in this beautiful city. 

This vibrant city offers something for everyone, from exploring Old Town Sacramento to the modern mural-laden Midtown to touring the state Capitol Building. 

Sacramento was never on my list of places to visit in California. It was the capital city of California, which I didn’t know at all.

It’s a great feeling to discover that I don’t know anything. As our number one on our travel manifesto says. “always travel with an open mind!”

Now I want more of this. vibrant city (currently one of the fastest growing in California for affordability and lifestyle!)

You can expect to find a vibrant Farm to Fork foodie scene in Sacramento, as 80% of US food is produced in the Central Valley region.

I spent two nights in Sacramento with Globus Tours. (I was traveling alone without Craig and the girls.

We spent one day sightseeing and got to experience what I considered a comprehensive tour of the city.

Here are my top tips on how to spend a day in Sacramento. You’ll gain an appreciation of its history and modern eclectic culture that makes up its vibrant spirit today.

Sacramento: How to Get Around

If you don’t have your own car, getting around Sacramento CA easy with the help of Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT). There are many bus and light rail routes that can take you to your destination.

If you are planning to explore further and require a Sacramento rental car, click here. 

If you’re staying downtown the following highlights can be enjoyed by walking from point A to point B. 

The longest distance would be Old Town Sacrament to Midtown. This is approximately a 30 minute walk. 

This will allow you to see many amazing murals as you go, as well as get a feel of the city’s pulse and maybe stumble upon some hidden treasures. 

The grid system of the city includes numbered streets running north-south and lettered streets running east-west. This makes it easy to get around and see places in the area.

Sacramento is located approximately 93 miles northeast from San Francisco. On our Globus Northern California group tour, we visited Sacramento. On our way to Sonoma, we stopped for lunch.

Visit the State Capitol Building & grounds 

If you are visiting Sacramento, the California State Capitol should be on your list. Sacramento was renamed the capital of California after the Gold Rush in 1854.

The Capitol building serves as both a museum and the state’s working seat of government. The Capitol building houses the chambers and offices of the California State Legislature. It includes the Assembly and Senate as well as the office of California’s governor.

The California State Capitol Park and the World Peace Rose Garden on the Capitol grounds is a popular place to relax amongst the lush gardens. It covers 40 acres, and features trees from all parts of California, including Redwoods. There are also over 650 different rose varieties.

To appreciate the Capitol and its gardens, we only walked the front of it. The gardens can be accessed at any time.

The California State Capitol Museum is open Monday through Friday from 09:00am – 04:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am – 03:00pm (except holidays). Reservations are required for guided tours. Check ahead for any changes

The Johnny Cash Mural

The Johnny Cash Mural is a must see for music fans. It can be found in Old Town Sacramento. This vibrant mural honors the legend singer and features images from his life as well as his career.

Visitors from all over the world flock to the Johnny Cash Mural, 15 stories high, which was created by the same artist that produced the 2008 Obama Hope poster to mark the 50th anniversary his Folsom Prison Blues album.

The Johnny Cash Mural in Sacramento is located  at the intersection of 16th and J streets.

Gran a Coffee at Temple Coffee in Midtown

Temple Coffee is Midtown Sacramento’s best choice for great coffee. This hip café offers a wide variety of coffees, as well as pastries and sandwiches for breakfast or lunch.

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Pay attention to the 500,000 pennies that make up the café’s floor. I’m sure you’ll find good luck

Temple Coffee has various locations in the city. My research before visiting told me it’s some of the best coffee in Sacramento.) It’s a double thumbs up from me!

Explore Midtown, its Murals

Midtown is the hip, trendy area of Sacramento. It lies mostly along the residential community with old homes.

It’s also the center of Sacramento’s art, music, and cultural scene filled with breweries, hip cafes, upscale dining and clubs, artisans, and vibrant murals. 

I loved exploring the neighborhood and enjoying the people and the atmosphere.

Many art galleries participate on Second Saturdays and host free receptions every other Saturday from 6pm to 9:00pm.

Among locals, a popular event is the Midtown Farmers Market, which brings together more than 50 farmers and other vendors selling fresh produce, fruit, vegetables, and food products

Placita MX

If you’re looking for a more unique shopping experience, head to Placita MX (K Street) in Midtown. 

You’ll find a little taste of Mexico inside a small building with artisan business bordering a gorgeous courtyard area. Items range from vintage finds, incredible artwork, clothes and modern home décor.

John S. Huerta is an artist you might see at work in his studio. He is the artist behind some of Sacramento’s most famous murals my favorite one of Frida Kahlo on the side of the Midtown MX building.

Lunch at Midtown’s Catina Alley

Placita MX is just around the corner Catina AlleyWe stopped in at, for some deliciously fresh and spicy Asada Steak and Baja Fish Tacos.

Cantina Alley is home to Oaxaca and Mexico City-inspired ala carte street food. They are most well-known for their tacos. They’ve replaced the chips and salsa typically served in Mexican restaurants with chicharrons – fried pig rind.

This restaurant was a great place to eat with its outdoor patio, large mural, sculptures and bar covered in photo ceramic tiles. It made me want Mexico City!

Visit Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park

Sutter’s Fort is a reconstructed fort from the early days of Sacramento.

It was constructed by John Sutter (a Swiss immigrant) in 1839. He received a Mexican government land grant.

He built an agricultural establishment on the land and called it New Helvetia (New Switzerland). Almost 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 remains of New Helvetia.

Today, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is open daily for self-guided tours and Visitor Center has exhibits on John Sutter and the California Gold Rush.

The fort is available for tours every Wednesday and Monday from 09:00am to 04.00pm. Admission is $11 for adults, $08 to seniors and students with identification, and free for children younger than five years.

This is on the other side to Midtown. You may want to leave this area if you have limited time and are able to walk. 

We made a quick stop at this location on a bus tour of the capital to see the outside.

Explore Old Sacramento State Historic Park

Are you ready for the Gold Rush to return?

The Old Sacramento Waterfront has been preserved to maintain that 1850s feel with recreated or restored buildings. You’ll find wooden sidewalks, horse drawn carriages or maybe even a living history character or two.

Old Sacramento State Historic Park covers eight blocks (28 acres) of historic buildings within the Gold Rush business district. It was made a National Historic Landmark by the US in 1965. 

Old Town Sacramento is a fun and lively district in the heart of the city, full of charming shops, restaurants, and museums, as well as beautiful architecture.

As it’s one of Sacramento’s top tourist attractions, I was worried this region may be a little kitschy, but I loved it! The architecture was stunning, it was well-designed and laid out. It also had a wild west vibe that felt authentic and more than poorly constructed.

The atmosphere at night was buzzing and the perfect place to end our day of exploring in Sacramento.

Highlights include:

• California State Railroad Museum The largest railroad museum west of the Mississippi is in Sacramento and houses numerous locomotives, rail cars – including dining and mail cars – a model train exhibit and tells the story of the building of the transcontinental railroad as well as the role the railroad played in the history of California and the western states.
• The Eagle Theater California’s first theater was built.
• The Wells Fargo History Museum The model recreates the appearance of a Wells Fargo California office in 1921. It also shows how the company influenced Gold Rush-era commerce. 
• Pony Express Terminal: the western end point to the Pony Express and the first location of the California Supreme Court. For those of you who don’t know, the Pony Express was a US mail service in the 1860s that delivered letters and newspapers between Missouri and California by horseback.
• Pony Express Riders Statue nearly-two-ton statue honoring the Pony Express riders
• Sacramento History Museum: fascinating look at the city’s past with the story of the California Gold Rush and the building of the Transcontinental Railroad which began in Sacramento.

Sunset on the Riverfront Promenade, Tower Bridge

The Riverfront Promenade has stunning views of Sacramento River and the Tower Bridge. This promenade is ideal for sunset walks.

The Sacramento Riverfront Promenade is one-mile long, 20-foot-wide, and pedestrian- and bike path that runs from the existing promenade to Miller Park (Tower Bridge to O Street).

Tower Bridge is a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture and is well worth a visit. Constructed in 1935, the center section of this bridge lifts 100 feet above the Sacramento River.

The bridge and river become a spectacular sight as the sun sets.

Drink at Fanny Ann’s Saloon 

If you’re looking for a great place to drink in Sacramento, look no further than Fanny Ann’s Saloon. This historic bar is one among the oldest in Sacramento and offers a wide range of beers on tap along with cocktails and wine. 

It’s named after the steamboat that was used for transportation during the Gold Rush (and later helped the North in the Civil War!)

There are three levels to the memorabilia: posters, posters, arcade games, and an old firehose on wheels. It has a Wild West, quirky feel. Some posters made us laugh for days!

If you’re looking for a casual dinner, Fanny Ann’s has been serving up burgers to rave about and beers since 1973! The peanut butter burger has become a specialty!

Dinner at Rio City Cafe in Sacramento

If you’re looking for a more sophisticated Sacramento dining experience, but with a relaxed feel, then Rio City Café on the Sacramento River is the perfect spot. 

The warehouse-style structure, which has an open and airy feel, is perfectly suited to its riverside setting. It was built to resemble a 19th-century steamboat depot. It is peaceful to enjoy sunset from the patio with views of the river and historic Tower Bridge. 

The farm-to fork menu features seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and ranches. My signature cocktail with Atlantic salmon and blood Orange mezcal was delicious.

OPTIONAL AFTERNOON TOUR IDEA (RIVER CRUISE)

The Sacramento River offers beautiful views of the city and its surroundings, and what  better way to enjoy them than on a river cruise? This informative and relaxing tour takes passengers along the river, passing landmarks such as the State Capitol and Tower Bridge. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Sacramento. Book your tour today.

Stay at Embassy Suites By Hilton Sacramento Riverfront

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Sacramento, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade is a great option. 

The hotel is located just a short distance from Old Sacramento Waterfront District, and approximately 30 minutes from Midtown Sacramento. Suites are spacious and include a separate lounge area with a desk and a desk for those who travel.

You can also enjoy an evening social with drinks and snacks. Look out for their special cocktail of day. Warning. It could be very strong.

This hotel offers breathtaking views of the Tower Bridge and the river from its rooms, suites, and free WiFi. 

It’s there! This is our guide to Sacramento, California. With so many things to see and do, there is plenty to do.

Sacramento, California has so many things to do and see! This vibrant city offers something for everyone, including beautiful architecture and museums as well as great restaurants and bars. Explore Sacramento and all it has to offer.

Comment: What other things would you recommend doing in Sacramento in a single day?

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