Things to do & places to visit in Sacramento, California, United States

California's capital city is often overlooked by tourists seeking out better known destinations in other corners of the state. Look again: Sacramento offers a range of exciting, educational and historic attractions sure to entertain all. Families will want to check out the cheetahs, jaguars and crocodiles at the Zoo while political buffs should head to the state Capitol, which features a park and museum on California history, or the Governor's Mansion. Anyone with an interest in trains will enjoy the Railroad Museum's massive collection of antique locomotives. Everyone will enjoy the restaurants and shops of historic Old Sacramento on the city's lovely waterfront.

Sacramento city in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 15:12.

Top things to do (24)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 California State Railroad Museum (2.794 reviews)
- Something enjoyable for all ages
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Come along for the ride. Stand in the shadow of a 150-year-old, 40-ton monument to innovation, engineering and history. Take a ride along the rails that played a key role in the development of the Golden State. See the history of the California railways come to life in engaging exhibits. A visit to the California State Railroad Museum is a not-to-be-missed experience for persons of all ages. See more..
4.5 California State Capitol Museum (1.390 reviews)
- Free guided tour
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens • History Museums

This 19th-century granite building, modeled after the U.S. Capitol, is home to the California Legislature and houses a public museum and a surrounding garden. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. See more..
4.5 Crocker Art Museum (1.144 reviews)
- Definitely worth a visit - excellent Japanese ceramics exhibit and more
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

The Crocker Art Museum was one of the first art museums in the U.S. and is now one of the leading art institutions in California. Established in 1885, the Museum features one of the country’s finest collections of Californian art, exceptional holdings of master drawings, a comprehensive collection of international ceramics, as well as European, Asian, African, and Oceanic art. The Crocker is CLOSED every Monday. See more..
4.5 American River Bicycle Trail (626 reviews)
- Very enjoyable trail
Biking Trails

Part of the American Discovery Trail, this path is exclusively for non-motorized use, and it extends throughout the city. See more..
4.5 Capitol Park (546 reviews)
- What a surprise!
Parks • Government Buildings

This popular park, surrounding the California State Capitol, has trees from around the world and memorials to significant state events. See more..
4.5 California Automobile Museum (330 reviews)
- Nice collection, great people, welcoming environment.
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The mission of the California Automobile Museum is to educate and entertain while preserving and promoting the automobile and its influence on our lives. The Museum is open Wednesday through Monday from 10am - 5pm (last admission 4pm). See more..
4.5 Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament (306 reviews)
- Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament
Friday: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Religious Sites

Beautiful artwork in this Cathedral. We tried a couple times to go inside, however, the back was always locked. We tried on our final day and were surprised the back was open. Talked to the priest and he said they try to have it opened most days, if the back was locked to try the north side door. They have to be careful as there are many valuables inside and they worry about vandalism. Very worth the stop. See more..
4.5 Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park (270 reviews)
- Big old house
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

Free tour! What’s better than this? I went there on Sunday, after the Capital park tour (another free tour). There were only me and another guy. The staff gave us a 30 min quick tour. She told us a lot about the history of the house which are all quite interesting. Unfortunately you cannot take photos in the building See more..
4.5 William Land Park (191 reviews)
- wonderful urban resourece
Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parks • Jogging Paths & Tracks

Remarkable foresight to save this huge property and park. A classic great city part, included open spaces, lots of green and trees and paths, softball fields, terrific 9 hole golf course, and a zoo. bustling withe neighborhood activities See more..
4.5 Sacramento History Museum (160 reviews)
- Don’t miss the underground tour!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Explore the rich and diverse history of our region only at the Sacramento History Museum! Don't miss our Underground and Gold Fever! Tours. Your story starts here! See more..
4.5 McKinley Park (159 reviews)
- Sacramento Gem
Parks • Jogging Paths & Tracks

During the COVID-19 pandemic the park had some visitors, all wearing masks and social distancing. The rise garden was in full bloom and the Canadian geese and Mallards were enjoying the pond with their new chicks. The McKinley Vault is still under construction and the laughter of children was absent from the play area. Still a beautiful day a McKinley Park. See more..
4.5 American River Parkway (155 reviews)
- Epic scenery along the river, but the pedestrian paths are secondary to the bike paths
Bodies of Water • Parks

A picturesque 23-mile stretch of land along the American River that offers visitors wonderful scenic beauty. See more..
4.5 The B Street Theatre (75 reviews)
- Consistently excellent
Friday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Theaters

This professional theater company focuses on the staging of new plays. See more..
4.5 Old City Cemetery (66 reviews)
- Amazing Combination of History Plus Beauty
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Cemeteries

After living here 35 years, I visited this cemetery for the first time, today. It was astounding! People are buried here from the Civil War and the Gold Rush eras. You can recognize famous California historical names. The grave stones are historic and poignant. The beauty comes from the green grass, the trees, and the plants in the area. This cemetery is huge! This is a great place to see, for people of all ages over 7. It is a reminder of the many people who have gone before us. It is also a reminder of why we need to get our vaccines! See more..
4.5 California State University, Sacramento (58 reviews)
- SAC state
Educational sites

It is a good place to visit specially on weekends, or when school is out. It is a beautiful campus on the American River. If you park on the east side of campus you can walk up to the bike trail and walk along above the river. There are lots of squrrels on campus looking for a handout. During the school year there are lots of sports going on: spring sports men and women basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, track & field. Check schedule for times. There are plays and music events on campus. There is an excellent library,and art galery showing student works. See more..
4.5 California Musical Theatre (38 reviews)
- Not a bad seat in the house!
Theaters

I love the layout of this Theater! The stage is in the center of the theater with seats all around. The seats don't go back too far so no one is far from the stage. My daughter loved The Wiz performance! The actors were really good and entertaining! We had a good time! The plus side of this being a smaller theater is that the lines for concession and restrooms don't get too long during intermission. We appreciated this after visiting larger theaters in the past and not having time during intermission to use the restroom. I will be checking their schedule to make sure I attend some more of the events at this theater! I used the parking garage next to the theater. I prepaid online for $5. I parked on the second floor and had no issue getting in or out of the parking garage. I can imagine there being an issue if you are parked at a high level. See more..
4.5 California State Library (24 reviews)
- Lovely old building
Friday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Libraries

Founded in 1850 to provide research materials for government officials, this library is today available for public use and houses a collection of unique documents on the state's history. See more..
4.5 Loch Leven Lakes Trail (20 reviews)
- This hike was longer and tougher than expected
Hiking Trails

A popular and challenging trail through 10 miles of scenic area. See more..
4.0 Old Sacramento (3.143 reviews)
- Checkout Evangeline's Costume Mansion
Speciality Museums

This historic area of restored buildings, museums and novelty shops brings life to the Sacramento waterfront. See more..
4.0 Sacramento Zoo (629 reviews)
- Fun day with grandkids
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Zoos

Children and adults alike delight in this zoo's almost 400 species of wildlife. See more..
4.0 Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (557 reviews)
- Definitely a worthwhile stop!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Parks

Recreation of John Sutter's fort. See more..
4.0 Golden 1 Center (280 reviews)
- Miranda Lambert Concert!
Spent More than 3 hours Civic Centres

We came here for the Miranda Lambert Concert! Entry into the venue was rather easy, even with the large number of people. First time here and it was easy to find our seats with the guidance of the friendly guides and ushers. The center was clean and the seats very good. The concert was great, sound and video displays too! Leaving and back to our hotel was also easy. See more..
4.0 Tower Bridge (255 reviews)
- Yellow bridge
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges

It’s not the Golden Gate Bridge but it is cool. You can look right down to the state Capitol which is a nice photo. It is a vertical lift bridge so the middle bit lifts up - I didn’t see this but it sounds quite cool. See more..
4.0 California Exposition & State Fair (144 reviews)
- Huge park
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Convention Centers

I went to the race track to watch a small evening race. There weren’t much people but I got to see the building. The park was closed. I walked through the park to get to the front gate. It was quite an amazing experience to walk in a closed amusement park with nobody inside. I wish I could have the chance to see the real state fair. See more..
4.0 Sacramento Convention Center (121 reviews)
- SACRAMENTO CONVENTION CENTER REVIEW.
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Convention Centers

My husband and I had attended concerts at the Sacramento Convention Center. The staff is very polite and well-mannered. See more..
4.0 Governor's Mansion (112 reviews)
- Nancy Reagan didn't like it
History Museums

Built in the late 19th century, this mansion was the official residence of the state's governor through the late 1960s. See more..
4.0 California State Indian Museum (100 reviews)
- Small but informative
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM History Museums

This museum explores a diverse range of Native American topics, from history to culture to art. See more..
4.0 Funderland Amusement Park (99 reviews)
- Sunny Day in Funderland
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Rides & Activities

Historic Funderland Amusement Park is now open for its 2023 operating season! First opened in 1946, Funderland continues to delight generations of Northern California families. Located on two lovely acres in Sacramento's beautiful 100 year-old William Land Park, Funderland features ten child-sized amusement rides and attractions (nine of which children can also share and ride with their parents and grandparents!), four fun photo ops (perfect for family group shots!), a FunderTreats concession stand featuring delicious food, amusement park treats, and drinks, and plenty of big, mature shade trees! Funderland offers families a delightful day outside in welcoming and comfortable surroundings, and is also the perfect place to have your next birthday party, fundraiser, group, or corporate event! Parking is always free, and Funderland's one-price Gate Admission gives guests of all ages both entry to the park AND unlimited rides for the entire day! See more..
4.0 Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum (98 reviews)
- A wonderful and unexpected experience
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums

I was showing my fiancé my home town and we were making a few quick early stops on our last morning in Sacramento before heading to the airport. She is a teacher and I thought it would be really cool to check out the Old Schoolhouse before leaving Old Sac. But it was 8:30am and they weren’t open yet. However as we were walking up I noticed a lady bringing in items and offered to help. She had me bring in some water for her and invited us in. After helping her she gave us a privet tour and told us all about the history of the school and Old Sacramento and introduced us to the local cats. It was a really cool experience for us both. See more..
4.0 California Museum (89 reviews)
- Hidden Gem for All Ages— focus on cultural history
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Home of the official California Hall of Fame, the California Museum educates and enlightens visitors on California's rich history and unique influence on the world through innovation, the arts and culture. Through engaging exhibits and educational programs, the Museum inspires visitors to make their own mark on history. Long-term signature exhibitions include: • California Hall of Fame • California Indians: The First People • California Missions: A Journey Along the El Camino Real • California's Remarkable Women • Constitution Wall • Health Happens Here • Uprooted! Japanese Americans During WWII In addition, 6-8 temporary exhibitions exploring the state's history, arts and culture are also on display each year. See more..