Things To Do

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

Discover the top 10 things to do in Sacramento — from California State Capitol and Old Sacramento to Golden 1 Center and Sutter Health Park. Your complete 2026 travel guide with local tips.

Updated October 20, 2026

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.

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

City of Trees House is about 2.7 miles from the California State Capitol, about an 8-minute drive.

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).

City of Trees House is about 2 miles from Old Sacramento (California State Railroad Museum), about a 40-minute walk or 6-minute drive.

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)

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)

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

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)

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

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

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.

City of Trees House is about 1.4 miles from the west end of Tower Bridge, about a 30-minute walk or 5-minute drive.

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

City of Trees House is about a mile from Sutter Health Park, a 5-minute drive or a 28-minute walk, home of the Athletics and River Cats. Drive or take a rideshare to the game.

Golden 1 Center (Sacramento Kings): City of Trees House is about 2 miles from Golden 1 Center, around a 6-minute drive. Allow extra time for event traffic.

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

• City of Trees House is about 2 miles from downtown Sacramento, around a 6-minute drive.
• Luxury amenities -- private hot tub, family room, Starlink WiFi, Tesla EV charger.
• Pet-friendly -- fenced yard.
• Family-friendly -- kids' room, baby amenities.
• Drive 5 minutes or take a rideshare to Sutter Health Park.
• City of Trees House is about 2 miles from Golden 1 Center, around a 6-minute drive.
• City of Trees House is about 2 miles from Old Sacramento (California State Railroad Museum), about a 40-minute walk or 6-minute drive.

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 one vehicle. 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.

Plan your stay at City of Trees House

Use the Sacramento vacation rental guide to check the house's fit before choosing your dates.