Sacramento is a metropolis that blends historical past, tradition, and fashionable aptitude in a method that feels uniquely its personal. Identified for its wealthy historic landmarks, vibrant farm-to-fork scene, and scenic riverfront views, the California state capital is stuffed with experiences that everybody ought to have on their record. From exploring historic districts to savoring a meal at one in every of its acclaimed eating places, Sacramento presents a bit one thing for everybody.
Whether or not you’re buying a house in Sacramento, searching for an house to hire, or concerned with a rental dwelling within the metropolis, these are the must-see sights and actions that may provide help to expertise the perfect of Sacramento. Able to verify off your Sacramento bucket record? Let’s dive in.
1. Go to the California State Capitol constructing
Located within the coronary heart of downtown, the California State Capitol presents guests an opportunity to step into California’s wealthy political previous whereas marveling at its beautiful structure. Stroll via the Capitol Park gardens, full of vibrant blooms and historic memorials, or head inside to find reveals that deliver the state’s historical past to life.
If you happen to’re trying to soak up the beautiful views of the capitol over dinner, Prelude Kitchen & Bar serves up Trendy American, Farm-to-Fork delicacies. The cooks work carefully with native farmers to supply the freshest elements, making certain each dish highlights the area’s greatest produce. Eating at Prelude isn’t simply in regards to the meals—it’s in regards to the expertise, the place every thoughtfully crafted dish connects you with the cooks, the farmers, and the pure bounty of Northern California.
2. Unwind at a wonderful native backyard
For these searching for a serene escape, Sacramento has a number of lovely parks and gardens that supply tranquility and sweetness proper inside the metropolis. “One of my favorite respites in Sacramento is the Natomas Rose Garden,” says wedding ceremony photographer Georgia Sheridan from Georgia Sheridan Pictures. “It’s a lovely place to unwind, and as a photographer, I love the gorgeous settings it provides for photoshoots. Plus, it’s a wonderful spot for those looking for a peaceful garden retreat,” she provides.
3. Catch a present on the Tower Theater
The Tower Theater is an iconic Sacramento landmark, recognized for its retro attraction and laid-back vibe. Situated within the coronary heart of the Midtown district, this superbly restored Artwork Deco theater is thought for its distinctive attraction and eclectic mixture of unbiased movies, basic motion pictures, and particular occasions. With its classic marquee and intimate ambiance, it presents a throwback to a time when going to the flicks felt like an expertise. Whether or not you’re catching a midnight displaying or having fun with a movie pageant, the Tower Theater is the right place for film lovers so as to add to their Sacramento bucket record.
To spherical out your expertise, head subsequent door to the Tower Café, one other iconic spot rooted in Sacramento’s historical past. “A favorite among Sacramento locals and visitors alike is the beloved Tower Café,” shares headshot photographer Glynn Thomas, from Glynns Thomas Portraits. “The restaurant sits in the iconic building where Tower Records began. I make a point to take visitors there, especially if the weather is nice. In addition to their indoor seating with fun decor, they have a large outdoor seating area in a lush garden setting. Beautiful trees provide shade from above, and bubbling sounds from the nearby Tower Fountain beg you to sit back and relax with good food, delicious cocktails, and great friends.”
4. Try John C. Fremont Park and verify it off your Sacramento bucket record
John C. Fremont Park is an city oasis within the coronary heart of Sacramento. Identified for its sprawling inexperienced house, full of life occasions, and shaded picnic spots, it’s a favourite gathering place for locals to chill out or get pleasure from group actions. Whether or not you’re sipping espresso from a close-by cafe, exploring native artwork markets, or just soaking within the laid-back ambiance, this park presents an ideal slice of Sacramento’s attraction.
After your go to, take a brief stroll to Magpie, a low key farm-to-table restaurant that units Sacramento other than different locations in California. It’s been round for nearly 20 years, although it feels contemporary as ever. You don’t want to decorate up, and whereas their seasonal vegetable dishes are a should, insiders know to ask in regards to the secret menu the place you’ll usually be capable to order a burger.
5. Spend the day at Southside Park
Southside Park is a serene oasis tucked into Sacramento, providing shady timber, a scenic pond, and expansive inexperienced areas. It’s a favourite retreat amongst locals in search of a quiet escape to chill out, stroll their canines, or get pleasure from a leisurely stroll. If you happen to’re trying to unwind by the water or bask within the sunshine, this peaceable park supplies an ideal getaway from town’s bustle.
After a stroll via Southside Park, head to Bueno Cafe, a neighborhood favourite only a brief stroll away. Situated in a captivating Victorian home on 4th and T Streets, this welcoming cafe focuses on espresso recipes handed down via generations. Whether or not you’re within the temper for a standard Cafe de Olla or a comforting Granito de Canela, you’ll style love and custom in each cup. Pair your drink with one in every of their scrumptious sandwiches, from basic Pastrami and Roasted Beef to a unbelievable Veggie Sandwich. You can too take pleasure in one in every of their candy treats like Conchas and Empanadas.
6. Take a go to to Midtown’s Farmers Market
Immerse your self in Sacramento’s farm-to-table tradition with a visit to the Midtown Farmers Market. This full of life market showcases the perfect of town’s farm-to-table spirit. Right here, you’ll be able to browse for contemporary veggies, handmade items, or simply soak within the bustling ambiance, making this a quintessential Sacramento bucket record expertise.
“Don’t miss the Midtown Farmers Market on Saturdays—a lively hub of local produce, artisan foods, and Sacramento’s community spirit, capturing the city’s farm-to-table essence,” shares the group on the native bagel and empanada store, Forgotten Bakery. It’s a real reflection of town’s ardour for contemporary, native elements and its tight-knit group.
For the perfect expertise, the marriage planners at Past Smitten Occasions counsel, “Arrive early to snag a fresh cup of coffee or a refreshing green juice. It’s a fun and immersive way to experience Sacramento’s community while picking up some local goods.”
7. Discover extra of Midtown
After exploring the Midtown Farmers Market, proceed your journey via Midtown’s vibrant streets. Identified for its walkability, vibrant arts scene, and various combine of retailers, eating places, and bars, it’s the right place to discover at a leisurely tempo. When you’re there, make sure that to peruse native boutiques, get pleasure from a meal at a classy cafe, or soak up avenue artwork.
Store native
If you’re searching for a novel purchasing expertise, pop in to Midtown Bliss Dwelling & Items. Bliss options over 119 native Sacramento distributors providing classic, handmade, dwelling decor and presents, all beneath one roof. It’s a good way to assist native enterprise whereas additionally discovering one-of-a-kind treasures you gained’t discover on the massive field shops.
Dine and unwind
No journey to Midtown is full and not using a go to to the Limelight, a Sacramento establishment since 1959. Greater than only a bar, the Limelight is the place locals collect for drinks, sports activities, and gaming within the basic cardroom. Whether or not you’re having fun with the full of life game-day ambiance, making an attempt your luck on the tables, or soaking within the wealthy historical past, the Limelight captures the pleasant, laid-back spirit of Sacramento.
8. Expertise the great thing about Previous Sacramento
If you happen to’re searching for a peaceable and memorable morning, Previous Sacramento is the right place to start your day. “Start with a leisurely stroll down the cobblestone streets, soaking in the historic charm and beautiful river views. It’s a peaceful spot that feels like stepping back in time,” says the group on the native present store, Seasons Items. “No morning is complete without coffee, and Blueprint Coffee is the perfect stop. Grab a delicious cup of their expertly brewed coffee and enjoy it while taking in the sights along the waterfront.”
For lunch, don’t miss The Firehouse in Previous Sacramento, a really one-of-a-kind restaurant and occasion venue. Housed in a historic constructing that after served as Engine Firm No. 3 since 1853, it’s been a beloved restaurant since 1960. Through the years, celebrities, politicians, and athletes—together with Ronald Reagan, who hosted each of his pre-inaugural dinners right here—have dined at this iconic spot. Identified for his or her scrumptious steaks, chops, and contemporary seafood, The Firehouse has additionally gained quite a few accolades, together with Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence” which they’ve been awarded yearly since 2002.
9. Sail again in time on the Delta King Riverboat
Step aboard the Delta King Riverboat and journey into Sacramento’s storied previous. Initially inbuilt 1927, this historic paddlewheel steamboat presents a one-of-a-kind expertise that blends the attraction of the golden age of river journey with the conveniences of immediately. With its picturesque rivers, Sacramento supplies the right setting for this timeless journey.
“One of my favorite old-world experiences is enjoying a meal onboard the Delta King Riverboat. Being that Sacramento is known as the city of rivers, it’s very fitting that guests can get a glimpse into the golden age of river travel while enjoying modern amenities and riverfront views,” shares Gennifer from the native way of life weblog, Sacramento Love. “Today, the Delta King serves as a floating hotel, restaurant, and entertainment venue, offering guests a chance to dine in style while soaking in stunning riverfront views.”
10. Dive into Sacramento’s literary scene
For ebook lovers, town’s unbiased bookstores are a must-visit in your Sacramento bucket record. Whether or not you’re searching via the stacks at a neighborhood favourite or attempting to find uncommon finds, there’s at all times one thing new to find. Spend a day wandering via their cabinets, chatting with pleasant homeowners, and discovering your subsequent nice learn. It’s the right approach to decelerate and join with Sacramento’s artistic, book-loving group.
Sacramento’s solely bookstore specializing within the arts
For tremendous artwork lovers, Amatoria Wonderful Artwork Books is a woman-artist owned bookshop in Sacramento that buys, sells, and trades espresso desk books, tremendous and small press, artist books, images, exhibit catalogues, and ephemera.
Three flooring and one million tales
Whether or not you’re new to Sacramento or a long-time resident, let Capital Books be your supply for brand new books, video games, and puzzles. Additionally they maintain thrilling creator occasions and RPG sport nights. Capitol Books options three flooring and one million tales.
11. Wine and dine at Scribner Bend Vineyards
If you happen to’re in search of a captivating and scenic vineyard expertise, Scribner Bend Vineyards is a must-visit amongst Sacramento Delta wineries. They provide a wide range of estate-grown wines, wood-fired pizza from Paesanos, and a picturesque setting good for a calming afternoon or your subsequent non-public occasion. Whether or not you’re a wine fanatic or just searching for a beautiful day trip, Scribner Bend delivers a really memorable expertise.
Picture courtesy of Scribner Bend Vineyards
12. Savor all of the native flavors of Sacramento
Sacramento’s culinary scene is a scrumptious showcase of its farm-to-fork roots, providing an array of contemporary, regionally sourced dishes that spotlight the area’s agricultural bounty. With modern cooks and a dedication to sustainability, eating within the metropolis is a real celebration of taste and group, one of many many causes Sacramento is such a very good place to dwell.
Because the group at Canon in East Sacramento shares, “Sacramento is renowned for its farm-to-fork dining scene. Our proximity to one of the most diverse and significant agricultural regions in the world gives our chefs unprecedented access to the freshest and most vibrant produce around, making Sacramento a destination for foodies near and far. For suggestions, turn to the California Michelin Guide, where Canon restaurant is one of several Sacramento restaurants to be recognized by the prestigious publication.”
Checking off your Sacramento bucket record
Sacramento is a metropolis stuffed with must-see spots and memorable experiences. Whether or not you’re exploring the historic streets of Previous Sacramento, having fun with a meal alongside the river, or soaking within the native tradition, there’s no scarcity of issues to do within the metropolis. Every Sacramento neighborhood has its personal attraction, and town’s lovely landscapes and wealthy historical past supply one thing for everybody. So, seize your bucket record, get on the market, and see what Sacramento has in retailer. You’ll shortly discover that this metropolis has a bit little bit of all the pieces, and also you’ll love discovering all of it.
