Planning a day journey to Sacramento? Or maybe you’ve simply received 24 hours to spend and unsure methods to kill your time? Properly, you’re in the proper place, as we’ve received one of the best concepts for what to do in Sacramento in someday.
From touring the State Capitol Constructing to exploring Outdated City Sacramento and the extra trendy mural-laden Midtown, there may be loads to see in 24 hours or much less on this vibrant metropolis.
I spent two nights in Sacramento and had one full day of sightseeing, and skilled what I felt was a nicely rounded tour of town.
On this information, I share my excellent someday in Sacramento itinerary that can mean you can acquire an appreciation of its wealthy historical past and trendy eclectic tradition that makes up its vibrant spirit as we speak.
One Day in Sacramento Itinerary
Right this moment might be a protracted day with numerous strolling. In the event you don’t need to stroll, see under for methods to get round Sacramento utilizing public transport.
This itinerary assumes that you simply arrive the evening earlier than and have a full day beginning the following day, however when you arrive mid-afternoon, simply scroll all the way down to the time under and work your means on from there.
When you have a bit greater than 24 hours to kill, maybe a further morning, then I like to recommend including on a motorbike experience alongside the American River Path or Sacramento River Bike Path as your final exercise. It’s an effective way to see town and get some exercize in. You may hike the path too.
8:00am: See the Johnny Money Mural, Midtown
We’ll start our itinerary in Midtown, stroll throughout downtown, and end up within the Sacramento River Parkway State Parks. That is the center of Sacramento and the place all the highest sights are based mostly.
Starting with a photograph op, over in Outdated City Sacramento, the Johnny Money Mural is a must-see for music followers. This vibrant mural pays tribute to the legendary singer and options pictures of his life and profession.
The Johnny Money Mural, which is 15 tales tall and was created by the identical artist who produced the 2008 Obama Hope poster to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of his Folsom Jail Blues album, attracts guests from throughout.
The Johnny Money Mural in Sacramento is situated on the intersection of sixteenth and J streets.
8:30am: Seize a espresso and breakfast at Temple Espresso Roasters (Midtown)
For an ideal cup of espresso, our high suggestions are to move to Temple Espresso in Midtown Sacramento.
This hip café provides all kinds of coffees, in addition to pastries and sandwiches for breakfast or lunch.
Take note of the five hundred,000 pennies that make up the café’s flooring. I’m positive you’ll discover good luck.
Temple Espresso has varied areas within the metropolis. My analysis earlier than visiting advised me it’s a number of the greatest espresso in Sacramento. It’s a double thumbs up from me!
9:00am: Discover Midtown and its murals
Midtown is the hip and classy area of Sacramento situated principally alongside the residential group with previous properties and tree-lined streets.
It’s additionally the middle of Sacramento’s artwork, music, and cultural scene crammed with breweries, hip cafes, upscale eating and golf equipment, artisans, and vibrant murals.
I beloved wandering the streets of this neighborhood, absorbing the vibe, having fun with a espresso, purchasing and exploring all of the colourful and enjoyable murals.
Lots of the artwork galleries take part in Second Saturdays and host free receptions on each second Saturday of the month from 6pm to 9pm.
Amongst locals, a well-liked occasion is the Midtown Farmers Market, which brings collectively greater than 50 farmers and different distributors promoting contemporary produce, fruit, greens, and meals merchandise
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Midtown Sacramento Arts and Meals Tour
Discover the good artwork and meals of Midtown Sacramento on a 3.5-hour strolling tour. See colourful murals and listen to about their historical past, cease into galleries, study concerning the metropolis’s structure, and pattern dishes at favorites eateries on this energetic district.
Click on to study extra and e book your tour
10:00am: Espresso break in Placita MX
In the event you’re searching for a extra distinctive purchasing expertise or in want of one other espresso, head to Placita MX (Ok Road) in Midtown.
You’ll discover just a little style of Mexico inside a small constructing with artisan enterprise bordering a stunning courtyard space. Gadgets vary from classic finds, unbelievable paintings, garments and trendy residence décor.
You could even see artist, John S. Huerta, at work in his studio. He’s the artist behind a few of Sacramento’s most well-known murals, my favourite one is Frida Kahlo on the aspect of the Midtown MX constructing.
12:30pm: Lunch at Midtown’s Catina Alley
Across the nook from Placita MX is Catina Alley, the place we stopped for some deliciously contemporary and spicy Asada steak and Baja fish tacos.
Cantina Alley has Oaxaca and Mexico Metropolis impressed ala carte avenue meals; most recognized for his or her tacos. They’ve changed the chips and salsa usually served in Mexican eating places with chicharrons – fried pig rind.
I beloved the ambiance of this restaurant, with its out of doors patio, large mural, sculptures, and bar lined with {photograph} ceramic tiles. It undoubtedly made me need to go to Mexico Metropolis!
1:30pm: Go to Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
Sutter’s Fort is a reconstructed fort from the early days of Sacramento and one of the unmissable historic websites within the metropolis.
It was inbuilt 1839 by Swiss immigrant John Sutter, who obtained a land grant from the Mexican authorities.
He used the land to construct an agricultural institution and named it New Helvetia (New Switzerland.) Nearly 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 continues to be of New Helvetia.
Right this moment, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is open every day for self-guided excursions and Customer Heart has displays on John Sutter and the California Gold Rush.
The fort is open for excursions from Wednesday-Monday from 09:00am to 04:00pm. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to stroll round the entire thing.
We had a fast cease right here on a brief bus tour of town simply to take a look at the skin.
2:30pm: Go to the State Capitol Constructing and Grounds
The California State Capitol is a must-see for any customer to Sacramento, if solely to take a look at the constructing. After the Gold Rush in 1854, Sacramento was designated as the brand new capital of California.
The Capitol constructing serves as each a museum and the state’s working seat of presidency. The constructing homes the chambers of the California State Legislature, made up of the Meeting and the Senate, together with the workplace of the governor of California
The California State Capitol Park and the World Peace Rose Backyard on the Capitol grounds is a well-liked place to loosen up amongst the plush gardens. It spreads throughout 40 acres and options timber from throughout California, together with Redwoods and over 650 various kinds of roses.
We solely walked across the entrance space of the Capitol to benefit from the constructing and gardens, however you are able to do a guided tour which lasts about 90 minutes. You may go to the gardens any time.
The California State Capitol Museum is open from Monday-Friday from 9:00am to 05:00pm, and closed on weekends. Guided excursions run from 10:00am – 4:00pm, and are free, however reservations are really useful as they’ll solely take 10-20 individuals on every tour (examine the web site on methods to reserve tickets).
4:00pm: Discover Outdated Sacramento State Historic Park
Are you able to step again into Gold Rush instances? The Outdated Sacramento Waterfront has been preserved to keep up that 1850s really feel with recreated or restored buildings. You’ll discover wood sidewalks, horse drawn carriages or perhaps even a dwelling historical past character or two.
On the best way to Outdated Sacramento from the State Capitol, stroll alongside N Road to admire the structure of The Leland Stanford Mansion, a historic Victorian Mansion.
Outdated Sacramento State Historic Park covers eight blocks (28 acres) of historic buildings throughout the Gold Rush enterprise district. It turned a Nationwide Historic Landmark in 1965.
Outdated City Sacramento is a enjoyable and energetic district within the coronary heart of town, stuffed with charming retailers, eating places, and museums, in addition to stunning structure.
Because it’s considered one of Sacramento’s high vacationer sights, I used to be fearful this area could also be just a little kitschy, however I beloved it! The structure of the buildings have been beautiful and it was tastefully set out and designed and it had such a enjoyable wild west vibe that felt genuine to that spirit, greater than poorly fabricated!
The ambiance at evening was buzzing and the right place to finish our day of exploring in Sacramento.
Highlights of Outdated Sacramento State Historic Park:
- The California State Railroad Museum: The most important railroad museum west of the Mississippi is in Sacramento and homes quite a few locomotives, rail automobiles – together with eating and mail automobiles – a mannequin practice exhibit and tells the story of the constructing of the transcontinental railroad in addition to the position the railroad performed within the historical past of California and the western states.
- The Eagle Theater: the primary ever theater inbuilt California.
- The Wells Fargo Historical past Museum: recreates what a nineteenth century Wells Fargo workplace regarded like in California and showcases how the corporate influenced Gold Rush period commerce
- Pony Specific Terminal: the western finish level to the Pony Specific and the primary location of the California Supreme Court docket. For these of you who don’t know, the Pony Specific was a US mail service within the 1860s that delivered letters and newspapers between Missouri and California by horseback.
- Pony Specific Riders Statue nearly-two-ton statue honoring the Pony Specific riders
- Sacramento Historical past Museum: fascinating have a look at town’s previous with the story of the California Gold Rush and the constructing of the Transcontinental Railroad which started in Sacramento.
- The Crocker Artwork Museum is the oldest artwork museum within the Western United States and has an intensive assortment of Californian artwork.
OPTIONAL AFTERNOON TOUR IDEA: RIVER CRUISE
The Sacramento River provides stunning views of town and its environment, and what higher method to take pleasure in them than on a river cruise? This enjoyable and informative tour takes passengers down the river, previous landmarks just like the State Capitol and Tower Bridge. It’s the right method to spend a day in Sacramento. See costs and availability for the tour right here.
7:00pm: Sundown on the Riverfront Promenade and Tower Bridge
With its views of the Sacramento River and the long-lasting vibrant yellow Tower Bridge, the Riverfront Promenade is ideal for a stroll at sundown.
The Sacramento Riverfront Promenade is a mile-long, 20-foot-wide, pedestrian and bicycle path extending from the present promenade (Tower Bridge to O Road) to Miller Park.
Tower Bridge is a gorgeous instance of Artwork Deco structure and is nicely value a go to. Constructed in 1935, the middle part of this bridge lifts 100 toes above the Sacramento River.
Because the solar units, the bridge and river are bathed in a heat orange glow, making for a very beautiful sight.
8:00pm: Dinner at Rio Metropolis Cafe, Sacramento
As 80% of the meals within the US is produced from the Central Valley area the place Sacramento is situated, you possibly can look forward to finding a flourishing farm-to-fork foodie scene within the metropolis.
In the event you’re searching for a extra subtle Sacramento eating expertise, however with a relaxed really feel, then Rio Metropolis Café on the Sacramento River is the right spot.
The open and ethereal warehouse-style construction is suited to its riverside location because it was constructed to resemble a nineteenth century steamboat depot. Sundown on the patio overlooking the river and historic Tower Bridge is tranquil.
The farm-to-fork menu options dishes constituted of seasonal components sourced from space farms and ranches. I beloved my Atlantic salmon and blood orange mezcal signature cocktail.
9:00pm: Drink at Fanny Ann’s Saloon
In the event you’re searching for an ideal place to drink in Sacramento, look no additional than Fanny Ann’s Saloon. This historic bar is without doubt one of the oldest within the metropolis and provides a wide array of beers on faucet, in addition to cocktails and wine.
It’s named after the steamboat that was used for transportation throughout the Gold Rush (and later helped the North within the Civil Struggle!)
There are three ranges of memorabilia, together with an historical firehose on wheels, posters, arcade video games and funky nooks and crannies. It has a Wild West quirky really feel. Among the posters gave us an ideal chortle for days after!
In the event you’re searching for an off-the-cuff dinner, Fanny Ann’s has been serving up burgers to rave about and beers since 1973! The peanut butter burger is the specialty!
Getting Round Sacramento
In the event you don’t have your personal automotive, getting round Sacramento is simple with the assistance of Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT). Select from quite a lot of bus and lightweight rail routes to get you the place you have to go.
Click on right here for rental automotive costs for Sacramento when you intend to discover additional out and want one.
If you’re staying in downtown, the highlights on this itinerary can simply be loved strolling from level to level. The longest distance could be from Outdated City Sacrament to Midtown, which is a couple of 30-minute stroll.
This can even mean you can see many fantastic murals alongside the best way, in addition to getting a really feel for the heartbeat of town, and maybe encounter a number of hidden treasures.
Town is laid out on a grid system with numbered streets operating north to south and lettered streets operating east to west, making getting round and seeing locations within the space a breeze.
In any other case, the SacRT gentle rail and bus strains are simple and handy to make use of, and ride-share apps resembling Lite and Uber are additionally accessible.
The place to remain in Sacramento: Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront
In the event you’re searching for a spot to remain in Sacramento, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade is a superb choice.
The lodge is simply a brief stroll to Outdated Sacramento Waterfront District and about half-hour to Midtown Sacramento. The suite rooms are spacious with a separate lounge space and desk for many who work as they journey.
Additionally they have night social hour with free drinks and snacks! Search for their particular cocktail of the day. Warning, it might be robust.
This lodge provides beautiful views of the river and Tower Bridge from its rooms and suites, in addition to free breakfast, WiFi, and parking.
Greatest time to go to Sacramento
The most effective time to go to Sacramento is the spring (April-June) or fall (September-November) as they’ve gentle temperatures and dry climate, in addition to fewer crowds.
Summer season is peak season, and may get very popular, with highs typically reaching into the 90s and generally even the 100s.
The one motive I’d go to Sacramento in the summertime is for the California State Honest competition, which is held in July, however the excessive warmth is just not my vibe.
Sacramento in Spring is gorgeous, with its blooming cherry blossoms and energetic farmers’ markets, and October can also be a good time to go to as Sacramento goes all out for Halloween!
Closing Ideas
Sacramento was by no means on my record of locations to go to in California. I barely even knew it was the capital of California and assumed it will be a bland, capital metropolis.
I adore it when my travels present me I do know nothing. As our primary on our journey manifesto says. “all the time journey with an open thoughts!”
Now I need to return and discover extra of this vibrant metropolis (at the moment one of many quickest rising in California for affordability and way of life!)
However, I hope this information to spending a day in Sacramento, CA has helped you intend methods to spend 24 hours at the very least, and offer you an thought of what it’s like.
There may be a lot to see and do in Sacramento and it really has one thing for everybody, from stunning structure and museums to nice eating places and bars. So get out and discover all that Sacramento has to supply!
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