Things to Do in Sacramento

Things To Do

Sacramento is one of the most exciting places to reside and travel. For any of these purposes, it is a must that you should explore this capital city of California well. While exploring this city, you will feel the diplomatic vibe as it is the seat of the California Legislature and the Governor of California. It is also a wonderful place for a plethora of fun things to do which includes activities such as hiking and river rafting are some of the fun things to do in Sacramento. Besides Sacramento offering these things to do, it also boasts a great range of famous attractions. These attractions are well-known nationally as well as internationally. Billions of tourists from across the world visit them during their trip to explore these attractions. Moreover, its confluence at the Sacramento and American Rivers is responsible for amazing landscapes. The presence of these rivers enhances the beauty of Sacramento. 

Another beauty enhancer of this city is an abundant population of trees. Because of these urban forests, it is known as the ‘City of Trees.’ It has more trees per capita than anywhere else in the world.  Even the Californian government chooses it to be the world's political center on the West Coast. Sacramento is also famous for hosting a wide variety of major events for all of them. These events include Farm-to-Fork Festival, Aftershock Music Festival, GoldenSky Country Music Festival, free Friday night concerts, and much more.

Along with these festivals, you can catch a live music performance, visit a museum, enjoy the outdoors, go for hikes, check out 800+ murals, or do other activities. Travelers and residents have a lot of things to do in Sacramento at some of the attractions described here. Let's look at them in detail. 

Sacramento Tourism Guide

Destination Info
  • IATA Code SMF
  • Airport Name Sacramento International Airport
  • Airport Address 6900 Airport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95837, United States
  • No. of Runways 2
  • Airport Enquiry No. +1 916-929-5411
  • Official Site https://sacramento.aero/smf
  • Country Code +1
  • Currency USD
  • Ideal Duration 3 Days
  • Visa Required Not Required for Domestic Traveller
  • Best Time to Visit April to June and September through November
  • Airline Serving Alaska Airlines, American Airlines , Delta Airlines, Federal Express, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines
  • Attractions California State Capitol Museum, California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento Zoo, Fairytale Town

Things To Do

  • 1 Learn The History Of California State Capitol Museum
    Learn The History Of California State Capitol Museum

    The California State Capitol Museum surrounds the California State Capitol in Sacramento, California, United States. Its heart rests on the basement and first floor of the original building. It consists of a tour office, a small theatre showing several short films on the history of the Capitol, the gift shop, and Arthur Mathew’s mural, the History of California. You can find them in the basement of the museum. The museum's first floor consists of the restored historic offices of the Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Governor of California, as well as two rotating exhibit rooms. You can also explore 40 acres of gardens that include trees and shrubs from around the world. Thus, if you are a political enthusiast, then learning the history of the California State Capitol is one of the must-have things to do in Sacramento. 

  • 2 Play At William Land Regional Park
    Play At William Land Regional Park

    The William Land Regional Park is known as the Jewel of Sacramento and was established after William Land, a prominent hotelier. It is a major city park in Sacramento, California, allowing visitors to enjoy their time differently. You can enjoy beautiful views of this regional park lake and the children's play area during your visit. William Land Regional Park, simply referred to as ‘Land Park,’ includes several attractions such as the Sacramento Zoo and William Land Golf Course. It also consists of Fairytale Town, which represents articles from fairy tales and nursery rhymes. When you are in this park, you can also explore Funderland. Funderland is a small park with several rides primarily for very young children. 

  • 3 Enjoy Nature At California State Capitol Park
    Enjoy Nature At California State Capitol Park

    California State Capitol Park is one of the most beautiful spots on the grounds of the State Capitol in the United States. This park spans twelve city blocks and covers forty acres of land. In this park, you can witness a wide range of plant species from nearly every part of the globe. Moreover, the park was built in a typical Victorian style. It was beautified with silt and soil from the bed of the Sacramento River in 1869. Along with it, eight hundred trees and flowering shrubs were planted. There are more than two hundred native and exotic varieties of these plants in the park today. In recent years, too,  it got the Purple Heart Monument, which honors all the combat-wounded soldiers. Thus, enjoying all the beauties of the California State Capitol Park is one of the fun things to do in Sacramento. 

  • 4 Sutter’s Fort
    Sutter’s Fort

    One of the famous things to do in Sacramento is explore the historic Sutter’s Fort. It is a 19th-century agricultural and trade colony in the Mexican Alta California province. The site of this fort was originally called New Helvetia(New Switzerland) by its builder, John Sutter. He created this Fort in 1839. His fort was famous for its association with the Donner Party and the California Gold Rush. If you want to learn about the famous Gold Rush between 1848 and 1855, then you should visit this fort. You will also learn about the story of different cultures that inhabited this Fort. These cultures belong to Mexican citizens of Alta California, the emigrating European and American pioneers, and Native Americans.  Thus, Sutter’s Fort tells the diverse history of California. 

  • 5 Visit The Historic Leland Stanford Mansion
    Visit The Historic Leland Stanford Mansion

    One of the best things to do in Sacramento is learn about the past of California at Leland Stanford Mansion, a historic mansion in Sacramento, California. It is popularly known as Stanford Mansion and serves as the official reception center for the Californian government. Leaders from around the world and other citizens of California can use this museum as the official reception center for their programs and events. This mansion is also one of the official workplaces of the Governor of California. 

    Built in 1856, it was formerly the residence of Leland Stanford, the 8th Governor of California and the founder of Stanford University. As you visit this museum, you will witness the Victorian-style architecture that features:

    1. Gilded mirrors and exquisitely detailed carved moldings
    2. Beautifully restored woodwork
    3. Elegant 19th-century crystal and bronze light fixtures
    4. Historic paintings

  • 6 Shop And Dine At Old Sacramento Waterfront
    Shop And Dine At Old Sacramento Waterfront

    If you are in California, then you should pay homage to the Old Sacramento Waterfront in Sacramento. It is a unique 28-acre National Historic Landmark District and State Historic Park, which should not be missed during your travels. As you are on this waterfront, you can spend your pleasure time at the beautiful Sacramento River. This waterfront has activities such as shopping, dining, and entertainment. Some world-renowned museums and historical attractions are also situated along with this Old Sacramento Waterfront. It depicts the time of the California Gold Rush and Transcontinental Railroad. Some features of this park are worth noting, such as wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, and living history characters. These features will give you a glimpse into 19th-century life. This, Old Sacramento Waterfront offers such vintage things to do in Sacramento

  • 7 Ride Along The Trail At Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail
    Ride Along The Trail At Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail

    Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, also known as the American River Bike Trail,  is one of the ideal places for bike riders and hikers in Sacramento. Performing these sports at this place is one of the best things to do in Sacramento. You can use its paved pathway between the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River. This pathway is just north of downtown Sacramento, California, and Beal’s Point at Folsom Lake. It is about 32 miles long, considered one of the longest trails in the United States. Cyclists and bike riders use it to commute between places.  They mostly pass between Sacramento and Folsom. While traveling here, you will witness Discovery Park, the Guy West Bridge, and California State University. 

  • 8 Entertain Your Children At Fairytale Town
    Entertain Your Children At Fairytale Town

    Fairytale Town is one of the most entertaining parks for children. In a 3.5-acre storybook park, children enjoy different fairy tales and nursery rhymes. It works as a backdrop for children to act out their favorite child-friendly stories. They are encouraged to discover new facts and exercise their minds and bodies through their acts. Around 25 bright and colorful play sets display child-friendly slides to them on the lush green ground of the park. These slides are situated in play sets throughout the park. They include Old Woman’s Shoe and Owl’s Tree House. Besides, this park of Fairytale Town includes attractions such as King Arthur’s Castle, the Giant’s Foot from Jack and the Beanstalk, a Pirate Ship, and Robinhood’s Sherwood Forest. Thus, your children visiting Fairytale Town is one of the fun things to do in Sacramento. 

  • 9 Explore California Wildlife At The Sacramento Zoo
    Explore California Wildlife At The Sacramento Zoo

    Established in 1927, Sacramento Zoo offers lots of exciting things to do in Sacramento. You should visit here during your trip to California's capital city. This zoo will allow you to witness the vulnerable and rare species of animals. There are nearly 400 species of these rare and endangered animals here. Along with these species, the zoo’s collection consists of more than 500 animals, diverse botanical life, and several specialized gardens. Around 120 unique species amaze and inspire all the zoo’s visitors of all ages. This zoo is divided into various areas of exhibits such as Tall Wonders of Africa, Small Wonders of Africa, Reptile House, Big Cat Row, Lemurs, Aviaries, and much more. You can walk along in all these areas during your visit to this zoo.  

  • 10 Observe Peace At The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament
    Observe Peace At The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament

    The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento. It is one of the largest cathedrals on the Mississippi River's west. This cathedral depicts the architectural style of the Italian Renaissance on the exterior side and the Victorian style on the interior side. You can also attend Sunday Mass here in the Chinese language as well as Spanish. This cathedral is also currently organizing the 2024 Lente Prayer Retreat-Growing Closer to Christ Through Personal Prayer. Therefore, make sure you do not miss this retreat if you plan to visit this cathedral. It will allow you to get closer to Jesus Christ. This cathedral is worthwhile, and offering prayers here is one of the best things to do in Sacramento.

Sacramento Monthly Temperature

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Low 41°F44°F47°F49°F54°F59°F61°F61°F59°F53°F45°F41°F
High 57°F62°F68°F74°F81°F89°F94°F94°F89°F79°F65°F56°F

FAQs About Things to Do in Sacramento

1 Is Sacramento, California, worth visiting?

Sacramento, the capital city of California, is a place worth visiting. It consists of beautiful historical museums with unique architecture. Most of these museums and other buildings depict 19th-century life. The architecture of many of these buildings is made in the Victorian style. Some of them are Historic Leland Stanford’s Mansion and the California State Capitol Museum. 

2 What is unique to Sacramento?

Sacramento is famous for many of its unique attractions and fun activities to do. Some are the California State Capitol Park, the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, indoor skydiving, and the Museum of Medical History. At the Sacramento Zoo, you will also find some rare and endangered animal species. 

3 Why is Sacramento a tourist destination?

Sacramento is a popular destination to travel, trade, and reside. It is an economically strong city and promises you rapid growth. You can also have fun with your family here at famous attractions such as Fairytale Town, Sacramento Zoological Park, and Old Sacramento Waterfront. 

4 What is the best month to visit Sacramento?

If you plan to visit Sacramento, you should travel from April to June. You can also consider traveling here from September through November. The temperatures between April and June vary between the 70s and 80s, which are acceptable for sightseeing. On the other hand, the weather between September and November gets pleasant. Taking views of attractions and performing sports activities can be done without hassle. 

5 How can I spend a day in Sacramento?

You can spend much of your valuable time in Sacramento, the capital city of California. During your stay here, you can visit top attractions such as the California State Railroad Museum, Crocker Art Museum, Old Sacramento Riverfront, California State Capitol Museum, American River Bicycle Trail, Capitol Park, California Automobile Museum, Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Museum. Thus, you can do these fun things to do in Sacramento.