Greater Sacramento

Travel Guide

Greater Sacramento showing skyline
Vikingsholm Castle showing landscape views, general coastal views and tranquil scenes
Sacramento showing street scenes
Inspiration Point Vista showing a lake or waterhole
Vikingsholm Castle featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach

California’s capital and its surroundings have attractions for all interests, from cultural destinations, to clear lakes, to a history riddled with gold.

Greater Sacramento is a Northern California travel hub. The region gets more than 230 days of sunshine annually. Take advantage of this famously favorable weather and explore the cultural offerings and natural wonders in the heart of gold country. Enjoy crisp zinfandel wines in Lodi.

Discover the hive of activity in SacramentoOpens in a new window, California’s capital city. Tour the State CapitolOpens in a new window, which resembles the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Learn about California’s history and famous residents at the California Museum. In Old SacramentoOpens in a new window, travel back to 1849, when people raced to Gold Country to find their fortunes. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage along the Sacramento River or ride behind the Sacramento Southern Railroad’s steam locomotive.

About 115 miles (185 kilometers) east of Sacramento, reach Lake TahoeOpens in a new window. The topaz-blue lake surrounded by soaring mountains is an unforgettable sight. Visit in winter to ski or snowboard, or in summer to swim, boat or hike. Enjoy Kings Beach State Recreation AreaOpens in a new window’s sandy shoreline. Discover what lakeside life in 1909 was like at the impeccably preserved Watson Cabin Living Museum and learn about the 1846 winter tragedies for snowbound pioneers at Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center. Enjoy powdery snow at Squaw Valley Alpine MeadowsOpens in a new window or HeavenlyOpens in a new window, two of the lake’s major ski resorts.

See where California’s gold mining history began at Marshall Gold Discovery. In Coloma, a sawmill worker caught a glimpse of gold in the American River’s silt, jumpstarting the 1849 Gold Rush. Tour the Gold Discovery Museum and try panning for gold.

Greater Sacramento is filled with outdoor recreation opportunities. For a low-key lake experience, visit Lake Natoma on the American River between Folsom Dam and Nimbus Dam. This is a perfect place to go kayaking, swimming or rowing. Enjoy California sunshine at Castle Oaks Golf Club. The 18-hole course is consistently ranked among Northern California’s finest.

Between hiking trails, vineyards, museum exhibits and more, Greater Sacramento has widely diverse activities. Find your favorite pastime here or try something new.

Where to stay in Greater Sacramento

Greater Sacramento

Downtown Sacramento

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Sacramento. Top attractions like Golden 1 Center and K Street Mall are major draws, and you can catch the metro at 8th & H/County Center Station or 7th & I/County Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Sacramento
Sacramento showing an administrative buidling and heritage architecture

Central Sacramento

While you're in Central Sacramento, take in top sights like Golden 1 Center or Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and hop on the metro to see more the city at 29th Street Station or 39th Street Station.

Central Sacramento
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North Natomas

While visiting North Natomas, you might make a stop by sights like Sleep Train Arena and Sundance Lake.

North Natomas
Fort Sutter State Historical Park which includes interior views

Midtown Sacramento

Discover Midtown Sacramento, memorable for its restaurants. Popular attractions in Midtown Sacramento include Sutter's Fort State Historic Park and State Indian Museum, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at 23rd Street Station.

Midtown Sacramento
Old Sacramento which includes heritage architecture and signage

Old Sacramento

The ample dining options and beautiful river views are top of the list for many visitors to Old Sacramento. A stop by Old Sacramento Waterfront or Sacramento History Museum might round out your trip.

Old Sacramento
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Southeastern Sacramento

If you're spending time in Southeastern Sacramento, check out sights like California Highway Patrol Headquarters or American River and hop on the metro to see more the city at Power Inn Station or 48th Street Station.

Southeastern Sacramento
Hyatt Regency Sacramento

Hyatt Regency Sacramento

4 out of 5
1209 L St, Sacramento, CA
The price is P9,706 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P9,706
P11,322 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Sacramento. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,960 reviews)
"Excellent location and amenities, comfortable room"

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2025

Hyatt Regency Sacramento
Heritage Inn Express Roseville

Heritage Inn Express Roseville

2 out of 5
204 Harding Blvd, Roseville, CA
The price is P4,567 per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
P4,567
P5,405 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Roseville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7/10 Good! (1,405 reviews)
"Room was very clean and large. Could tell it was an older hotel but it was renovated and had modern updates. Could use a newer remote. Would recommend stying here"

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2025

Heritage Inn Express Roseville
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel by IHG

4 out of 5
500 J Street, Sacramento, CA
Fully refundable
The price is P9,192 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P9,192
P12,387 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Sacramento. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, WiFi (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,125 reviews)
"Very nice place, the staff was very kind and accommodating when our room wasn’t ready. Had a great stay there."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II

3.5 out of 5
1091 Pinehurst Ln, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 7 outdoor pools, and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,074 reviews)
"The grounds were beautiful."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel

2.5 out of 5
1736 State St, San Diego, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum ...
7.8/10 Good! (38 reviews)
"Love that it was super clean. Would definitely book again."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert

The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert

4 out of 5
75 Willow Ridge, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,134 reviews)
"Great ammenities, gorgeous property great for the whole family."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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