Sacramento

Travel Guide

Sacramento showing an administrative buidling and heritage architecture
Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park featuring a house, a park and heritage architecture
Sacramento which includes a house and interior views
Sacramento featuring interior views
Sacramento featuring forests, general coastal views and landscape views

Go gold panning, admire historic architecture and explore fascinating museums in the capital of California, a city constructed on the funds from boomtown fortunes.

California’s capital, Sacramento, was built using fortunes made from gold mining. Come to the city today and you’ll sense that a gold rush-era atmosphere still endures. A strong cultural scene also thrives. Visit a wide range of museums and galleries devoted to such varied topics as train travel, famous Californian figures and Native American cultures that were almost erased by the rush of gold-seeking settlers in the mid 19th century.

The roots of modern-day Sacramento can be traced back to the California gold rush, which began in 1848. The discovery of gold in the nearby Sierra Foothills led to a mass influx of prospectors and the city was soon established.

Explore the Old Sacramento area near the port to soak up the old-world atmosphere and learn more about the wave of pioneers who arrived in search of their fortune. Shop for gold rush-inspired souvenirs in the shops, take a boat cruise along the Sacremento River and hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage.

Find out more about Sacramento’s early days in the area’s array of museums. Among the most notable are the California State Railroad Museum, the Sacramento History Museum, Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum and Huntington and Hopkins Hardware, a recreation of a 19th-century hardware store.

Of course, Sacramento’s history didn’t begin with the gold rush. Prior to this, the area was inhabited by Native Americans. Inspect artifacts and learn about the lives of the pre-gold rush inhabitants at the California State Indian Museum. The museum is adjacent to Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, where Swiss-German immigrant John Sutter set up a trading outpost in 1839., to view the state-owned art collection and the memorial-dotted grounds. Art lovers will also enjoy the Crocker Art Museum, with a 15,000-strong collection featuring everything from ceramics to Italian Baroque paintings to street photography.

Sacramento is located at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers. Use buses, trolleys and light rail to get around town. To experience a more modern side of life in Sacramento, explore the hip Midtown district.

Where to stay in 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
Default Image

North Natomas

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

North Natomas
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
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
Default Image

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 P8,777 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P8,777
P10,238 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! (1,961 reviews)
"I liked the screen saver on th tv. Video of a river that looked just like the Sacramento R."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hyatt Regency Sacramento
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel by IHG

4 out of 5
500 J Street, Sacramento, CA
The price is P9,695 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P9,695
P12,981 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (1,123 reviews)
"Busy area but good noise cancellation walls. No microwave."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel by IHG
Hyatt Place Sacramento International Airport

Hyatt Place Sacramento International Airport

3 out of 5
4850 DUCKHORN DR, BUILDING B, Sacramento, CA
The price is P6,769 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P6,769
P7,818 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Sacramento. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,178 reviews)
"Our stay was great aside from breakfast not being included despite being told it was at check-in. I was even willing to pay for the breakfast if it was better than other hotels but it was your standard affair. Not great form and should be advertised as a paid breakfast, not free."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Hyatt Place Sacramento International Airport
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! (3,061 reviews)
"great experience"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 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 Petco Park are ...
7.6/10 Good! (31 reviews)
"It was very nice and convenient"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 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! (3,116 reviews)
"We enjoyed it"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do