Sacramento

Travel Guide
Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park featuring a house, a park and heritage architecture
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 Sacremento

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 Cesar Chavez Park 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 featuring heritage architecture and an administrative buidling

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 Park Place Shopping Center and North Natomas Library.

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 featuring signage and heritage architecture

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 California State Railroad Museum might round out your trip.

Old Sacramento
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South Natomas

While visiting South Natomas, you might make a stop by sights like Discovery Park and Sacramento River.

South Natomas
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Sacramento Downtown
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Sacramento Downtown
2.5 out of 5
200 Jibboom St, Sacramento, CA
The price is P4,503 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
P4,503
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sacramento. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
6.6/10 (1,016 reviews)
"There are too many homeless attached to the property"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Sacramento Downtown
Governors Inn Hotel
Governors Inn Hotel
3 out of 5
210 Richards Blvd, Sacramento, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,887 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
P5,887
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sacramento. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,216 reviews)
"Very helpful staff"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Governors Inn Hotel
Hyatt Regency Sacramento
Hyatt Regency Sacramento
4 out of 5
1209 L St, Sacramento, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P9,988 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
P9,988
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Sacramento. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,082 reviews)
"Close to kings"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Hyatt Regency Sacramento
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.
The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
3 out of 5
219 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (279 reviews)
"Very convenient location with within walking distance of metro and other public transport. Walking distance to a lot of great sights within the city. The actual location though had a lot of vagrants within the area. Would not recommend walking around at night alone."

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
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, free parking, and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,492 reviews)
"Great property"

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
4 out of 5
3075 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Carlsbad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,083 reviews)
"Room was a bit dated and not the cleanest. Love the location and view from the pool and jacuzzi area. Staff was friendly."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
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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