Midtown Sacramento, United States of America - Things to Do in Midtown Sacramento

Things to Do in Midtown Sacramento

Midtown Sacramento, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Midtown Sacramento stands as California's capital city's cultural heart, where tree-lined streets showcase stunning Victorian architecture alongside modern urban amenities. This vibrant neighborhood pulses with artistic energy, featuring numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues that make it the epicenter of Sacramento's creative scene. The area seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary lifestyle, offering an eclectic mix of farm-to-fork restaurants, craft breweries, boutique shopping, and green spaces that reflect the best of California living. The grid-pattern streets are lined with beautifully preserved historic homes and buildings, creating a walkable urban environment that feels both sophisticated and approachable. Midtown serves as a gateway to understanding Sacramento's evolution from Gold Rush town to modern state capital, while maintaining its own distinct identity as a hub for young professionals, artists, and food enthusiasts who appreciate quality, creativity, and community.

Top Things to Do in Midtown Sacramento

Explore the Historic Architecture Walking Tour

Discover Midtown's remarkable collection of Victorian and Craftsman-style homes dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The self-guided walking tour takes you through tree-canopied streets where beautifully preserved mansions tell the story of Sacramento's prosperous past. Many of these architectural gems have been converted into boutique businesses, galleries, and restaurants while maintaining their historic character.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided tours are available through the Sacramento Historical Society website with downloadable maps. Best experienced during weekday mornings or late afternoons when lighting is optimal for photography and streets are less crowded.

Experience the Farm-to-Fork Dining Scene

Midtown Sacramento is renowned as a pioneer of the farm-to-fork movement, with restaurants sourcing ingredients from local farms within a 150-mile radius. The concentration of award-winning chefs and innovative eateries makes this area a culinary destination that rivals major food cities. From upscale dining establishments to casual bistros, the focus on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients creates constantly evolving menus.

Booking Tip: Make reservations well in advance for popular restaurants, especially on weekends. Many establishments offer chef's tasting menus ranging from $75-150 per person. Look for restaurants participating in Sacramento's official Farm-to-Fork program for authentic experiences.

Visit the Vibrant Arts and Gallery District

Midtown's Second Saturday Art Walk transforms the neighborhood into an open-air gallery experience with over 40 participating venues. Local galleries, studios, and alternative art spaces showcase everything from contemporary paintings to avant-garde installations. The area has become a launching pad for emerging artists while also featuring established regional and national talent.

Booking Tip: Second Saturday events are free and run from 6-9 PM monthly. Individual gallery visits are typically free year-round. Purchase art directly from artists during these events for the best prices and authentic pieces, usually ranging from $50-500 for local works.

Discover the Craft Beer and Cocktail Scene

Midtown boasts an impressive concentration of craft breweries, distilleries, and cocktail bars within walking distance of each other. Local breweries focus on innovative styles using California ingredients, while cocktail bars emphasize house-made bitters, syrups, and locally-sourced spirits. The scene ranges from industrial brewery taprooms to intimate speakeasy-style bars.

Booking Tip: Most breweries offer free tastings with small pours ranging $1-3 each. Full pints cost $6-9. Cocktail bars typically charge $12-16 per drink. Visit during happy hours (usually 3-6 PM) for discounted prices and smaller crowds.

Enjoy McKinley Park and Rose Garden

This 32-acre urban oasis features one of California's most beautiful municipal rose gardens with over 1,200 rose bushes representing dozens of varieties. The park also includes tennis courts, a playground, and wide open spaces perfect for picnicking or recreational activities. The rose garden reaches peak bloom from April through October, creating a fragrant and colorful display.

Booking Tip: Park access is free year-round. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds. Rose garden is most spectacular from May through June during peak blooming season. Bring a picnic as food vendors are limited.

Getting There

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is located 12 miles northwest of Midtown, with direct flights from major West Coast cities and connecting flights nationwide. The airport offers rental cars, ride-sharing services, and the Airport Bus Route 42 connecting to downtown. Amtrak's Capitol Corridor provides scenic rail service from the Bay Area, while the California Zephyr connects Sacramento to Chicago. Interstate 5 and Highway 50 provide easy driving access from throughout California, with Midtown located just east of downtown Sacramento and clearly marked via Business 80.

Getting Around

Midtown Sacramento is highly walkable with most attractions, restaurants, and shops within a few blocks of each other on the organized grid system. Sacramento Regional Transit operates bus routes and light rail with the 13th Street and 16th Street stations providing convenient access. Bike-sharing programs and dedicated bike lanes make cycling popular and safe. Ride-sharing services are readily available, and street parking is generally accessible with meters costing $1.25 per hour. Many visitors find they can explore most of Midtown on foot, using other transportation only for trips to outlying areas.

Where to Stay

The Grid Historic District
Boulevard Park
Lavender Heights
Marshall School
Poverty Ridge
Curtis Park

Food & Dining

Midtown Sacramento's dining scene centers around the farm-to-fork philosophy, with restaurants like The Kitchen and Ella Dining Room & Bar leading the movement toward hyper-local sourcing. The area features everything from elevated California cuisine to international flavors, with particular strength in Italian, Mexican, and Asian fusion restaurants. Food trucks, casual cafes, and bakeries complement the upscale dining options, while craft breweries often serve elevated pub food. Many establishments change their menus seasonally or even daily based on ingredient availability, and weekend brunch culture is particularly strong throughout the neighborhood.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Sacramento

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Tower Café

4.6 /5
(4284 reviews) 2

Bacon & Butter

4.6 /5
(3730 reviews) 2

Urban Plates

4.8 /5
(1711 reviews)

The Waterboy

4.7 /5
(824 reviews) 3
bar

The Kitchen Restaurant

4.7 /5
(777 reviews) 4

Hawks Public House

4.6 /5
(590 reviews) 3
bar

When to Visit

Midtown Sacramento enjoys a Mediterranean climate making it pleasant year-round, with the best weather occurring from April through June and September through November when temperatures are mild and rainfall is minimal. Spring brings the rose gardens to peak bloom, while fall offers comfortable temperatures perfect for walking tours and outdoor dining. Summer can be quite hot (often exceeding 100°F) but many venues offer air conditioning and shaded patios. Winter is mild but can be rainy, though this is also when restaurant reservations are easier to secure and hotel rates are at their lowest.

Insider Tips

Visit during the monthly Second Saturday Art Walk to experience multiple galleries and often meet the artists themselves, plus many venues offer complimentary wine and appetizers
Park on residential side streets rather than main thoroughfares to avoid meter fees and find easier parking spots, especially near the J and K Street corridors
Many of the best restaurants don't take reservations and operate on first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early or be prepared to wait at popular spots during peak dinner hours

Explore Activities in Midtown Sacramento