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Old Sacramento Historic District, United States of America - Things to Do in Old Sacramento Historic District

Things to Do in Old Sacramento Historic District

Old Sacramento Historic District, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Old Sacramento Historic District is a 28-acre National Historic Landmark that preserves the authentic spirit of California's Gold Rush era. Located along the Sacramento River, this meticulously restored district features wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, and over 50 historic buildings dating from the 1850s and 1860s. The cobblestone streets and period architecture transport visitors back to the Wild West days when Sacramento served as the western terminus of the Pony Express and the First Transcontinental Railroad. Today, Old Sacramento seamlessly blends historical preservation with modern attractions, housing fascinating museums, vintage shops, riverfront restaurants, and authentic saloons. The district offers an immersive experience where visitors can ride historic trains, explore maritime history, and witness live demonstrations of Gold Rush-era crafts and trades, making it one of California's premier historical destinations.

Top Things to Do in Old Sacramento Historic District

California State Railroad Museum

Explore one of North America's finest railroad museums, featuring 21 meticulously restored locomotives and railroad cars from different eras. The museum showcases the pivotal role railroads played in connecting California to the rest of the nation, with interactive exhibits and authentic period details that bring railroad history to life.

Booking Tip: Admission costs around $12 for adults, with combo tickets available for multiple attractions. Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds, and check for special events like train rides on weekends which cost an additional $6-10.

Sacramento History Museum

Discover Sacramento's fascinating past through engaging exhibits covering the Gold Rush, early settlement, and the city's development into California's capital. The museum features artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that chronicle the dramatic transformation from frontier outpost to modern city.

Booking Tip: General admission is approximately $8 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children. Underground tours of historic tunnels are offered for an additional fee and should be booked in advance as they fill up quickly.

Historic Riverboat Cruises

Experience the Sacramento River aboard authentic paddle-wheel riverboats that recreate the romance of 19th-century river travel. These scenic cruises offer stunning views of the Sacramento skyline and Delta waterways while providing historical narration about the region's maritime heritage.

Booking Tip: Dinner cruises range from $50-80 per person, while sightseeing cruises cost $25-35. Book weekend cruises well in advance, especially during spring and fall when weather is ideal and demand is highest.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Take a romantic journey through Old Sacramento's historic streets in an authentic horse-drawn carriage. These leisurely rides provide unique perspectives of the preserved architecture while guides share colorful stories about the district's Wild West past and notable historical figures.

Booking Tip: Private carriage rides typically cost $60-100 for 20-30 minutes depending on route and group size. Evening rides are most popular for couples, while daytime rides work well for families. No advance booking usually required.

Delta King Riverboat Hotel and Dining

Visit this permanently moored 1927 paddle-wheel riverboat that now serves as a floating hotel, restaurant, and entertainment venue. The beautifully restored vessel offers fine dining, theater performances, and a unique glimpse into the golden age of river travel along California's waterways.

Booking Tip: Restaurant reservations recommended, especially for weekend dinner service with prices averaging $25-40 per entrée. Theater shows cost $30-50 per ticket and often sell out. Consider staying overnight in one of the historic staterooms for the full experience.

Getting There

Old Sacramento Historic District is easily accessible from Sacramento International Airport, located about 20 minutes away by car or taxi. The district is conveniently situated in downtown Sacramento, just off Interstate 5, making it readily accessible for road travelers. Amtrak serves Sacramento with daily trains from major California cities, and the station is within walking distance of Old Sacramento. For those flying into San Francisco Bay Area airports, Sacramento is approximately a 2-hour drive northeast via Interstate 80.

Getting Around

The historic district is compact and entirely walkable, with most attractions within a few blocks of each other along the wooden boardwalks and cobblestone streets. Free trolley service operates within Old Sacramento and connects to downtown Sacramento attractions. Street parking is limited and metered, so consider using nearby parking garages or lots. The Sacramento Regional Transit light rail system has stations downtown that connect to other parts of the metropolitan area. Horse-drawn carriages and pedicabs offer charming alternative transportation within the district.

Where to Stay

Old Sacramento Historic District
Downtown Sacramento
Midtown Sacramento
Land Park
East Sacramento
West Sacramento

Food & Dining

Old Sacramento offers diverse dining options ranging from authentic Wild West saloons to upscale riverfront restaurants. Historic establishments like Fat City Bar & Cafe serve hearty American fare in atmospheric settings, while The Firehouse Restaurant provides fine dining in a beautifully restored 1853 firehouse. Casual options include Joe's Crab Shack for seafood with river views and Rio City Cafe for contemporary California cuisine. Many restaurants feature outdoor patios perfect for enjoying the mild Sacramento climate, and several historic saloons offer craft cocktails and local beers alongside traditional bar food in authentic Gold Rush-era settings.

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

The ideal time to visit Old Sacramento is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is minimal. Summer can be quite hot with temperatures often exceeding 95°F, though the dry heat makes evening strolls pleasant. Winter is mild but can be rainy, making indoor attractions more appealing. Special events throughout the year, including the Gold Rush Days celebration in spring and various holiday festivities in December, add extra charm to visits during these periods.

Insider Tips

Visit during weekday mornings for the most authentic experience with fewer crowds and better photo opportunities of the historic architecture
Many shops offer free historical demonstrations and talks - ask shopkeepers about scheduled presentations of Gold Rush-era crafts and trades
The underground tour reveals a hidden network of tunnels beneath Old Sacramento that were created when the street level was raised in the 1960s - it's a unique perspective on the area's layered history

Explore Activities in Old Sacramento Historic District