Things to Do in Old Sacramento Historic District

Old Sacramento packs more Gold Rush architecture into 28 acres than anywhere else in the West. This riverside district preserves over 50 buildings from the 1850s, when Sacramento was the gateway to California's goldfields. Wooden sidewalks creak underfoot. You'll walk cobblestone streets where stagecoaches once rumbled and riverboats docked, though today families eat ice cream while history buffs photograph the restored storefronts that house museums, restaurants, and shops.

The dining scene plays up Wild West theatrics. You'll find everything from casual saloon fare to sophisticated cuisine in converted historic buildings with exposed brick walls and period décor. Fat City Bar & Cafe serves solid American comfort food. Firehouse Brewing Company offers craft beer and pub grub in a former firehouse, while the Delta King riverboat provides fine dining with river views—though you'll pay for that unique setting.

Spring and fall offer perfect walking weather. Summer hits the 90s and above, which makes outdoor exploring less appealing, though the historic buildings provide welcome air conditioning. Winter brings mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Holiday decorations add extra charm to the Victorian streetscapes, and weekends stay busy year-round but offer more activities and longer attraction hours.