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

Old Sacramento Historic District is a beautifully preserved 28-acre National Historic Landmark that transports visitors back to California's Gold Rush era. Located along the Sacramento River, this historic waterfront district features wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, and over 50 historic buildings dating from the 1850s and 1860s. The area serves as a living museum where authentic 19th-century architecture houses museums, restaurants, shops, and attractions that tell the story of Sacramento's pivotal role in westward expansion and the California Gold Rush. Today, Old Sacramento seamlessly blends historical preservation with modern entertainment, offering visitors an immersive experience through interactive museums, vintage train rides, riverboat cruises, and authentic period demonstrations. The district's cobblestone streets and gas-lit ambiance create an atmospheric setting for exploring California's rich heritage while enjoying contemporary dining, shopping, and cultural events throughout the year.

Top Things to Do in Old Sacramento Historic District

California State Railroad Museum

Explore one of North America's finest railroad museums featuring 21 restored locomotives and railroad cars from the 1860s to 1960s. The museum showcases the dramatic impact of railroads on the development of California and the American West through interactive exhibits and authentic artifacts. Visitors can climb aboard historic trains and experience the luxury of 19th-century rail travel.

Booking Tip: General admission costs around $12 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children. Visit on weekends for special demonstrations and train rides on the historic Sacramento Southern Railroad (additional $12). Purchase tickets online for small discounts and to guarantee entry during busy periods.

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 authentic artifacts, interactive displays, and multimedia presentations that bring local history to life. Underground tours of the historic city streets reveal the remnants of Sacramento's original street level.

Booking Tip: Admission is approximately $8 for adults, with combination tickets available for multiple Old Sacramento attractions. Book underground city tours in advance ($15 additional) as they fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Tours run hourly but may be cancelled during inclement weather.

Sacramento River Cruises

Experience the Sacramento River aboard authentic paddle-wheel riverboats that offer scenic cruises with views of the city skyline and surrounding landscapes. These leisurely cruises provide historical narration about the river's importance to Sacramento's development and California's agricultural heritage. Evening dinner cruises and special themed excursions are available throughout the year.

Booking Tip: Day cruises typically cost $20-30 per adult, while dinner cruises range from $60-80. Book directly with operators like Hornblower Cruises for best rates and seasonal promotions. Weekend cruises fill up faster, so reserve 2-3 days in advance, especially during spring and fall.

Historic Train Rides

Board vintage trains for scenic rides through the Sacramento countryside on the Sacramento Southern Railroad. These authentic steam and diesel locomotives provide a nostalgic journey along historic rail lines with knowledgeable conductors sharing stories of California's railroad heritage. Special themed rides include holiday excursions and murder mystery dinner trains.

Booking Tip: Regular excursions cost around $12-15 per person and operate primarily on weekends from April through September. Special themed rides range from $40-75 and require advance booking. Check the schedule online as trains don't run daily, and weather can affect steam locomotive operations.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours

Explore Old Sacramento's historic streets in authentic horse-drawn carriages that clip-clop along the wooden sidewalks and cobblestone roads. These guided tours provide intimate views of the district's architecture while drivers share colorful stories of Gold Rush-era characters and events. The romantic carriages offer a unique perspective on the historic buildings and waterfront.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost $15-20 per adult for 20-30 minute rides, with private carriage options available for $80-100. No advance booking required - carriages operate from Front Street near the waterfront daily, weather permitting. Evening rides offer the most atmospheric experience with gas-lit streets.

Getting There

Old Sacramento is located in downtown Sacramento, easily accessible by multiple transportation methods. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is about 12 miles northwest, with rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services providing direct access to the historic district. Amtrak serves Sacramento's main station, just a few blocks from Old Sacramento, with Capitol Corridor trains connecting to the Bay Area and San Joaquin service to Los Angeles. For those driving, Old Sacramento is directly off Interstate 5, with several parking structures and street parking available throughout the district.

Getting Around

Old Sacramento Historic District is compact and entirely walkable, with most attractions within a few blocks of each other along Front Street and Second Street. The wooden sidewalks and cobblestone streets are best explored on foot to fully appreciate the historic atmosphere. Free trolley service connects Old Sacramento to downtown Sacramento attractions during peak tourist seasons. For longer distances, ride-sharing services, taxis, and public transit via Sacramento Regional Transit are readily available, though the historic district itself is designed for pedestrian exploration.

Where to Stay

Downtown Sacramento

Midtown Sacramento

Land Park

East Sacramento

West Sacramento

Sacramento Airport Area

Food & Dining

Old Sacramento offers diverse dining options ranging from casual Gold Rush-themed eateries to upscale restaurants with river views. Historic saloons like the Delta King Riverboat restaurant provide unique dining experiences aboard a restored paddle-wheeler, while family-friendly establishments serve hearty American fare in authentic 19th-century settings. The district features everything from quick snacks and ice cream parlors perfect for families to romantic fine-dining establishments specializing in California cuisine and fresh seafood, many with outdoor patios overlooking the Sacramento River.

When to Visit

Old Sacramento is enjoyable year-round, but the best visiting conditions occur during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for walking the historic streets. Summer can be quite hot with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, though this is peak tourist season with all attractions and tours operating at full capacity. Winter offers fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures, but some outdoor activities like riverboat cruises may have limited schedules, and occasional rain can affect walking tours and carriage rides.

Insider Tips

Visit during weekday mornings for the most authentic experience with fewer crowds and better photo opportunities of the historic buildings

Many shops and restaurants offer Gold Rush-era demonstrations and live entertainment on weekends, so check the events calendar before your visit

Park in the covered structures on Front Street or Second Street rather than street parking, as the wooden sidewalks can make parallel parking challenging for visitors unfamiliar with the area

Things to Do in Old Sacramento Historic District