Sacramento History Museum, United States of America - Things to Do in Sacramento History Museum

Things to Do in Sacramento History Museum

Sacramento History Museum, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Sacramento, California's capital city, offers a rich tapestry of American history, political significance, and cultural attractions. The Sacramento History Museum serves as an excellent gateway to understanding the city's pivotal role in the California Gold Rush, the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, and the development of the American West. Located in Old Sacramento, the museum sits within a beautifully preserved historic district that transports visitors back to the 1850s with its wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, and authentic period architecture. Beyond its historical significance, Sacramento has evolved into a vibrant modern city that balances its heritage with contemporary attractions. The city boasts a thriving farm-to-fork dining scene, numerous parks and green spaces, and a growing arts and culture movement. Visitors can explore the California State Capitol, cruise along the Sacramento and American Rivers, or venture into the nearby Sierra Nevada foothills and Napa Valley wine country.

Top Things to Do in Sacramento History Museum

Explore Old Sacramento Historic District

Walk through America's largest collection of Gold Rush-era buildings, featuring wooden sidewalks, historic storefronts, and authentic 19th-century architecture. The 28-acre district houses museums, shops, restaurants, and the famous Sacramento History Museum, offering an immersive experience into California's pioneer past.

Booking Tip: Many attractions offer combo tickets for $15-25 covering multiple museums. Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds and consider guided walking tours ($10-15) available through the visitor center.

California State Capitol and Museum Tour

Take a free guided tour of California's working State Capitol building, featuring restored 19th-century chambers, rotunda, and governor's offices. The surrounding Capitol Park spans 40 acres with gardens representing plants from around the world and memorials to significant figures in California history.

Booking Tip: Free tours run hourly Monday-Friday, with limited weekend availability. Reserve online in advance, especially during legislative sessions. Allow 2-3 hours total including park exploration.

Sacramento River Cruise

Enjoy scenic cruises along the Sacramento River aboard authentic paddlewheelers, offering unique perspectives of the city skyline, historic waterfront, and surrounding landscapes. Various themed cruises include dinner options, historical narration, and seasonal special events.

Booking Tip: Standard cruises cost $20-35 for adults, dinner cruises $60-80. Book weekend cruises in advance, especially during summer months. Look for sunset timing for best photography opportunities.

Farm-to-Fork Food Scene Experience

Sacramento pioneered the farm-to-fork movement with restaurants sourcing ingredients from the fertile Central Valley. Experience diverse culinary offerings from upscale establishments to food trucks, farmers markets, and craft breweries showcasing local ingredients and innovative California cuisine.

Booking Tip: Food tours range from $50-100 per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Saturday farmers markets are free to explore. Make dinner reservations in advance at popular farm-to-fork restaurants.

American River Parkway Activities

The 32-mile American River Parkway offers hiking, biking, rafting, and wildlife viewing opportunities just minutes from downtown Sacramento. This urban oasis features the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, river access points, and diverse ecosystems supporting over 200 bird species.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals available for $25-40 per day, rafting trips $30-60 per person. Best visited spring through fall for optimal weather. Parking can be limited on weekends at popular access points.

Getting There

Sacramento is easily accessible by multiple transportation modes. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) serves the region with major airline connections, located about 10 miles northwest of downtown. Amtrak provides excellent rail service with the Capitol Corridor connecting to the San Francisco Bay Area and the California Zephyr offering scenic long-distance routes. Interstate 5 runs directly through the city, making Sacramento a convenient stop for road trips between Los Angeles and the Pacific Northwest. The city is approximately 90 minutes from San Francisco, 2 hours from Lake Tahoe, and 1.5 hours from Napa Valley.

Getting Around

Sacramento offers various transportation options for visitors. The Regional Transit light rail system connects downtown, Old Sacramento, and surrounding areas with affordable fares ($2.75 per ride). Downtown Sacramento is very walkable, especially the historic districts and government areas. Bike-sharing programs and rental shops provide easy access to the extensive trail system. Ride-sharing services and taxis are readily available, while rental cars offer flexibility for exploring nearby attractions like wine country or mountain destinations. Many downtown hotels offer shuttle services to major attractions, and the free Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) operates during business hours.

Where to Stay

Downtown Sacramento
Old Sacramento
Midtown Sacramento
East Sacramento
West Sacramento
Airport Area

Food & Dining

Sacramento's dining scene celebrates the farm-to-fork philosophy with restaurants emphasizing locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients from the surrounding Central Valley agricultural region. The city offers everything from James Beard Award-winning establishments to casual eateries, food trucks, and vibrant farmers markets. Midtown Sacramento features the highest concentration of trendy restaurants and craft breweries, while Old Sacramento offers themed dining experiences in historic settings. The Handle District and R Street Corridor have emerged as foodie destinations with innovative concepts, artisanal coffee shops, and craft cocktail bars. Don't miss the weekly farmers markets, particularly the Saturday market under the freeway, which showcases the incredible local produce that makes Sacramento's culinary reputation possible.

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

Sacramento enjoys a Mediterranean climate with the best visiting conditions from April through June and September through November when temperatures are comfortable (65-80°F) and rainfall is minimal. Summer months (July-August) can be quite hot with temperatures often exceeding 95°F, though this is ideal for river activities and outdoor dining in the evenings. Winter brings mild temperatures and occasional rain, making it perfect for museum visits and indoor cultural activities. Spring offers beautiful wildflower blooms in nearby foothills, while fall provides excellent weather for outdoor exploration and harvest season activities in nearby wine regions.

Insider Tips

Visit the Sacramento History Museum on the first Saturday of each month for special living history demonstrations and reduced admission prices
Park for free on Sundays at most downtown meters, and use the Tower Bridge Gateway area for easy access to both downtown and Old Sacramento attractions
The California State Fair in July offers a authentic local experience, but book accommodations well in advance as the city fills up during this two-week period

Explore Activities in Sacramento History Museum