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

Things to Do in Sacramento Zoo

Sacramento Zoo, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Sacramento, California's vibrant capital city, offers visitors a perfect blend of rich history, cultural attractions, and modern urban amenities. Located in the heart of the Central Valley at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, the city serves as both a political hub and a gateway to Northern California's diverse attractions. The Sacramento Zoo, nestled within the beautiful William Land Park, stands as one of the city's premier family destinations, housing over 500 animals representing more than 140 species from around the world. Beyond the zoo, Sacramento boasts a thriving downtown area with historic Old Sacramento, featuring wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, and Gold Rush-era architecture. The city's farm-to-fork dining scene has gained national recognition, while its proximity to wine country, Lake Tahoe, and San Francisco makes it an ideal base for exploring Northern California. With year-round mild weather and a laid-back atmosphere, Sacramento provides visitors with an authentic California experience away from the crowds of larger metropolitan areas.

Top Things to Do in Sacramento Zoo

Sacramento Zoo Experience

Explore over 140 species of animals across themed exhibits including the African Savanna, Reptile House, and Big Cat area. The zoo features interactive experiences, educational programs, and seasonal events that make it perfect for families. Don't miss the train ride around the park and the playground areas for children.

Booking Tip: General admission costs around $15-20 for adults and $10-15 for children. Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds and more active animals. Annual memberships offer great value for local visitors and include parking benefits.

Historic Old Sacramento Exploration

Step back in time in this preserved Gold Rush-era district featuring wooden sidewalks, historic buildings, and authentic 19th-century atmosphere. Visit museums, ride historic trains, and browse unique shops while learning about California's frontier history. The area comes alive with street performers and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Booking Tip: Free to explore the streets, but individual attractions charge $8-15 admission. Consider a combo ticket for multiple museums. Weekends feature more activities but larger crowds, while weekdays offer a more peaceful experience.

California State Capitol Tours

Take a guided tour of California's seat of government, featuring stunning architecture, historical exhibits, and beautiful gardens. The building showcases impressive rotunda artwork and restored legislative chambers from different eras. The surrounding Capitol Park offers peaceful walking paths and diverse tree species from around the world.

Booking Tip: Free guided tours are available hourly on weekdays, with limited weekend availability. Reserve online in advance, especially for groups. Security screening required, so arrive 15 minutes early and avoid bringing large bags.

Farm-to-Fork Dining Experience

Sacramento's renowned culinary scene emphasizes locally-sourced ingredients from the surrounding agricultural region. Experience everything from upscale restaurants to farmers markets, food trucks, and craft breweries. The city hosts an annual Farm-to-Fork Festival celebrating its agricultural heritage and innovative chefs.

Booking Tip: Make reservations at popular restaurants 1-2 weeks in advance. Visit the Saturday farmers market under the freeway for the best local produce. Food tours typically cost $60-100 per person and include multiple tastings.

American River Recreation

Enjoy outdoor activities along the scenic American River Parkway, including biking, walking, kayaking, and rafting. The 32-mile paved trail system connects multiple parks and offers wildlife viewing opportunities. Popular activities include gentle float trips and more adventurous whitewater rafting excursions.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals cost $25-40 per day, while rafting trips range from $50-120 per person depending on length and difficulty. Spring and early summer offer the best water levels. Book rafting trips in advance during peak season (April-September).

Getting There

Sacramento is easily accessible by multiple transportation methods. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is located 10 miles northwest of downtown and serves major airlines with direct flights from across the United States. The city sits at the intersection of major highways including Interstate 5 and Interstate 80, making it easily reachable by car from San Francisco (90 minutes), Lake Tahoe (2 hours), and Los Angeles (6 hours). Amtrak provides daily service via the Capitol Corridor from the Bay Area and the California Zephyr from Chicago, with the station located in downtown Sacramento.

Getting Around

Sacramento offers various transportation options for visitors. The Regional Transit system operates light rail and bus services throughout the metropolitan area, with day passes costing around $7. The downtown area is very walkable, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available, while bike rentals and the city's bike-share program provide eco-friendly options for exploring the extensive trail system. Parking downtown can be challenging during weekdays but is generally more available on weekends, with both metered street parking and paid lots available.

Where to Stay

Downtown Sacramento
Midtown Sacramento
Old Sacramento Waterfront
Land Park Area
Arden-Arcade
West Sacramento

Food & Dining

Sacramento's dining scene has earned national recognition for its farm-to-fork philosophy, with restaurants showcasing ingredients from the surrounding Central Valley agricultural region. The city offers everything from upscale establishments helmed by celebrity chefs to casual farm-to-table bistros, food trucks, and ethnic cuisines reflecting the area's diverse population. Don't miss the weekend farmers markets, local breweries and distilleries, and the vibrant food truck scene. Popular dining areas include downtown, Midtown's R Street Corridor, and the historic Old Sacramento waterfront, each offering distinct atmospheres and culinary experiences.

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 mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, making it a year-round destination. The best times to visit are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities and the zoo animals are most active. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, making early morning zoo visits preferable, while winter offers mild weather perfect for exploring indoor attractions and downtown areas. Spring brings beautiful blooming trees throughout the city, while fall provides ideal conditions for outdoor dining and river activities.

Insider Tips

Visit the Sacramento Zoo early in the morning when animals are most active and temperatures are cooler, especially during summer months
Combine your zoo visit with other William Land Park attractions like Fairytale Town and Funderland amusement park for a full day of family fun
Take advantage of free downtown events and festivals throughout the year, including Second Saturday art walks in Midtown and various seasonal celebrations in Old Sacramento

Explore Activities in Sacramento Zoo