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Tower Bridge, United States of America - Things to Do in Tower Bridge

Things to Do in Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Tower Bridge is a small unincorporated community located in Sacramento County, California, situated along the Sacramento River. This quiet residential area gets its name from its proximity to the historic Tower Bridge that spans the Sacramento River, connecting Sacramento to West Sacramento. The community offers a peaceful suburban atmosphere while being conveniently located near California's capital city. While Tower Bridge itself is primarily a residential area, its strategic location provides easy access to Sacramento's rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and outdoor recreation opportunities along the Sacramento River. Visitors typically use this area as a base for exploring the greater Sacramento region, including the historic Old Sacramento district, the California State Capitol, and numerous parks and waterways that define the area's character.

Top Things to Do in Tower Bridge

Explore Historic Old Sacramento

Walk through the preserved 19th-century wooden sidewalks and buildings of Old Sacramento, featuring museums, shops, and restaurants in authentic Gold Rush era architecture. The area includes the California State Railroad Museum and offers scenic views of the Sacramento River and the iconic Tower Bridge.

Booking Tip: Most attractions are free to explore, though museum entries range from $10-15. Visit weekdays for smaller crowds, and combine multiple museum visits with discounted combo tickets available at visitor centers.

Sacramento River Activities

Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or river cruises along the Sacramento River, with several launch points near Tower Bridge. The calm waters are perfect for beginners, and the route offers views of the city skyline and wildlife including river otters and various bird species.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals start around $25-35 for half-day, river cruises range $20-40 per person. Book morning slots during summer for cooler temperatures, and choose operators that provide life jackets and basic instruction.

California State Capitol Tours

Take guided tours of the beautifully restored California State Capitol building, featuring ornate 19th-century architecture, historical exhibits, and the working chambers of state government. The surrounding Capitol Park offers 40 acres of gardens with plants from around the world.

Booking Tip: Free guided tours run hourly Monday-Friday 9am-4pm, weekends 10am-4pm. Reserve online up to 30 days in advance, especially during school field trip season (spring). Self-guided tours available without reservations.

Farm-to-Fork Food Scene

Experience Sacramento's renowned farm-to-fork dining movement with restaurants sourcing ingredients from local Central Valley farms. The area features everything from upscale establishments to casual farmers markets, showcasing California's agricultural abundance.

Booking Tip: Farmers markets operate year-round with Saturday markets being largest. Restaurant reservations recommended for dinner, especially weekends. Food tours typically cost $60-90 per person and include 4-6 stops.

American River Parkway

Cycle or walk along the 32-mile American River Parkway, one of the longest urban parkways in the country. The paved trail connects multiple parks and offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing in a natural corridor through the metropolitan area.

Booking Tip: Trail access is free with multiple entry points and parking areas. Bike rentals available for $20-30 per day from shops near Old Sacramento. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer best wildlife viewing and comfortable temperatures.

Getting There

Tower Bridge is located approximately 90 miles northeast of San Francisco and 380 miles north of Los Angeles. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the closest major airport, about 20 minutes away by car. Amtrak's Capitol Corridor and California Zephyr lines serve Sacramento station downtown. Interstate 5 and Highway 50 provide direct highway access, with Interstate 80 connecting from the San Francisco Bay Area. Greyhound and other bus services also connect Sacramento to major California cities.

Getting Around

Sacramento Regional Transit operates bus and light rail services throughout the area, with day passes costing $7. The Gold Line light rail connects downtown Sacramento to the airport and surrounding suburbs. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. The downtown core and Old Sacramento are very walkable, and bike rentals are popular for exploring the extensive trail system. Street parking is generally available, with some metered zones downtown costing $1.25 per hour.

Where to Stay

Downtown Sacramento
Old Sacramento Waterfront
Midtown Sacramento
East Sacramento
Land Park
West Sacramento

Food & Dining

Sacramento's dining scene centers around the farm-to-fork movement, with restaurants emphasizing locally-sourced ingredients from the fertile Central Valley. Downtown and Midtown offer the highest concentration of acclaimed restaurants, from casual bistros to fine dining establishments. The area is known for exceptional seasonal menus, craft breweries, and food trucks. Old Sacramento features tourist-friendly dining with river views, while ethnic enclaves throughout the city offer authentic Vietnamese, Mexican, and other international cuisines. The region's agricultural abundance means exceptional farmers markets operate year-round, with the Saturday market under the freeway being particularly popular.

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 best time to visit is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, making early morning and evening the most pleasant times for sightseeing. Winter is mild with occasional rain, perfect for indoor attractions and fewer crowds. Spring brings beautiful blooming trees throughout the city, while fall offers comfortable weather for cycling and river activities. Summer visitors should plan indoor activities during midday heat and take advantage of the long daylight hours for early morning and evening exploration.

Insider Tips

The actual Tower Bridge is a vertical lift bridge that still operates - time your visit to potentially see it raised for river traffic, typically announced on local radio
Free trolley service connects Old Sacramento to downtown during peak tourist seasons, saving both money and parking hassles
Many of Sacramento's best restaurants don't take reservations but offer bar seating - arrive early or be prepared to wait, especially on weekends

Explore Activities in Tower Bridge