Sacramento Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Sacramento.
Healthcare System
Sacramento operates under the U.S. healthcare system, which is primarily private and can be extremely expensive for those without insurance. The city has excellent medical facilities with world-class trauma centers and specialists, but costs are among the highest globally. No universal healthcare is available to visitors.
Hospitals
Major hospitals for tourists include UC Davis Medical Center (2315 Stockton Blvd), Sutter Medical Center (2801 L Street), Mercy General Hospital (4001 J Street), and Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento (6600 Bruceville Road). All have 24/7 emergency departments. Expect to provide insurance information or payment guarantee upon arrival.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Sacramento, including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid locations, many open 24 hours. Most common over-the-counter medications are readily available. Prescription medications require a U.S. prescription; international prescriptions may not be accepted without physician consultation.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED and nearly essential. Without insurance, even minor emergency room visits can cost $1,000-5,000+, while serious incidents can result in bills exceeding $50,000-100,000. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation and has adequate coverage limits for U.S. healthcare costs.
Healthcare Tips
- Always carry your insurance card and a credit card with high limits; hospitals may require payment information before non-emergency treatment
- For minor issues, consider urgent care clinics (like Carbon Health, Sutter Express Care) which are less expensive than emergency rooms and don't require appointments
- Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications in original containers with labels, as refills require seeing a U.S. physician
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medical records in case you need to see a doctor during your visit
- Download your insurance company's app for finding in-network providers and understanding coverage while traveling
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Car break-ins are the most common crime affecting visitors to Sacramento, with smash-and-grab thefts from parked vehicles occurring frequently throughout the city, especially at tourist attractions, hotels, and trailheads.
While less common than in major international cities, opportunistic theft does occur in crowded tourist areas, public transportation, and at events. Package theft from porches is also common if staying in residential rentals.
Sacramento has high rates of bicycle theft, affecting both residents and tourists using bike rentals or bike-share programs to explore the city's extensive trail system.
Sacramento has a significant homeless population, and visitors may encounter encampments, individuals asking for money, or erratic behavior. While most interactions are harmless, it can be uncomfortable and occasionally unpredictable.
Sacramento experiences extreme heat during summer months, with temperatures regularly exceeding 95-105°F (35-40°C). Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real risks, especially for visitors unaccustomed to the dry heat.
Sacramento traffic can be challenging with aggressive driving, high speeds on freeways, and complex interchanges. Pedestrian and cyclist accidents occur, particularly at busy intersections.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists at parking meters offering to 'help' with payment or claiming the meter is broken and offering to watch your car for cash. Some place fake parking tickets on windshields with QR codes leading to fraudulent payment sites.
Scalpers sell fake or duplicate tickets outside the Golden 1 Center (home of the Sacramento Kings) and other venues. Online listings on unofficial sites may be fraudulent or overpriced.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something, asking for directions with a map, or causing a commotion) while an accomplice steals bags, phones, or wallets from distracted tourists.
Individuals approach tourists claiming to collect for local charities, homeless services, or disaster relief, sometimes wearing official-looking vests or carrying clipboards.
Fraudulent listings for vacation rentals that don't exist or aren't actually available, often requesting wire transfers or payment outside official platforms.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation Safety
- Use reputable ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) rather than unmarked taxis, especially at night
- If using Light Rail, sit near the operator's car and stay alert, especially during evening hours; some stations are in isolated areas
- When renting cars, inspect for damage before leaving the lot and photograph any issues; never leave rental agreements visible in the car
- Be cautious of aggressive drivers and use defensive driving techniques; California allows right turns on red after stopping
- Plan parking in advance for downtown visits; street parking can be limited and lots fill quickly during events
- Avoid leaving GPS devices or mounts visible in cars as they signal to thieves that you're a tourist
Accommodation Safety
- Choose hotels in well-reviewed areas such as Downtown, Midtown, East Sacramento, or near the Capitol; research neighborhood safety before booking
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable electronics
- Verify hotel staff identity before opening doors; use door locks and security latches at night
- Be cautious in hotel parking garages, especially late at night; park near elevators or entrances in well-lit areas
- If staying in vacation rentals, verify exact location before booking and ensure the area is safe for walking at night
Money and Valuables
- Use credit cards rather than carrying large amounts of cash; U.S. credit card protections are strong
- Be discreet when using ATMs; use machines inside banks during business hours when possible
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, credit cards, insurance) separate from originals or stored digitally
- Be aware that many establishments in Sacramento are cashless or strongly prefer cards
- Split money and cards between different locations (hotel safe, wallet, bag) so you're not carrying everything at once
- Notify your bank of travel dates to prevent cards being flagged for fraud
Nighttime Safety
- Stick to well-lit, populated areas after dark; Midtown and Downtown Sacramento are generally safe on main streets but avoid isolated side streets
- Use ride-sharing rather than walking long distances at night, especially if unfamiliar with the area
- Travel in groups when possible, especially in areas with active nightlife
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid using phones while walking alone at night
- Know your route back to accommodation before going out; have ride-sharing apps ready
- Avoid confrontations with intoxicated individuals, particularly near bars and clubs
Personal Safety
- Stay aware of surroundings and avoid appearing distracted or lost; consult maps discreetly
- Trust your instincts; if a situation or area feels unsafe, leave immediately
- Keep phone charged and consider carrying a portable battery pack
- Learn basic layout of the city; Sacramento uses a numbered and lettered grid system downtown making navigation easier
- Be cautious when sharing travel plans or accommodation details on social media in real-time
- Carry minimal identification when exploring; leave unnecessary credit cards and documents in hotel safe
Health Precautions
- Stay hydrated in Sacramento's dry climate; you may need more water than expected even in mild weather
- Carry any prescription medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Be aware of seasonal allergies; Sacramento's tree pollen (especially from February-May) can be intense
- Use insect repellent near rivers and parks, especially at dawn and dusk; West Nile virus is present but rare
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Sacramento
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Sacramento is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. The city has a progressive culture typical of California, and women traveling alone are common and accepted. Standard urban precautions apply, particularly regarding nighttime safety and awareness of surroundings. The downtown and Midtown areas are walkable and frequented by women alone, especially during daytime hours.
- Use ride-sharing services rather than walking alone late at night, especially in less populated areas
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodations in safe neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown near the Capitol, or East Sacramento
- Trust your instincts; if someone makes you uncomfortable, move to a populated area or business
- Keep phone charged and share your location with friends or family when exploring alone
- Catcalling is uncommon but can occur; ignore and keep walking confidently
- The Midtown and Downtown areas have active nightlife; bars and restaurants are generally welcoming and safe, but watch your drink and use ride-sharing to get home
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers; Sacramento has active meetup groups and social scenes
- Gyms, yoga studios, and fitness classes are widely available and safe for women
- Women-specific safety apps like Noonlight can provide additional peace of mind
- Solo dining is completely normal and accepted throughout Sacramento; don't hesitate to eat alone at restaurants
LGBTQ+ Travelers
California has strong LGBTQ+ protections with full marriage equality, anti-discrimination laws, and legal protections for gender identity and expression. Sacramento is the state capital and reflects progressive California values.
- Lavender Heights (20th Street corridor in Midtown) is the historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood with bars, restaurants, and shops
- Popular LGBTQ+ venues include Faces Nightclub, Badlands, The Depot, and various Midtown bars
- Sacramento is generally safe for LGBTQ+ travelers throughout tourist areas; open affection is widely accepted
- The Sacramento LGBT Community Center (1927 L Street) offers resources and information
- Most hotels and businesses display welcoming signage; discrimination is illegal and rare
- Dating apps are widely used and generally safe, but take standard precautions when meeting people
- Sacramento's progressive atmosphere extends to most neighborhoods, though smaller surrounding towns may be more conservative
- Gender-neutral restrooms are increasingly common in downtown businesses and public facilities
- The city has strong transgender protections and healthcare resources including UC Davis Medical Center's gender clinic
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is CRITICAL for visiting Sacramento and the United States due to the extremely high cost of healthcare. A single emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars, and serious medical situations can result in bills exceeding $100,000. Unlike most developed countries, the U.S. has no universal healthcare, and hospitals can and will bill international visitors full private rates. Medical evacuation, trip cancellation due to wildfires, and coverage for stolen belongings are also important considerations.
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