Things to Do in Sacramento
In the high-energy atmosphere of California's capitol city, where the combination of government and commerce create hustle and bustle, you might be surprised to find an abundance of peaceful activities
Parks, fascinating historic sites and the region's natural beauty offer places for your family to relax and enjoy time together.
Family Fun Activities
Little kids get excited and old-timers wax nostalgic at the California State Railroad Museum. Bring the whole gang to see the lovingly restored locomotives and train cars, and from April to September, you can board an excursion train that chugs along the river. You can hang out with the wildlife at the Sacramento Zoo, and for a small extra fee, your kids can feed the giraffes. Little ones will also enjoy the gentle rides at Funderland Amusement Park and the storybook setting of Fairytale Town.
Play and Explore in the Parks
With nearly 300 acres, Old Sacramento State Historic Park is a good place to immerse yourself in history. Buildings from the 1800s will take you back to the days of the Gold Rush, the Pony Express and steam-powered trains. At Leland Stanford Mansion State Park, you can peek into the luxurious life of wealthy Victorians. And if you’d like to enjoy some fresh air, you can walk, hike or bike a portion of the 23-mile-long American River Parkway.
Tour the Farm-to-Fork Capital
At the center of a bountiful agricultural region, Sacramento claims the premier spot in the Farm-to-Fork movement. Fresh ingredients grace the city's restaurants and home kitchens. You can tour the vineyards, farmers’ markets, organic farms, and fruit and vegetable farms, where you can pick your own fresh snacks. Several wineries and shops in the area are also fun to explore. Bring cash for easy purchasing power, and back off the gas pedal to enjoy the scenery.
The Flavors of Sacramento
New and traditional American food, various Asian cuisines and robust Southwestern-style cooking dominate Sacramento's culinary scene. Downtown at Cafeteria 15L (1116 15th St., Sacramento) you'll get a good introduction to modern, California-style comfort food, such as short-rib popovers and watermelon-tomato salad. At Tres Hermanas (2416 K St., Sacramento), you can savor northern Mexican specialties, such as tamal de Puerco—seasoned pork rolled in a cork husk masa—on the outdoor patio or in the brightly decorated dining area. Beer lovers will want to check out the craft brewing scene at the Track 7 Brewing tap room by Curtis Park (3747 West Pacific Ave., Sacramento); the food trucks outside are happy to provide you with some tasty sustenance to go along with your beer or ale.
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About Sacramento
California's capital city has grown into a glittering jewel of Northern California.
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