Sacramento holidays
California’s inland capital doesn’t get nearly as many headlines as the state’s other top travel destinations, though we think it’s a winning holiday spot. Bordered by the Sierra Nevada mountains, the best Sacramento holidays pair lush nature with a thriving cultural and dining scene. Explore everything from Gold Rush history and urban parks to whitewater rafting and some of the most beloved craft breweries on the United States’ West Coast.
Sacramento holiday highlights
Old California
Begin your holiday in Sacramento with a visit to the city’s riverfront historic district. The wooden walkways and preserved 19th-century buildings of Old Sacramento are a hub of dining, retail and entertainment. Visit the California State Railroad Museum and tour the opulent Leland Stanford Mansion for a peek into the past. And don’t leave without experiencing the Sacramento History Museum’s interactive exhibits.
Rivers run through it
Sitting at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers, Sacramento is a playground for outdoor adventure. You’re always close to whitewater rafting and scenic, tree-shaded bike trails. Hike through lush parks like Discovery Park and Effie Yeaw Nature Center, home to deer and turkeys. Enjoy peaceful kayaking on Lake Natoma, or explore the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge.
Where to stay
Many of Sacramento’s best hotels are found in the Downtown and Midtown neighbourhoods. These hubs provide quick access to cultural attractions, not to mention the lion’s share of the city’s farm-to-fork eateries and craft cocktail bars. Midtown is a bit trendier, with third-wave coffee shops and art museums. Go just west and you’ll hit Old Sacramento and its many Gold Rush–era relics.
Things to do in Sacramento
Places to eat
Fresh, seasonal ingredients are a way of life in Sacramento — after all, the city is home to more than 40 farmers markets. Expect Delta asparagus in spring, almonds year-round and rotating seasonal taps at over 70 breweries. Midtown offers diverse dining, from cheap eats to cafes and acclaimed gastropubs. Come in autumn for the annual Farm-To-Fork Festival, when local chefs and producers show off the region’s bounty.
Take in the culture
Opened in 1885, the Crocker Art Museum is the oldest art museum in the American West and home to a diverse collection of Californian art. The immersive experiences at the Sacramento History Museum celebrate life during the Gold Rush. For something different, check out the Automobile Museum’s vintage car displays or the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity’s hands-on fun.
Beaches
You can spend weeks exploring the rivers, lakes and swimming holes surrounding the city. But if you have a hankering for salt water, you’ll find Pacific waves about two hours southwest at beaches like family-friendly Stinson Beach. In the opposite direction, the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe await. Pull over at Sand Harbor State Park for wide, golden sand and picture-postcard views.
