Sacramento is a metropolis that blends historical past, tradition, and fashionable aptitude in a means that feels uniquely its personal. Identified for its wealthy historic landmarks, vibrant farm-to-fork scene, and scenic riverfront views, the California state capital is stuffed with experiences that everybody ought to have on their checklist. From exploring historic districts to savoring a meal at considered one of its acclaimed eating places, Sacramento affords slightly one thing for everybody.
Whether or not you’re buying a house in Sacramento, in search of an condo to lease, or all for a rental dwelling within the metropolis, these are the must-see points of interest and actions that can aid you expertise the easiest of Sacramento. Able to verify off your Sacramento bucket checklist? Let’s dive in.
1. Go to the California State Capitol constructing
Located within the coronary heart of downtown, the California State Capitol affords guests an opportunity to step into California’s wealthy political previous whereas marveling at its gorgeous structure. Stroll by means of the Capitol Park gardens, crammed with vibrant blooms and historic memorials, or head inside to find displays that convey the state’s historical past to life.
When you’re trying to absorb the gorgeous views of the capitol over dinner, Prelude Kitchen & Bar serves up Fashionable American, Farm-to-Fork delicacies. The cooks work carefully with native farmers to supply the freshest elements, guaranteeing each dish highlights the area’s finest produce. Eating at Prelude isn’t simply in regards to the meals—it’s in regards to the expertise, the place every thoughtfully crafted dish connects you with the cooks, the farmers, and the pure bounty of Northern California.
2. Unwind at an attractive native backyard
For these in search of a serene escape, Sacramento has a number of lovely parks and gardens that provide tranquility and sweetness proper throughout the metropolis. “One of my favorite respites in Sacramento is the Natomas Rose Garden,” says marriage ceremony photographer Georgia Sheridan from Georgia Sheridan Images. “It’s a lovely place to unwind, and as a photographer, I love the gorgeous settings it provides for photoshoots. Plus, it’s a wonderful spot for those looking for a peaceful garden retreat,” she provides.
3. Catch a present on the Tower Theater
The Tower Theater is an iconic Sacramento landmark, identified for its retro allure and laid-back vibe. Positioned within the coronary heart of the Midtown district, this superbly restored Artwork Deco theater is thought for its distinctive allure and eclectic mixture of impartial movies, traditional motion pictures, and particular occasions. With its classic marquee and intimate ambiance, it affords a throwback to a time when going to the flicks felt like an expertise. Whether or not you’re catching a midnight exhibiting or having fun with a movie competition, the Tower Theater is the proper place for film lovers so as to add to their Sacramento bucket checklist.
To spherical out your expertise, head subsequent door to the Tower Café, one other iconic spot rooted in Sacramento’s historical past. “A favorite among Sacramento locals and visitors alike is the beloved Tower Café,” shares headshot photographer Glynn Thomas, from Glynns Thomas Portraits. “The restaurant sits in the iconic building where Tower Records began. I make a point to take visitors there, especially if the weather is nice. In addition to their indoor seating with fun decor, they have a large outdoor seating area in a lush garden setting. Beautiful trees provide shade from above, and bubbling sounds from the nearby Tower Fountain beg you to sit back and relax with good food, delicious cocktails, and great friends.”
4. Try John C. Fremont Park and verify it off your Sacramento bucket checklist
John C. Fremont Park is an city oasis within the coronary heart of Sacramento. Identified for its sprawling inexperienced area, vigorous occasions, and shaded picnic spots, it’s a favourite gathering place for locals to chill out or take pleasure in neighborhood actions. Whether or not you’re sipping espresso from a close-by cafe, exploring native artwork markets, or just soaking within the laid-back ambiance, this park affords an ideal slice of Sacramento’s allure.
After your go to, take a brief stroll to Magpie, a low key farm-to-table restaurant that units Sacramento aside from different locations in California. It’s been round for nearly 20 years, although it feels contemporary as ever. You don’t want to decorate up, and whereas their seasonal vegetable dishes are a should, insiders know to ask in regards to the secret menu the place you’ll sometimes be capable of order a burger.
5. Spend the day at Southside Park
Southside Park is a serene oasis tucked into Sacramento, providing shady bushes, a scenic pond, and expansive inexperienced areas. It’s a favourite retreat amongst locals in search of a quiet escape to chill out, stroll their canines, or take pleasure in a leisurely stroll. When you’re trying to unwind by the water or bask within the sunshine, this peaceable park supplies an ideal getaway from the town’s bustle.
After a stroll by means of Southside Park, head to Bueno Cafe, an area favourite only a brief stroll away. Positioned in an enthralling Victorian home on 4th and T Streets, this welcoming cafe focuses on espresso recipes handed down by means of generations. Whether or not you’re within the temper for a conventional Cafe de Olla or a comforting Granito de Canela, you’ll style love and custom in each cup. Pair your drink with considered one of their scrumptious sandwiches, from traditional Pastrami and Roasted Beef to a implausible Veggie Sandwich. You too can bask in considered one of their candy treats like Conchas and Empanadas.
6. Take a go to to Midtown’s Farmers Market
Immerse your self in Sacramento’s farm-to-table tradition with a visit to the Midtown Farmers Market. This vigorous market showcases the perfect of the town’s farm-to-table spirit. Right here, you possibly can browse for contemporary veggies, handmade items, or simply soak within the bustling ambiance, making this a quintessential Sacramento bucket checklist expertise.
“Don’t miss the Midtown Farmers Market on Saturdays—a lively hub of local produce, artisan foods, and Sacramento’s community spirit, capturing the city’s farm-to-table essence,” shares the workforce on the native bagel and empanada store, Forgotten Bakery. It’s a real reflection of the town’s ardour for contemporary, native elements and its tight-knit neighborhood.
For the perfect expertise, the marriage planners at Past Smitten Occasions counsel, “Arrive early to snag a fresh cup of coffee or a refreshing green juice. It’s a fun and immersive way to experience Sacramento’s community while picking up some local goods.”
7. Discover extra of Midtown
After exploring the Midtown Farmers Market, proceed your journey by means of Midtown’s vibrant streets. Identified for its walkability, vibrant arts scene, and various combine of outlets, eating places, and bars, it’s the proper place to discover at a leisurely tempo. When you’re there, ensure to peruse native boutiques, take pleasure in a meal at a classy cafe, or soak up avenue artwork.
Store native
If you’re in search of a singular buying expertise, pop in to Midtown Bliss Residence & Items. Bliss options over 119 native Sacramento distributors providing classic, handmade, dwelling decor and presents, all underneath one roof. It’s an effective way to help native enterprise whereas additionally discovering one-of-a-kind treasures you received’t discover on the large field shops.
Dine and unwind
No journey to Midtown is full with no go to to the Limelight, a Sacramento establishment since 1959. Greater than only a bar, the Limelight is the place locals collect for drinks, sports activities, and gaming within the traditional cardroom. Whether or not you’re having fun with the vigorous game-day ambiance, attempting your luck on the tables, or soaking within the wealthy historical past, the Limelight captures the pleasant, laid-back spirit of Sacramento.
8. Expertise the fantastic thing about Outdated Sacramento
When you’re in search of a peaceable and memorable morning, Outdated Sacramento is the proper place to start your day. “Start with a leisurely stroll down the cobblestone streets, soaking in the historic charm and beautiful river views. It’s a peaceful spot that feels like stepping back in time,” says the workforce on the native reward store, Seasons Items. “No morning is complete without coffee, and Blueprint Coffee is the perfect stop. Grab a delicious cup of their expertly brewed coffee and enjoy it while taking in the sights along the waterfront.”
For lunch, don’t miss The Firehouse in Outdated Sacramento, a really one-of-a-kind restaurant and occasion venue. Housed in a historic constructing that when served as Engine Firm No. 3 since 1853, it’s been a beloved restaurant since 1960. Over time, celebrities, politicians, and athletes—together with Ronald Reagan, who hosted each of his pre-inaugural dinners right here—have dined at this iconic spot. Identified for his or her scrumptious steaks, chops, and contemporary seafood, The Firehouse has additionally received quite a few accolades, together with Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence” which they’ve been awarded yearly since 2002.
9. Sail again in time on the Delta King Riverboat
Step aboard the Delta King Riverboat and journey into Sacramento’s storied previous. Initially in-built 1927, this historic paddlewheel steamboat affords a one-of-a-kind expertise that blends the allure of the golden age of river journey with the conveniences of at the moment. With its picturesque rivers, Sacramento supplies the proper setting for this timeless journey.
“One of my favorite old-world experiences is enjoying a meal onboard the Delta King Riverboat. Being that Sacramento is known as the city of rivers, it’s very fitting that guests can get a glimpse into the golden age of river travel while enjoying modern amenities and riverfront views,” shares Gennifer from the native way of life weblog, Sacramento Love. “Today, the Delta King serves as a floating hotel, restaurant, and entertainment venue, offering guests a chance to dine in style while soaking in stunning riverfront views.”
10. Dive into Sacramento’s literary scene
For e-book lovers, the town’s impartial bookstores are a must-visit on your Sacramento bucket checklist. Whether or not you’re looking by means of the stacks at an area favourite or trying to find uncommon finds, there’s all the time one thing new to find. Spend a day wandering by means of their cabinets, chatting with pleasant homeowners, and discovering your subsequent nice learn. It’s the proper strategy to decelerate and join with Sacramento’s artistic, book-loving neighborhood.
Sacramento’s solely bookstore specializing within the arts
For high quality artwork lovers, Amatoria Fantastic Artwork Books is a woman-artist owned bookshop in Sacramento that buys, sells, and trades espresso desk books, high quality and small press, artist books, pictures, exhibit catalogues, and ephemera.
Three flooring and 1,000,000 tales
Whether or not you’re new to Sacramento or a long-time resident, let Capital Books be your supply for brand new books, video games, and puzzles. In addition they maintain thrilling creator occasions and RPG recreation nights. Capitol Books options three flooring and 1,000,000 tales.
11. Wine and dine at Scribner Bend Vineyards
When you’re in search of an enthralling and scenic vineyard expertise, Scribner Bend Vineyards is a must-visit amongst Sacramento Delta wineries. They provide quite a lot of estate-grown wines, wood-fired pizza from Paesanos, and a picturesque setting good for a calming afternoon or your subsequent non-public occasion. Whether or not you’re a wine fanatic or just in search of a stunning time out, Scribner Bend delivers a really memorable expertise.
Picture courtesy of Scribner Bend Vineyards
12. Savor all of the native flavors of Sacramento
Sacramento’s culinary scene is a scrumptious showcase of its farm-to-fork roots, providing an array of contemporary, regionally sourced dishes that spotlight the area’s agricultural bounty. With progressive cooks and a dedication to sustainability, eating within the metropolis is a real celebration of taste and neighborhood, one of many many causes Sacramento is such a very good place to reside.
Because the workforce at Canon in East Sacramento shares, “Sacramento is renowned for its farm-to-fork dining scene. Our proximity to one of the most diverse and significant agricultural regions in the world gives our chefs unprecedented access to the freshest and most vibrant produce around, making Sacramento a destination for foodies near and far. For suggestions, turn to the California Michelin Guide, where Canon restaurant is one of several Sacramento restaurants to be recognized by the prestigious publication.”
Checking off your Sacramento bucket checklist
Sacramento is a metropolis filled with must-see spots and memorable experiences. Whether or not you’re exploring the historic streets of Outdated Sacramento, having fun with a meal alongside the river, or soaking within the native tradition, there’s no scarcity of issues to do within the metropolis. Every Sacramento neighborhood has its personal allure, and the town’s lovely landscapes and wealthy historical past supply one thing for everybody. So, seize your bucket checklist, get on the market, and see what Sacramento has in retailer. You’ll shortly discover that this metropolis has slightly little bit of the whole lot, and also you’ll love discovering all of it.