Sacramento is a metropolis that blends historical past, tradition, and trendy aptitude in a method 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 filled with experiences that everybody ought to have on their checklist. From exploring historic districts to savoring a meal at one in every of its acclaimed eating places, Sacramento affords somewhat one thing for everybody.
Whether or not you’re buying a dwelling in Sacramento, in search of an residence to hire, or curious about a rental dwelling within the metropolis, these are the must-see sights and actions that can allow you to expertise the perfect of Sacramento. Able to examine 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 beautiful structure. Stroll by way of the Capitol Park gardens, crammed with vibrant blooms and historic memorials, or head inside to find displays that carry the state’s historical past to life.
Should you’re trying to absorb the beautiful views of the capitol over dinner, Prelude Kitchen & Bar serves up Trendy American, Farm-to-Fork delicacies. The cooks work intently with native farmers to supply the freshest elements, guaranteeing each dish highlights the area’s greatest produce. Eating at Prelude isn’t simply concerning the meals—it’s concerning 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 a lovely native backyard
For these in search of a serene escape, Sacramento has a number of lovely parks and gardens that provide tranquility and wonder proper throughout the metropolis. “One among my favourite respites in Sacramento is the Natomas Rose Backyard,” says wedding ceremony photographer Georgia Sheridan from Georgia Sheridan Images. “It’s a stunning place to unwind, and as a photographer, I like the attractive settings it gives for photoshoots. Plus, it’s an exquisite spot for these in search of a peaceable backyard retreat,” she provides.
3. Catch a present on the Tower Theater
The Tower Theater is an iconic Sacramento landmark, recognized for its retro allure and laid-back vibe. Situated within the coronary heart of the Midtown district, this superbly restored Artwork Deco theater is understood for its distinctive allure and eclectic mixture of unbiased movies, traditional films, and particular occasions. With its classic marquee and intimate environment, it affords a throwback to a time when going to the films felt like an expertise. Whether or not you’re catching a midnight exhibiting or having fun with a movie pageant, 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 favourite amongst Sacramento locals and guests alike is the beloved Tower Café,” shares headshot photographer Glynns Thomas, from Glynns Thomas Portraits. “The restaurant sits within the iconic constructing the place Tower Information started. I make a degree to take guests there, particularly if the climate is sweet. Along with their indoor seating with enjoyable decor, they’ve a big outside seating space in a lush backyard setting. Lovely timber present shade from above, and effervescent sounds from the close by Tower Fountain beg you to take a seat again and loosen up with good meals, scrumptious cocktails, and nice associates.”
4. Take a look at John C. Fremont Park and examine 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 house, vigorous occasions, and shaded picnic spots, it’s a favourite gathering place for locals to loosen up or get pleasure from 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 environment, 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 concerning the secret menu the place you’ll sometimes be capable to order a burger.
5. Spend the day at Southside Park
Southside Park is a serene oasis tucked into Sacramento, providing shady timber, a scenic pond, and expansive inexperienced areas. It’s a favourite retreat amongst locals in search of a quiet escape to loosen up, stroll their canines, or get pleasure from a leisurely stroll. Should you’re seeking to unwind by the water or bask within the sunshine, this peaceable park gives an ideal getaway from the town’s bustle.
After a stroll by way of Southside Park, head to Bueno Cafe, a neighborhood favourite only a quick stroll away. Situated in an enthralling Victorian home on 4th and T Streets, this welcoming cafe focuses on espresso recipes handed down by way of generations. Whether or not you’re within the temper for a standard Cafe de Olla or a comforting Granito de Canela, you’ll style love and custom in each cup. Pair your drink with one in every of their scrumptious sandwiches, from traditional Pastrami and Roasted Beef to a unbelievable Veggie Sandwich. You too can take pleasure in one in every 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 most effective of the town’s farm-to-table spirit. Right here, you’ll be able to browse for contemporary veggies, handmade items, or simply soak within the bustling environment, making this a quintessential Sacramento bucket checklist expertise.
“Don’t miss the Midtown Farmers Market on Saturdays—a vigorous hub of native produce, artisan meals, and Sacramento’s neighborhood spirit, capturing the town’s farm-to-table essence,” shares the group 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 most effective expertise, the marriage planners at Past Smitten Occasions recommend, “Arrive early to snag a contemporary cup of espresso or a refreshing inexperienced juice, completely paired with a pastry or a mouthwatering dish from one of many meals vehicles. Discover a cozy spot on the sidewalk, savor each chew, sip your drink, and soak within the pleasant scene of passerby. It’s an expertise that captures the town’s spirit and leaves you wanting to come back again each week.”
7. Discover extra of Midtown
After exploring the Midtown Farmers Market, proceed your journey by way of Midtown’s vibrant streets. Identified for its walkability, vibrant arts scene, and various combine of retailers, eating places, and bars, it’s the proper place to discover at a leisurely tempo. When you’re there, make certain to peruse native boutiques, get pleasure from a meal at a classy cafe, or absorb avenue artwork.
Store native
If you’re in search of a singular purchasing expertise, pop in to Midtown Bliss House & Items. Bliss options over 119 native Sacramento distributors providing classic, handmade, dwelling decor and presents, all below one roof. It’s a good way to assist 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 and not using a 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 environment, 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 great thing about Outdated Sacramento
Should you’re in search of a peaceable and memorable morning, Outdated Sacramento is the proper place to start your day. “Begin with a leisurely stroll down the cobblestone streets, soaking within the historic allure and exquisite river views. It’s a peaceable spot that appears like stepping again in time,” says the group on the native present store, Seasons Items. “No morning is full with out espresso, and Blueprint Espresso is the proper cease. Seize a scrumptious cup of their expertly brewed espresso and luxuriate in it whereas taking within the sights alongside 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 after 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 “Better 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 in the present day. With its picturesque rivers, Sacramento gives the proper setting for this timeless journey.
“One among my favourite old-world experiences is having fun with a meal onboard the Delta King Riverboat. Being that Sacramento is named the town of rivers, it’s very becoming that visitors can get a glimpse into the golden age of river journey whereas having fun with trendy facilities and riverfront views,” shares Gennifer from the native life-style weblog, Sacramento Love. “Right now, the Delta King serves as a floating lodge, restaurant, and leisure venue, providing visitors an opportunity to dine in fashion whereas soaking in beautiful riverfront views.”
10. Dive into Sacramento’s literary scene
For e-book lovers, the town’s unbiased bookstores are a must-visit on your Sacramento bucket checklist. Whether or not you’re shopping by way of the stacks at a neighborhood favourite or attempting to find uncommon finds, there’s all the time one thing new to find. Spend a day wandering by way of their cabinets, chatting with pleasant homeowners, and discovering your subsequent nice learn. It’s the proper approach to decelerate and join with Sacramento’s artistic, book-loving neighborhood.
Sacramento’s solely bookstore specializing within the arts
For fantastic artwork fanatics, Amatoria Tremendous Artwork Books is a woman-artist owned bookshop in Sacramento that buys, sells, and trades espresso desk books, fantastic and small press, artist books, images, 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 spanking new books, video games, and puzzles. Additionally they maintain thrilling creator occasions and RPG sport nights. Capitol Books options three flooring and 1,000,000 tales.
11. Wine and dine at Scribner Bend Vineyards
Should you’re in search of an enthralling and scenic vineyard expertise, Scribner Bend Vineyards is a must-visit amongst Sacramento Delta wineries. They provide a wide range of estate-grown wines, wood-fired pizza from Paesanos, and a picturesque setting good for a soothing 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.
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 revolutionary 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 good place to reside.
Because the group at Canon in East Sacramento shares, “Sacramento is famend for its farm-to-fork eating scene. Our proximity to one of the various and important agricultural areas on the planet offers our cooks unprecedented entry to the freshest and most vibrant produce round, making Sacramento a vacation spot for foodies close to and much. For recommendations, flip to the California Michelin Information, the place Canon restaurant is one in every of a number of Sacramento eating places to be acknowledged by the celebrated 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 provide one thing for everybody. So, seize your bucket checklist, get on the market, and see what Sacramento has in retailer. You’ll rapidly discover that this metropolis has somewhat little bit of all the things, and also you’ll love discovering all of it.
