California hot spots are traditionally Los Angeles, San Francisco (my hometown), and San Diego. However, California’s capital, Sacramento, does not have such an essential place in the tourist circuit. I live only a two-hour drive from the city, but until recently, I hadn’t been there.
Don’t fool me, because as I discovered, Sacramento has much to offer for a weekend of fun and frivolity.
Sacramento is located at the American and Sacramento Rivers meeting, California’s largest river, which flows into San Francisco Bay.
This made it a central location for the Gold Rush 1849, making Sacramento a major commercial and political center.
The city’s layout is typically American, with a classic grid system composed of interlocking blocks. Flat as a pancake, it’s a pleasant place to explore on foot or by bike, with lovely tree-lined streets, interesting architecture and magnificent street art.
Sacramento is also home to the large Capitol building, the seat of state government, which also serves as a museum. Arrive there at dusk and admire this impressive neoclassical building framed by the soft pink glow of the sky.
Old Sacramento
The Old Sacramento neighbourhood preserves its rich history with restored buildings, promenades, quaint shops selling saltwater taffy, handmade souvenirs, and high-end clothing.
You can also ride a historic train aboard an old steam train along the Sacramento Southern Railroad. A nearby museum also displays locomotives and railcars that tell the story of the Golden State’s railroad heritage.
Weekend farmer’s market
Midtown Sacramento hosts a weekly farmers market that spans five blocks with more than 200 vendors selling artisan goods and local foods.
Crispy hot bread, caramelized sweet corn, spicy chutneys, and other delicacies adorn the stalls. A live band was front and centre, combining summer vibes with smooth guitars, keyboards and drums.
In addition to many delicious dining options, you can purchase artisan goods from local artisans, from jewellery and clothing to wooden crafts and stuffed animals.
The market occurs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sacramento River (California)
The Sacramento River flows through picturesque Old Sacramento, where the impressive gold-painted Tower Bridge stands tall and proud.
Drive or bike and hike the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, which winds along the Sacramento and American rivers for 32 miles to Beal’s Point in Folsom. Or take a boat trip, which is especially lovely for (regular) sunny Sacramento days.
We booked a spot on the Sac Brew tour and joined 16 other passengers aboard a tiki-themed rowboat for a 1.5-hour cruise on the Sacramento and American rivers.
We had snacks and drinks; others brought alcohol, and some even brought their music to play via Bluetooth on the boat’s speakers.
The boat tour was truly unique! It was very well organized, the sun was out, and our tour guides, Deborah and Aaron (aka “Captain AA”), were lovely and friendly.
We passed a troop of sunbathing sea lions, then cruised under the I Street Bridge, a historic metal truss swing bridge that is the oldest of its kind in California. After a quick stop at the riverside bar, The Virgin Sturgeon, we headed down the California River.
It was fascinating to see the difference in colour between the two rivers: the Sacramento River is primarily fed by snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada Mountains and has a lighter hue. At the same time, the California River carries sediment from the streams and tributaries, giving it a much darker tone. hue. dye. His. dye. to dye.
The Sac Brew Boat Tour runs several times daily, Wednesday through Sunday. I highly recommend including this tour during your visit to Sacramento.
Crocker Art Museum (California)
For your dose of culture, the Crocker Museum of Art is also located near the Tower Bridge in downtown Sacramento and contains more than 25,000 works of art spanning centuries.
Championing the art of multiple communities and cultures, the museum is a joy to explore, filled with nooks containing the exceptional, the strange, and the downright strange.
Artworks that caught my eye included a sculpture of a bombed mosque made from gun parts, shells and bullets by Al Farrow and Woods Davy’s magnificent stone sculptures defying gravity.
The Crocker Art Museum is open Wednesday, finished Sunday, and admission is free every third Sunday of the month.
Where to eat in Sacramento (California)
Sacramento is considered the birthplace of the American farm-to-table movement, which advocates local produce,
abundant thanks to its sunny climate and the fertile soil of the surrounding farmlands.
For an upscale experience, Camden Spit & Larder offers a premium British-inspired menu of roast meats and farm-fresh dishes California.
You can also stroll along the R Street Corridor in downtown Sacramento, where restaurants and bars are adorned with vibrant street art. We had lunch at Bawk! from Urban Roots, a trendy chicken restaurant with a great bar.
For breakfast, Sacramento has an excellent coffee chain, Temple Coffee Roasters, which serves a selection of sweet pastries. Estelle’s Bakery & Pâtisserie serves freshly baked goods and French favourites, including the deliciously sticky Croque Monsieur.
Where to drink in Sacramento
Jungle Bird Tiki Bar – Located in Midtown Sacramento, the theme and decor are fun, and the cocktails are great. I recommend the eponymous Jungle Bird cocktail for both style and substance California.
The 7th St Standard, a short walk from Old Sacramento and located inside the Hyatt Centric Hotel, is a stylish establishment serving cocktails and snacks with soft jazz music playing in the background.
We meet there between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and 6 p.m. and 5 p.m.
to enjoy Happy Hour because the bar snacks are divine and only $7 a plate California.
Der Biergarten – Perfect for when the sun is out, this German-themed city centre hangout offers good value and serves a great selection of beers and classic German food. Don’t drink too many cups!
Where to stay in Sacramento
The Fort Sutter Hotel, located in Sacramento’s Midtown neighbourhood (see full hotel review), is comfortable and elegant. It is located near many restaurants and bars, within walking distance of the Saturday Farmer’s Marketplace and the Capitol.
