California State Capitol
The California State Capitol Museum includes the historical state capitol building and the surrounding 16 square city blocks, known as Capitol Park. Inside, tours of the capitol, its legislative chambers, and its restored historic offices are available daily. Outside, the public is free to visit the many gardens, memorials, and monuments located throughout the 40-acre park's grounds. You can get a view up to the Capitol from the Tower Bridge at the southern end of Old Sacramento.
Sutter's Fort
Sutter's Fort State Historic Park is the oldest restored fort in the United States. Built by John Sutter in the 1840's, the fort now hosts a collection of pioneer and early California artifacts. Self-guided audio tours are available.
State Indian Museum
Contains displays of Native Californian basketry, beadwork, clothing and exhibits about the ongoing traditions of various California Indian tribes.
Crocker Art Museum
The oldest continuously operating museum in the West, home to a premier collection of California art. Free on Sundays
Cesar Chavez Park
Formerly known as Plaza Park, Cesar Chavez Park is a scenic park in the middle of downtown Sacramento that adjoins historic City Hall, the Public Library and Sacramento's Citizen Hotel. Great place to take photos of the Sacramento skyline. During the summer on Fridays, it is used as an outdoor concert venue known as Concerts in the Park.
Sacramento Zoo
A mid-size zoo located in William Land Park. A combination ticket with Fairy Tale Town makes for a fun day for families with young children.
Folsom Lake
One of Northern California's largest lakes, Folsom Lake is where many local Sacramentans go fishing, biking, sailing, kayaking or jet-skiing during the summer. It is located 30 minutes east of downtown Sacramento off Highway 50.
Old sacramento
California State Railroad Museum
A huge museum of railroad history with a large collection of old yet well-preserved trains and equipment. If possible, take Amtrak to the Sacramento station to get into a trainy mood for it.
Sacramento History Museum
The Sacramento History Museum explores the regionâs history from the days before the Gold Rush to the present throughout the museum's two stories of interactive galleries. The museum also offers the perfect starting point for exploring the Old Sacramento State Historic Park!
Once a thriving riverfront pioneer town, Old Sacramento now primarily exists as living historic district. The boardwalk style sidewalks and horse-drawn stagecoaches give this small section of town a unique flavor. Old Sacramento contains several museums, restaurants, and the usual assortment of souvenir shops all within walking distance of each other. Best of all, it's a five minute walk from the Amtrak station. It's best visited in late afternoon and early evening. Parking can be scarce, so be sure to utilize the reasonably priced parking structures in the K Street Mall. There's a nice, short, safe walkway between K Street Mall and Old Sacramento.
Steam train rides
Operated by the Railroad Museum, these forty minute excursions are pulled by an historic steam locomotive along the nearby levees.