Why Go to Sacramento
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Los Angeles has the glamour, San Francisco has the culture and San Diego has the weather, so why is Sacramento California's capital? It goes back to the gold rush, when the city boomed as a hub for miners, conveniently located between the coast and the Sierra Nevada.
The Nisenan people lived in the Sacramento Valley long before settlers arrived, and the Gold Rush of 1849 brought one of the largest migrations in American history. You can relive those days in Old Sacramento, with its wooden sidewalks, historic buildings and the excellent California State Railroad Museum, then tour the State Capitol and Sutter's Fort. Today, Sacramento calls itself America's Farm-to-Fork Capital, surrounded by farms and vineyards that supply its great restaurants. With more than 200 parks and two rivers, the American and the Sacramento, there's plenty of room to bike, paddle and relax.
Sacramento is one of the most affordable cities to visit in California, and it's a gateway to Lake Tahoe, Napa and the Sierra foothills. I'll plan a weekend of history, food and outdoor fun.
BEST FOR
History fans, food lovers, families and city-break travelers
BEST MONTHS
March–May and September–October are comfortable for walking; summer afternoons can be hot.
EXPLORE
Downtown and the Capitol district connect museums and green spaces; Midtown offers restaurants and galleries; Old Sacramento Waterfront has Gold Rush-era streets.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Sacramento
North America › West Coast › USA › California
California history and a lively farm-to-fork capital
Historical & Heritage
History
River
Government
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Group the Capitol, Crocker Art Museum and Old Sacramento into one compact central-city day.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Allow time for full-size rail-car exhibits; check whether special train rides operate.
California State Railroad Museum
Historic locomotives, rail cars and exhibits explore California’s railroading history.
Enjoy an early walk before the most popular visitor hours.
Old Sacramento Waterfront
Preserved historic district with riverfront promenades, shops and Gold Rush-era architecture.
Check changing exhibitions and opening days.
Crocker Art Museum
Art museum combining a Victorian-era mansion with galleries of California and international art.
Verify tour availability and any security restrictions.
California State Capitol
Historic government building and surrounding parkland in the city center.
Pair with a Capitol visit for a restful outdoor break.
Capitol Park
Landscaped grounds featuring trees, memorials and paths beside the State Capitol.
An upscale hotel at Downtown Commons near the Golden 1 Center, convenient for entertainment, restaurants and central sightseeing. Plan for event-night crowds and parking.
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
Downtown Commons / Golden 1 Center
Hotel Tags
A distinctive downtown hotel in a historic high-rise near the California State Capitol and cultural venues. A good base for exploring Sacramento on foot.
The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection
Downtown / J Street
Hotel Tags
A full-service hotel opposite Capitol Park and close to the convention center, suitable for government, event or leisure visitors. Confirm parking and any event-related access changes.
Hyatt Regency Sacramento
Capitol Park / Convention Center
Hotel Tags
A large hotel close to Sacramento’s convention center and theater district, useful for guests attending city events or exploring the Capitol area.
Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel
Downtown / Convention Center
Hotel Tags
A suite-oriented hotel near Capitol Park, offering a practical option for longer stays and visitors who want a downtown base. Verify breakfast and parking inclusions.
Residence Inn Sacramento Downtown at Capitol Park
Downtown / Capitol Park
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Sacramento
High 64°F · Low 44°F · Rain 2 in
Shorter days make museums and heritage visits practical; plan around weather. For a destination-specific November plan, consider Old Sacramento Waterfront.
March–May and September–October are comfortable for walking; summer afternoons can be hot.
Best Times to Visit Sacramento
WHEN TO GO
06
Rental Cars and Excursions
A car helps with destinations beyond the city center and regional wine-country drives. Check parking rules and avoid impaired driving.
05
Downtown Walking
Old Sacramento, the Capitol area and riverfront have walkable clusters, but distances between districts may warrant transit.
04
Amtrak and Regional Rail
Sacramento Valley Station serves rail connections including the Capitol Corridor. Verify tickets and transfer timing.
03
SacRT Buses
Local bus routes cover additional neighborhoods. Confirm frequency, fare payment and evening availability.
02
SacRT Light Rail
Sacramento Regional Transit light rail reaches selected city and suburban corridors. Check stations and route changes.
01
Sacramento International Airport
SMF is the primary commercial airport. Airport buses, taxis and rental cars provide onward connections subject to current service.
Walk between central districts, use local transit or rideshare for longer journeys, and consider a car for outlying wine regions.
Getting Around Sacramento
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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