Things to do in Sacramento

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Sacramento featuring heritage architecture and an administrative buidling
Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park which includes a garden, a city and a house
Sacramento which includes a house and interior views
Sacramento featuring interior views
Sacramento showing landscape views, general coastal views and forest scenes

Sacramento Attractions

Trees, rivers, and a lot of California history are part of the atmosphere in Sacramento, a city whose rustic landmarks and natural beauty point to its own unique place in the American story. Home to landmarks from Sutter's Fort to the State Capitol and the California State Fair, the city has been welcoming visitors since the days of the Gold Rush. With all that heritage, there’s no shortage of things to do in Sacramento. It doesn't hurt that you're surrounded by one of the greenest urban spaces in America, with a climate that wouldn't be out of place in the Mediterranean.


Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.


Most popular activities in Sacramento

Tours & day trips

See all 28 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 8 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 6 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 5 activities

What to do in Sacramento

Free Things to Do in Sacramento

Traveling to Sacramento on a budget? The following can be experienced for nada.

Wells Fargo History Museum - Filled with fascinating displays and objects, this place is a paradise for minds that thirst for knowledge.

William Land Park - Make this place one of your first stops if you're chasing fun during your stay.

California Department of Parks and Recreation - Be wowed by the creativity and design of this impressive example of modernistic architecture.

Libby's Cannery - Educate yourself about some of the unique history of the region through this site.

Sutter General Hospital - Make room in your itinerary to take a look at this site of local significance.

Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament - Do some soul searching or just soak up the serene atmosphere at this sacred place.

Loch Leven Lakes Trail - Take a break from the big city and reconnect with Mother Nature at this incredible place.

Cesar Chavez Park - No matter if you can tell your cacti from carnations, you'll no doubt find beauty in this glorious display.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Sacramento

Downtown

With just enough high-rises to make a nice skyline, Sacramento’s central business district includes City Hall, the California State Capitol, and the Sacramento Convention Center. That concentration of meeting rooms has attracted its share of Sacramento hotels, whose guests flock to the outdoor mall at Westfield Downtown Plaza and the more than 4 miles (6.5 km) of waterfront that stretches along the Sacramento and American rivers.

Midtown

Just east of the city center, Midtown holds some of the Sacramento’s oldest neighborhoods. Victorian homes line orderly streets near landmarks like Sutter's Fort, and bicycle paths lead all the way out to the suburbs. The diverse community counts artists, musicians, and more than the usual share of state legislators among its residents, and its Lavender Heights neighborhood is the historic home of Sacramento's LGBT community.

Land Park

Named for the city park that anchors one of Sacramento's bigger stretches of green space, Land Park's well-shaded avenues are a good example of how the City of Trees got its nickname. The Sacramento Zoo and a pair of amusement parks fill out the space among the woods.

Natomas

One of most recent parts of the city to be developed, Natomas is home to Sleep Train Arena, San Diego International Airport, and plenty of outdoor space. North Natomas Regional Park features a network of trails and grassy fields, with dog parks and open spaces for the Central California wildlife.

What to See in Sacramento

Fruit trees and gold helped to put Sacramento on the map, and you can still find signs of the 19th-century boom. The old colony of Sutter's Fort still stands at the edge of Midtown, while the cobbled streets and steamboats of Old Sacramento would look familiar to a visitor from the 1860s. And with a population closer to that of Portland than Los Angeles, the city has plenty of room left for the biggest tree canopy in the United States.

Sightseeing in Sacramento

State capitals tend to attract a wealth of historic monuments and museums, and a state like California has plenty of heritage to explore. The Crocker Art Museum hosts the oldest public art collection in the western United States, while the California State Railroad Museum celebrates the city's place at the end of the Transcontinental Railroad. You can take a look through California history at the State Capitol Museum, or at more than a century's worth of vintage cars at the California Automobile Museum.

If the weather's too nice for you to stay indoors, then there's plenty to do in the open air. You can board a heritage train car for a ride on the Sacramento Southern Railroad, take a cruise on the Sacramento River or take a food tour to see how the city got its reputation for trendy farm-to-table dishes. Out past the suburbs, you can go for a swim at Granite Bay Beach or take a hike in the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, and you're just a quick drive away from the Napa Valley or the whitewater rapids on the Sacramento River.


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Sacramento? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Sacramento

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Sacramento

Greater Sacremento

Downtown Sacramento

3.5/5(2,063 area reviews)

Undergoing revitalization, Downtown Sacramento boasts the retail and entertainment hub, Downtown Commons (DOCO), with Macy's and various dining options. Explore the California State Capitol, Sacramento City Hall, and enjoy convenient public transit options.

Downtown Sacramento
Default Image

North Natomas

4.5/5(294 area reviews)

While visiting North Natomas, you might make a stop by sights like Sundance Lake and Park Place Shopping Center.

North Natomas
Sacramento featuring heritage architecture and an administrative buidling

Central Sacramento

3.5/5(355 area reviews)

While you're in Central Sacramento, take in top sights like Golden 1 Center or Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and hop on the metro to see more the city at 29th Street Station or 39th Street Station.

Central Sacramento
Fort Sutter State Historical Park which includes interior views

Midtown Sacramento

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

Historical district with tree-lined streets and old Victorians, Midtown Sacramento boasts a vibrant art, music, and cultural scene. Explore boutiques, bars, clubs, diverse dining options, and the urban winery, while enjoying pedestrian-friendly streets and bike lanes.

Midtown Sacramento
Greater Sacremento

Arden-Arcade

Discover mid-century modern architecture at spots like Country Club Lanes and Sam's Hof Brau, while enjoying easy access to major highways like Interstate 80 and the Capital City Freeway.

Arden-Arcade
Old Sacramento featuring signage and heritage architecture

Old Sacramento

4.5/5(136 area reviews)

Step back in time at this U.S. National Historic Landmark District, where 19th-century buildings house restaurants and gift shops. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, historic trains, riverboat cruises, and fascinating museums like the California State Railroad Museum.

Old Sacramento

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Sacramento

Frequently asked questions

Is Sacramento worth visiting?
Famous for its distilleries and craft breweries and dining, discovering fun things to do in Sacramento is easy. Remember to add Sacramento Zoo to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Sacramento?
After you've visited major attractions like Sacramento Zoo and Old Sacramento Waterfront, spend some time experiencing Sacramento's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sacramento?
The top tourist attraction in Sacramento is Sacramento Zoo, so make sure to put it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Sacramento?
You can easily visit leading sights like Sacramento Zoo, Old Sacramento Waterfront and Memorial Auditorium with a three-day stay in Sacramento. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Roseville.
Is Sacramento a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Sacramento, like Sacramento Zoo and Old Sacramento Waterfront, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Just 3 miles from central Sacramento is North Sacramento and Downtown Sacramento is 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Sacramento with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Sacramento with kids.

What to do in Sacramento for adults?
Golden 1 Center and California State Capitol are just two of the things to do in Sacramento. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Sacramento?
In Sacramento, Old Sacramento Waterfront is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in Sacramento.