Sacramento is a city that offers more than just government buildings and historic sites; it’s a lively place with a diverse array of activities that showcase its food scene, outdoor adventures, and intriguing history. Whether you’re interested in tasting local bites, paddling through class III rapids, or exploring haunted streets at night, Sacramento has something for every traveler.
We especially enjoy the Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour, which combines history with delicious bites, and the Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip for those seeking adrenaline and outdoor fun.
The city’s river cruises also offer relaxing ways to see the skyline and learn about its past, making it clear why Sacramento is a top destination for tours and things to do.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a broad spectrum of experiences, including food tours exploring Midtown and Sutter District (Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour), outdoor adventures with whitewater rafting trips (Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip on Middle Fork), and unique activities like rail biking (Yolo Countryside Rail Bike Tour). For a fun, family-friendly afternoon, the Escape Game at The Galleria offers puzzle-solving excitement.
Nighttime ghost tours (Sacramento Ghosts) reveal Sacramento’s spooky side, while river cruises (City Cruises River Cruise) provide scenic, educational adventures.
- Quick Overview
- 1. Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour
- 2. 60 Minute Adventures – The Escape Game at The Galleria
- 3. Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour
- 4. South Fork Half-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip from Lotus (Class 2-3+)
- 5. Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip on Middle Fork from Auburn (Class 3-4)
- 6. Sacramento: City Cruises River Cruise with History Guide
- 7. Pedal, Drink, and Bar hop through Sacramento on a 15 seat Beer Bike
- 8. Sacramento Ghosts: Gunslingers and Ghouls Tour
- 9. Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour
- 10. Sacramento Sutter District History and Food Walking Tour
- 11. Full-Day 21 Mile Whitewater Rafting Trip on South Fork from Lotus (Class 2-3)
- 12. Shadows, Scandals & Secrets of Sacramento Ghost Tours
- 13. Sacramento: Yolo Countryside Guided Rail Bike Tour
- 14. Sacramento: Alive After Five Cocktail River Cruise
- 15. Sacramento: City Cruises Rock The Yacht River Cruise
- How to Choose the Best Tour in Sacramento
1. Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour
At number 1, the Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour offers a perfect blend of history and local cuisine. Over approximately three hours, you’ll walk along Sacramento’s original main street, learning about its past from the 1800s through today. The tour visits vibrant eateries that use locally sourced ingredients and serve small bites and artisanal treats.
Your guide shares stories about the city’s architecture, art, and the evolving food culture, making this a well-rounded experience. With vegetarian options available and food included, it’s great for food lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Guests rave about the guide Dawnie, noting her deep knowledge and friendly manner, making the tour feel personal.
Bottom Line: For a flavorful introduction to Sacramento’s past and present, this tour hits the mark and is highly recommended for those wanting an engaging walk through the city’s core.
2. 60 Minute Adventures – The Escape Game at The Galleria
Number 2 on our list is the Escape Game at The Galleria, perfect for families and groups looking for a quick, fun challenge. This escape room offers five original puzzles, including the exciting Cosmic Crisis and Timeliner: Train Through Time.
The experience lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes and can accommodate up to 8 players, making it ideal for kids aged six and up or friends wanting a shared adventure. The puzzles are cleverly designed, and the staff emphasizes quick customer support.
It’s a great way to test your problem-solving skills while enjoying some indoor fun in Sacramento’s Galleria Mall.
Bottom Line: If you’re after an interactive, family-friendly activity that fosters teamwork, this escape room provides excellent value and lots of laughs.
3. Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour
Next, the Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour combines the city’s creative street art scene with its diverse culinary offerings. This 3.5-hour walking tour takes you through Midtown, where you’ll see colorful murals and learn about their history, stop into local galleries, and sample dishes at popular eateries.
The tour highlights locally-made sausage, seasonal salads, stir-fry noodles, and sweet treats often paired with craft beers.
Your guide shares insights into Midtown’s architecture, art, and food scene, creating a lively and educational experience.
Guests love the relaxed pace and the mix of art, history, and flavorful food.
Bottom Line: This tour suits those wanting a leisurely exploration of Sacramento’s artsy side along with tasty bites.
4. South Fork Half-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip from Lotus (Class 2-3+)
Number 4 brings us to the South Fork Half-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip, offering a safe yet exhilarating outdoor adventure. For about three and a half hours, you’ll float down the Class II and III rapids on the American River, surrounded by beautiful California foothills. Suitable for families with kids aged six and up, this trip includes all safety gear and equipment.
Guides are experienced, making it accessible and fun for beginners. Reviewers mention the beautiful river scenery and the adventure’s balance of excitement and safety.
This trip is ideal for those seeking outdoor fun without overdoing the physical challenge.
Bottom Line: If you want a family-friendly whitewater experience that combines nature and fun, this is a solid choice.
5. Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip on Middle Fork from Auburn (Class 3-4)
For those craving a longer, more intense experience, the Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip on Middle Fork offers eight hours of adrenaline. Covering a 17-mile stretch of the river with Class III and IV rapids, you’ll navigate a mix of challenging and scenic sections. Included is a riverside lunch and stops for rock jumping, making the day both active and relaxing.
The trip is perfect for thrill-seekers and fits well with a full-day adventure. Reviewers highlight the safety and professionalism of guides like Nate, who make the experience memorable.
The trip’s length and challenging rapids make it best suited for physically capable participants looking for a serious ride.
Bottom Line: For a full-day of high-energy whitewater fun, this tour offers excellent value and a truly adventure-packed experience.
6. Sacramento: City Cruises River Cruise with History Guide
Number 6 is the City Cruises River Cruise, providing a scenic hour on the Sacramento River with a narrated tour. This cruise combines beautiful river views with stories about Sacramento’s past, from the Gold Rush days to its modern development.
It’s a relaxing way to appreciate the city’s skyline and learn about its history without breaking a sweat. Reviewers appreciate the scenic scenery and the informative guide.
This experience is ideal if you want a laid-back activity with a touch of education.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, scenic overview of Sacramento that’s easy to fit into any schedule.
7. Pedal, Drink, and Bar hop through Sacramento on a 15 seat Beer Bike
Number 7 offers a lively experience with the Beer Bike Tour. Over two hours, you’ll pedal around Midtown aboard a 15-seat party bike, stopping at two top brewpubs.
The tour features local craft beers, music, and fun conversations, making it perfect for celebrating special occasions or just enjoying Sacramento’s vibrant beer scene. Stops include Sac Brew Bike and Federalist PIZZA, where you can sample beers, pizza, and more.
Guests love the festive atmosphere and the chance to learn about local breweries.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy craft beer and socializing, this active pub crawl is a great way to explore Midtown’s bar scene and meet new people.
8. Sacramento Ghosts: Gunslingers and Ghouls Tour
Number 8 is the Sacramento Ghosts Tour, offering a spooky walk through Sacramento’s haunted history. Passing landmarks like the Eagle Theatre and the Delta King riverboat, your guide recounts stories of ghosts, murders, and tragic epidemics.
The tour is limited to adults and takes about an hour, making it a short but intriguing experience. Visitors mention the entertaining stories and the chance to explore Sacramento’s darker side.
It’s ideal for those interested in ghost stories or looking for an unusual evening activity.
Bottom Line: Perfect for fans of spooky tales and local legends, this ghost tour adds a fun twist to Sacramento’s history.
9. Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour
Number 9 features the Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour, a delicious way to spend three hours exploring Sacramento’s famed Farm to Fork scene. You’ll stop at five or six restaurants, tasting dishes like Banh Mi tacos, Louisiana gumbo, and caramel macarons.
The tour emphasizes insider knowledge from guides who share stories about the local food scene and murals. It appeals to those who want to balance tasty bites with cultural insights.
Reviewers praise the variety and quality of food, as well as the friendly guide Nicole.
Bottom Line: Best for food lovers wanting a relaxed, tasty exploration of Sacramento’s culinary scene.
10. Sacramento Sutter District History and Food Walking Tour
The Sutter District Tour ranks at number 10, offering a small-group walk through Sacramento’s historic streets. Limited to 14 people, it visits about five or six eateries, sampling organic coffee, pork spring rolls, and chocolate cookies. Your guide shares detailed stories about Sacramento’s development and the gold rush, enriching the experience.
The tour starts at 10:30 am and is perfect for history buffs and foodies alike who want a more intimate look at the city.
Bottom Line: For those who want an in-depth, small-group experience with tasty bites and historical insights, this tour is a top pick.
11. Full-Day 21 Mile Whitewater Rafting Trip on South Fork from Lotus (Class 2-3)
The Full-Day 21-Mile Rafting Trip offers an adrenaline-filled day conquering over 21 miles of the South Fork of the American River. It’s the most extensive rafting adventure listed, tackling rapids like Troublemaker, Satan’s Cesspool, and Hospital Bar.
The trip includes lunch and refreshments, making it suitable for active travelers wanting a full-day outdoor challenge. Reviewers mention the expert guides and the fun of navigating challenging rapids.
It’s best suited for fit, adventurous types ready for a long, intense ride.
Bottom Line: For serious rafters seeking a comprehensive, full-day experience, this tour delivers high-energy thrills and memorable scenery.
12. Shadows, Scandals & Secrets of Sacramento Ghost Tours
Number 12 takes you on a Ghost Tour of Sacramento’s darker secrets, exploring the city’s mysterious and haunted spots. Walking through Old Town, you’ll hear about murderers, scandals, and ghostly legends at places like the River City Saloon and the Delta King. The hour-long tour is suitable for adults interested in spooky stories and history.
Reviewers appreciate the entertaining storytelling and the chance to see Sacramento from a different perspective.
Bottom Line: For a fun, spooky night exploring Sacramento’s ghostly side, this tour offers a mix of history and horror in one package.
13. Sacramento: Yolo Countryside Guided Rail Bike Tour
Number 13 features the Yolo Countryside Rail Bike Tour, a unique way to see Sacramento’s agricultural landscape. Pedal your way along 100-year-old train tracks with guides, taking in sights of the Sacramento River and farmlands.
The motor-assisted railbikes accommodate two people, making it accessible and fun for couples or small groups. Reviewers mention the peaceful scenery and wildlife sightings, like hawks and deer.
It’s perfect for those seeking a relaxing yet active outdoor experience outside the city.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a one-of-a-kind, scenic adventure with a touch of history, this guided rail bike trip is a great choice.
14. Sacramento: Alive After Five Cocktail River Cruise
The Alive After Five Cocktail River Cruise offers an enjoyable 1.5-hour evening on the Sacramento River. Sip crafted cocktails while listening to a live DJ and soaking in city skyline views under Tower Bridge. It’s perfect for a relaxed happy hour or celebrating with friends in a lively, scenic setting. Experience the cool breeze and city lights combined with good drinks and music.
Reviewers note it as a fun way to unwind after a busy day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those looking for a social, scenic, and laid-back evening activity.
15. Sacramento: City Cruises Rock The Yacht River Cruise
Finally, the Rock The Yacht River Cruise is a lively 1.5-hour party on the Sacramento River. It’s perfect for groups wanting to dance, drink, and enjoy good vibes with friends. The cruise features music, drinks, and a fun atmosphere, making it a great choice for celebrating special occasions or just unwinding in style.
Reviewers highlight the friendly environment and the chance to meet new people.
Bottom Line: For a lively, party atmosphere on the water, this cruise is hard to beat.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Sacramento
Choosing among these activities depends on your interests and how much time you want to spend. Food lovers should prioritize the Downtown Sacramento Food Tour or the Midtown Arts and Food Tour. For outdoor adventure, the whitewater rafting trips (Half-Day and Full-Day) are excellent options—just make sure you’re prepared for physical activity.
If you’re after a relaxing experience, the river cruises (City Cruises River Cruise, Cocktail Cruise) offer scenic views and a laid-back vibe.
For families or groups, the escape room (The Galleria) or the rail biking trip (Yolo Countryside) provide interactive fun. If spooky stories are your thing, the ghost tours (Sacramento Ghosts, Shadows & Scandals) will thrill you.
Booking early is wise, especially for outdoor activities and popular tours, as Sacramento’s tourism is busy year-round. Consider the season—summer offers river adventures, while fall and spring are great for food tours and outdoor exploration.
In summary, Sacramento’s wide range of tours ensures you’ll find something that fits your style and schedule. Whether you’re after a culinary journey, an adventure on the water, or a mysterious ghost story, the city delivers. We recommend trying the Downtown Sacramento Food Tour for a taste of its history and flavors, or the Full-Day Whitewater Rafting for the thrill-seekers.
No matter what you choose, Sacramento’s diverse activities are sure to leave you with memorable stories—and maybe a few ghostly tales, too.