First Time in Sacramento? Here’s 9 Things To Do

You’ll find Sacramento’s perfect for first-time visitors with its mix of Gold Rush history and outdoor recreation. Start with Old Sacramento’s waterfront historic district, then tour the beautiful State Capitol and grounds. Don’t miss the Crocker Art Museum, America’s oldest art museum in the West, or biking the scenic 32-mile American River Trail. Add in the iconic Tower Bridge, Railroad Museum, Sacramento Zoo, Historic City Cemetery’s Victorian gardens, and whimsical Fairytale Town for complete exploration insights.

Explore Old Sacramento’s Gold Rush-Era Waterfront

When you step onto Old Sacramento’s wooden boardwalks, you’re walking through one of California’s most authentic Gold Rush districts—a 28-acre waterfront packed with 53 historic buildings that once served miners rushing to strike it rich. These 19th-century brick and wood structures feature decorative wrought-iron balconies and period storefronts that transport you back to the 1850s.

Don’t miss the underground tours—they’ll show you the original street level buried beneath your feet after massive floods forced the city to raise everything several feet.

You can explore key landmarks like the 1849 Eagle Theatre and the B.F. Hastings Building, which housed California’s Supreme Court and the Pony Express terminus. The district sits on the site where Sutter’s Embarcadero once operated as the original commercial center before becoming Sacramento.

Horse-drawn carriage rides add authentic atmosphere without breaking your budget.

Tour the California State Capitol and Its Stunning Grounds

Standing majestically at the west end of Capitol Mall, California’s State Capitol building offers you a fascinating glimpse into the state’s political heart without costing a dime. This 1869 granite structure, modeled after the U.S. Capitol, houses both working government offices and the Capitol Museum.

You’ll explore ornate chambers, historic rooms, and 58 county dioramas during free hourly guided tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Don’t miss the 40-acre Capitol Park surrounding the building. You can wander through the Civil War Memorial Grove, admire the International World Peace Rose Garden, and discover trees from around the world.

The park’s monuments commemorate California’s veterans and major historical events, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers seeking culture and history. As a living museum, the Capitol continues to operate as an active government building where you might encounter California’s elected officials conducting their daily business.

Discover Art and History at the Crocker Art Museum

After exploring Sacramento’s political heritage, you’ll find the city’s artistic soul at the Crocker Art Museum, the oldest art museum in the Western United States. Established in 1885, this cultural gem houses over 15,000 works spanning Californian, American, European, and international art.

You’ll experience two distinct architectural styles: the ornate 1870s Italianate mansion where Judge E.B. Crocker once entertained guests like Oscar Wilde, and the sleek contemporary expansion that tripled gallery space in 2010.

Don’t miss the premier collection of Californian art, from Gold Rush paintings to modern works, plus one of the nation’s largest ceramics collections. The museum’s collection highlights include Charles Christian Nahl’s notable work “Sunday Morning in the Mines” from 1872, capturing California’s Gold Rush era.

Located at 216 O Street near Old Sacramento, plan 2-3 hours for your visit to fully appreciate both the historic mansion and rotating exhibitions.

Bike the 32-Mile American River Trail

Thirty-two miles of paved trail await you along the American River, creating one of California’s premier urban cycling experiences. You’ll ride from Old Sacramento’s Discovery Park to Beal’s Point at Folsom Lake, following the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail through a stunning riparian corridor.

The high-quality, two-lane surface works perfectly for any bike type, with gentle elevation gains heading upstream. Expect about three hours for the full route if you’re reasonably fit.

Multiple access points let you customize shorter segments, and frequent parking areas make logistics simple. Along the way, you’ll cross the Guy West Bridge, a scaled-down replica of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.

You’ll find restrooms, water fountains, and picnic areas throughout the parkway. Mile markers keep you oriented while river overlooks and wildlife viewing opportunities break up longer rides.

This National Recreation Trail offers an urban oasis that’s both accessible and budget-friendly.

Cross the Iconic Tower Bridge for Perfect Photo Ops

Sacramento’s golden Tower Bridge offers some of the city’s most Instagram-worthy shots without costing you a dime. This 1935 Art Deco masterpiece spans the Sacramento River, connecting downtown Sacramento to West Sacramento along Highway 275.

You’ll get the best photos from the riverbanks on either side, especially during golden hour when the bridge’s metallic gold paint really pops against the sky.

The bridge’s current color isn’t original—it was repainted gold in 2002 after a public vote to complement the State Capitol’s copper dome. This vertical lift bridge was actually the first of its kind in California’s highway system when it opened.

Walk or drive across for different perspectives, but don’t miss the dramatic view looking toward the Capitol building.

The geometric tower details and decorative metalwork showcase beautiful Streamline Moderne styling that’s perfect for architecture enthusiasts.

Learn California’s Transportation Story at the Railroad Museum

Where else can you step aboard a genuine 1860s locomotive without spending a fortune on travel? The California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento delivers an incredible transportation experience that won’t break your budget. You’ll explore over 20 restored locomotives and railroad cars dating back to 1862, including walk-through sleeper and dining cars that’ll transport you to rail travel’s golden age.

Don’t miss the Sierra Scene diorama showing dangerous Transcontinental Railroad construction through the mountains. The museum’s 100,000-square-foot facility tells California’s development story through social history exhibits covering immigration, labor, and how trains transformed daily life. Knowledgeable docents are available throughout your visit to answer questions and provide additional insights about the exhibits.

For extra adventure, catch weekend Sacramento Southern Railroad excursion rides along the river from April through September.

Spend a Morning at the Sacramento Zoo

After exploring Sacramento’s railroad heritage, you’ll find another family-friendly adventure awaits just minutes away in William Land Park. The Sacramento Zoo houses 400 animals across 14 compact acres, making it perfect for a morning visit that’ll cost around $15–$30 per person.

Arrive when gates open at 9 a.m. for cooler temperatures and active animals. You’ll see red pandas, giraffes, and various primates during your 1-2 hour walk through paved pathways. Don’t miss the giraffe feeding experience and keeper talks throughout the morning.

Book tickets online beforehand to save money and skip lines. The zoo train and carousel add extra fun for kids. Plan to finish by noon, giving you the afternoon to explore more Sacramento attractions. This beloved attraction has been serving the Sacramento community since opening its doors on June 2, 1927.

Walk Through the Historic City Cemetery’s Victorian Gardens

While most visitors overlook Sacramento’s oldest cemetery, you’ll discover one of California’s finest Victorian gardens hidden just southwest of downtown at 1000 Broadway. Established in 1849, this 40-acre historic site doubles as an outdoor museum showcasing Gold Rush-era history and exceptional horticulture.

You’ll wander curving pathways through terraced sections filled with heritage roses dating back to the 1850s-1915 Victorian period. The nearly one-acre California Native Garden displays mature indigenous plants, while Hamilton Square Garden features Mediterranean perennials surrounding historic graves.

Look for elaborate Victorian funerary art including weeping angels and ornate statuary among the old-growth trees and cascading ivy. Among the notable figures buried here is Mark Hopkins Jr., one of the Big Four railroad barons who helped build the Central Pacific Railroad.

This free attraction offers peaceful respite while connecting you to Sacramento’s founding families, pioneers, and civic leaders who shaped California’s capital.

Experience Fairytale Town’s Whimsical Attractions

From Sacramento’s peaceful historic grounds, you can shift gears and head to one of the city’s most imaginative family destinations. Fairytale Town offers 25+ interactive playsets based on classic nursery rhymes and fairy tales across 3.5 acres in William Land Park.

You’ll find favorites like King Arthur’s Castle, The Old Woman in the Shoe (featuring the park’s tallest slide), and Jack and the Beanstalk with its giant slide.

Beyond play structures, you can visit the small petting zoo with farm animals and explore themed gardens like the educational Alphabet Garden. Live performances happen at Mother Goose Stage, while seasonal festivals add extra excitement. The park also offers rental spaces for birthday parties and private events.

At $10 admission for all ages, it’s budget-friendly family fun that’s been delighting visitors since 1959.

The Sum Up

You’ve got plenty to explore in Sacramento without breaking the bank. Most of these activities are either free or cost under $15, making them perfect for budget-conscious travelers. Don’t try to cram everything into one trip – pick three or four spots that interest you most. Sacramento’s compact downtown makes it easy to walk between attractions, so you’ll save on transportation costs while discovering California’s capital city.