Although Sacramento is not a well-known city among travelers and is almost always off the beaten track, it is the capital of California.
It has many charming places to visit, such as its Old Town, which is as it was in 1848.
In addition, it is close to San Francisco, almost two hours by car, so even if you do not want to spend a few days in the area, you can always make a day trip to visit the city and then return to San Francisco.
We were clear that we wanted to visit Lake Tahoe, I was dying to get to know this place, so since Sacramento was on our way, we decided to dedicate a day and a night to this beautiful city.
In this post I tell you what to see in Sacramento, how to get there, where to stay... Everything you need to know to get to know the city!
WHAT TO SEE IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
1. Old Town
The Old Town is the most special place in the city. This neighborhood has remained the same since 1848 and you will feel as if you have stepped back in time and are in a western movie. Is incredible! In 1965 it became a National Historical Monument.
The buildings were built at the beginning of the Gold Rush and there are many historic buildings, including the Eagle Theater.
It is full of shops, bars and pubs that allow you to imagine what the old west was like.
In this area you can also visit the hidden city underground. It occupies practically the entire Old Town. It can only be visited in the summer season, since at other times of the year there is a danger of flooding.
2. Fort Sutter
Another essential place to visit in Sacramento is Fort Sutter. It is where the first American pioneers settled in the California region in 1839. Being the first non-indigenous settlement in the central region of California.
3. The California Railroad Museum
In the same Old Town you will find the Railway Museum. In it you can learn about the history of the railroad in California, see images and old photographs.
The museum has 21 meticulously restored locomotives, as well as vintage cars in mint condition.
The museum stands out especially for the way it tells the story. How life improved economically and culturally in California.
4. The Capitol
In Sacramento one of the most emblematic buildings is the Capitol. Admission is free, although if you prefer you can hire a guided tour. With the guided tour you will learn about the historic offices, the legislative chambers, the works of art in the facilities and the history and architecture of the Capitol. In addition, after knowing the buildings that make up the Capitol and the museum, you can walk through the park to see the memorials and monuments that are in it.
5. Tower Bridge
The Tower Bridge was inaugurated in 1934. It is a 225-meter bridge in ocher color that stands out quite a bit. The bridge itself is not spectacular, it stands out for the beautiful views of the river and the city that you will have from its pedestrian walkway.
The construction of the bridge symbolizes the "Golden Rush" of California that made possible the successful development of the capital.
6. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament of Sacramento
The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is the cathedral of the Diocese of Sacramento. You'll find it downtown, at the intersection of 11th and K streets.
WHAT TO SEE NEAR SACRAMENTO
Near Sacramento there are many great natural environments to get lost and take a leisurely stroll. Wonderful leafy forests, with huge trees where some bears also live among other animals.
Folsom Lake
One of the most beautiful natural places to see near Sacramento is the Folsom Lake Nature Preserve.
Folsom is a small city that stands out for the beauty of its lake, Folsom, and for the small Lake Natoma.
For nature lovers, getting lost on the park's trails for a morning is wonderful.
The Lake has picnic and camping areas, beach areas, trails that you can do on foot or by bike, and many activities on the lake.
Tahoe Lake
Tahoe Lake is among the most beautiful natural places in California. To visit it I recommend that you spend a couple of nights in the area, you will not regret it. It is located a little over 2 hours by car from Sacramento.
HOW TO GET TO SACRAMENTO
The city of Sacramento is 2 hours from San Francisco approx. and the best way is to arrive with a rental car.
Although Sacramento also has an international airport, if you are considering making a route along the west coast, I recommend that you arrive in San Francisco and start your route from there.
There is also the possibility of taking the subway in downtown San Francisco to Richmond and from there the train to Sacramento. Or take the bus ride.
If you want to make the journey with this type of transport, you can see all the options from the official bus website, I leave you the link.
For us the best option is to rent a car, it will give you freedom and also the landscapes from San Francisco to Sacramento are beautiful and you can make a stop. From Sacramento, it is not only worth visiting the city, but also some nearby places that I will tell you about and without a rental car things get complicated.
Taking a taxi in the United States is very expensive. When you are in a city center it is convenient at certain times, but the distances between cities are long and nothing will come cheap.
WHERE TO STAY IN SACRAMENTO
The best area to stay in Sacramento is Downtown. Although it is also usually the most expensive.
If you have a rental car, you can take an accommodation a little further away, 5 or 6km from the center that will be cheaper.
Some great options in Downtown Sacramento:
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Sacramento a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!