Top 12 Fun Things to Do in Sacramento That Are Perfect for All Travelers

Sacramento is a beautiful place with lots of exciting things to do.

The first time you come here, be sure to check out the California State Capitol, Tower Bridge, and Pioneer Park. There’s a lot more to see at California’s capital, not just politics and cows. It’s also home to some of the cutest animals in a town like chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits…oh and cats!

Sacramento has plenty of fun and safe activities for all sorts of personalities. If you’re looking for an adventure on land or an experience underwater, they’ve got it all right here. Whether you want a hike or a kayaking trip – they’ve got it waiting for you! There are also a number of great restaurants and bars that are perfect for a date.

Here’s a list of fun things that you can do in Sacramento.

1. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park

Sutter’s Fort is a site in Sacramento, California, where John Sutter constructed a fort as a home and claimed California for the United States in 1848.

Some of the things to expect when visiting Sutter’s Fort are historical figures through time such as pioneers, gold miners, explorers, Indian chiefs and more. 

In addition to the sights, there is also food. Sutter’s Fort has some delicious offerings, including tamales brought from Mexico by Richard M. Kernan during his exploration of California at age 32 in 1849-50. There is no better way to bring California’s history alive than with Sutter’s Fort.

2. Old Sacramento Historic District

Old Sacramento is a historic neighbourhood in the central city of Sacramento, California. First officially platted as “New City,” with the hope that it would become a rival metropolis to Sacramento, it was originally one of the largest planned communities of the 19th century in California.

The streets were laid out in a grid, with the Sacramento River bordering the western side. The grid now forms the basis of modern Downtown Sacramento.

Old Sacramento State Historic Park, which includes Old Sacramento and its historic waterfront, was established in 1849 and registered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

Old Sacramento State Historical Park has been configured to resemble a turn-of-the-century riverfront town. The Old Town is a mixture of shopping areas, restaurants and gift shops. The area is also home to many theatres and entertainment venues.

3. Delta King

Delta King is Sacramento’s premiere water-centric dining destination. Located in the heart of Midtown, CA, Delta King offers a variety of cuisine for all. From pizza to sushi, Delta King has something for everyone! This is a great place to take out-of-town guests and serve them Sacramento’s best hospitality with locally-inspired culinary tastes.

Since its opening in 2008, it has brought in multiple awards. Delta King has an extensive wine selection on tap, including local micros from Grant Family Winery, Pacific Vintners and Bolt Barley. 

They also feature a seasonal cocktail list with over 10 selections utilizing local ingredients such as sambuca mixed with champagne. Their extensive wine list features labels that are only available in Northern California and internationally.

Delta King is also open for private events, including cocktail parties, wine dinners, corporate lunches and private dinners for up to 30 people.

4. McKinley Park

The Sacramento River is a significant tributary of the San Francisco Bay. The park is located east of downtown Sacramento on the banks of the river’s west bank. McKinley Park has been called “a living museum” and boasts beautiful spring flowers that grow right in the middle of a vast field.

McKinley Park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, such as turtles, birds, frogs, and fish who live there year-round.

5. The Handle District

The Handle District is a hub for locals and travellers alike. You’ll find speciality coffees, restaurants, vintage fashion shops, bakeries and more. With over 130 businesses operating in this open-air shopping centre, The Handle District is a destination for the heart of Sacramento’s Midtown district.

Travellers can expect to find traditional retail stores as well as local eateries such as Broderick-Luskin Drug Co., Sacramento’s first pharmacy opened in 1857 and still operating on K Street today! 

6. Raging Waters

The Cal Expo is a top tourist destination for anyone looking to take in natural beauty, and one of the most truly remarkable destinations you’ll find is the Raging Waters. This water park promises everything from an extreme ride experience to safe, family-friendly activities and lots of live entertainment.

If you’re touring from out of town, here are six things you can expect at Raging Waters: 

• A selection of rides to suit every age and thrill level. 
• Family-friendly fun like kids’ pools, swim-up bars, kayaking.
• Live entertainment every day with world-class concerts on weekends. 
• Signature drinks at a fully stocked swim-up bar surrounded by wild animals, including one of the largest selections of Reptiles and Amphibians in the world.
• Loose-fitting, glowing clothing for both men and women is available at both locations.

7. Crocker Art Museum

The Crocker Art Museum, also known as the Crocker Art Gallery, is a beautiful Sacramento tourist destination. Named after Charles Crocker, one of the founders of the Central Pacific Railroad and a patron of California’s first fine art museum, this venue contains thousands of objects spanning 5000 years.

The museum is home to North America’s oldest collection of Japanese art, with pieces dating back from 17th century Japan to the modern day. Visitors can expect beautiful artwork and an informative tour experience in this gallery.

The galleries are visually pleasing and serve as friendly spaces for children and adults alike to explore various learning opportunities and interact with some great works that date back millennia to Ancient Greece.

8. Sacramento Zoo

The Sacramento Zoo, located in Sacramento, is an excellent zoo to visit to get up close and personal with the animals and your friends who love animals as much as you do.

Before going to the Sacramento Zoo, be sure to pack water shoes or comfy sneakers – you’ll need them! Although it can often be a hot day in this locale due to its location, trees and rocks serve as natural windbreaks for many of these hike-and-gawk spots.

Many different exhibits let visitors see either free-roaming or caged animals at eye level. 

9. American River Bike Trail

This is an excellent place to go for cycling. The bike trail runs along the American River and is accessible from the Downtowns of Sacramento, Lincoln, West Sacramento, and Elk Grove. In addition, there are multiple access points for those looking to borrow bicycles and permanent racks.

The American River Bike Trail will be crowded with people enjoying different safe activities such as kayaking, fishing, canoeing and picnicking on the grassy banks or in the park benches that are accessible on both sides of the river.

It’s still relatively early in the day, so there won’t be too many people out and about yet, but when it comes time to retire at night, it will be a whole different ball game with tons of people getting out there with their dogs or riding the historic streetcars, so make sure to bring your sleeping bags and blankets.

10. Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is one of the most attractive natural as well as wildlife attractions in Sacramento. It is also one of the most impressive, pure and serene places in this city.

The carefully landscaped design make it a perfect place for tourists to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of nature. It is an ideal place for travellers with children or those who want to do something different besides visiting malls or shopping centres.

It is an ideal tourist attraction because many activities can be enjoyed here, such as hiking, watching birds, blue cranes, deer, and foxes that roam around the park. There are also several trails available for hikers who want to enjoy incredible scenery without having any disturbance.

11. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament

The Cathedral of The Blessed Sacrament is a beautiful cathedral that hosts various services. There are different services depending on the day and time.

The tower, or more commonly known as the campanile, has been restored to its former glory and now stands tall at over 150 feet in height. It can be seen on Sacramento’s skyline from all over town.

The Cathedral features an iconic minister’s chair designed by renowned architect Timothy Pflueger, who had also designed other churches such as Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.

12. Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail

Visitors to Sacramento should visit the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail for a few good reasons. Groups of people should enjoy hiking trails during their time in Sacramento. The path is a short hike, taking at most two hours to complete. The trail also provides the visitors with picturesque views from the mountains overlooking vineyards and sunny farmland.

Suppose visitors would like to learn more about the rich history that extends from Sacramento through its various towns. In that case, you should also visit the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail during your time in Sacramento. Within a short time of walking or driving on the trail, visitors will understand and appreciate the region’s history.

Thank you for reading! We hope you enjoy this article and find some stunning places and fun things to do in Sacramento during your stay. Find more interesting articles in the articles section of our website.