Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Sacramento

"The grounds of California’s state capitol, forty-acre Capitol Park, are considered to be among the most beautiful state capitol grounds in the country. Enter the park at L and 15th Streets, where you can stop and smell over 150 varieties of roses and read inspirational poems written by Sacramento school children in the International World Peace Rose Garden. From here, slowly make your way toward the Capitol, taking in the park’s lush greenery as well as the various memorials to key moments and figures in California history, such as the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the California Firefighters Memorial, and the Indian Grinding Rock."

"Kids young and old can learn about the past at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park in Midtown Sacramento’s Sutter District. The park has old structures and a living history museum to view: It is an actual fort, not a figurative one. There are fun hands-on activities for all ages, like the Sutter’s Fort scavenger hunt, in which visitors search for artifacts and historical information."

"Another Midtown gem, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is the oldest (somewhat restored) fort in all the US. Long ago, the fort once played a key role in agriculture, trade, and European settlement in the Central Valley. But when an employee found gold in the parameters of the property, the fort was soon abandoned."

"If you want to learn about the dawn of the California Gold Rush, you should come to the Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park. This was a bustling fort until a worker, James Marshall, made an incredible discovery. While the fort was ditched as people tried to make their own fortune, today, it’s restored and beautiful."

"Through a unique partnership with the State of California, The California Museum opened in June of 1998 as a private non-profit institution focused on California history and culture. Under the development of the Secretary of State’s office, the Museum was created to be the public showplace for contents of the California State Archives. In 2003, however, former First Lady Maria Shriver began working with the Museum to expand its vision and mission, creating exhibitions that emphasize stories not presented to reflect all aspects of California’s diverse population and culture, with a focus on the contributions of women and under-represented groups."

"California is an amazing state where options are limitless and dreams become reality. The California Museum fosters this concept as new educational programs are created, exhibits are crafted and cultural events are opened to the public. We fulfill this mission by creating a unique learning space where children, adults, and visitors from around the globe can be inspired by this great state’s rich history and stories of its innovative people."

"This modern museum is home to the California Hall of Fame and so the only place to simultaneously encounter César Chávez, Mark Zuckerberg and Amelia Earhart. The California Indians exhibit is a highlight, with artifacts and oral histories of more than 10 tribes."

"Since 1959, Fairytale Town has been a treasured place of laughter, memories, learning and family fun. Favorite fairytales and nursery rhymes are the backdrop for more than 25 colorful play sets in this non-profit children’s park and educational center. The park is also home to a family of 22 rare and miniature breed animals, three interactive learning gardens and two performing arts stages."

"If you don’t want to make the trip all the way down to Disneyland, Fairytale Town is a good way to still let the young ones indulge in all things magic and fairy tales. The non-profit park has been in operation for 60 years and offers 26 play areas that are based on fairytales and nursery rhymes. The park also features a petting zoo, gardens, two performing arts stages, and a cafe."

"Recently renovated to the tune of 22 million dollars, this stunning mansion will not fail to impress you. Considered an exceptional example of Victorian-era architecture, the 19,000-square-foot building features 17-foot ceilings and ornate woodwork, and is furnished with period pieces. The mansion is located right downtown, and the juxtaposition of this ornately decorated building set against the modern glass buildings is stunning."

"If Leland Stanford sounds familiar, know that he was the name of the founder of the famed California university. He’s commemorated with the Leland Stanford Mansion. While this was once a home owned by Stanford, it now operates as a museum as part of the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park."

"800 N Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 324-0575 Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?"

"Despite its name, this property does not house the governor of California; though it was once the official home of the individuals that held that position. The fact that it does not have a governor living in it makes the property the only governor’s mansion of its kind in the US. Recognized by the National Register of Historic Places for its historic importance, the mansion is quite impressive."

"Home to 13 California governors including Ronald Reagan, the mansion was built in 1877 and was used as a home to the state’s first families until 1967."

"A post shared by BB (@lilbbdaqt) on Jun 20, 2016 at 8:29pm PDT. Have too many plans to exercise your dog properly while you’re in Sacramento?. Rest easy knowing that you can easily hire a local dog walker who will be happy to show your pup around."

"Nestled among 100 acres of oak woodland along the American River Parkway in Carmichael, the Effie Yeaw Nature Center is an award-winning natural wildlife oasis and environmental and cultural education center. Designed to teach visitors about the rich history and heritage of the region, along with the importance of conserving and protecting the natural environment, the center features an array of informative exhibits, animal displays, and several nature trails. The surrounding nature preserve is home to acres of pristine riparian woodland and native and non-native plants and animals, along with a replica of a village built by the Nisenan Maidu native peoples, who used this area during the summer months."

"Since 2005, Kru Restaurant has brought innovative cuisine to Sacramento in a fusion of Asian, European, and American ingredients and cooking techniques with the heavy influence of Japanese sushi and traditions. The top quality ingredients have made it one of the most loved Japanese restaurants in the area. With popular menu items like the sashimi tapas, sunshine roll, lobster tempura, hapa hapa, poke trio, warm mushroom salad, and hamachi carpaccio, it’s not hard to see why this place is always crowded."

"This was one of my first introductions in the Sacramento restaurant scene and I was so excited that Kru is here. It’s our go-to for sushi in the city, definitely an upscale experience. They have a wonderful happy hour as well when the dining room is open."

"Right in Downtown, Kodaiko opened up this last year and serves our favorite ramen. We love a rich broth, and their bowls of ramen do not disappoint. They focus on sourcing quality ingredients here which is a big part of why their menu is incredible."

"With a name like B-Side, there better be some vinyl records here and this bar does not disappoint. This bar does focus on vinyl records here and the catch is that there is no cocktail menu: they’d rather you focus on just the classics like beer, shots, and classic cocktails. Whether it’s a Miller Lite or a Moscow Mule, pick a simple drink and listen to some classic vinyl tunes."

"Karma Brew is a snug watering hole with a fireplace, bar and a few tables. As one reviewer noted, “Think funky European pub with a classy flare.” There are board games, an attractive patio, and a diverse craft beer selection which includes Tap Beers, Belgian style wheats and ales, German Lager, California style Pale Ale and West Coast Imperial Red Ale, Russian Imperial Stout, and Barrel Aged Sour Flemish Red Ale. The food menu consists of wraps, platters and samplers, salads, sandwiches, soups, and vegetarian and vegan food."

"1530 16th StreetSacramento, CA 95814(916) 917-5555Get directions ». Snug watering hole with a fireplace, a bar & a few tables, offering beer, wine & American tapas."

"This is the BEST frappe I've ever had in my life, so rich & creamy and so yummy!!. Made with coffee icecream which makes it better!!"

"The shaved ice sizes are pretty big so keep that in mind before ordering one. I tried the cherry flavor and it was yummy, kept me coo..."