Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Sacramento

"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."

"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/?"

"Headed by representatives including its leader, Hugh Pforsich, this is one of the top non-denominational Sacramento churches. Their foundational beliefs emphasize the Bible as a complete piece of inspired documentation that came from God through his servants. They also claim that “God is uniquely one, yet triune”, continuing on to say that he is the Father, the Son, and the Spirit in one being."

"Right in the heart of downtown, near the California State Capitol Museum, is the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. Not only is it one of the first churches in Sacramento, but it’s also totally beautiful to see. The centuries-old cathedral is just breathtaking and well worth looking around as you stroll the downtown area."

"This vibrant golden lift bridge across the Sacramento River is difficult to miss as it connects West Sacramento to Downtown East Sacramento. Built in 1934, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and thus holds great significance. Dating from the art-deco years (hence the look), the bridge was initially painted silver, but following complaints it changed color – a number of times, in fact."

"This historic vertical lift bridge is one of the popular landmarks of Sacramento that connects West Sacramento in Yolo County to Sacramento County in the East. Although the bridge does occasionally lift up for boat crossings. It was painted a rusty orange which has now oxidized to its current gold color."

"If you like quiet time surrounded by flowers and greenery, hang out at Discovery Park in South Natomas. Our travellers also like this historical area for its riverfront setting. Want to stretch your legs a little more?"

"Drake’s BARN is located along the river in West Sacramento’s Bridge District. Kick back, relax, and soak in those California sun rays while putting down some of the golden state’s most iconic beer. In its totality, the two-acre landmark location includes the PizzaSmith restaurant, YO?"

"One of the few free museums in Sacramento, the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum gives you an idea of what a one-room schoolhouse from the 1800s looked like. It’s a small museum and will probably take you less than 30 minutes to tour, but with its central location it’s a fun place to walk through to get another dose of history in Sacramento. And, as an added bonus, the people who work at the museum dress up in historical costumes to give you more of that stepping back in time feel."

"This little museum is located right in the heart of old town, and it gives students the ability to see what school life was like at the turn of the 20th century. There is even a replica one-room school-house that is still present and can be explored."

"The Wells Fargo Museum is one of the famous museums in Sacramento that brings alive the gold rush history and a lot of Californian past. It is a tiny museum inside a beautiful glass hall along with geometric flower beds with palm trees at the front. The museum also holds great importance as the Wells Fargo bank stood here over 150 years ago, and an ATM here is still in service."

"Visit the historic Old Sacramento waterfront and experience innovation from the Gold Rush forward. Learn about changes brought by the Pony Express and telegraph. Address: 1000 Second Street, Sacramento, California 95814"

"5380 Elvas Avenue #101 Sacramento, CA 95819 Phone: (916) 452-2690 Email: ssvmsmus@winfirst.com Website: http://www.ssvms.org/museum.aspx. The Museum was created after the closure of the Paul Guttman Medical Library and Information Center. The Library closed on January 1, 2000, after more than 50 years of service to Society members and the public at large."

"Experience the evolution of medicine from the Gold Rush to today in this unique museum presented by the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society. Exhibits include an iron lung, patent medicines and pharmacology, antibiotics and infectious diseases, Asian medicine, nursing, radiology, quackery and plenty of other tools that will make you grateful for today's modern medicine."

"Drake’s BARN is located along the river in West Sacramento’s Bridge District. Kick back, relax, and soak in those California sun rays while putting down some of the golden state’s most iconic beer. In its totality, the two-acre landmark location includes the PizzaSmith restaurant, YO?"

"You might think it weird to have a cemetery as tourist attraction, but, as most of the top attractions in Sacramento, the City Cemetery is a historic sight to visit in the city. The Sacramento Historic City Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in the city and was designed to resemble a Victorian garden. Most of the city’s historic and famous individuals are buried here and it’s a peaceful and relaxing place to walk around and explore more of Sacramento’s history."

"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/?"

"Pushkin’s Bakery, a bakery in Newton Booth, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 673 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1820 29th St. to see for yourself."

"Some geeks were hanging out outside of a bookstore late one night (Where else would they be?). While engaging in geekish behavior, friends Laura, and Neil started joking around about opening their own comic shop; this evening would become the origin story of Oblivion Comics and Coffee. The cafe’s concept is inspired by the Oblivion Bar, a pocket universe within DC Comics where conflict is restricted, heroes and villains can congregate with suspended plans, and enjoy a brew together."

"Next up is downtown's Oblivion Comics & Coffee, situated at 1020 11th St., Suite 100. With 4.5 stars out of 194 reviews on Yelp, the vegetarian spot, which offers comic books, coffee and tea, has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a low-priced option. "We're a comic book shop and coffee bar in one place," it writes on Yelp in the section about specialties."