Sacramento Sights

Sights in Sacramento

  1. A

    American River Parkway

    The American River Parkway, a 23-mile river system on the north bank of the American River, is surely Sacramento's most appealing geographic feature. It's one of the most extensive riparian habitats in the continental US. The park's network of trails and picnic areas is accessible from Old Sacramento by taking Front St north until it becomes Jiboom St and crosses the river, or by taking the Jiboom St exit off I-5/Hwy 99.

    The parkway includes a nice walking/running/bicycling path called the Jedediah Smith National Recreation Trail that's accessible from Old Sacramento at the end of J St. You can rent bicycles at the waterfront from Bike Sacramento.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Huntington & Hopkins Hardware

    Drop by the Huntington & Hopkins Hardware, an exhibit of the business run by two of the Big Four railroad barons. The store, a rough reproduction, is stocked with the innocuous merchandise (doorknobs, lanterns, railroad spikes etc) upon which some huge fortunes, and the nation's most important railroad, were built.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Tower Theatre

    The Tower District consists of a small stretch of shops, bars, ethnic restaurants and the landmark Tower Theatre, a beautiful 1938 art deco movie palace. The Tower Records chain started here and the original sign survives on the theater (the current store is across the street).

    reviewed

  4. D

    Crocker Art Museum

    The city's small but handsome house of fine art, the Crocker Art Museum is in the former residence of 19th-century California Supreme Court Judge Edwin B Crocker. It contains his visionary collection of California art.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Governor's Mansion State Historic Park

    The Governor's Mansion State Historic Park was built in 1877 and acquired by the state in 1903. No governor has lived in the house since Ronald Reagan moved out in the 1960s. Guided tours are given hourly from 10:00 to 16:00.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Capitol Park

    The 40 acres surrounding the California State Capitol make up Capitol Park. With trees from all over the world it's a nice place to picnic or escape the summer heat. At the east end is a powerful Vietnam War memorial.

    reviewed

  7. California Museum

    A few blocks away is the attractive, modern California Museum, home to the California Hall Of Fame - perhaps the only place to simultaneously encounter Cesar Chavez, Dr Seuss and Amelia Earhart.

    reviewed

  8. G

    California State Railroad Museum

    The California State Railroad Museum is a train lover's dream. You can board dozens of meticulously restored beasts of steam and diesel; ride a steam train ($8) at summer weekends.

    reviewed

  9. H

    California State Indian Museum

    Adjacent to the Sutter's Fort is the well-done California State Indian Museum is tiny but informative and has Ishi artifacts.

    reviewed

  10. I

    Sutter's Fort

    Restored to its 1850s appearance, Sutter's Fort has historical actors in summer and some Saturdays throughout the year.

    reviewed

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  12. J

    Capitol Museum

    The Capitol Museum, gives tours through period-furnished chambers. The Assembly and Senate rooms are open to the public.

    reviewed

  13. Sacramento History Museum

    The Sacramento History Museum focuses on the gold rush.

    reviewed

  14. K

    Discovery Museum

    The Discovery Museum has hands-on exhibits and gold rush displays.

    reviewed