The capital of California is also one of the oldest cities in the country, founded at the beginning of the 19th century. It retains much of its past, as displayed in the Old Town. Located in the north of the state, Sacramento is well-placed for trips to the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Gold Country, with its relics dating back to the great gold rush 150 years ago.
A trip to the Old Town is a must during any visit to Sacramento, with its boardwalk and horse-drawn carriages. A steam train does a 40-minute circuit here, while the California State Railroad Museum is another major draw for train-spotters. Sutter’s Fort, another popular heritage site, is a fascinating look into life in the area during the mid-19th century.
Sacramento has a varied array of dining experiences, with steak houses and Mexican being the most popular restaurants on offer alongside more unusual places like Katmandu Kitchen serving authentic Nepalese. The nightlife here is noticeably underdeveloped, particularly when compared to the likes of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas. Sacramento is well-placed for visiting the nearby Gold Country with its former gold rush settlements where the towering Sierra Nevada range begins just to the east.
Sacramento attractions
Old Sacramento: see where one of the oldest cities in the US was first settled and take a steam train ride around the city.
Sutter’s Fort: adobe structure dating back to 1839 which depicts life during the gold rush through an abundance of artifacts dating back to the period.
Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament: located in downtown Sacramento, this impressive 120-year-old Catholic cathedral features an impressive Italian Baroque interior with a Victorian façade.
Crocker Art Museum: is the oldest art museum in the American west showing an extensive collection of Californian art alongside more famous painters including Rembrandt.
Gold Country: dotted with historic towns that housed the greatest migration ever, the gold rush, with picturesque Sierra Nevada views and good walking.