City centre Sacramento blends historic charm with urban energy in California's capital city. The golden-domed State Capitol sits majestically among tree-lined streets and stately government buildings. Old Sacramento's wooden boardwalks and cobblestone paths transport visitors to Gold Rush days. Explore world-class museums like the California State Railway Museum or catch a Kings game at Golden 1 Centre. The compact city centre grid makes walking between attractions easy. Light rail connects key spots throughout the area for those wanting to venture further.
Midtown Sacramento buzzes with artistic energy and local flavour. Victorian mansions house art galleries while craft breweries inhabit restored brick buildings. Tree-lined boulevards lead to pavement cafes where street musicians perform. The area pulses with creative spirit and farm-to-fork dining. Explore Sutter's Fort State Historic Park or browse the eclectic shops and independent boutiques. The vibrant farmers market showcases regional produce and handcrafted goods. When evening falls, the area transforms with live music venues and cocktail bars catering to every taste.
Step back in time at Old Sacramento, where Gold Rush history comes alive along wooden pavements and cobblestone streets. The 28-acre historic district showcases 1850s architecture alongside the scenic Sacramento River. Museums celebrate California's past while horse-drawn carriages add old-world charm. This lively waterfront area balances history with modern entertainment. Browse unique shops offering everything from penny sweets to local crafts. After dark, saloon-style bars and restaurants create a vibrant scene with live music flowing through the historic district.
City centre Davis buzzes with college-town energy right beside UC Davis. The pedestrian-friendly E Street Plaza invites leisurely strolls past outdoor cafes and local shops. Students and locals gather at the historic Varsity Theatre or Saturday Farmers Market in Central Park. Cycling enthusiasts should visit the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame to explore Davis's famous bike culture. Art lovers can discover local talent at The Artery and Pence Gallery. With tree-lined streets and abundant bike lanes, getting around this walkable district couldn't be easier.
Old Town Elk Grove captures California's pioneer spirit through well-preserved Victorian buildings and landmarks dating back to the 1850s. The historic district welcomes visitors with tree-lined streets and a charming small-town atmosphere. Local shops and family-owned cafes create an authentic experience away from urban bustle. Explore the Historic Elk Grove House Museum to discover fascinating pioneer artefacts. Stroll through Stage Stop Plaza where heritage markers and vintage shopfronts house unique antique shops. The weekend farmers market offers local produce and handcrafted goods, giving travellers a true taste of community life.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Sacramento
Golden 1 Center
8.4/10 (2,456 reviews)
This city centre arena hosts Sacramento Kings games and concerts with cutting-edge technology and local cuisine. Open the massive hangar doors for a uniquely airy sporting experience in this LEED Platinum certified venue.
Spanning 302 acres where the American and Sacramento Rivers meet, Discovery Park offers excellent outdoor recreation. Explore the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail or enjoy peaceful riverfront picnics away from urban bustle.
This neoclassical building houses California's government while welcoming visitors to explore its historic chambers. Afterwards, wander through Capitol Park with its memorials and World Peace Rose Garden.
Home to California's State Fair, Cal Expo buzzes with agricultural displays, carnival rides, and cultural celebrations. Year-round, this versatile venue hosts concerts, trade shows, and festivals.
This renovated city centre venue hosts major conventions and cultural performances with 240,000 square feet of modern space. Attend SacAnime or explore nearby attractions like the California State Capitol after your event.
Sacramento's premier shopping destination features over 150 speciality stores from mid-to-high-end retailers. Browse popular brands like Apple and lululemon, then recharge at the second-level food court.
Home to nearly 500 animals across 125 species, the Sacramento Zoo offers an intimate wildlife experience despite its compact size. Feed giraffes, ride the conservation carousel, or catch morning animal activities.
This AAA Four Diamond resort offers over 3,400 slot machines and a luxury hotel with full-service spa. Join the Thunder Rewards programme for exclusive benefits while enjoying fine dining and live entertainment.
"This is a really nice hotel. Perched on the Sacramento River and easily walkable to ‘Old Sac’ Everything is clean and well organized, bed was comfy. Breakfast is out of this world! A custom omelet station plus a full hot buffet. Some extra costs to be aware of; there is only valet parking at the hotel for $47. It’s cheaper across the street. It’s a cash-free hotel, the only personnel who might have cash are the Valet attendants."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
In Sacramento, visit Arden Fair Mall for a vibrant shopping experience with diverse stores. Westfield Galleria at Roseville offers a mix of upscale shops and entertainment. For a more relaxed atmosphere, explore K Street Mall, featuring family-friendly options and unique boutiques.
Explore the Stevens Trail for a thrilling hike amidst stunning scenery and vibrant outdoor vibes. For a splash of excitement, visit Golfland Sunsplash, where family-friendly water attractions await. Finally, engage in water sports at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center, embracing adventure in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Nightlife
Sacramento's nightlife offers a vibrant atmosphere with venues like Midtown's bars and clubs, where lively streets pulse with energy. Enjoy live music at the Golden 1 Center or craft cocktails in trendy lounges. The historic Old Sacramento adds charm with its waterfront dining and entertainment options.
Find the best attractions in Sacramento
For an enjoyable vacation in Sacramento, California, visitors can explore a delightful blend of outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, and urban experiences. Key points of interest include Midtown Sacramento and Old Sacramento, offering a rich historical atmosphere alongside modern amenities. Additionally, the city features urban parks, colleges, and event venues, making it a perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and exploration in a vibrant city setting.
California State Capitol: Explore the grandeur of California's political heart, where history and culture intertwine. This magnificent building features stunning architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, offering guided tours that delve into the state's legislative process and rich history.
U.C. Davis Conference Center: Nestled in a vibrant university setting, this venue is renowned for its historic significance and cultural events. Experience the lively atmosphere, attend engaging conferences, or simply stroll through the picturesque campus that fosters innovation and learning.
California Highway Patrol Headquarters: A modern civic building that embodies the spirit of public service, offering insights into the operations of California's law enforcement. Visitors can engage with interactive displays that highlight the vital role of the CHP in ensuring road safety.
Best time to go to Sacramento
The best time to visit Sacramento is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Sacramento
Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically November to January) for more affordable package holidays to Sacramento.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Sacramento holiday package cost?
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Sacramento escape. However, a range of factors like the length of stay, the season and your choice of hotel will influence how much your holiday to Sacramento costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Sacramento?
December, January and February are great times to look for cheap Sacramento holiday packages. Choosing to travel in less busy months means you'll typically find better prices on hotels and flights.
How many days is enough for Sacramento?
Dedicate at least 2 days for your Sacramento holiday if you want to immerse yourself in all that makes this destination unique. Stroll around key neighbourhoods, including North Sacramento and Downtown Sacramento. Then tick off major sights like Raging Waters and Old Sacramento Waterfront. With a well-organised itinerary, you'll be kept busy with room for some downtime too. Want to travel outside of Sacramento? Consider squeezing in a day trip or two.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Sacramento?
Sacramento has all the ingredients you need for a memorable trip — distilleries and craft breweries, dining and history are just the start. Whether you'd like to check out attractions like Sacramento Zoo and Sacramento Capitol Park, or take the road less traveled, there's plenty to see and do on your Sacramento holiday.
How to find the best Sacramento package deals?
Finding a cheap Sacramento package deal is a cinch with Expedia. Once you've entered your destination and travel dates under our "Packages" tab, set your budget range, add some filters and see what's available. You can personalise your search by "Property class," "Number of bedrooms," "Traveller experience" and more. Order the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most affordable Sacramento package deals. Want a simple trick to get even more savings? Have some flexibility with your departure dates and consider travelling on a weekday, when prices are often lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Sacramento holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could save you hundreds of dollars when compared to arranging flights and accommodation separately. Better still, you can customise your Sacramento escape to match your exact style. Choose your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a car rental. Check out our great deals to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Sacramento?
If you're considering an impromptu Sacramento getaway, browse our last-minute deals that can be booked up to one week before you go. Don't want to leave things to the last minute? You can find terrific deals on your hotels and flights by booking ahead.
How to plan a trip to Sacramento?
Pick your dates: What you want to do in Sacramento and your favourite season can help you decide when to go.
Plan your budget wisely: Besides the cost of your hotel, you'll need to factor in other expenses. These include flights, transportation and food. Also, put aside some extra funds for unexpected costs that could crop up during your trip to Sacramento.
Decide how many days away: Start by making a list of all the attractions and activities you want to get to in Sacramento. Then, estimate how long you'll need for each, along with any travel time.
Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in order, you can combine your flights, hotels, car rental and more into a customised Sacramento holiday package.