Sacramento CA – Home to the California State Capitol
Sacramento CA is the home of California State Capitol Building. This iconic neoclassical building has been around for over a century. It’s a must-see for political buffs and history lovers alike.
Golden 1 Center is home to the Sacramento Kings, a professional basketball team. The city is also home to several minor league sports teams.
Old Sacramento
Old Sacramento is a historic district and California State Park, home to numerous Gold Rush-era buildings. Its wooden planked sidewalks and old-fashioned shops make it a popular destination for tourists who stroll, gawk at the facades, and shop. Besides the museums, restaurants and bars, it also offers river cruises, an excursion train and a public market.
The gold-yellow Tower Bridge is a popular photo subject and is best viewed at sunset or after dark. The Ziggurat Building, which is a 10-story building modeled on ancient Mesopotamian Pyramids, is another architectural landmark.
The Sacramento History Museum offers tours that explore the shady history of the city, including stories about saloons and gambling halls. The half-mile tour is guided by a “shady character” who leads guests through the historic area.
Midtown
Long derided as a government town and passed over by investors chasing Silicon Valley, Sacramento is reinventing itself. Sacramento is adopting a Northern Californian sense of music, food, art and craft coffee. It’s repositioning itself as the next great urban center for families and young professionals.
Midtown is a favorite hangout for locals, thanks to its neighborhood feel and abundance of cafes and restaurants. The Grid is formed by the intersection of numbered and lettered streets. It is easy to navigate, and there are many trees that provide shade.
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is a must-see on any trip to Midtown. It’s one of the earliest settlements of non-Native American people and is fascinating to visit.
Capitol Park
Sacramento is not complete without the neoclassical California State Capitol Building and its grounds. Inside the building, visitors can watch lawmakers in action during sessions of the Senate and Assembly. The building also has historic rooms and exhibits of each county.
Outside, visitors can wander paths past trees from around the world (a map is available), a rose garden, and memorials to important figures in California history. Capitol Park in Sacramento is my favorite outdoor space, especially during the spring.
Inn Off Capitol Park guests can reach this popular attraction in less than one mile. It is close to both a metro station and a convention center. The hotel offers free parking and high-speed internet in the public areas.
Crocker Art Museum
In the late 1800s when Judge Edwin Bryant Crocker purchased this block, he constructed an elaborate home and gallery for his growing art collection. Designed by architect Seth Babson, no expense was spared.
Crocker searched Europe for the best artworks to add his collection. His acquisitions still form part of the museum today. The museum’s collection of California paintings, European drawing and international ceramics makes it a popular destination for art enthusiasts.
Its photography collection is also a standout, with strengths in historic and contemporary media. Its collection of African wood sculptures and carvings is particularly impressive. This museum will remind you of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, but with a much smaller collection. This is a must on any Sacramento day-trip itinerary.
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
The fort is available seven days a weeks from 10am until 5pm. It costs $5 for adults and $3 for children 5-17 to enter the park.
Swiss immigrant John Sutter built this fort in 1839 on a land grant from the Mexican government to establish an agricultural and trading colony. It offers visitors an insight into the 19th century California. The walls of the fort contain reconstructed rooms, including a blacksmith’s shop, a stable, a store and a kitchen.
The fort also hosts living history demonstrations. Those who wish to learn more about the historical significance of the park can take guided tours. Guests can also visit the onsite museum. Fort is surrounded by a nice half-mile path. The property is open to dogs, provided they are on a leash.