Listen, Sacramento surprised me in the best possible way. I spent a week exploring California’s capital last spring, and let me tell you—this city is seriously underrated. Walking through the tree-lined streets of Midtown, watching the sunset paint the Tower Bridge gold, and feeling the energy of the locals at the R Street bars completely changed my mind about this place. The most beautiful places in Sacramento aren’t what you’d expect from a government town.
I still can’t get over my morning at McKinley Park Rose Garden, where I counted over 1,200 rose bushes in full bloom, or my sunset kayak trip down the American River with the city skyline as my backdrop. Here are 12 spots that showed me Sacramento’s true colors—and I bet they’ll surprise you too.
Absolutely Breathtaking Places to Visit in Sacramento
Eager to explore the most captivating locations in Sacramento? As highlighted, this Californian capital offers a diverse array of attractions for every visitor. Dive deeper to uncover the unique charm and beauty that Sacramento has to offer.
Seeking vibrant cityscapes, historical landmarks, and rich cultural experiences? Or perhaps you’re in the mood for a peaceful retreat along the riverfront? Whatever your travel desires, Sacramento is ready to meet them. Here are the must-visit spots in Sacramento that you shouldn’t miss:
1. Old Sacramento Waterfront
- 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏰, shoppers 🛍️, family outings 👨👩👧👦
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Preserved Gold Rush-era architecture, wooden boardwalks, riverfront views
- 📸 Top Experiences: Historic steam train rides, California State Railroad Museum, riverboat cruises
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Delta King Hotel – Floating hotel on the waterfront
Craving a weekend escape that feels like time travel? Old Sacramento Waterfront offers 28 acres of Gold Rush history along the Sacramento River. This National Landmark district showcases restored buildings with distinctive balconies and wooden sidewalks.
The California State Railroad Museum displays magnificent locomotives. The Sacramento History Museum reveals the city’s journey from frontier outpost to capital.
My favorite evening activity involves ghost tours that uncover the district’s mysterious past. You’ll find unique shops selling old-fashioned candy and restaurants with river views. Sleep aboard the Delta King, a historic riverboat permanently moored at the waterfront.
2. American River
- 🏆 Best For: Rafters 🛶, swimmers 🏊♂️, fishing enthusiasts 🎣
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Crystal clear waters, lush riverside vegetation, stunning seasonal salmon runs
- 📸 Top Experiences: Whitewater rafting through rapids, gold panning in shallow areas, catching rainbow trout
- 🏨 Where to Stay: River View Lodge – Scenic accommodations with direct river access and outdoor patios
Ever wondered where Sacramento locals go for their adrenaline fix? The American River has thrills just minutes from downtown. This 30-mile waterway flows from the Sierra Nevada mountains, creating perfect conditions for adventures of all kinds.
Summer brings gentle currents in lower sections, ideal for families. The upper reaches challenge even experienced rafters with class III and IV rapids. I’ve never felt more connected to California’s history than while panning for gold in these historic waters.
The river’s healthy ecosystem supports impressive wildlife viewing, particularly during fall salmon runs. Anglers prize the American for abundant steelhead, rainbow trout, and bass throughout different seasons.
3. Discovery Park
- 🏆 Best For: Picnickers 🧺, cyclists 🚴♀️, wildlife photographers 📷
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Scenic confluence of two rivers, vast open spaces, diverse bird habitats
- 📸 Top Experiences: Kayaking from the boat launch, spotting migratory birds, enjoying summer concerts
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront – Modern hotel with riverside views
Looking for that perfect spot where urban convenience meets wild nature? Discovery Park marks the dramatic meeting point of the American and Sacramento Rivers. This 302-acre playground sits at Sacramento’s northwest edge, serving as a gateway to the entire American River Parkway.
The park’s extensive boat launch facilities make it perfect for kayaking adventures. Birdwatchers treasure this area where over 100 species have been documented. The sprawling lawns host everything from family picnics to major cultural festivals.
Though portions occasionally flood during wet winters, this natural cycle creates diverse habitats for river otter and beaver. The Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront puts you within walking distance of both the park and downtown attractions.
4. Folsom Lake
- 🏆 Best For: Boaters ⛵, mountain bikers 🚵♂️, beach loungers 🏖️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Dramatic Sierra foothills backdrop, expansive blue waters, stunning granite formations
- 📸 Top Experiences: Sailing across open waters, exploring hidden coves, mountain biking on surrounding trails
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Lake Natoma Inn – Comfortable accommodations near both the lake and historic Folsom
Need an escape from Sacramento‘s summer heat? Folsom Lake creates an 11,500-acre aquatic playground just 25 miles northeast of downtown. This man-made reservoir offers exceptional recreation against a backdrop of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
The lake’s 75 miles of shoreline include numerous swimming beaches that become social hotspots during the summer months. Brown’s Ravine Marina hosts hundreds of sailboats, while anglers pursue thriving bass populations. The surrounding trails offer some of the region’s best mountain biking.
During spring, the hills explode with wildflower displays. As water levels fluctuate, fascinating Gold Rush-era ruins occasionally emerge. The nearby Lake Natoma Inn provides the perfect base for exploring both the lake and charming historic Folsom.
5. Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail (American River Parkway)
- 🏆 Best For: Distance runners 🏃♀️, casual cyclists 🚲, nature lovers 🌿
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Continuous riverside pathway, oak-studded savanna, seasonal wildflower displays
- 📸 Top Experiences: Cycling the full 32-mile trail, spotting river otters and deer, watching sunset from Guy West Bridge
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Courtyard Sacramento Cal Expo – Convenient accommodations with immediate trail access
How far can you ride without hitting a single traffic light? The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail traces the American River for 32 uninterrupted miles. Locals call it the “bike trail,” though this paved pathway welcomes all non-motorized travelers.
Beginning at Discovery Park and extending to Folsom Lake, the trail passes through diverse landscapes. When training for my first marathon, these shaded paths kept me cool even during July runs. Sharp-eyed visitors might spot coyotes, wild turkeys, or deer during early hours.
Multiple access points make it easy to explore sections of any length. The parkway’s commitment to conservation means you can pedal for hours surrounded by nature despite being minutes from urban amenities. The Courtyard Sacramento Cal Expo offers immediate trail access.
6. Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, architecture admirers 🏠, garden enthusiasts 🌸
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Stunning Victorian-era mansion, meticulously restored period furnishings, formal gardens
- 📸 Top Experiences: Guided tours of opulent interiors, strolling the historic gardens, picnicking on the grounds
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Citizen Hotel – Historic boutique hotel with period charm
Curious about how California’s elite lived during the Gold Rush era? The Leland Stanford Mansion stands as a magnificent reminder of Sacramento‘s gilded past. This 19,000-square-foot Renaissance villa sits just blocks from the Sacramento River in downtown.
Guided tours reveal opulent interiors featuring 17-foot ceilings, gilded mirrors, and hand-carved woodwork. The mansion’s four floors contain period-appropriate furnishings, much of it original to the Stanford family.
The surrounding gardens feature heritage roses and century-old trees. This historic treasure makes an ideal cultural complement to nearby outdoor adventures. Stay at the Citizen Hotel, a restored 1920s landmark within walking distance of both the mansion and waterfront.
7. McKinley Park Rose Garden
- 🏆 Best For: Garden enthusiasts 🌹, photographers 📸, romantic strollers 💑
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Vibrant collection of over 1,200 rose bushes, meticulously landscaped grounds, peaceful gazebo centerpiece
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting during peak bloom (April-October), attending Rose Garden events, enjoying picnics on the lawns
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Fort Sutter Hotel – Historic boutique hotel with period decor and walking distance to the fort
Need a perfect Instagram backdrop that will make your followers swoon? McKinley Park Rose Garden in East Sacramento has over 1,200 rose bushes in a rainbow of colors. This 1.5-acre paradise, established in 1928, offers a peaceful escape from downtown’s bustle.
I’ve found early mornings here provide the most magical light for photography, with fewer crowds to photobomb your perfect shot. The symmetrical pathways lead to an elegant gazebo, ideal for those seeking romantic moments.
From April through October, the garden transforms into a fragrant wonderland. May brings peak blooming with the most spectacular displays. Beyond roses, the surrounding McKinley Park offers jogging paths, a duck pond, and playgrounds to round out your visit.
8. Sacramento Zoo
- 🏆 Best For: Animal lovers 🦁, families with children 👨👩👧👦, nature photographers 📷
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Lush, tropical landscaping, intimate animal encounters, educational conservation exhibits
- 📸 Top Experiences: Feeding giraffes at eye-level, exploring the Reptile House, watching red pandas play
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Midtown – Family-friendly hotel close to the zoo
Ever fed a giraffe face-to-face? The Sacramento Zoo in Land Park offers this unique experience that beats scrolling through wildlife videos any day. Though compact at 14.5 acres, this zoo packs in memorable encounters with over 400 animals.
The intimate scale means you’ll get closer to exotic creatures than at larger facilities. Towering palm trees create a tropical feel as you wander between exhibits.
My favorite moment was watching the red pandas playfully tumble through their habitat – far more entertaining than any Netflix show. Don’t miss the snow leopards and thick-billed parrots, endangered species that showcase the zoo’s conservation efforts.
Visit in the morning hours when animals are most active, especially during the summer when afternoon temperatures rise. Keeper talks throughout the day add educational depth to your wildlife adventure.
9. State Capitol
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 📜, architecture enthusiasts 🏛️, political observers 🗳️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Stunning neoclassical architecture, 40-acre museum park, impressive art collection
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the historic chambers, exploring the California Museum, strolling through Capitol Park’s memorial gardens
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Citizen Hotel – Historic boutique hotel with political-themed decor and Capitol views
Wondering where California’s power players make decisions that affect your daily life? The magnificent California State Capitol in downtown Sacramento offers a fascinating glimpse behind political curtains. This neoclassical masterpiece completed in 1874 mirrors Washington, D.C.’s famous design.
Inside, ornate details like mosaic floors and marble columns surround you. The restored historic chambers transport visitors to the Victorian era with their incredible craftsmanship.
Step outside to explore Capitol Park, a 40-acre urban forest with hundreds of tree species from around the world. The World Peace Rose Garden provides a colorful contrast to solemn memorials scattered throughout the grounds.
Free guided tours run daily, offering insights into California’s governance. I especially appreciated seeing government in action through public gallery access when the legislature is in session.
10. Sutter’s Fort Historic Park
- 🏆 Best For: History lovers 🏛️, families 👨👩👧, photography enthusiasts 📸
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Well-preserved 1840s adobe fort, period demonstrations, living history exhibits
- 📸 Top Experiences: Blacksmith demonstrations, candle-making workshops, pioneer living exhibits
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Fort Sutter Hotel – Historic boutique hotel with period decor and walking distance to the fort
Did you know Sacramento’s origins began here before the Gold Rush? Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park preserves the 1840s compound that became the first European settlement in California’s Central Valley. Located in midtown Sacramento, just 2 miles east of the river.
The adobe walls enclose a fascinating microcosm of pioneer life. Daily demonstrations bring history alive as costumed interpreters showcase blacksmithing, weaving, and cooking using 19th-century techniques. The most surprising part of my visit was trying the authentic sourdough bread made from a starter dating back to the 1850s.
The fort’s central building houses exhibits detailing John Sutter’s pivotal role in Sacramento’s development and the subsequent Gold Rush. The nearby Fort Sutter Hotel offers elegant accommodations in two restored Victorian mansions, putting you within walking distance of both the fort and downtown attractions.
11. Tower Bridge
- 🏆 Best For: Photographers 📷, architecture admirers 🌉, romantic sunset watchers 🌅
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Iconic gold-painted vertical lift bridge, art deco styling, dramatic lighting at night
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking across for river views, watching the bridge lift for boats, capturing sunset reflections on the water
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Kimpton Sawyer Hotel – Luxury accommodations with easy access to the riverfront
Looking for that perfect golden hour shot? Tower Bridge connecting Sacramento to West Sacramento delivers Instagram gold – literally. This vertical lift bridge, painted its signature gold color in 1976, creates stunning reflections on the Sacramento River below.
Originally silver when completed in 1935, the bridge now serves as the city’s most recognizable landmark. Art deco styling gives it a timeless elegance that draws photographers at all hours.
Walk across for spectacular views of Old Sacramento and the riverfront. If timing aligns, you might witness the center span lifting 100 feet upward to accommodate passing vessels.
Visit at sunset when the fading light bathes the structure in warm tones, then stay as darkness falls to see it dramatically illuminated. The bridge looks particularly magical during special events when colored lighting transforms its appearance.
12. UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, plant enthusiasts 🌳, peaceful walkers 🚶♀️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: 100 acres of curated gardens, meandering waterways, diverse plant collections from around the world
- 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling the 3.5-mile loop path, visiting the Australian Collection, spotting wildlife along Putah Creek
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hyatt Place UC Davis – Modern accommodations located right on the university campus
Tired of your local park’s limited scenery? The UC Davis Arboretum in Davis (15 minutes west of Sacramento) offers a global botanical tour across 100 breathtaking acres. This living museum showcases 24 distinct collections featuring plants from Mediterranean climates worldwide.
The 3.5-mile paved loop guides you through themed gardens without ever feeling rushed. Towering eucalyptus trees dominate the Australian Collection while fragrant California natives thrive in their dedicated space.
Beyond plants, wildlife adds another dimension to your visit. I’ve spotted turtles sunning along Putah Creek banks and numerous bird species flitting between trees.
Regular plant sales let you bring home unusual species tested for success in the region’s climate. Visit in spring for wildflowers, fall for foliage, or summer evenings when cooler temperatures make the gardens especially inviting.
