Sacramento Tour

Question

Hi. My young adult son, interested in history etc, is interested in a day or two visit to Sacramento to visit the State capitol and its sights. Can anyone recommend a tour or an itinerary please? We can go at almost anytime we are within a couple of hours away in driving distance. Thank you in advance.

Answer

Sacramento is a compact city with rich history, making it ideal for a 1-2 day visit focused on historical and governmental sights. Since your son is interested in history, you can easily craft a mix of self-guided exploration and guided tours.

Suggested Itinerary – Day 1:

California State Capitol & Museum: Start your day at the State Capitol. Take a free guided tour (usually 30–45 minutes) to explore the legislative chambers, historic artwork, and the building’s architecture. The surrounding Capitol Park features monuments, gardens, and trees from around the world.
California State Railroad Museum: Located in Old Sacramento, this museum showcases beautifully restored locomotives and train cars, with interactive exhibits on California’s railroad history.
Old Sacramento Waterfront: Explore the historic district along the Sacramento River. Walk wooden sidewalks, see 19th-century storefronts, and visit shops and small museums. Great for lunch or a coffee break.
Tower Bridge & Riverfront Views: Stroll along the river and see the iconic Tower Bridge. A short walk provides excellent photo opportunities and a feel for the city’s history as a transportation hub.

Suggested Itinerary – Day 2 (Optional):

Old Sacramento Underground Tour: Learn about the city’s early days, including the flood-prone areas that led to the creation of an underground network of streets. Guided tours last about 1 hour.
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park: Step back to the 1840s and learn about John Sutter, California’s early settlers, and the Gold Rush era. Reconstructed adobe buildings and exhibits give a vivid historical perspective.
Crocker Art Museum: One of California’s oldest art museums, featuring a strong collection of California art, European paintings, and Asian art. Great for combining culture with history.

Additional Tips:

Parking in downtown Sacramento can be limited; consider using city garages near the Capitol or Old Sacramento.
If timing allows, consider a river cruise along the Sacramento River for a historical perspective from the water.
Walking shoes are recommended, as most of the key sights are close to each other but require some walking around the Old Town and Capitol grounds.
Check schedules for guided tours in advance, especially for the Capitol and Underground Tour, to secure spots.

With this itinerary, your son will get a mix of California’s political, railroad, Gold Rush, and early settlement history while keeping the pace manageable for a 1-2 day visit.

Sacramento Tour

More Sacramento Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions