Downtown/ Midtown Hotels

Question

We’re a retired couple planning a 4 night stay in Sacramento. We like being able to walk to restaurants, etc. and are interested in the history and museums. We are not late night partiers so would be on the streets evenings, not at 11 or midnight. I’m looking at the Residence Inn across from Capitol Park. We’ve had great luck with these hotels in other US cities Is it a reasonably safe area? It looks like there are lots of interesting restaurants nearby. We know all cities have their homeless issues but I don’t want to be stepping over sleeping bodies on the doorstep? Thanks!

Answer

The Residence Inn across from Capitol Park in downtown Sacramento is a very convenient choice for a short stay focused on history, museums, and dining. Downtown and Midtown Sacramento have a mix of historic sites, cultural attractions, restaurants, and government buildings, making it ideal for walking tours during the day.

Safety and Neighborhood

Downtown Sacramento, including the area around Capitol Park, is generally safe for tourists during the day and early evening. The Residence Inn is in a well-trafficked area with nearby restaurants, cafes, and historic attractions. Like many urban centers, you may see homeless individuals in certain blocks, but it is uncommon to encounter unsafe situations, especially in areas near the Capitol and Midtown during early evening hours.

Capitol Park area is well-lit, patrolled, and frequented by workers and visitors, which enhances safety.
Walking to nearby attractions such as the California State Capitol Museum, Crocker Art Museum, and Old Sacramento is convenient and low-risk during daylight and early evening hours.
Evening strolls until around 9–10 PM are typically comfortable and uneventful, particularly along well-trafficked streets.

Nearby Attractions and Dining

Historic Sites: California State Capitol, Old Sacramento Waterfront, Sacramento History Museum.
Museums: Crocker Art Museum, California State Railroad Museum (in Old Sacramento), and the California Museum.
Restaurants: Midtown and downtown have a variety of options from casual cafes to upscale dining — The Firehouse, Grange, and Ella Dining Room & Bar are within walking distance.
Parks and Walks: Capitol Park itself is a nice area for a morning or evening walk among historic monuments and gardens.

Additional Tips

Stick to well-lit streets and main thoroughfares in the evening.
Avoid wandering into less populated alleys or industrial areas at night.
Downtown and Midtown Sacramento are generally quieter after 9–10 PM, which suits your preference for early evening walks rather than late-night activity.
The Residence Inn offers a safe, comfortable base with kitchen facilities, which is convenient for a longer stay.

Overall, staying at the Residence Inn near Capitol Park is a solid choice for retired travelers seeking a walkable, safe area with access to history, museums, and restaurants. You should have no issues enjoying the neighborhood and exploring Sacramento on foot during your 4-night visit.