Sacramento holidays
California’s inland capital doesn’t get nearly as many headlines as the state’s other top travel destinations, though we think it’s a winning holiday spot. Bordered by the Sierra Nevada mountains, the best Sacramento holidays pair lush nature with a thriving cultural and dining scene. Explore everything from Gold Rush history and urban parks to whitewater rafting and some of the most beloved craft breweries on the United States’ West Coast.
Sacramento holiday highlights
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Old California
Begin your holiday in Sacramento with a visit to the city’s riverfront historic district. The wooden walkways and preserved 19th-century buildings of Old Sacramento are a hub of dining, retail and entertainment. Visit the California State Railroad Museum and tour the opulent Leland Stanford Mansion for a peek into the past. And don’t leave without experiencing the Sacramento History Museum’s interactive exhibits.
Rivers run through it
Sitting at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers, Sacramento is a playground for outdoor adventure. You’re always close to whitewater rafting and scenic, tree-shaded bike trails. Hike through lush parks like Discovery Park and Effie Yeaw Nature Center, home to deer and turkeys. Enjoy peaceful kayaking on Lake Natoma, or explore the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge.
Where to stay
Many of Sacramento’s best hotels are found in the Downtown and Midtown neighbourhoods. These hubs provide quick access to cultural attractions, not to mention the lion’s share of the city’s farm-to-fork eateries and craft cocktail bars. Midtown is a bit trendier, with third-wave coffee shops and art museums. Go just west and you’ll hit Old Sacramento and its many Gold Rush–era relics.
Sacramento: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-8 (PST) and UTC-7 (PDT)
High season
June – August
Low season
January – February
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Photographer name
Things to do in Sacramento
Places to eat
Fresh, seasonal ingredients are a way of life in Sacramento — after all, the city is home to more than 40 farmers markets. Expect Delta asparagus in spring, almonds year-round and rotating seasonal taps at over 70 breweries. Midtown offers diverse dining, from cheap eats to cafes and acclaimed gastropubs. Come in autumn for the annual Farm-To-Fork Festival, when local chefs and producers show off the region’s bounty.
Take in the culture
Opened in 1885, the Crocker Art Museum is the oldest art museum in the American West and home to a diverse collection of Californian art. The immersive experiences at the Sacramento History Museum celebrate life during the Gold Rush. For something different, check out the Automobile Museum’s vintage car displays or the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity’s hands-on fun.
Beaches
You can spend weeks exploring the rivers, lakes and swimming holes surrounding the city. But if you have a hankering for salt water, you’ll find Pacific waves about two hours southwest at beaches like family-friendly Stinson Beach. In the opposite direction, the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe await. Pull over at Sand Harbor State Park for wide, golden sand and picture-postcard views.
FAQs about Sacramento holidays
A holiday in Sacramento is very safe. Some of the safest neighbourhoods are Midtown, East Sacramento and South Land Park. Keep in mind that this is still a bustling city, so practise regular caution. Also be aware of light rail crossing when walking around town.
English is what you'll hear the most while you're here. Pick up a few local expressions during your city break in Sacramento and you'll blend right in.
January is the coolest time of year to visit. Plan your Sacramento trip then and you can expect lows of 2ºC (36ºF).
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) during your trip to Sacramento. Along with your credit and debit cards, consider having cash available for things like minor purchases and public transport fares.
With temperatures hitting highs of 37ºC (99ºF), July is the warmest month in Sacramento.
With an average rainfall of 12 cm, December is the wettest month to go on a Sacramento holiday. When the drizzle sets in, head indoors and make the most of the city's cafes, galleries, museums and more.
While you can experience the city in a single weekend, a three- to four-day holiday in Sacramento is ideal. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy the region’s best cultural and outdoor attractions. Sacramento is also a great base for exploring some of California’s lesser-known wine regions, like Amador and El Dorado.
A holiday to Sacramento is ideal for all kinds of travellers, be it families, couples or friends. Kids love to explore the riverfront, the Sacramento Zoo and the Gold Rush attractions. And the city is a playground for adults too, with no shortage of great food, drinks and nightlife.
The time of year you visit, the airline you pick, and where you stay will help influence how much you pay for your city break in Sacramento. If you want to cut costs, search for special promotions or last-minute deals on Sacramento flights and hotels. Travelling on weekdays and signing up to airline loyalty programmes are other good ways to save.
Squeeze more out of your travel budget when you lock in your Sacramento flights and hotels in May. This is one of the cheapest times of year to experience Sacramento and when airfares are at their most affordable.
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