3. Strap on your skates and chill with the cool kids at one of Sacramento’s Skate Parks—Baer, Granite or McClathy—for an adrenaline rush as you slide down half-pipes and funboxes.
4. Explore nature at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center in the suburb of Carmichael and observe nearly 40 rescued birds, reptiles, and amphibians native to the American River system. Ke-lik-a-lik (a tiny male American kestrel falcon), Orion the swainson's hawk, Wek'-Wek the peregrine falcon, and Echo the great horned owl are all trained and awaiting your visit. Other residents of the Nature Center include Clem the western pond turtle, Natoma the Northern Pacific rattlesnake, Gilbert the Skilton's skink, as well as gopher and king snakes, tree frogs, and toads.
5. Hike, bike, and swim at one of Sacramento’s most popular attractions. Folsom Lake is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and is the largest freshwater lake in the region. Pack a picnic lunch and bask in the sun after visiting the Folsom Powerhouse, which supplied Sacramento and its surrounding areas with electricity from 1895 to 1952. Explore one of the oldest hydroelectric facilities in the world and learn how its generator created electricity.
6. Push yourself along the 32-mile Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail from Folsom to Old Sacramento and take your mind off of everyday life as the American River roars along the way. Jog, bike, skate, or ride your horse; connect with the outdoors; and take a breather at Paradise Beach.
Can’t miss Museums in the State’s Capital
1. Tour the California State Capitol Museum for free to learn about the Golden State's history and to see where modern laws are created and passed. Witness historic offices, legislative chambers, artwork, and architecture of the Capitol and stroll along the International World Peace Rose Gardens. While you’re there, check out one of the daily films at the Basement Theater (which are also free). After visiting, you'll see why Sacramento is one of the NorCal cities you’ll want to live in.
2. Tour the Don and June Salvatori California Pharmacy Museum to see displays of pharmacy artifacts and learn about California's medicine history from 1850. The three rooms showcase distinct time periods and combine to form one of the most unique things to do and see in Sacramento. Admire pharmacy journals and books dating back 100 years and learn how medicine has influenced the evolution of Sacramento.
3. Explore the Old Sacramento Waterfront District and visit the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum to venture back to another era. Learn about 19th century tools and machinery at the Huntington and Hopkins Hardware museum. Visit one of the 12 Wells Fargo Museums to see where the American River’s famous treasure box is exhibited, or learn how a telegraph was used back in the days of the Gold Rush.
4. Admire the architecture of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. This church is considered one of the city's most historically significant buildings because it was built as Sacramento was transforming from a Gold Rush town into a capitol city. The church was modeled after Eglise de la Trinité Church in Paris and its cornerstone was laid on June 12, 1887.
5. Keep up the European vibes and take a stroll along Sacramento’s very own 738-foot Tower Bridge. Crossing the roaring Sacramento River and taking selfies with the bridge's illuminations as a backdrop is one of the top things to do in Sacramento at night. You'll feel like you're visiting a smaller version of the famous London Tower Bridge.