Greater Sacramento

Travel Guide

Greater Sacramento featuring skyline
Vikingsholm Castle
Sacramento featuring street scenes
Inspiration Point Vista
Vikingsholm Castle
California’s capital and its surroundings have attractions for all interests, from cultural destinations, to clear lakes, to a history riddled with gold.

Greater Sacramento is a Northern California travel hub. The region gets more than 230 days of sunshine annually. Take advantage of this famously favorable weather and explore the cultural offerings and natural wonders in the heart of gold country. Enjoy crisp zinfandel wines in Lodi.

Discover the hive of activity in SacramentoOpens in a new window, California’s capital city. Tour the State CapitolOpens in a new window, which resembles the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Learn about California’s history and famous residents at the California Museum. In Old SacramentoOpens in a new window, travel back to 1849, when people raced to Gold Country to find their fortunes. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage along the Sacramento River or ride behind the Sacramento Southern Railroad’s steam locomotive.

About 115 miles (185 kilometers) east of Sacramento, reach Lake TahoeOpens in a new window. The topaz-blue lake surrounded by soaring mountains is an unforgettable sight. Visit in winter to ski or snowboard, or in summer to swim, boat or hike. Enjoy Kings Beach State Recreation AreaOpens in a new window’s sandy shoreline. Discover what lakeside life in 1909 was like at the impeccably preserved Watson Cabin Living Museum and learn about the 1846 winter tragedies for snowbound pioneers at Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center. Enjoy powdery snow at Squaw Valley Alpine MeadowsOpens in a new window or HeavenlyOpens in a new window, two of the lake’s major ski resorts.

See where California’s gold mining history began at Marshall Gold Discovery. In Coloma, a sawmill worker caught a glimpse of gold in the American River’s silt, jumpstarting the 1849 Gold Rush. Tour the Gold Discovery Museum and try panning for gold.

Greater Sacramento is filled with outdoor recreation opportunities. For a low-key lake experience, visit Lake Natoma on the American River between Folsom Dam and Nimbus Dam. This is a perfect place to go kayaking, swimming or rowing. Enjoy California sunshine at Castle Oaks Golf Club. The 18-hole course is consistently ranked among Northern California’s finest.

Between hiking trails, vineyards, museum exhibits and more, Greater Sacramento has widely diverse activities. Find your favorite pastime here or try something new.

Where to stay in Greater Sacramento

Greater Sacremento

Downtown Sacramento

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Sacramento. Top attractions like Golden 1 Center and K Street Mall are major draws, and you can catch the metro at 8th & H/County Center Station or 7th & I/County Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Sacramento
Sacramento featuring an administrative building and heritage architecture

Central Sacramento

If you're spending time in Central Sacramento, check out sights like Golden 1 Center or Sutter's Fort State Historic Park and hop on the metro to see more of the city at 29th Street Station or 39th Street Station.

Central Sacramento
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North Natomas

If you're spending some time in North Natomas, Sleep Train Arena and Park Place Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

North Natomas
Fort Sutter State Historical Park which includes interior views

Midtown Sacramento

4/5(1 area review)

Discover Midtown Sacramento, memorable for its restaurants. Popular attractions in Midtown Sacramento include Sutter's Fort State Historic Park and State Indian Museum, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at 23rd Street Station.

Midtown Sacramento
Old Sacramento which includes heritage architecture and signage

Old Sacramento

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

The ample dining options and beautiful river views are top of the list for many visitors to Old Sacramento. A stop by Old Sacramento Waterfront or Sacramento History Museum might round out your trip.

Old Sacramento
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Southeastern Sacramento

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

While you're in Southeastern Sacramento, take in top sights like California Highway Patrol Headquarters or American River, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Power Inn Station or 48th Street Station.

Southeastern Sacramento
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Sacramento Downtown
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Sacramento Downtown
2.5 out of 5
200 Jibboom St, Sacramento, CA
The price is S$118 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
S$118
includes taxes & fees
26 Mar - 27 Mar
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sacramento. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
6/10 (1,503 reviews)
"The hotel is in walking distance to Old Sacramento. We stayed on the third floor and had a nice river view. The price was great and the breakfast was simple but good. Unfortunately the Wifi did not work at all for me, not even in the lobby."

Reviewed on 20 Mar,2025

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Sacramento Downtown
Governors Inn Hotel
Governors Inn Hotel
3 out of 5
210 Richards Blvd, Sacramento, CA
The price is S$201 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
S$201
includes taxes & fees
26 Mar - 27 Mar
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Sacramento. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,646 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly and service was considerate. Room and property was clean, room spacious, beds comfortable. First room we were given did not have a working heater. Service guy took care of getting us a new room with new digital thermostat. Easy check in and check out. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 21 Mar,2025

Governors Inn Hotel
Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown-Arena by IHG
Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown-Arena by IHG
3 out of 5
300 J St, Sacramento, CA
The price is S$235 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
S$235
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Sacramento. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,282 reviews)
"Perfect for the concert. Very nice, clean had a great time"

Reviewed on 19 Mar,2025

Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown-Arena by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lagonita Lodge
Lagonita Lodge
3 out of 5
183 Lagonita Ln, Big Bear Lake, CA
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Big Bear Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,620 reviews)
"It was cozy, comfy, and more private than expected. was equipped with everything you could possibly want."

Reviewed on 23 Mar,2025

Lagonita Lodge
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
4 out of 5
3075 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Carlsbad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,334 reviews)
"Absolutely love this place!! Amazing customer service! Close to everything! Stayed in a condo so very clean! We will be back!!"

Reviewed on 20 Mar,2025

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
Hyatt Vacation Club at Desert Oasis
Hyatt Vacation Club at Desert Oasis
3.5 out of 5
34567 Cathedral Canyon Drive, Cathedral City, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Cathedral City. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a golf course. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,357 reviews)
"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The staff were incredibly attentive and courteous. The paved path alongside the golf course was both beautiful and convenient."

Reviewed on 22 Mar,2025

Hyatt Vacation Club at Desert Oasis
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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