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Old Sacramento (also known as Old Town Sacramento) is a historic district in the very heart of California’s capital, located along the banks of the Sacramento River. This 28-acre National Historic Landmark District takes you back to the gold rush era – cobblestone streets, wooden sidewalks, and 19th-century facades create a setting you won’t find anywhere else in the region. If you want to see more of the entire city, check out my Sacramento guide.
I stumbled upon Old Sacramento by chance a few years ago during my trip along the west coast. Initially, I planned to travel to Lake Tahoe, but the weather forecast quickly dashed those plans. Additionally, the road through Death Valley was closed, which prompted me to change my route. I didn’t want to risk getting stuck on an unknown path, and a visit to Yosemite Park was also out of the question because many interesting viewpoints are inaccessible in winter. As a result, I decided to head to Sacramento, and then continue south, towards Las Vegas. That’s how I “ended up” in Old Sacramento.
History of Old Sacramento in brief
History of Old Sacramento spans over 170 years, encompassing rapid development, numerous challenges, and revitalizations of California’s capital:
Today, Old Sacramento is a symbol of the city’s rich history, offering visitors insight into its past while serving as a vibrant cultural and commercial district.
Getting to Old Sac
Getting there by car and parking
Old Sacramento can be easily reached from the Interstate 5 highway running through the very heart of California’s capital.
If you are traveling by car, several parking options are available. Throughout the district, there is paid street parking allowing two-hour parking from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week. For longer stays, it is worth using one of the public parking garages:
Weekend parking rates at these garages range from 10 to 15 USD.
Public transportation from other parts of the city
If you prefer public transport, Sacramento Regional Transit lines 11, 30, 31, 62, 86 and 88 stop just a block away from Old Sacramento on 3rd Street.
Getting from Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
There are direct public transportation options from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Old Sacramento:
What to see and do in Old Town Sacramento
Old Town Sacramento recalls the gold rush era and those who sought this precious metal. Walking through the streets, it feels like stepping into a different time dimension. The old town looks incredibly interesting. Houses in a bygone era style, the train station, trains, an old bridge, and a ship moored at the shore – all are located within a small area. A walk through this neighborhood takes about an hour.
However, Old Sacramento is full of attractions that will provide entertainment for many hours. Here are some places you must see:
California State Railroad Museum – California State Railroad Museum
California State Railroad Museum is considered the largest railroad museum in North America. This enormous facility covers an area of 20,900 square meters and has a rich collection of exhibits that showcase the fascinating history of railroads in California and the western United States. The museum hosts 21 carefully restored locomotives and railroad cars, some of which date back to 1862, giving us the opportunity to learn about the development of rail transport.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:30 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
The Sacramento History Museum
The Sacramento History Museum, located in Old Sacramento at 101 I Street, allows you to delve into the city’s history from the era before the Gold Rush to the post-World War II period. The museum features exhibits on the history of Native Americans, the Gold Rush, the transcontinental railroad, agriculture, and local industry, with interactive displays and artifacts.
The museum’s main attraction is the underground tours, where visitors can explore Sacramento’s raised streets and excavated sidewalks created in the 1860s and 1870s to prevent flooding. These tours run daily and last about an hour.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. More information can be found on the official Sacramento History Museum website.
Delta King
This historic riverboat now serves as a tourist attraction, restaurant, event space, and hotel all in one. It’s a great place for a meal with a view, or even an overnight stay.
Old Sacramento State Historic Park
Park historyczny to obszar wolny od ruchu ulicznego, po którym można swobodnie spacerować i próbować wyobrazić sobie życie w czasach Pony Express. Główną atrakcją jest Eagle Theater, replika oryginalnej konstrukcji z 1849 roku, która przyczyniła się do nadania Sacramento przydomku “miasta namiotów”.
Wycieczki
Możesz dodatkowo urozmaicić swoją wizytę w Starym Sacramento, biorąc udział w jednej z wielu dostępnych wycieczek z przewodnikiem:
Gdzie się możesz zatrzymać w dzielnicy Old Sacramento
Jeśli planujesz zostać na noc, masz kilka opcji w pobliżu:
All these hotels are within walking distance of Old Sacramento and offer a range of amenities suited to various budgets.
Food and shopping
Old Sacramento is a true “goldmine” for shopping and food lovers. Here you’ll find everything from quirky souvenir and antique shops to boutiques and stores selling old-fashioned sweets. When it comes to dining, the choice is vast. From casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Don’t miss Rio City Cafe, located on the banks of the Sacramento River. It is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful views, and excellent food.
Visitor Tips
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Old Sacramento
Where is Old Sacramento located?
Old Sacramento is located in downtown Sacramento, California, along the Sacramento River. It is a 28-acre historic district with more than 50 historic buildings from the Gold Rush era.
How far is Old Sacramento from San Francisco?
Old Sacramento is about 85 miles (137 km) northeast of San Francisco and is ideal for a day trip from the Bay Area.
How do you get to Old Sacramento?
The easiest way is to take Interstate 5, use the “J Street” exit, and then follow the signs to the park. Old Sacramento is easy to reach from all directions.
Where can you park?
The main parking garage is located at 3rd and J Streets. Parking costs around 10 dollars for the full day. Limited street parking is also available with 90-minute meters.
Can you walk around Old Sacramento?
Yes, Old Sacramento is a compact 8-block area that is ideal for exploring on foot. Most attractions are within a short distance of one another.
Are the underground tunnels worth visiting?
Absolutely! Old Sacramento’s underground tours are one of the most popular attractions. After the 1862 flood, the city was raised, leaving behind a fascinating network of tunnels and historic remains underground.
What are the museum opening hours in Old Sacramento?
Most museums are open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Shops and restaurants usually open at 10:00.
When was Old Sacramento established?
The area was settled during the California Gold Rush in 1849. Many buildings date from 1849-1855, including the Eagle Theater (1849) and the Big Four Building (1855).
Is Old Sacramento family-friendly?
Yes, Old Sacramento offers many family-friendly attractions, such as historic train rides, horse-drawn carriage rides through town, a historic 19th-century schoolhouse, and the “Candy Heaven” candy store.
How many shops and restaurants are there?
Old Sacramento has more than 125 shops, restaurants, attractions, and entertainment venues. You will find everything from souvenir shops to boutique stores and a variety of restaurants.
Are there any interesting shops?
Yes, you can visit Warren’s New England Seed Store, a historic seed shop operating since the 1850s, and Candy Heaven, a 19th-century-style candy store.
How much time do you need to visit Old Sacramento?
For a basic visit to Old Sacramento, plan 4-6 hours. If you want to visit all the museums and take the underground tour, plan a full day.
Where can I find tourist information?
The Sacramento Visitors Center is located at 1000 Second Street in Old Sacramento. Hours: Monday-Friday 11:00-16:00, Saturday-Sunday 10:00-18:00.
What is the best time to visit?
Old Sacramento can be visited year-round. Spring and fall offer the best weather. Weekends can be more crowded, but more attractions are open then.
Is Old Sacramento accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the main areas and most buildings are wheelchair accessible. However, the underground tours may have some limitations due to uneven surfaces and low ceilings.
Old Sacramento is a piece of the Wild West that has survived in surprisingly good condition. Few places in America allow you to so tangibly feel the spirit of the Gold Rush – without excessive theatricality, but with real history beneath your feet. It’s worth coming in the morning, before the tours arrive, and giving yourself a few hours for a leisurely walk.
