Greater Sacramento

Travel Guide

Greater Sacramento showing skyline
Vikingsholm Castle
Sacramento which includes 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 Sacramento

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 heritage architecture and an administrative building

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 Sundance Lake are top sights worth seeing.

North Natomas
Fort Sutter State Historical Park featuring 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 featuring signage and heritage architecture

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
Hyatt Regency Sacramento

Hyatt Regency Sacramento

4 out of 5
1209 L St, Sacramento, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €169 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€169
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Sacramento. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,959 reviews)
"Great staff"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Hyatt Regency Sacramento
Rancho Cordova Inn

Rancho Cordova Inn

3 out of 5
12249 Folsom Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Rancho Cordova. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Nimbus Dam and Sacramento ...
6.2/10 (481 reviews)
"All good except the fake grass on the grounds with dog crap."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Rancho Cordova Inn
Wyndham Sacramento

Wyndham Sacramento

3.5 out of 5
5321 Date Ave, Sacramento, CA
The price is €90 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
€90
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Sacramento. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Wyndham Sacramento
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.
Cozy 1-bedroom apartment in Midtown Sacramento with WiFi, AC

Cozy 1-bedroom apartment in Midtown Sacramento with WiFi, AC

Sacramento
Stay at this apartment in Sacramento. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Golden 1 Center and Discovery Park ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (15 reviews)
2 weeks in Sac
"This Vrbo is a small apartment in the back of a very cute CA Craftsman home.It is centrally located and you can walk anywhere in mid-town Sacramento.It has good WiFi, a small fridge and a microwave which were perfect for my needs.It is an older home 19th century home and has some quirks and challenges ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Cozy 1-bedroom apartment in Midtown Sacramento with WiFi, AC
3 bedroom LOVE VILLA Midtown, Romantic Getaway or Famil Retreat

3 bedroom LOVE VILLA Midtown, Romantic Getaway or Famil Retreat

Sacramento
Stay at this villa in Sacramento. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Golden 1 Center and Discovery Park are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (23 reviews)
Perfect stay
"We loved this rental clean available parking kitchen had everything we needed for our week stay quick communication look forward to staying next time we’re in the area"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

3 bedroom LOVE VILLA Midtown, Romantic Getaway or Famil Retreat
On an ISLAND bring your BOAT 24 FT Private Dock & PET FRENDLY!

On an ISLAND bring your BOAT 24 FT Private Dock & PET FRENDLY!

Walnut Grove
Stay at this vacation home in Walnut Grove. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (172 reviews)
Great location and comfortable home!
"We had a great time at Gina’s place. You can not beat the location. The house was a comfortable size for my family gathering of my husband and I, mom and dad, and aunt and uncle.The furniture was comfortable and the kitchen well stocked with everything you need to cook a large meal with nice pots ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

On an ISLAND bring your BOAT 24 FT Private Dock & PET FRENDLY!
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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