Greater Sacramento, CA

Travel Guide

Greater Sacremento which includes 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(2,063 area reviews)

Undergoing revitalization, Downtown Sacramento boasts the retail and entertainment hub, Downtown Commons (DOCO), with Macy's and various dining options. Explore the California State Capitol, Sacramento City Hall, and enjoy convenient public transit options.

Downtown Sacramento
Sacramento featuring heritage architecture and an administrative buidling

Central Sacramento

3.5/5(355 area reviews)

While you're in Central Sacramento, take in top sights like Golden 1 Center or Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and hop on the metro to see more the city at 29th Street Station or 39th Street Station.

Central Sacramento
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North Natomas

4.5/5(294 area reviews)

While visiting North Natomas, you might make a stop by sights like Sleep Train Arena and Sundance Lake.

North Natomas
Fort Sutter State Historical Park which includes interior views

Midtown Sacramento

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

Historical district with tree-lined streets and old Victorians, Midtown Sacramento boasts a vibrant art, music, and cultural scene. Explore boutiques, bars, clubs, diverse dining options, and the urban winery, while enjoying pedestrian-friendly streets and bike lanes.

Midtown Sacramento
Old Sacramento featuring signage and heritage architecture

Old Sacramento

4.5/5(136 area reviews)

Step back in time at this U.S. National Historic Landmark District, where 19th-century buildings house restaurants and gift shops. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, historic trains, riverboat cruises, and fascinating museums like the California State Railroad Museum.

Old Sacramento
Good patio, good beer, good atmosphere, good menu. Perfect place for an afternoon stop.

Southeastern Sacramento

3.5/5(197 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Southeastern Sacramento, check out sights like California Highway Patrol Headquarters or American River and hop on the metro to see more 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
The price is ¥25,022 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥25,022
¥29,187 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,955 reviews)
"Loved it !"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Hyatt Regency Sacramento
Wyndham Sacramento

Wyndham Sacramento

3.5 out of 5
5321 Date Ave, Sacramento, CA
The price is ¥13,637 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
¥13,637
¥15,566 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
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! (1,006 reviews)
Great front desk service Jessica
"Helpful front desk service clerk Jessica always goes above and beyond. Thank"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Wyndham Sacramento
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel by IHG

4 out of 5
500 J Street, Sacramento, CA
Fully refundable
The price is ¥24,875 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥24,875
¥33,308 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Sacramento. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, WiFi (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,132 reviews)
"Good thank you for having us!!"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel 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.
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 Jun 20, 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 Jul 15, 2025

3 bedroom LOVE VILLA Midtown, Romantic Getaway or Famil Retreat
900 Square Foot Guest Cottage Built In 2013. Great For A Family of five max.

900 Square Foot Guest Cottage Built In 2013. Great For A Family of five max.

Sacramento
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in Sacramento. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (328 reviews)
"Very nice clean home and quiet neighborhood. Close to gtocery a d restaurants You can walk in neighborhood. Owner avaliable via text for questions. Will stay again if back in area."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

900 Square Foot Guest Cottage Built In 2013. Great For A Family of five max.
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Greater Sacramento