Only Got 24 Hours in Sacramento? Here’s What to See and Do

Looking for the best way to spend a day trip to Sacramento?

Having just done a quick drive-through for some food through this California capital during my van life years, I asked Tamar from World by Weekend to help me lay out the perfect one day in Sacramento itinerary based on her experiences there. Having lived in Sacramento for one year and nearby Davis for nine years, she’s spent a lot of time exploring the ins and outs of the California state capitol.

When I lived in Midtown Sacramento, I spent many evenings and weekends walking the neighborhoods and frequenting the best bars and restaurants in the city. Sacramento isn’t the largest city, so in just one day, you can get a sense of the place and cover a lot of ground.

So whether you’re visiting on a stopover to or from Lake Tahoe or dedicating your entire day to the city, I’ll help you make the most of your day trip to Sacramento with can’t-miss places like Old Town Sacramento and the state capitol building. And if you have some extra time, I’ll also share recommendations for other things to do, along with some trip-planning info. 

Sample One Day in Sacramento Itinerary

So that you’ve got everything laid out in one place, here’s your Sacramento day trip itinerary below.

Morning

• Grab a coffee and a pastry at Temple Coffee Roasters in Midtown.
• Explore early pioneer life at Sutter’s Fort.
• Tour the California State Capitol Building.

Afternoon

• Head over to Old Town Sacramento and grab lunch at one of the restaurants along the boardwalk.
• Cruise the Sacramento River on a riverboat tour.

Evening

• Return to Midtown for dinner at one of the many restaurants there.
• Keep the night going with beers at LowBrau, or grab dessert at Rick’s Dessert Diner.
• End the night with live music at Ace of Spades.

Recommended Places to Stay in Sacramento

• 📍Luxury: Hyatt Regency Sacramento
• 📍Mid-Range: Inn Off Capitol Park, Ascend Hotel Collection
• 📍Budget: Quality Inn Sacramento Convention Center

Quick Facts to Visiting Sacramento

Sacramento may be the capital of California, but only the sixth-largest city in the state. It’s got a network of underground tunnels from the Gold Rush days, a buzzing hipster vibe, and a reputation as America’s “Farm-to-Fork” capital. 

Although I don’t know that many people who detour too out of the way for this city, Sacramento does have some solid history, from being the terminus of the Pony Express to being the base to a thriving Chinese American community (18%, Asians represent!). 

Quick Facts	Details
Location	The northern part of California’s expansive Central Valley
Best Time to Visit	March to May and September to November for the best weather
Where to Stay	Downtown Sacramento or Midtown
Best Hotels	📍Luxury: Hyatt Regency Sacramento 📍Mid-Range: Inn Off Capitol Park, Ascend Hotel Collection 📍Budget: Quality Inn Sacramento Convention Center
Famous For	Gold Rush era history, farm-to-fork dining, and eclectic arts scene
Population	Approximately 513,000 (As of 2020)
Time Zone	Pacific Standard Time (PST)
How to Get Around	Local buses and light rail. However, renting a car is the most convenient way to get around. Use DiscoverCars to find rental car deals.
City Airports	Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – 12 miles from downtown Use Expedia to find the best flight prices.
Don’t Forget!	Consider purchasing a Sacramento Pass if you plan to visit multiple attractions, as it can save you money on entrance fees.

What to Do in Sacramento in One Day

Morning: Midtown Sacramento

Start your day in Sacramento’s Midtown, arguably the coolest part of the city. This 2-square mile district east of downtown Sacramento and the California State Capitol is the cultural hub of the city, with oak-tree-lined streets, Victorian homes, and tons of trendy bars and restaurants. 

Grab coffee at Temple Coffee Roasters, a local favorite that has expanded throughout the Sacramento River Valley. Coffee culture is big in Sacramento, so if Temple Coffee is packed, there are many places to get your morning buzz. 

I like the Turkish coffee at Philz, a California chain. It’s nothing like the traditional Turkish beverage, but with the cardamom, I think it’s a delicious way to start your morning. 

For a more substantial breakfast, Crepeville has, you guessed it, absolutely delicious crepes.

Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park

After fueling up with a hearty breakfast and a strong coffee, take a visit to the historic Sutter’s Fort. Built in 1839, Sutter’s Fort is recognized as the site where gold was first discovered, sparking the infamous California Gold Rush. Today, it’s a State Historic Park where you can learn about California’s pioneer history. 

You’ll find this fully restored fort conveniently located at the eastern edge of Midtown Sacramento. Inside are docents dressed in period costumes reenacting life as early pioneers, including blacksmith demonstrations or other activities.

Adjacent to the fort is the State Indian Museum, which I recommend visiting to round out your experience and learn about the culture of the local Native Americans.

California State Capitol Building

Make your way west across Midtown to the California State Capitol Building. 

California is the world’s fifth-largest economy, and this grand Neoclassical building reflects the importance of the state. Inside, you’ll enter the chambers of the state House and Senate and see the governor’s office and the governors’ portraits.

The building is open weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm and is free to enter. Just note that it’s a working government building, so you’ll need to go through security to enter.

You can do self-guided tours of the ground-level museum on your own, but if you want to learn more about California politics, I recommend taking a guided tour. The free tours run hourly from 10 am to 4 pm and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Just put your name down at the Information Desk, and you’re good to go.

Before leaving the area, take some time to explore California State Capital Park. This 40-acre park has flora from around the world and over 200 species of trees, including Redwood trees and a giant rose garden.

Afternoon: Old Town Sacramento

If you haven’t grabbed lunch yet, head over to Old Sacramento State Historic Park for a meal with waterfront views. 

Walking through Old Sacramento means passing historic buildings and boardwalks that feel like you’re back in California’s Gold Rush days. Pop into Fanny Ann’s Saloon, which, despite looking like a place early pioneers would come to drink, only dates back to 1973.

Shops here range from upscale boutiques to kitsch souvenir stores. The fun here is walking around the Old Sacramento Waterfront and taking it all in.

Amongst the stores and restaurants, you’ll also find reminders of the early history of California. A statue on the edge of Old Town commemorates the Pony Express (National Historic Landmark), and the small visitor center houses artifacts from the early days of covered wagons and Wells Fargo.

If you have extra time and love museums, the California State Railroad Museum highlights California’s rail history.

Take a Sacramento River Boat Cruise

End the afternoon with a riverboat cruise along the Sacramento River. 

The boat ride leaves from the Old Town Pier and takes you along the river while your guide lectures about Sacramento’s history. Appreciate the city from the water as you pass under the iconic yellow Tower Bridge.

Alternatively, train lovers can opt to take a brief train ride along the river on a historic steam train. 

Evening: Party in Midtown

Midtown is the hit place in Sacramento, so of course, it makes sense to end this day trip itinerary there.

Grab dinner at one of the many restaurants, then head for drinks at a brewery or beer garden. LowBrau and Federalist are local favorites.

Keep the party going at the Shady Lady Saloon, which often has live music in the evenings, or see who’s playing at Ace of Spades, a local concert venue.

End your night on a sweet note by grabbing a slice of pie or cake at Rick’s Dessert Diner. This retro 1950s-style diner has Formica table tops, red vinyl booths, and slices of cake so big you’ll need to share with friends.

Where to Stay in Sacramento

For the best location, I recommend staying near the capitol where Midtown and Downtown meet. While Midtown is where all the action is, most hotels are concentrated in the Downtown area. You’ll still be able to walk everywhere, plus you may get lucky with a view of the state capitol building.

Best Hotels in Downtown Sacramento

Hotel Name	Benefits
📍Luxury: Hyatt Regency Sacramento	– First-class amenities, including a heated outdoor pool, full-service spa, and an on-site restaurant. – Conveniently located near major attractions like the California State Capitol Museum – Incredible complimentary hot breakfast
📍Mid-Range: Inn Off Capitol Park, Ascend Hotel Collection	– Comfortable rooms with modern decor, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast. – Just off Capitol Park for easy access to downtown
📍Budget: Quality Inn Sacramento Convention Center	– Expect clean rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary hot breakfast – Short walk from the Sacramento Convention Center

Places to Visit with More Time

Other Things to Do in Sacramento

If you have more time or are planning a weekend getaway to Sacramento, or are some other popular attractions to add to your itinerary:

• Leland Stanford Mansion: Take a guided tour of this stunning Victorian mansion, once the home of former governor Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane Lathrop Stanford, who also founded Stanford University in Palo Alto.
• California Automobile Museum: This museum is perfect for gearheads and classic car lovers, with a wide range of antique cars on display.
• Crocker Art Museum: Museum with a comprehensive collection of California artists, as well as touring exhibits from around the world.
• Bike along the American River: The American River Bike Trail covers over 30 miles to the Folsom Dam. It’s a beautiful, easy trail suitable for all levels (and you don’t have to ride the whole thing!).
• Fairytale Town: A park with playsets based on fairy tales and nursery rhymes, perfect for families.
• Sacramento Zoo: Has 100+ species and intimate encounters with wildlife and nocturnal animal experiences.
• California Museum: Home of the California Hall of Fame.

Day Trips from Sacramento

• Lake Tahoe (2 hours) – A lovely alpine lake known for boating on its clear waters, incredible aerial views, and surrounding ski resorts during the winter.
• San Francisco (1 hour 30 minutes) – Explore the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, bustling Fisherman’s Wharf, and steep city streets full of history.
• Napa Valley (1 hour 20 minutes) – Famous for wine-tasting tours and savoring gourmet meals in California’s renowned wine country.
• Yosemite National Park (3 hours) – A park filled with dramatic waterfalls, deep valleys, towering mountains, and ancient giant sequoias.
• Monterey (2 hours 30 minutes) – Visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and the coastal views along Cannery Row.
• Reno, Nevada (2 hours) – Known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno offers casinos, live entertainment, and the beautiful Truckee Riverwalk.
• Muir Woods (2 hours): Walk among old-growth redwoods in this national monument.
• Calistoga/St. Helena (2 hours): Known for its hot springs, mud baths, and wineries.

Is 1 Day Enough for Sacramento

Much like me, most people I meet who have gone to Sacramento did so on the way to somewhere else. It may not be the biggest tourist location, but if you’ve got the time, spend a few hours to a day in Sacramento to see a bit more of California’s history. 

You can certainly cover the highlights, such as exploring Old Sacramento, taking a riverboat cruise, and enjoying the nightlife in Midtown. With more time, you can roam to more diverse neighborhoods, visit a few museums, and maybe catch a live performance or a sports game.

Best Time To Visit

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are generally considered the best time to visit Sacramento. Spring comes with blooming flowers and festivals, including the famed Sacramento Music Festival. The fall hosts the Sacramento Film & Music Festival, among other cultural events.

Sacramento has an impressive average of more than 250 sunny days per year, so expect it to get a bit too hot in the summer. However, if you don’t mind the heat, summer is packed with events like the California State Fair and outdoor concerts.

How to Get Here

Located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers in Northern California, Sacramento is easily accessible by air, road, and rail.

Find great rental car deals with DiscoverCars and score the best flight prices using Expedia.

By Air: Sacramento International Airport (SMF) serves as the primary gateway to the city. The airport is just 10 miles northwest of downtown.

By Road: For those planning a road trip, Sacramento is well-connected by a network of highways and interstates. Interstate 80 is a major artery running east-west, linking Sacramento with San Francisco to the west (approximately 90 miles) and Reno, Nevada, to the east (around 130 miles). Interstate 5 runs north-south through the city from cities like Portland, Oregon, or as far south as San Diego, California. U.S. Highway 50 takes you on the scenic route to Lake Tahoe.

By Rail: Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor and the San Joaquins services connect Sacramento to the San Francisco Bay Area, the Napa Valley region, and Southern California cities like Los Angeles and Bakersfield. The Sacramento Valley Station, located downtown, serves as the main hub for rail passengers.

By Bus: Bus companies like Greyhound and Megabus can drop passengers off in the heart of the city.

Final Thoughts: Day Trip to Sacramento

I’ll have to see more of Sacramento to say if it is truly worth visiting for a longer visit, but why not go if you’re in the area? At least you can say you’ve been to the state capital.

If you’re planning to explore more of California, don’t rush off just yet; check out our other Golden State guides for insider tips and must-visit spots.

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in California?

I’ve lived and vanlifed around, about, and through all of California for 3 years. If you’re looking for more information on California, check out these other destination itineraries.

• Perfect One Day In Lassen Volcanic National Park Itinerary
• Perfect One Day In Redwood National Park Itinerary
• Perfect One Day In Joshua Tree Itinerary For First-Timers
• One Day In Death Valley Itinerary For Adventurers
• Perfect One Day in San Diego Itinerary: What Not to Miss
• Perfect One Day in San Francisco Itinerary for First Timers
• Day Trip to Lake Tahoe: One Day Itinerary for All Seasons
• Perfect Day Trip to Sonoma Itinerary for Wine Lovers
• Perfect Day Trip to Napa Valley Itinerary for Wine Lovers
• Perfect One Day in Los Angeles Itinerary from a Local

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.