Greater Sacramento Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Greater Sacremento featuring skyline
Vikingsholm Castle
Sacramento showing 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(7 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
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Apple Hill

While visiting Apple Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Apple Mountain Golf Resort and Time Out Spa.

Apple Hill
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, Park Place Shopping Center and North Natomas Library are top sights worth seeing.

North Natomas
Fort Sutter State Historical Park showing interior views

Midtown Sacramento

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
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Southeastern Sacramento

5/5(1 area review)

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
Heritage Inn Express Roseville

Heritage Inn Express Roseville

2 out of 5
204 Harding Blvd, Roseville, CA
The price is AU$135 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$135
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Roseville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7/10 Good! (1,539 reviews)
"Very affordable"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Heritage Inn Express Roseville
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 AU$236 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$236
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,449 reviews)
"Very close to DOCO area and Golden 1 Center making many restaurants and bars an easy walk. Nice, large room. Excellent breakfast."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown-Arena by IHG
Hyatt Regency Sacramento

Hyatt Regency Sacramento

4 out of 5
1209 L St, Sacramento, CA
The price is AU$305 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$305
26 Oct - 27 Oct
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! (2,007 reviews)
"Very nice hotel"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Hyatt Regency 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.
Home in the Heart of Midtown Sacramento!

Home in the Heart of Midtown Sacramento!

Sacramento
Stay at this apartment in Sacramento. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Golden 1 Center and Discovery ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"The space was Comfortable, clean, and close to shopping, pubs, restaurants, etc. Very nice location"

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Home in the Heart of Midtown Sacramento!
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (21 reviews)
"Nice and cozy. Perfect for a weekend getaway."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Cozy 1-bedroom apartment in Midtown Sacramento with WiFi, AC
Exclusive Sierra Foothills Oasis

Exclusive Sierra Foothills Oasis

Auburn
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Auburn. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Higgins Village and DarkHorse ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (128 reviews)
"Beautiful home and property! It was the perfect setting for our Christian Women’s Retreat. The house is very spacious and the master bedroom is enormous, with plenty of extra space. That’s why I was surprised that we were charged an additional 300 for three extra guests (we had 19 total), especially ..."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Exclusive Sierra Foothills 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Greater Sacramento

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