Sacramento: History, Museums and River Landscapes

Sacramento brings together historic sites and museums with river landscapes and expansive natural areas. You can shape your stay around a range of interests, perhaps exploring California’s history, art from different periods, or activities along rivers and trails. Seasonal offerings and access restrictions in individual protected areas also play a role in planning.

Rivers, Trails and Protected Areas

Sacramento County Regional Parks manages and operates more than 15,000 acres of parks with open spaces, multi-use trails, river access points and picnic areas. On the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, you can hike, ride horses, cycle, inline skate, jog or walk. The trail offers a variety of ways to spend time outdoors.

Discovery Park is located at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers. Along the American River, it has a boat ramp and a launch area for boats carried on car roofs. Howe Avenue River Access also has a ramp for launching small boats and rafts carried on car roofs into the American River. Despite its proximity to the road, the access point has a wild appearance, with clay banks and riverside vegetation.

The Cosumnes River Preserve protects thousands of acres of wetlands and adjacent uplands. The range of habitats is reflected in the more than 250 bird species, 40 fish species and 230 plant species found there. The Illa M. Collin Conservation Preserve focuses on a rare landscape with seasonal pools and the protection of native, rare and endangered plant and animal species; public access is available in some areas.

The Blue Heron Trails in Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge include self-guided trails. There are also seasonal guided ranger walks and seasonal paddle trips. Public access to Deer Creek Hills Preserve is limited: scheduled hikes, horseback rides, mountain bike rides, educational programs and special community activities are offered. Advance registration is usually required for these activities.

The Effie Yeaw Nature Center is an environmental and cultural education center in the American River Parkway. Its trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset; opening hours may change during stormy weather. The nature center building features exhibits, information and live animals.

Discover History and Culture

Old Sacramento State Historic Park encompasses more than 50 historic buildings. They reflect Sacramento’s importance as the western terminus of the Pony Express, the first transcontinental railroad and the transcontinental telegraph. At Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, historic rooms and exhibits showcase early California and the experiences of the many groups that shaped the region. The park is the oldest restored fort in the West and is open daily for self-guided visits.

The California State Railroad Museum offers more than 225,000 square feet of exhibit space in its museum complex, featuring restored railroad cars and locomotives. Its collection includes 19 steam locomotives dating from 1862 to 1944. For those more interested in art, the Crocker Art Museum offers three floors and 15 unique gallery spaces. The works span centuries, continents and cultures. The collection includes more than 25,000 objects in a variety of media and styles, reflecting the region’s diverse history and population.

The California Museum focuses on California’s history, art and culture, with particular attention to diversity and rarely told stories. The museum is also home to the California Hall of Fame and brings the state’s history and culture to life through interactive experiences. The State Indian Museum is dedicated to three central themes in the lives of California’s Indigenous peoples: nature, spirit and family. Its collection includes traditional baskets, a redwood canoe, ceremonial clothing, beadwork, acorn-processing tools, and hunting and fishing equipment. Some objects are more than 2,400 years old. Self-guided group tours can be reserved online.

Getting Here and Regional Experiences

Sacramento International Airport is part of the Sacramento County airport system and serves as a gateway to California and the world. SacRT Route 142 is an hourly airport express bus service between downtown Sacramento and Terminals A and B at Sacramento International Airport. Check the schedule before traveling.

Culinary events have also been part of the region’s offerings: Since 2013, Farm-to-Fork events have been held in the Sacramento region, including food and music festivals and culinary experiences. They have added another dimension to a trip, complementing the museums and nature attractions.

Discover more destinations: Galt, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Folsom, Fair Oaks, Rancho Cordova, North Highlands, Foothill Farms, Carmichael, Antelope, Elverta, Orangevale, Citrus Heights, Walnut Grove, Courtland.

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