(updated May 2026)
Places to Go & Things to See
Food and Drink in Sacramento County
American | British | Burgers | Pizza & Italian
Mexican/Southwest | Asian | Misc. | Outside Sacramento
The best of the best and the first Michelin star restaurant in Sacramento!! The Kitchen is an upscale restaurant and usually takes months to get a reservation unless you know someone or are able to nab a cancellation. I went for my birthday and it was AMAZING!!! Everything was delicious, the staff is friendly and helpful, and it’s a memorable experience. There is only one seating per night, so be prepared for a 4 hour, 5-6 course, delight to the tastebuds evening. The menu changes every month and if you want more of a certain dish, just ask. If you ever get a chance to go here, GO! The cost is about $125 per person plus wine.
Elegant, upscale restaurant in Granite Bay that I would recommend for a nice date or business meal. The food is absolutely delicious and the wild mushroom soup was something I still remember as being one of my favorite courses. The Hawk’s website lists menus and prices. There’s also Hawk’s Public House on Alhambra Blvd in East Sacramento that offers a finer dining experience and Hawk’s Provisions, which provides a breakfast and lunch menu.
I’ve always thought of The Waterboy as an upscale, pricey restaurant that I would only try when I was willing to shell out some dough. I will say that it’s possible to spend a lot of money here, but it’s not necessary to have a delicious meal and an enjoyable experience if you stick with the smaller plates. The Waterboy is known for its Caesar Salad and Sweetbreads, but I also have to recommend the desserts and Carrot-Fennel Soup, if it is available.
Ella is another place that I would save for a special occasion or elegant evening out because of the higher prices. The food here is delicious and wonderfully prepared by Ella’s chefs. I can recommend the Pork Chop, which is cooked to perfection. If you want to save a bit of money, keep an eye out for their occasional 3-course Prix Fixe menu. Reservations can be made easily by calling or using Open Table.
Canon is another upscale restaurant that can be reserved for a date or special occasion. Their menu is seasonal, so it’s ever-changing, but I have had delicious lamb and chicken dishes here.
Good Neighbor has been a fabulous addition to the Ice Blocks, along R St. between 15th and 18th St. Whatever you do, don’t forget to order the Pave Fries. You won’t regret it.
If you like French Toast, visit the Tower Cafe on 15th and Broadway. They have a variety of other items on their breakfast menu that I could also recommend, but I would definitely recommend the Seasonal French Toast if you’re there for breakfast. They’re famous for it. For lunch or dinner, they also have great chili rellanos, salads, and much more. Don’t forget to look at their desserts and perhaps catch a movie next door at the Tower Theatre after your meal. Tower is open Sun 8am-8pm, Mon-Tues 8am-3pm, Wed-Thurs 8am-8pm, and Fri-Sat 8am-9pm.
As stated in the name, this restaurant is located on the corner of 15th and L Streets in Downtown Sacramento. It is both a restaurant with indoor and patio seating and a prime Happy Hour spot. The Happy Hour prices for food are wonderful for the quantity that you receive. The Trio of Fries is AMAZING and is a nice quantity for the price, the sliders are delicious, and the Truffle Tater Tots are out of this world. The restaurant serves a variety of food ranging from burgers and salads to meat and seafood dishes. The portions can be large for some dishes (like the Chicken and Waffle), but the prices are reasonable for the quantity and the location.
La Bou is somewhat of an American Restaurant, but with a Thai twist on some of their dishes. They offer salads (the Chinese Chicken is great), sandwiches, and soups. I primarily come here for Spicy Thai Chicken Soup. It is absolutely delicious and I’m convinced that it will help you recover from a cold quicker than usual. So, the next time you have the sniffles (or not), get a bowl of this soup.
Jack’s Urban Eats is a great place to get a big salad. You can choose your lettuce and a variety of toppings for a decent price. They also serve sandwiches, meat dishes and much more. I highly recommend their Urban Fries, which are covered in bleu cheese and spicy chili oil and the Chicken Caesar Salad with extra chicken. So tasty! They have multiple locations around the Sacramento area including Downtown, Loehmann’s Plaza near Sac State, Gold River, Folsom, Natomas, Granite Bay, and Roseville.
If you’re looking for a great salad, visit Cafe Bernardo. Yes, they have other items on the menu (sandwiches, burgers, pizza), but they have some pretty tasty greens. Cafe Bernardo has 4 locations: 28th & Capitol (in the lobby of the Sutter Hotel), 15th & R, in the Pavilions’s Shopping Center, and in Davis on 3rd & D St.
Selland’s has two locations: H St at 53rd St in East Sacramento, & Broadway and 10th St in Upper Land Park. Selland’s is a great place for a variety of food including pizzas, pastas, burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, brisket, meatloaf, chicken, and more. Plus, they have cases with both ready-to-eat hot and cold foods. Selland’s also offers a weekly dinner for 2 special with a bottle of wine, so check out their website for the latest offering.
OBO’ is the sister restaurant to Selland’s and serves a variety of pasta, pizza, salads, and sandwiches. They also offer Meatball Monday specials. OBO’ has two locations: the corner of Folsom Blvd and Seville Way in East Sacramento and in the El Dorado Hills Town Center.
Casa opened in 2023 and has already proven to be a hot spot for Sunday brunch, lunch, or dinner (Closed Mon-Tues). The portions are large, so most items can be shared between two people. For Sunday Brunch, try the breakfast pizza. It’s delicious. Casa also has a variety of other pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and a handful of main entrees to choose from. The location is an old house and has both indoor and outdoor seating.
Mendocino Farms is one of my favorite lunch spots and will provide options for the vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free person in your life. They offer healthy choices of sandwiches, salads, and soups. Plus, their lemonade is pretty tasty. Locations are on R Street in the Ice Blocks, on Freeport Blvd in the “New Raley’s” shopping center, on Fair Oaks Blvd, and in Roseville.
If you want to feel like you’re getting a healthy meal, check out Sweetgreen. They have a variety of grain bowls, salads, and meat/veggie plates to choose from. What’s unique about Sweetgreen is that your meal is primarily prepared by robotic machines, with the humans adding the finishing touches at the end. You can submit your order in-person via touchscreen or through the app. If you choose the app, make sure you are close by to pick it up before it gets cold because the robots will have your meal ready in less than 2 minutes.
Urban Plates, located on Fair Oaks Blvd. near Howe Ave in The Boulevard, is known for using quality ingredients and making everything from scratch. They have a delicious variety of meat/veggie plates, bowls, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. The Chimichurri Grass Fed Steak plate, Moroccan Chicken Braise bowl, and Beets+Avocado Plant Based bowl are some of my favorites.
Crepeville is a great place for crepes, but they also serve sandwiches and other breakfast and lunch items. I had a California Crepe there and highly recommend it. If you’ve already had dinner, go for a dessert crepe. The cinnamon roll crepe is my recommendation (get it without walnuts if you’re allergic). Crepeville also has a great atmosphere with copper-topped tables and tasty iced tea. In addition to Sacramento’s L & 18th St. location, there’s also a Crepeville in Davis on 3rd Street.
Craving some authentic British cuisine? Check out the Fox & Goose Pub, located at 10th & R St. in Downtown Sacramento. Fox & Goose has a variety of dishes ranging from bangers and eggs to Cornish Pasties. You won’t be disappointed. There’s also a plethora of music Wednesday-Saturday nights, Open Mic night on Mondays and Pub Quiz nights on Tuesdays.
top
If you want to try a burger with a different type of meat, check out Flaming Grill Cafe in Sacramento’s Country Club Plaza. They offer regular burgers and vegetarian options, but also give you the choice of Yak, Elk, Ostrich, Buffalo, Alligator, Llama, and Wild Boar as well. The guys there are very friendly and helpful as you make your meat selection. Seating is outdoors under a covered patio, so make sure it’s not too much of a scorcher outside.
I highly recommend Burgers & Brew. There are a few locations (West Sacramento, Davis, Chico, & 14th and R in Sacramento). You may find it packed at lunch time, but the lines move quickly. The hardest part is finding a table outside and the noise level can be a bit loud inside if the crowds are large. The Mushroom and Onion Cheeseburger with Garlic Curly Fries is delicious. Be prepared to leave with dragon breath after any of their regular or curly garlic fries because they’re potent.
I love the fact that they offer regular, mint, lemon, and cucumber waters in pitchers near the bar for those of us who don’t order sodas or beer. Also, even though the lines can be long when the place is packed, my friends and I are able to get our food, enjoy our meal, visit, and be done in an hour. Plus, the portions are large enough for leftovers.
Willie’s is located downtown at 2415 16th St and in Old Sacramento on K St. They have awesome burgers (some with multiple patties and chili), onion rings and wonderful chili cheese fries. There is both inside and outdoor bench seating, which provides for a wonderful eating atmosphere. This is THE place to go.
In Sacramento, there are Buckhorn locations in Land Park and at the UV center on Howe Ave near Fair Oaks Blvd. Buckhorn has a variety of options for meat lovers including burgers, sandwiches, platters of meat, ribs, steak and salads. They also sell meat by the pound, offer a happy hour menu, and have TVs around to catch a game.
top
Majka Pizza
Majka’s owners worked at Berkeley’s Cheeseboard Pizza, known for having one type of vegetarian pizza per day. Majka does something similar by offering one vegeterian pizza per day, but also having a pepperoni or cheese only options. You can buy either a full pizza or by the slice. They also have salad, pasta, and dessert options. You’ll have to check out their website each week to see what the Pizza of the day will be Thursday-Sunday (closed Mon-Wed) and I would recommend pre-ordering so that it’s ready when you arrive. My favorite are their potato pizzas, particularly when brie is the cheese (which isn’t offered often). All I can say is deeee-lish!!!
Chicago Fire offers authentic Chicago and New York style pizza. With locations near 24th and J in Midtown Sacramento, in the Palladio Shopping Center in Folsom, Elk Grove, and in Roseville, the restaurant also offers a cool atmosphere. I’d highly recommend getting the deep dish Chicago-style pizzas (they take a little longer to bake, so be prepared to wait). They’re really good. Don’t miss the dessert pizza. It’s fabulous!
One Speed is one of the hot spots in East Sacramento. Located on Folsom Blvd. near 48th St., One Speed is always busy and there’s a reason why. It’s their food. Known for their pizza, One Speed also serves excellent gnocchi, salads and burgers. They’re closed on Sundays & Mondays, but are ready to serve you Tues-Sat from 4-9pm. A fun fact is that the owner of One Speed also owns Waterboy Restaurant.
There are a few different Roma Pizzerias around, but I’ve found Roma II to be the best. Located way down Folsom Blvd, this is an old school restaurant that has been highlighted by the Food Network as one of the Best Big City Pizzas. Their menu offers many choices of pizza, pasta, soup, and salad. I enjoy their white pizzas and like to choose my own toppings. It’s always good.
Even though it’s a chain, BJ’s serves some really good pizza. Their menu includes pasta, burgers, salads, sandwiches and more, but I’ve only ever had their deep dish pizza. The crust is more like a soft french bread than a harder crust. I would also recommend saving room for a Pizookie, which is a dessert cookie. In the Sacramento area, they have locations in Arden, Folsom, Roseville, Elk Grove and Natomas.
Sampino’s Kitchen at Joe Marty’s
Joe Marty was a baseball player for the former Sacramento Solon’s team and opened a sports bar on Broadway at 15th St, but the Sampino family took it over and turned it into a sports-themed Italian restaurant with delicious food. The restaurant is only open for dinner Thursday-Sunday and it is worth visiting. Reservations are highly recommended because it can get pretty busy. I’ve never had a bad meal here, so try anything on the menu and I’ll bet your tastebuds will be happy.
Mamma Susanna’s Ristorante Italiano
If you love gnocchi, look no further! Located in the River Park area on Carlson Drive, Mamma Susanna’s is an Italian gem. The gnocchi with the gorgonzola cheese sauce is A-MAZING!! This is the tastiest gnocchi dish I have ever had. It comes with a salad and focaccia bread as well. They also serve other delicious Italian dishes and pizzas, but I can’t pull myself away from the gnocchi. The atmosphere is cozy and nicely decorated, the staff is friendly, and this is a good place for a casual dinner to a romantic meal.
Mamma Susanna’s is only open for dinner Tues-Thurs from 4-8pm, Fri-Sat from 4-9pm, and Sundays from 3-8pm. Reservations are recommended.
Another good place for Italian food. They’re known for their 3-course meal with soup or salad, entree, and ice cream for dessert. In Sacramento, you’ll find the Old Spaghetti Factory in both Downtown Sacramento near J & 20th St and on Watt Ave near Arden Way. Additional locations are in Roseville, Rancho Cordova, and Elk Grove. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and even has a train caboose inside to dine in. It’s also a great spot if you have a large group, but be sure to make a reservation.
top
Nopalitos serves Mexican/Southwest food, but the current owners have brought some American items such as pancakes. For breakfast, I highly recommend the Little Cactus Special with green sauce (yes, it contains cactus) or the breakfast burrito with corn and cheese. For lunch, I enjoy the tamale bowl with chili verde or the carnitas burrito. Nopalitos is usually busy during peak meal hours, so try to beat the rush. Their hours are Mon & Sat from 6:30am-2:30pm and Tues-Fri from 6:30am-8pm. They’re closed on Sundays.
Located in East Sacramento on Alhambra Blvd. and on E. Bidwell in Folsom, La Fiesta Taqueria is an excellent place for authentic Mexican food. They provide a variety of tasty food choices (especially burritos), unlimited chips and salsa, and tasty horchata.
Voted “Best of Sacramento” in Sacramento Magazine, Ernesto’s offers a variety of Mexican dishes, at a reasonable price. Ernesto’s is a great place for outdoor summer dining, especially since it’s located downtown (16th & S).
I truly enjoy the chicken/Guanajuato enchiladas and the carnitas quesadilla at Zocalo. They’re the only dishes I order over and over again. The meat is delicious and they provide chips served with beans and salsa. YUM!
The atmosphere outside in Midtown is nice on a sunny day and it can get pretty loud inside. With the high ceilings, noise carries…if the place is packed, you’re not going to have a nice, quiet meal. I’ve also been here for a baby shower in the adjacent room, which was very nice if you’re looking for a place to hold a party. Other locations include the UV center on Howe Ave, Roseville and Folsom.
Chipotle is a chain with numerous locations. All of their food is extremely fresh and well-priced. The burritos and burrito bowls are my favorite. The set-up is like a cafeteria line, in which you choose your item and select what goes into it. Delicious and good for the budget-conscious.
Located on Arden Way in a pink building, Kico’s offers authentic Mexican food at good prices. I’d recommend buying a combo to get the most for your money.
top
This is my latest go-to for Avocado Green Curry and Pad Thai. Coconut on T has a nice variety of rolls, soups, and entrees to choose from with excellent flavor. They also have happy hour specials from 4-6pm. If you’re going to dine in, get there early on Fridays and Saturdays because it can get busy. They’re closed on Sundays.
I come to TBar when I’m looking for a healthy option because they offer fusion bowls, wraps, and other specialties. They also have a plethora of tea-based drinks to choose from. Located on Capitol & 27th, next to B Street Theatre, TBar is a great place to grab lunch or a meal before or after a play. They’re open everyday from 11am-8pm and I would recommend downloading their app and ordering in advance if you’re in a hurry.
I consider Kru to be a more upscale Japanese and sushi establishment. It’s a great place for a date, business meal, or a night out with friends. I visited to celebrate a recent birthday, sat outside on their patio, and had a lovely meal. All of the food was fresh and beautifully presented. My family still raves about it.
If you’re looking for a sushi place that is tasty with good prices, Arigato Sushi is for you. Rolls are always 1/2 off, service is good, and there is a wide selection of items to choose from. My favorite rolls are the Happy and KK Special. The fish is fresh and everything is well-prepared.
Arigato Sushi can be pretty busy at night, so I would advise coming in earlier in the evening before all of the crowds. The location in Sacramento is in a small shopping center near Howe Ave & Arden Way. There’s also a location in Roseville.
Sushi Cafe
Located on Freeport Blvd near Sutterville in the Land Park area of Sacramento, Sushi Cafe offers delicious, fresh sushi, ramen bowls, tempura, and bento boxes. They also have Saki flights, if you’re into Saki. It can get pretty busy during dinner hours, so I would recommend arriving early.
Taiko Sushi is located in Folsom on Bidwell across from the Old Navy Shopping Center. Taiko has great, well-priced Japanese food. I’d recommend a Tiger roll along with a Bento Box. It’ll fill you up and you’ll leave happy.
This is a wonderful place to get great sushi and sashimi. It is a bit pricey though. A good place for a nice date. Mikuni has multiple locations: Sacramento, Davis, Roseville, Fair Oaks, & Elk Grove.
If you enjoy bahn mi sandwiches, THIS is the place to go. Located in the Little Saigon district of Sacramento, on Stockton Blvd., Duc Huong creates delicious sandwiches full of flavorful ingredients. They also bake their own sandwich rolls. There is sometimes a line, but the wait isn’t terrible and it’s definitely worth your time for the amazing sandwiches they serve. top
Open since 1940, Gunther’s is a Sacramento landmark. All of their ice cream is homemade and soo delicious. My favorite flavor is Fudge Brownie, which I like to pair in a double kiddie with the flavor of the month. They also have fruit freezes, which is frozen slushy juice. I love the orange. If you’re craving ice cream or something cold on a hot day, definitely go to Gunther’s. Even if it’s cooler outside, they have indoor seating as well. Gunther’s ice cream is also sold around the county at a variety of locations.
Looking for a tasty ice cream treat? Try Leatherby’s on Arden Way. Family-owned since 1984, Leatherby’s will provide you with wonderful ice cream at a reasonable price. Some of the top items among my friends are the black and tan and the black and white (my favorite). Leatherby’s also serves food, such as burgers.
If you’re looking for ice cream that has unique flavors, like Honey Lavender or Cinnamon Snickerdoodle check out Salt & Straw. It’s a chain that recently expanded to Sacramento’s Ice Blocks at R and 17th St and has been a hit. They do have regular flavors for those whose tastebuds aren’t that adventurous.
If you’re looking for an excellent, fresh donut, go to Marie’s on Freeport Blvd (Curtis Park/Land Park area). They have a wide variety to choose from, are well-priced, and the staff is friendly. I’m partial to the Chocolate Bar & Round Apple Fritter.
Located in the Land Park area, Freeport Bakery is THE PLACE to go for excellent cakes. The Blackout Cake is my choice. Mmmmm… They also make great pastries and offer custom cake decorating. People travel far and wide for a Freeport Bakery cake.
Venus Taproom (formerly Barrio Cafe) is a spot in South Land Park on 35th Ave that offers delicious coffee and pastries, but also full meals that include quiche, burritos, sandwiches, salads, empanadas and pizza. I’m partial to their cinnamon roll croissant, called “The Best Thing Ever”. They’re amazingly delicious!
This coffee shop is located in Folsom. It has a nice outdoor atmosphere and is walking distance to Old Folsom and the walking trails along the river. They also have a nice breakfast and lunch menu.
A Merlino’s Freeze is similar to a slushy or icee. They’re very tasty and come in 4 different flavors. Orange is the original flavor. There are a few Merlino’s stands around the county, including within the River Cats Baseball stadium and at the Music Circus UC Davis Health Pavilion on H St, but the original building is on Folsom Blvd and is now a Mr. Pickles sandwich shop. Mr. Pickles still sells Merlino’s.
Places to Go & Things to See
There are a ton of museums throughout Sacramento to visit and learn about the history of the City or be educated about a variety of topics. Some of my top museum recommendations are the California Museum, Leland Stanford Mansion, California Automobile Museum, Crocker Art Museum, Sutter’s Fort, California State Railroad Museum, and the Museum of Medical History.
Sacramento is home to the Wide Open Walls mural festival, held every August-September. The festival creations have brought a multitude of new murals to Sacramento each year. Take a self-guided mural tour or find one of the guided options available. You are sure to enjoy the talents of artists that are both local and from around the world.
Sacramento is full of live music, whether it be concerts, festivals, or a local band jamming nearby. Check out the following spots for the latest live music events:
Comedy Shows
Enjoy some laughs from local and touring comedians at:
Enjoy a bit of trivia? There are a number of venues that offer trivia nights. Here are a few:
- Sundays- Streets Pub & Grub @ 8pm
- Tuesdays- Bike Dog in West Sac @ 7pm, The Cabin @ 7pm, Lucid Winery @ 7pm
- Wednesdays- Kupros @ 7pm, Hop Gardens @ 6:30pm, Bike Dog on Broadway @ 7pm, Garden at the Line @ 7pm
- Thursdays- Fox & Goose @ 7pm, Henry’s Lounge @ 6:30pm, Lefty’s Taproom @ 7:30pm, Bike Dog in East Sac @ 7pm
If you happen to be in Sacramento on the 2nd Saturday of a month, head to Midtown & Downtown Sacramento for a chance to see what some local Sacramento artists are creating. Many businesses transform into art galleries and there is also music and street performers to keep you entertained. Most galleries are in the vicinity of K & J St. and the mid-20th Street areas, but there are also some on the outskirts. Visit the above link for a map of all the locations.
This is one of the largest farmers markets in California and is open on Sundays from 8am-noon year round (excluding years when Christmas Day falls on a Sunday). Come out and grab fresh veggies, fruit, meat, flowers, and more. This market is located beneath Hwy 50, across from Southside Park. It spans between W & X Streets and 6th to 8th Streets.
The Crocker Art museum not only houses some beautiful art, but it’s all held in an old house that has a character of it’s own. It’s easy to spent hours here. It’s located in Downtown Sacramento near 2nd and 0 St. On 10/10/10, The Crocker opened a new, expanded portion of the museum. I will admit that I get a bit lost in there now, but it’s still worth a gander.
This is an old Swiss Fort that is one of the oldest landmarks in Sacramento. It’s relatively inexpensive to visit and takes you back in time. This is a hot spot for elementary school field trips.
Old Sacramento gives visitors the feeling that they’ve stepped into the old west. The buildings and shops are historical landmarks. This is a fun place to walk and window shop. You can walk along the river, go to the Train Museum, take an Underground Tour, and try on a multitude of hats in the hat shop.
Have a meal, enjoy a drink, stay the night, or attend a murder mystery event aboard the 100+ year old Delta King. Located in Old Sacramento, the Delta King is a permanently docked river steamboat that serves as an event venue and restaurant.
Enchambered is one of the top Escape Rooms in Sacramento. Gather your friends, teams, or family to solve puzzles within a set timeframe. It’s a great way to use your noggin to decipher riddles, pick apart clues, and earn your way out of the room.
Shadow Glen Riding Stables, located in Fair Oaks, offers trail rides along the American River at Lake Natoma. All horseback rides are fully guided by certified wranglers knowledgeable of the area. Some of the wildlife you may encounter include Mule Deer, North American Coyote, Black-Tail Jackrabbit, Western Gray, and Douglas Squirrel, Turkey Vultures, and Red-tailed Hawk. You will also see Nimbus Dam, evidence of the historic mining in the area, native plants, trees, wildlife, and waterfowl.
Sacramento State’s Planetarium
Explore the cosmos at Sac State’s Planetarium, hosted by University faculty members. Public shows are available for $5 every month. There are also occasional music shows for $15.
Pack a picnic and enjoy a free concert every Saturday evening in June starting at 6pm. These events are held at a different East Sacramento Park each week, with the order being East Portal Park, Bertha Henschel Park, McKinley Park & Glenn Hall Park. People bring their blankets, chairs, folding tables, and families out to these well-attended community concert events. I would recommend arriving early to park and get a spot. In fact, some people come during the morning to lay out their blankets and save their spot.
I think this is the most beautiful park in all of the Sacramento area. It’s located near H St. and 33rd St. It has a rose garden to sit and walk in, a pond with water fowl, public swimming pool, tennis courts, large grassy areas for frisbee and other games and a wooden castle for children to climb on. Plus, the McKinley Library is also on the grounds.
William Land Park is within the Land Park neighborhood and houses the Sacramento Zoo, Fairytale Town, Funderland, a Rock Garden, Sacramento’s oldest 9-hole golf course, and many areas for picnics. It’s also a great place to walk, meander, or enjoy one of the three ponds with ducks and geese.
Fabulous 40s Christmas Lights via carriage ride by Top Hand Ranch Carriage Company
If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to view the Fabulous 40s Christmas Lights in East Sacramento, try it on a horse drawn carriage or wagon! You can also view the lights on foot (it’s a long walk to see them all) or by car (prepare for gridlock and lines closer to Christmas and on weekend evenings).
Sacramento Historic City Cemetery is located on Broadway at Riverside Blvd. You can tour the cemetery on your own or purchase tickets to one of their many tours, where you’ll learn more about the people buried there and life in Sacramento during the 1800s. You’ll even see the graves of famous people who helped build Sacramento or just died there including John Sutter Jr., various Legislators, and William S. Hamilton, son of Alexander Hamilton. The most popular tours each year are the nighttime Lantern Tours on Fridays and Saturdays in October. Ticket sales are the main fundraiser for the Old City Cemetery Committee and sell out fast. Members of the Old City Cemetery Committee have the opportunity to purchase Lantern Tours before the general public, so I recommend joining for that reason alone.
Located on 10th and L Streets, the State Capitol is one of our local treasures. Not enough locals take advantage of the free tours at the Capitol, where you can see wonderful pieces of art, sculptures, and ornate architecture. It’s a great way to spend a couple hours, especially if it’s gloomy outside. If you’re lucky, you may be able to see the Senate or House in session or may catch a glimpse of the Governor walking the halls.
This is located on the grounds of the State Capitol on L and 27th St. There are a few war memorials to visit here as well and you can always take a tour of the Capitol. While there, be sure to say hello to a squirrel.
A rails to trails project, the 5-mile Del Rio Trail opened in 2024 and serves as a bike and pedestrian trail from the Sacramento Zoo to the south end of the Pocket neighborhood. It connects on both ends with the Sacramento River Bike Trail. Along the route are various art pieces as well. This trail is a wonderful way to stretch your legs and enjoy one of the many outdoor activities that Sacramento has to offer.
Located Downtown on K St, this is one of Sacramento’s independent and foreign film houses. I’ve enjoyed seeing some great films here. It’s got a great atmosphere, has been renovated to it’s old glory and is a fun place to watch a flick.
The Tower Theatre in Land Park is another great place to catch an independent film. Open since 1938, the interior of the Tower has been magnificently restored and is a wonderful place to watch films not shown in most theatres. The Sacramento French Film Festival is also held here in May and stay tuned for Hitchocktober every October when Alfred Hitchock films are shown on Wednesday evenings. If you’re into organ music, the Tower also offers organ music concerts on Saturdays at 6:30pm.
This drive-in is located off Hwy. 50 at the Bradshaw exit. It’s a great place to watch a double feature in the summer. Tuesday nights are family night and it only costs $7.50 per adult and $2 per child. Otherwise, it’s $9 per adult and $2 per child. There is always a double feature, even if the marquee doesn’t say there is.
SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC)
The SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity is the perfect place to spend time with your friends and family. MOSAC is filled with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and events for all ages — it’s an ideal community-gathering spot to meet new people.
Sacramento River Cats Baseball
Enjoy a day out at the ball field. The Sacramento River Cats are a AAA team that plays in West Sacramento. Games are a fun way to spend time with friends and have some hotdogs. You can get cheap $5 tickets, which put you on a grassy hill above the outfield, so bring your chairs or blankets. Stadium seats are a little more expensive. The highest ticket price is $18.
Located off I-5 in Galt, Cosumnes River Preserve is a beautiful nature preserve that provides places to observe birds, walk the grounds, paddle the river, and learn more about protecting the environment. There are guided and self-guided tour options available.
This 500-acre recreational lake is a watersports hub and a great place for a day out. Locals usually go sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding here, since equipment rentals are readily available at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center. You can also stroll or jog around the scenic paved trails, have a picnic, or unwind with a good book in the many open spaces. Lake Natomas is known for having some of the smoothest water around, making it a great practice spot for rowing athletes.
Located off Hwy 50 at Hazel Ave (near Lake Natomas), the Nimbus Hatchery raises Chinook salmon and steelhead for release to the American River. The Nimbus Hatchery Visitor Center offers free fun and educational activities for children and adults of all ages. Enjoy the on-site nature trail along the American River to view wildlife, as well as the American River Parkway trail directly adjacent to the Nimbus Hatchery.
The salmon run occurs in fall, with hatchery operations taking place from the beginning of November through mid-December. The steelhead trout run occurs in winter, with hatchery operations taking place from January through February.
Folsom Outlets
Just as good as a big mall, but with low prices, the Folsom Outlets will probably have everything you would ever need when it comes to clothes, housewares, shoes, and other items. It’s one of the best outlet centers around.
Want to head outside Sacramento? Here are some places to check out in counties surrounding Sacramento:
Hiking
There are a ton of great trails all over the Greater Sacramento area and even toward the Bay Area. Check out AllTrails for spots to hike. There are many trails are near Auburn, including beneath the Forest Hill Bridge as well as in El Dorado County, overlooking Folsom Lake. There are many ways to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Amador County
Amador County wineries, located just one hour outside Sacramento in the Sierra Foothills, are famous for their bold, heritage Zinfandels and rich Mediterranean reds. This rustic Gold Rush region is home to over 50 boutique, family-owned estates that offer a warm, approachable, and unpretentious tasting experience. If you’re in the area in early October, be sure not to miss the Big Crush Harvest Wine Festival.
Known as the “Jewel of the Mother Lode,” downtown Sutter Creek is a postcard-perfect Gold Rush town. Nestled along Historic Highway 49, its highly walkable Main Street features 19th-century filigreed balconies, boutique shops, wine tasting rooms, and acclaimed restaurants.
Hosted by the Italian Benevolent Society since 1882, the Italian Picnic and Parade is held on the first full weekend in June. Enjoy live music, carnival rides, food, beverages, and all-you-can-eat chicken and ravioli dinner, and lots of BINGO for prizes during the weekend event. The event is capped by a Sunday morning Parade down Main Street in Sutter Creek, featuring local non-profits, youth groups, elected officials, first responders, and local businesses.
El Dorado County
Apple Hill
Located between Placerville and Camino, Apple Hill is a community of multiple apple farms, Christmas tree farms, wineries, and berry picking fields. During the Fall, it is a popular place to visit for apples, apple donuts, pies, crafts, and more. My favorite stops in the fall include High Hill Ranch (open year round for apple donuts, apple fritters, and various apple products), Rainbow Orchards (for freshly made apple cider donuts), Apple Pantry Farm (for apple crisp), and Larsen Apple Barn (closed Saturdays). In the summer, try blueberry picking at Rainbow Camino Ridge. It’s a fun family event!
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
This is the spot where James Marshall discovered gold and set off the California Gold Rush. Learn the history of the area, explore what life was like in the 1800s, and see remnants of the Gold Rush era. There are also a number of hiking spots nearby to get your steps in.
This is a great spot to hike, camp, swim, boat, and enjoy the forest. Many Sacramento natives have great memories of going to 5th-6th grade Science camp at Sly Park. The hike around the lake provides beautiful views and a waterfall.
Discover the history and legend behind “Old Hangtown” while visiting downtown Placerville. Peruse the shops, enjoy the restaurants, and be transported back in time to the Gold Rush Era that helped create this town. There are events held downtown throughout the year, providing many ways to connect, explore, and enjoy the foothills.
Sip and savor while enjoying the serene scenes in Placerville and Camino. El Dorado’s mountain vineyards are on steep hillsides with warm summer days and cool nights. It’s an environment that gives wines luscious fruit, an alluring balance, refreshing vibrancy, and well-structured balance. As one of California’s oldest wine regions, El Dorado is incredibly diverse. Some of the wineries in the area include Boeger Winery, Madrona Vineyards, Gwinllin Estates, and David Girard Vineyards.
Lake Tahoe
Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet
Located in Tahoe, this is a great place for sandwiches and soup. It’s all very tasty and has a wide selection of bread to choose from. They also have a spread of wonderful desserts. All I can say is “Yum”.
Sunnyside Steakhouse & Lodge ($$)
If you’re looking for a great steak or just want a wonderful dining experience, visit Sunnyside on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. The interior of the restaurant has a bit of a cabin feel, but can also serve as a romantic dining location. On a nice day, you can also sit outside by the Lake. It’s a beautiful view. Sunnyside is known for their Crispy Zucchini Sticks, so they are a MUST when visiting. All of the other food is excellent as well.
Nevada County
Heartwood Eatery & Annex (Nevada City)
Heartwood is a delicious spot to grab seasonal dishes ranging from avocado toast to noodle bowls. Enjoy brunch or lunch at heartwood Eatery from 10am-4pm and dinner at Heartwood Annex from 4-8:30pm. Also be sure to walk the 16-acre Gold Rush-era historic district in historic downtown Nevada City.
Placer County
Located in Loomis, 25 miles east of Sacramento up I-80, is High-Hand Nursery. Even if you’re not interested in gardening, High-Hand has an excellent restaurant as well. They’re open Tuesday-Friday, 11a-3p, and Saturday-Sunday from 9a-3p. The food at High Hand Cafe is excellent and they offer delicious seasonal meals, including an amazing peach salad during summer months.
Il Pizzaiolo is a wood fired pizza place in Loomis that is popular with locals. All of their ingredients are homemade or imported from Italy. You won’t be disappointed with any of their pizzas because they are delicious with a crispy crust.
If you’re looking for a milkshake, Taylors has over 300 options to fit the bill. They also have tasty hamburgers and fries. They’re located in Old Town Loomis and have an outdoor dining area…or you can walk your food over to the nearby park to relax and enjoy.
Located in Rocklin, this Cafe is housed within a garden and home decor warehouse. They serve breakfast and lunch and offer daily scone offerings that are delicious. This is a great spot for a group and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
If you really want to get your shopping on, head to Roseville to the Galleria. This mall is MASSIVE and I tend to get lost. However, the Galleria has almost every store you could ever want in one location.
Yes, the Olympic sport of curling (on ice) is played at Skatetown in Roseville. Learn to curl with the Wine Country Curling Club! Participants learn ice safety, proper sliding and stone-throwing techniques, sweeping fundamentals, and game strategy, usually culminating in a fun, modified mini-game. Plus, you get two lessons for the price of one! It’s a great way to learn a new sport and find a community devoted to the sport of curling.
Solano County
Love Jelly Beans? Check out the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield. The tour is a delicious learning experience about how Jelly Belly jelly beans are made. You can even take home a bag of Belly Flops, which are jelly beans that aren’t perfect enough to be sold in retail shops.
Yolo County
Be sure to check out the quaint town of Winters while exploring Yolo County. While there, you will find a Preserve, a hip bar & eatery offering local, seasonal grub, including brunch, plus craft beers & cocktails. This is a great spot to stop when taking a drive to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. I highly recommend visiting Preserve.
Interested in learning about bats? During summer months, the Yolo Basin Foundation offers Bat Walk & Talk tours where you’re able to learn about bats and view them flying out at dusk under the Yolo Causeway to catch their evening meal. Tickets go on sale June 1st, so be sure to visit their website and get yours before dates sell out.
The Mondavi Center is located on the UC Davis campus. It’s a new facility that features well-known speakers, dance companies and musical groups. I have been there once to see a Bach symphony. It is an upscale event that you will want to dress up for.
UC Davis Arboretum & Public Garden
The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden spans the campus’s 5300-plus acres and includes the historic Arboretum – a 100-plus acre campus and regional amenity comprised of demonstration gardens and scientific collections as well as the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve – a rare stream and grassland ecosystem managed for teaching, research, wildlife and habitat protection. The Arboretum and Public Garden is free to visit (parking fees apply on campus) and a great way to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors on the UC Davis campus.
Boasting one of the highest concentrations of organic farms in Northern California, the Capay Valley is a serene rural streth in northwestern Yolo County. Famous for its tight-knit communities, sustainable organic farming, and outdoor recreation, it offers a peaceful, farm-to-table escape away from the crowds of more heavily commercialized wine regions. Be sure to visit the towns of Guinda, Esparto, Rumsey, Madison, Capay, and Brooks, all of which feature picturesque landscapes and farmland. It’s an ideal day trip away from the city and a great spot for photography.
Operated by River Fox, the rail bikes in West Sacramento offer a 10-mile guided round-trip adventure along the historic Yolo County countryside tracks. Each bike seats two people and the journey takes riders past lush farmland, sunflower fields, and scenic riverfronts on tracks originally built in 1922.
Even further away from Sacramento…
Sonoma
The Girl and the Fig
A 90 minute drive from Sacramento will take you to the quaint town of Sonoma, where you’ll find The Girl and the Fig restaurant on Sonoma Square. The restaurant serves as a great place for lunch or dinner, business lunch, or date night. I highly recommend their quiche, which I find amazingly delicious. It comes with a side salad and shoestring french fries. YUM!
Modesto
The Cheesecake Kitchen
Anyone that knows me knows that I love cheesecake brownies and bring them to my friends whenever I visit Modesto. The Cheesecake Kitchen is the place to go for these $1.50 morsels of chocolate and cheesecake goodness.
El Rosal and Damian Restaurant
El Rosal is my absolute favorite place to go for Mexican food. There are multiple locations in Modesto, Riverbank, and Patterson, so you don’t have to travel far to find one. I love their salsa and chips, tacos, tamales, enchiladas…I love everything. Damian Restaurant is owned by the same family.
Any recommendations? Let me know.
top
