3 Reasons to Put Sacramento on Your California Travel Itinerary

When it comes to a California vacation, cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego tend to hog all the attention. But Sacramento, the state’s capital, is an often-underrated destination that deserves to be on every family traveler’s itinerary this year.

With a mild climate, beautiful landscape and welcoming allure of a large city with a small-town vibe, it’s hard to not fall in love at first sight with Sacramento. The city is also ripe with fun sites and attractions, making it a great destination for families. Read on to learn three reasons why Sacramento should be on your next travel itinerary.

© Aretha Thomas

Unique Sites

Sacramento is home to some pretty unique attractions, like Tower Bridge. This vertical lift bridge is painted a brilliant shade of gold and features two identical towers. It stands as a landmark embodying California’s nickname — the Golden State — and symbolizes the city’s connection to the Gold Rush.

The Historic Waterfront

While other California locales might have beautiful beaches and bustling boardwalks, Sacramento’s Old Waterfront District gives them a run for their money. This downtown hot spot features everything you could want all in one space, with more than 125 shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions. It also hosts seasonal events, live entertainment and incredible views of the river with its majestic Tower Bridge standing sentinel. The Waterfront offers plenty of excitement for families, whether looking to take a ride on a Ferris wheel, explore local history at one of the museums, take a relaxing carriage ride around the neighborhood or enjoy a riverboat ride along the river.

© Aretha Thomas

So Many Great Museums

Sacramento museums offer an incredible glimpse into the past with an assortment of museums, offering something for everyone. Car enthusiasts love California Automobile Museum, while California State Railroad Museum is perfect for train lovers. Smaller spots like Huntington & Hopkins Hardware, located in Old Sacramento Historic State Park, offer a taste of life from a bygone era, while Sacramento History Museum gives a unique introduction to the history of the area. At this museum, the Old Sacramento Underground Tour teaches visitors how the city recovered from devastating floods in the late 1800s.