Sacramento

As one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the Golden State, Sacramento dazzles visitors with its expansive menu of diversions. The capital city’s long stretches of riverside play host to epic bike trails and nearby wildlife reserves. As the hub for the Central Valley’s thriving agricultural industries, the city’s bounty of regional tastes and flavors come alive at farm-to-table restaurants that have become culinary legends. History lovers relish the city’s fascinating Gold Rush-era museums and buildings — a past that the city celebrates with gusto.

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Capital Ideas

Old Sacramento is the city’s major tourist draw. Boasting California’s largest and grandest ensemble of historic buildings, the district oozes Gold Rush charm with cobblestone streets and wooden sidewalks lined with restored buildings. Warehouses have been recast as innovative restaurants, loft spaces, artist’s studios, galleries and boutiques. At the heart of the district, the California State Railroad Museum celebrates Sacramento’s status as the western terminus of the Transcontinental Railroad with a polished collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century steam engines. A short walk away, the Crocker Art Museum showcases contemporary artists from across the globe.

River Wild

At the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers, Sacramento offers everything from kayaking, fishing and water skiing to gentle floats down the American River. Architecture buffs can take in the city’s historic buildings on a cruise from historic Folsom to Sacramento, while day-trippers can experience whitewater thrills on the American River. A 40-minute drive northeast of Sacramento, the 12,000-acre Folsom Lake is a popular destination for activities on land and water, including kayaking, tubing and fishing for trout, catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass. On the west side of Folsom Lake, Granite Bay’s sandy beach and excellent amenities, including a boat ramp, draw families year-round.

Trail of the Unexpected

The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, known locally as the American River Bike Trail, is a glorious 32-mile route that snakes from Folsom to Old Sacramento along the banks of the American River and provides runners, bikers and hikers with trail access to numerous parks and recreation areas. For budding naturalists, the 16,000-acre Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area teams with more than 200 species of birds and 40 species of fish. Wetlands and riparian woodlands provide sanctuary to waterfowl, neotropical migratory birds and raptors.

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City on the Move

Rising over the city with a monumental cupola and gleaming white columns and pediments, California’s State Capitol was built in 1869 and is one of the state’s architectural high-water marks. Tours take in both the building and 40-acre Capitol Park that includes a rose garden, trees from all over the world and memorials dedicated to different facets of California history.

Festival Fun

A robust lineup of festivals and events stand testimony to Sacramento’s thriving food, arts and nightlife scene. In May, the annual Pacific Rim Street Fest in Old Sacramento features eclectic dance performances, live music, food and crafts that represent Asian and Pacific Island cultures. In July, the 17-day California State Fair is the mother of all summer festivals, with world-class live music, horse racing and a steampunk event.

For More Information

Visit Sacramento

800-292-2334

www.visitsacramento.com

Visit California

877-225-4367

www.visitcalifornia.com