Sacramento Travel Guide for Adventure and Simplicity
Make the most of your time in Sacramento, California with this simple travel guide based on our adventures.
Sacramento seems to be the forgotten city of California which seems crazy since it's the Capitol. Everyone always talks about the bigger cities and misses out on this gem.
We were also guilty of skimming over Sacramento until a job assignment put us only an hour away. Now, it's one of our favorite pit stops when traveling through Northern California.
Make sure to put Sacramento on your California travel bucket list. It has a big city vibe but with fewer crowds and a more laid back atmosphere.
Disclosure: Links throughout the Mindful Nomadics site may make us a small commission at no additional cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure for more information.
Contents
Where to Stay
Delta King
If you want to stay in the coolest hotel in Sacramento then look no further. It's Delta King, a boat on the Sacramento River.
We're pretty sure the boat doesn't actually move on the river anymore but it is on the water and it is a real boat. The riverboat is restored but they kept the original look.
It has the same feel from the 1920's when it was originally built and gives you major Titanic vibes. But the cool Titanic vibes, not the bad ones with a tragic end.
Even if you don't want to stay overnight, at least check it out for drinks or a meal. There is seating on the deck letting you enjoy an up-close and personal view of the river.
Hyatt Regency
We love our Hyatts and the Hyatt Regency is perfect when visiting Sacramento. The outside still has it's original feel but the inside is modern and very luxurious.
Since you're located in the city you wake up to city views and only have a short walk to start exploring. From the hotel, you can reach the Capitol, Old Town, and plenty of restaurants.
They also have amenities on-site including a restaurant, a fitness center, and on-site parking. It is a great place to stay downtown to start your Sacramento adventures.
Where to Eat
Candy Heaven
You might be thinking, come on a candy store is not a place to eat but in the Schaub Household, it is. That's one of the perks of being an adult, you can eat candy for dinner (or any meal if you're Phil).
Candy Heaven is one of the biggest and coolest candy stores we have ever been to. You get these baskets to carry around with you and can put in as much candy as you want from overfilled barrels around the store.
You pay by the pound so be careful because if you're anything like us you will easily drop $80. Yes, we really are two grown adults who spent $80 on candy.
There are free samples in the store so you can snack while shopping. The best part is the variety as you will find candy here that you can't find anywhere else.
Anna's Vegan Cafe
The best part about visiting bigger cities is being able to find a good vegan restaurant. We're not talking about a restaurant that happens to have some vegan items on the menu but a full-blown vegan everything cafe.
Anna's Vegan Cafe offers an all-vegan menu that mimics non-vegan staples. The only negative is that's it's located slightly out of the city so you may need to drive there.
Capitol Garage
What's a vacation without brunch? In the eyes of Kelsey, if there's no brunch did you even go on vacation?
The best brunch spot in Sacramento is Capitol Garage, hands down. They have bottomless mimosas and a unique take on breakfast faves.
Since it's such a great spot, be prepared for a wait, and always try to make a reservation. Even with just the two of us we called ahead and still had a few minutes of waiting for a table.
The restaurant has lunch and dinner in addition to brunch but we think the brunch is where it's at. They also have amazing vegan options that taste so good you wouldn't even know it was animal product free.
What to Do
California State Capitol Museum
If you love a good tourist spot then the State Capitol Museum is perfect. Technically we've never actually been inside but we always love the view of visiting the outside.
If you can't stop by in person, they offer virtual tours that are perfect for those traveling from home.
Old Town
We would describe the Old Town Water District as a blast from the past. Since it's a historic landmark, it doesn't look like it's from the olden days...it IS from the olden days.
The cobble street roads and fancy architecture take you back in time. Of course, the whole town follows the theme and you can find unique stores to check out.
The best part is the modern twist found in the area. There are restaurants, bars, you name it. Everything you need for a fun night out.
John C. Fremont Park
When we travel we try to stay as healthy as possible. That's why in any city you will find a park on our go-to list and for Sacramento, this park is the one.
We love this park because it's easy to get to and has lots of space for activities. It's also the perfect spot for a picnic so grab some sandwiches and head on over.
Chalk festival
If you plan your trip right you can check out the Chalk it Up Chalk Festival. We had stumbled upon the festival one year and it's unlike anything else.
Located all over the city are works of art made with chalk and their website has a map of where to find everything. It's a fun way to see art while also supporting those who took the time to participate.
The main part of the festival is in Fremont Park topped with vendors and musical performers. It's a cool event you don't want to miss.
Travel with simplicity for the ultimate adventure. Use our simple travel guide to explore like us and get the most out of your vacation.
Our travel vibe blends discovery and leisure. When we travel we enjoy our downtime but also make sure to experience each destination.
We hope our travel guide for Sacramento, California will inspire you and help you plan your next trip. It's the perfect Cali city that needs to be on your next west coast road trip. Happy Adventuring!