Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Downtown Sacramento

Downtown Sacramento was established during the prosperous Gold Rush period and has continuously evolved. Flourishing through commerce and industry, the city became the capital of California in the mid-1800s.

Often referred to simply as DT Sac, Downtown Sacramento is bordered by the Sacramento River to the west and the American River to the north, making it one of the most picturesque waterfront downtowns in the United States.

A remarkable way to explore Sacramento is through the Downtown Historical Food Tour.

For those who prioritize cultural engagement, DT Sac offers a wealth of options. The downtown district features numerous esteemed art galleries, theaters, and museums, along with historical architecture and premier sports facilities. Here are fifteen top activities to experience in Downtown Sacramento.

1. Sacramento Historic Boat Cruise

Embark on the Capitol Hornblower at its dock along the Sacramento River near Front Street, ascend to the sun deck, and unwind while cruising downstream past the impressive skyline of Downtown Sacramento.

This two-deck riverboat accommodates up to 120 passengers for an hour-long journey, complete with an informative narration about the history of DT Sac.

For those disinterested in history, you can opt for the hour and a half Alive After Five or Rock The Yacht cruise that offers full bar service and music from DJs, all against the backdrop of DT at night.

2. The California Museum

The California Museum located on O Street is essential for uncovering the rich historical narratives linked to Downtown Sacramento and the state of California.

The museum features over twenty thousand square feet of gallery space dedicated to the significant contributors to the district, tracing history from indigenous communities to the gold rush and into contemporary times.

Interactive exhibitions include a boarding bus and an in-house theater showcasing the impact of Hollywood’s representation of the state.

3. Golden 1 Center

The Golden 1 Center serves as a versatile indoor arena located on David J Stern Walk in Downtown Sacramento. It is the home ground for the Sacramento Kings, hosting their major NBA matches along with various sports events and concerts.

With a spectator capacity of 19,000 and approximately 50 private VIP lounges, the venue provides food and beverage options at all levels, including pop-up food carts that prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Beyond the Kings’ games, expect performances from diverse artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Bob Seger, Justin Timberlake, and Metallica.

4. Sactown Bike Bus Tour

The Sactown Bike Bus is uniquely designed to combine the elements of a bicycle and a bus. Begin your adventure on Downtown’s J Street, where you can experience both pedaling and socializing.

This guide-driven Sactown Bus-bike can accommodate up to fifteen passengers and features an onboard misting system for warm evenings, including beer taps and karaoke.

Guests can choose between a two-hour bar crawl visiting some of DT’s most vibrant pubs or enjoy a leisurely pedal around notable locations. Both experiences are enjoyable, and the Sac Brew Boat offers another fun alternative covered later.

5. Crocker Art Museum

The Crocker Art Museum on O Street is dedicated to showcasing art to the public for over 125 years.

Constructed in the early 1870s, the gallery now encompasses over 140,000 square feet of exhibition space and possesses one of the most expansive collections of Californian art globally, alongside numerous works from around the world.

Regular events, including film nights and concerts, are also hosted in the museum’s auditorium.

6. Dive Bar

Experience the extraordinary aquatic ambiance at the Dive Bar on K Street in Downtown Sacramento. This establishment differentiates itself from the typical dive bar experience.

Adorned with plush leather seating, chandeliers, and a 7,500-gallon aquarium behind the bar, it is a favored gathering spot for mermaids, mermen, and Sacramento locals.

After the mermaid performances, revelers can hit the dance floor as DJs spin a variety of techno, house, and hip-hop tracks.

7. Downtown Commons

Downtown Commons, referred to as DOCO, is a retail and entertainment hub situated along J Street in Downtown Sacramento.

This multi-story shopping complex attracts crowds with its upscale retail stores and a diverse array of dining options. Shoppers can find well-known brands from department stores like Macy’s to specialty ice cream purveyors like Häagen-Dazs.

Once evening falls and stores close, numerous bars and restaurants offer vibrant nightlife, or patrons can enjoy a movie at the Century DOCO and XD cinema.

8. Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park

Resembling a French château, the Leland Stanford Mansion represents a historical oasis of luxury among the skyscrapers of Downtown Sacramento.

Constructed in the late 1850s by a building contractor, the mansion was later acquired by railroad magnate and state governor, Leland Stanford. After serving various purposes over the years, it is now a national landmark and museum set within landscaped grounds.

Touring the mansion reveals the exquisite interior, featuring opulent period furnishings—a fascinating insight into the luxurious lifestyle of its time.

9. Capital Casino

For an exhilarating night out in Downtown Sacramento, visit the Capital Casino on North 16th Street.

This venue features Sacramento’s premier poker rooms, offering five variations of the game, including Omaha Hi-low, Texas Hold’em, and Pai Gow poker.

For those who prefer dining over gaming, the casino restaurant serves flavorful options such as Chicken Fried Steak and Midwest Meatloaf prepared based on a proprietary recipe. After a long night, the Eggs Benedict or Corned Beef Hash and Eggs provide a satisfying start to the day.

10. World Peace Rose Garden

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the State Capitol Park in Downtown Sacramento, leading to the eastern end, where you will find the half-acre World Peace Rose Garden.

This garden, designed to evoke a Victorian atmosphere, features over 140 plaques inscribed with messages of peace amidst 650 blossoming rose bushes.

With a heart-shaped seating wall encircling its central pavilion, the World Peace Rose Garden serves as a tranquil retreat for reflection, even when the roses are not in full bloom.

11. Downtown Scavenger Hunt

Add an element of excitement and competitiveness to your exploration of Downtown Sacramento by participating in a Downtown Scavenger Hunt.

Utilize the app from Scavengerhunt.com and head to 10th Street in DT Sac, where you can begin solving trivia questions and puzzles that lead you to prominent landmarks within the district.

Compete solo or form a team with family or friends to see if you can achieve a high enough score to secure a spot on the Downtown Sacramento leaderboards.

12. Frank Fats

Although not known for traditional North American fare, Frank Fats on L Street in Downtown Sacramento is a beloved local institution, serving exceptional Chinese and Asian-inspired cuisine since 1939.

This establishment, awarded the James Beard Foundation American Classic Award in 2013, is a must-visit for anyone. Signature dishes that should not be missed include Frank’s Wor WonTon Soup, Chicken Wingo, and Braised Tofu with Mushrooms, which are sure to leave diners eager for more. It’s no wonder this restaurant has sustained the Downtown Sacramento community’s appetite for nearly eighty years.

13. Sac Brew Boat

The Sac Brew Boat is a uniquely designed party paddleboat that travels along the Sacramento River.

Begin your journey at its Front Street dock, where you can take a seat and start pedaling, as this paddleboat is energized by the effort of its passengers rather than steam power. Enjoy a one and a half hour excursion past Downtown Sacramento while sipping drinks and listening to your curated music playlist.

Public sailings are available, and private charters can be arranged for groups of six to sixteen individuals.

14. California State Capitol Museum

Dedicate a full day to exploring the California State Capitol Museum and its sprawling 40-acre grounds, adorned with memorials and statues. This impressive building on L Street in Downtown Sacramento is modeled after the White House and continues to serve as California’s governmental hub.

Venture into the basement to view informative films in the museum’s theater before exploring numerous rooms on the first floor, which have been restored to reflect the style of the governor’s offices from 1906.

Art collections include murals, statues, and fifty historical flags, with guided tours available daily.

15. The Park

The Park, located on 15th Street in Downtown Sacramento, is one of California’s premier nightlife destinations. Modern and stylish, The Park Ultra Lounge has contemporary decor and hosts both local and international DJs who expertly curate the ideal club atmosphere.

The establishment features an inviting patio for enjoying drinks under the stars of Sacramento, along with intimate VIP lounges for quieter gatherings away from the dance floor.

At The Park, a splendid night out is guaranteed, much like in the vibrant Downtown Sacramento area itself.