Old Sacramento - Things to Do in Sacramento | California Travel Tips

Veronica Hill of California Travel Tips offers a guided tour of Old Sacramento State Historic Park in Sacramento, CA. Established in 1849, the Old Sacramento district was formed as eager miners, bankers and businessmen arrived for California's Gold Rush. Today, there are 53 historic Spanish-style buildings to explore, and many have been faithfully restored.

Old Sacramento attractions include the 1851 Big Four House, named for the founders of the First Transcontinental Railroad; and the 1853 B. F. Hastings Building, which once housed the Pony Express terminal and California's Supreme Court. During Sacramento's boom years, miners and pioneers flocked to the Eagle Theatre, which was established in 1849. This was the first permanent theater in California, and is rumored to be haunted by its former owner.

Set on 28 acres and roughly eight city blocks, Old Sacramento is packed with activities. You can tour Sacramento by electric bicycle or horse and carriage, explore the Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum, or hop aboard the California State Railroad Museum Sacramento Southern Railroad for a 40-minute train ride.

Old Sacramento was the terminus of the Transcontinental Railroad and the last stop on the Pony Express. At 2nd and J streets, you'll find the Pony Express Monument, which commemorates the 1,900-mile mail route from Missouri to Sacramento. Another monument honors Theodore Judah, the engineer who helped design the first Transcontinental Railroad.

In 1862, a record-breaking rainstorm flooded Sacramento, causing the city to raise the streets up to 14 feet by the 1870s. Underground Tours are offered through the Sacramento History Museum, where you can explore the legends that lurk beneath the city sidewalks; or you can check out Pioneer Park, which offers a glimpse at the lower levels of the city.

For a unique overnight, hang your hat at The Delta King, which is docked on the Sacramento River waterfront. This 1920s riverboat cruised between San Francisco and Sacramento until the 1940s and is one of the most unique and charming hotels in Sacramento. In 1982, the Delta King was restored to the tune of $9 million, and now boasts modern hotel rooms, a theater, wine school and two charming Old Sacramento restaurants.

One thing to remember — most of Old Town is metered parking, so you'll need some change to park. Change machines are located on almost every city block.

[tuchehstone]

Ahh... This video makes me miss Old Sac!

[ricardohernando]

Prety city... But... It is so hot weather. I love CA. Usa

[TravelwithTommy]

Wonderful old town in Sacramento. Thanks for sharing your video.

[TravelingwithAndrew]

Old Sacramento is a great place to visit

[eaglevp]

Visiting next year put this on my must visit list, another great travel video.

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

I'd love to visit Texas! Every single Texan I've ever met has been so nice. Great people!

[iguillo]

I've been to Old Town Sacramento many times, including once when I was in 8th grade for a class field trip. It's a great place to explore history. Another great video Veronica! Thank you. Perhaps you may consider doing a video on Big Sur? I've always been interested in visiting there some day. :-)

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Awesome! Have a great time!!! ~ Veronica

[CookingAndCrafting]

What a LOVELY little town!! So beautiful!
I would some day love to get on one of those boats and stay a night. Fun!
I like that they provide change for the parking meters!

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Thanks iguillo! I really enjoyed our visit there. Big Sur is definitely on my list. I have some footage from there, but I will definitely have to go back to do a proper video. Thanks for the great suggestion!

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

It's really cool, Beth! I love historic old towns, and this is one of the best I've been to in California. :)

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Thanks, BrennansTechBite! Awesome idea. I love Snoopy!!! My Beagle was named Snoopy and I had a little Snoopy plush dress-up toy in elementary school. Gotta do this!! :)

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Thank you! I hope you enjoy your visit! :) ~ Veronica

[carolineshow]

I went here on a school field trip I live less than 2 hours away from here it's a nice place to visit fun enjoyable it's as if you lived during this time

[DeadsyDollGaming]

Going there this weekend and I'm excited to visit Old Sac again! Great video. I wish it was a little bit longer and more detailed, though. :/ Still, I just subscribed. Looking forward to other California videos.

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Thanks, Johnj189! I was in Mono Lake a few years ago, but didn't have time to film a video. It's really cool! I'm hoping to head back up the 395 this winter, so I'll be sure to make a video then. Hopefully we can hit Bodie Ghost Town as well — before the snow hits :)

[KrissyPine]

Have you ever considered doing a video on Carmel-by-the-sea? It's a great little town with a lot of things to do!

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Yes, jeffacosta123! Thanks for the suggestion. We had so much fun. We were out there in July!

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Oooh, yes! I must put this on the top of my list! Thank you, KrissyPine! :)

[jeffacosta]

Of course. I'm so glad you all had fun :) Wow, so when I was in Disneyland, you were in my hometown. I actually live pretty close. I wish I had come out more to Old Sac that month, and probably had a chance to finally meet all of you. I hope to still someday meet you and your husband because I just love all the videos you make :)