Top Rated Attractions in Sacramento

Founded in the 1870s, Crocker Art Museum is known as the first art museum in the West. The historical building with hand-carved doors, ornate walls and parquet floors, creates a gorgeous backdrop as impressive as the art. The art includes the Gold Rush, Victorian and European masters and contemporary works. The museum hosts art talks, classical concerts, jazz concerts, and tours (afternoons and weekends). A gift shop is also available.

Operating continuously since the day the doors opened in 1869, the California State Capitol is where the State of California's legislature met. By the late 1970s, the building was declared seismically unsafe and had become an eyesore. The Legislature decided to stay in its traditional home and authorized a massive restoration. Today, from the intricate tile work on the front lobby floor to the lovingly etched filigreed detail in alcoves under the rotunda, the craftsmanship of a bygone era is evident. A host of exhibitions unravel various aspects of the Capitol, from its history and architecture to its storied office holders. The expansive gardens around the building are beautifully landscaped with diverse types of trees and are perfect for a stroll after the history lesson. A host of memorials dot the park's picturesque landscape.

Surrounding the California State Capitol Museum, Capitol Park is a quiet retreat away from the city. Featuring lush landscaping, trees from around the world, and various memorials, this park is great for an afternoon of history lessons or moments of solitude and sunshine. The Civil War Memorial Grove was planted in 1897 with saplings from famous battlegrounds and honors those who served. Also located within the park is the life size statue of Father Junipero Serra and the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Across K Street Mall from the Regional Transit (RT) Cathedral Square train stop, is an edifice sculpted in the classic architectural mode. Patisian cathedrals such as Notre Dame inspired its theme, as evidenced by its ascending niched pillars directing worshipers' eyes upward to twin, asymmetrical bell towers. At the front entrance, a mountainous flight of stairs ascends to tall wooden doors. The interior has various saintly sculptures carved in wood, and well-worn wooden pews. A large circular, stained-glass window, crafted in Italy, illuminates the central altar.

The Sacramento History Museum is a perfect place to begin your excursion of the city and the Old Sacramento State Historic Park. At this museum, you can learn about the fascinating history of the city, including details about the Gold Rush and its impact on Sacramento. Other interesting exhibits at the museum shed light on the way of life of the Nisenan and Maidu people who were the early inhabitants of the region. You can also view a wide range of artifacts related to occupations such as fur tapping that were carried out in the region.

Fairytale Town is a fun world where fairy tales come to life. Children can play their heart out and run around the crooked mile. Captain Hook's pirate ship, Owl's tree house and King Arthur's table are all here for the little one's to explore. The petting zoo has a variety of animals to see. You can bring a picnic lunch or purchase hot dogs, corn dogs, nachos and drinks from a concession stand.