Sacramento is a historic city with many top museums and galleries. In recent years, it’s also developed its own food and scene, and takes particular pride in using locally grown ingredients. There’s something for all tastes, ranging from high-end restaurants to burger bars, and plenty in between.
As well as exploring all this within the city limits, renting a car in Sacramento means you’ll be able to take in some of the other fantastic attractions in the surrounding areas.
Historic sights
A trip to the State Capitol in Sacramento is the perfect place to begin your journey. As well as being the home of California’s government, this famous white building is also a museum taking in the state’s rich history. It’s open to the public seven days a week and has free entry. Tours are available, with reservations necessary for groups.
Outside lies the beautiful Capitol Park, a peaceful area with trees, plants and flowers – as well as several monuments including the California Indian Seal and Spanish Mexican Seal. These were installed next to the Great Seal of California to celebrate the influence of the Spanish and Mexican peoples on the region.
For a further taste of local history, head to Old Sacramento where you’ll find the California State Railroad Museum’s restored engines and interactive exhibits at Sacramento History Museum. Both offer a fascinating look back in time from before the Gold Rush to the present day.
Foodie haven
Food lovers will be spoilt for choice in Sacramento, with everything from little-known local cafes to gourmet restaurants on offer. California’s climate means it grows a lot of its own produce, its land helping provide fruit, vegetables, meat and wine. Wherever you decide to eat in this city, you’re likely to sample deliciously fresh local ingredients from the surrounding valleys and farmland.
For excellent seasonal menus, try The Kitchen restaurant – one of the most widely lauded eateries in the city – or sample some Asian cuisine at Mikuni, which serves up fresh sushi in its restaurants across the city. There are also plenty of ice cream shops such as Gunther’s, a family-run store first opened back in 1940 that still makes its sweet treats the old-fashioned way. Look out for its delectable fruit freezes and specialty flavour of the month.
Back to nature
With a rental car, you’ll also have the chance to explore some of the incredible natural scenery close to Sacramento. Just a short distance east lies Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, a park surrounding Folsom Lake in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Soak up the stunning views on one of its hiking routes or tackle the west on horseback. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife – you might spot a golden eagle or, perhaps more likely, the groups of wild turkeys that live in this area.
The park also includes Lake Natoma, a firm favorite among watersports fans thanks to its excellent facilities for sailing and kayaking. There’s also a man-made beach at Granite Bay where you can go swimming or simply lie back and enjoy the sunshine.
With a rental car in Sacramento, it’s possible to explore all this and more during your time in California.
