Visitor’s Guide to Old Sacramento - Top 20 Family-Friendly & Date Night Things To Do

With countless hidden gems, Sacramento is a destination that deserves to be on your California travel bucket list. The first time most people visit California’s capital city of Sacramento, they almost always wind up spending some time in historical Old Sacramento. While many cities have their own version “old town”, the Old Sacramento District really takes the cake with blocks of preserved buildings, working locomotive steam trains, shopping and dining, and beautiful Tower Bridge and Sacramento River views.

The Old Sacramento area is home to the highest concentration of historic buildings and landmarks in the state. It has a lovely Old West look and feel, with horse-drawn stagecoaches slowly making their way through its scenic streets. There are over a hundred shops and restaurants, as well as countless cafes and hotels now housed in its attractive old buildings.

Old Sacramento is one of those rare places where there’s truly something for everyone. Within the 8-block grid of Old Sac there’s kid-friendly attractions and not-so-kid-friendly spots. Families can bring their children and simultaneously adults can enjoy more mature activities with booze and sophistication.

This Old Sacramento guide is divided between things to do with your kids and adult only activities for a day out on the town or date night with someone special. There’s plenty of foodie suggestions for those who enjoy eating well while on vacation. And finally there’s more close by things to do in Sacramento to fill out your weekend itinerary.

The History Behind Old Sacramento

Growing up in California, we came to Old Sacramento as kids on school field trips to learn about California history. Sacramento is the state's oldest city and has a colorful and eventful history. It all began with an American pioneer of Swiss ancestry, John Sutter, who arrived here in 1839. Under his leadership, a fort was built, and a trading colony was established.

In 1848 the first gold was found 80 kilometers from the fort, after which people began to pour into the region, and the population began to grow rapidly. In 1850 Sacramento was granted city status. After just a few years, in 1854, it became the state's capital, though the city had to pay $1 million for it.

Sacramento quickly became a thriving city largely as a result of the gold rush of the 1840s. In 1800, the first urban structure was founded here. Now this area of old factories and buildings, as well as museums and restaurants, is called Old Sacramento.

Quite an essential role in the formation and development of the city was played by its geographical location. Sacramento became a major transportation hub of the western territory. The city was the westernmost point on the route of the first transcontinental railroad and the famous Pony Express courier company.

Another rather significant point for Sacramento was the fact that the city is located where the American River flows into the Sacramento River. The 43-mile navigable canal has direct access to San Francisco Bay. With the port of Sacramento, the city provides transportation of agricultural and industrial goods to anywhere in the world.

Present Day Old Sacramento

While Old Sacramento is a protected historical state park, it’s also a modern gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

The buildings all date back to the 19th century and today are filled with restaurants, bars, boutiques and souvenir stores. The area is very popular with tourists and is visited by more than five million people annually.

Museums & Historical Spots Inside Old Sacramento

If you’re visiting Old Sacramento in the daytime, I recommend you spend some time exploring the world-class museums. They’re filled with artifacts and relics that can transport your imagination hundreds of years into the past.

In Old Sac you will have many opportunities to enjoy the atmosphere of the 19th century. You can take a ride in a carriage in Old Sacramento, hop on a historic steam train, and you can even board the historic riverboat on the Sacramento River.

B.F. Hastings Building National Park

Among the surviving buildings, often reminiscent of Spanish colonial architecture, you will find, for example, the B. F. Hastings Bank Building, which once was even the seat of the Superior Court of California. Today it is a museum devoted to the delivery of mail in the 19th century, which is certainly worth a visit. In the museum, you have the opportunity to see postage stamps from that time, a letter carrier's equipment, a real mail stagecoach that dates back to 1866, and you can even try the telegraph.

The most exciting exhibit in the museum is surely the main stage. it represents a complex system of delivery of transportation of goods and passengers in the 19th century. Each stagecoach was pulled by 4 or 8 horses, and it drove at an average speed of 8 kilometers per hour.

At about every 20 kilometers, there was a station where the coachman could change horses. Then, about every 70 kilometers, there was a stop where he and the passengers would have something to eat and rest a little bit.

California State Railroad Museum

A must-see for people who want to learn more about the history of the city and the state is the excellent California State Railroad Museum. Located on the northern edge of Old Sacramento, its outstanding exhibits and vintage locomotives look at the enormous impact railways had on American society.

Founded in 1976, the museum now has more than 20 restored rail cars and trains for visitors to explore, with countless artifacts and old equipment also on display. While some exhibitions shed light on the working conditions and life of railway workers during the gold rush, others focus on how trains influenced travel, trade, and the never-ending expansion of the West.

In addition to admiring all of their fine features, you can actually ride one of the diesel engines or steam locomotives, as the museum offers a sightseeing line alongside the Sacramento River.

History of The Delta King Riverboat Hotel

In 1927, two steamers of the same type were built to operate on the San Francisco-Sacramento line. Their vessels, made in Scotland, were shipped across the ocean to California for completion.

The cost of building each vessel was nearly one million American dollars. An astronomical sum for those days. To compare, an ordinary river cabin steamer could have been made ten to fifteen times cheaper. The vessels were named Delta King and Delta Queen.

These days it is easy to get from San Francisco to Sacramento, the capital of California. It takes no more than a two-hour drive over the San Francisco Bay Bridge and an excellent multi-lane highway. But things were different back then. There were no bridges over the bay or roads like there are now. The most convenient mode of transportation between these cities was the steamboat.

The Delta King and Delta Queen were the largest passenger steamboats in the history of California river transportation, each 87 feet long and 18 feet wide. Two hundred passengers were accommodated in single, double, and triple cabins.

About one-third of the cabins had separate or adjoining bathrooms, the rest had sinks with hot and cold water. The passenger quarters consisted of a dining room, an observation room, a smoking room, and another inner room called the Social Hall. In addition, a separate deck was allotted for freight, mail, and passenger cars.

Each steamboat was equipped with a powerful (2,000 horsepower) steam engine propelled by a rear wheel with a protective wooden cover. When the waters were calm, the vessels could reach speeds of up to 24 kilometers per hour.

In other words, the Delta King and Delta Queen were modern and comfortable vessels for their time, shining examples of 20th-century riverboat construction.

In 1969, the ship was sold to the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce. That same year, the Delta King was towed to Sacramento, where it was used for occasional events, the most famous of which were jazz festivals. However, this did not last long. After a few years, the steamboat was abandoned again, then sold and towed to Richmond. The steamer continued to stand there, but in 1981 the old shell leaked, and the ship sank.

That would have been the end of the glorious Delta King steamer's story. But that is when its new life began. In 1984, a group of investor-enthusiasts bought the steamship to convert it into a hotel in Sacramento. So the steamship was towed back to Sacramento, where it was carefully restored, preserving its exterior and original style.

The Delta King Today

In March 1987, the Delta King was towed to her future berth in the Sacramento Historic District, where work continued. Finally, on May 20, 1989, the steamer was officially opened to the public. And its new life began.

Today, the steamboat blends surprisingly seamlessly into Sacramento's historic downtown. The steamer has been carefully restored but still faithfully preserved in its historic appearance. There are no additional superstructures or changes to the windows and doors. Overall, the interior layout has also remained the same.

On the aft part of the second deck, a hotel lobby and information desk were installed in place of the inner saloon. Unfortunately, this part of the ship was severely damaged during the sinking and is probably the only area of the ship that does not retain the old style of decoration. There are also a number of cabins that today serve as rooms in the existing hotel.

So take a trip down memory lane and stay at the renovated Delta King Hotel. Its original cabins have been converted into comfortable rooms with views of the historic Old Sacramento neighborhood and the Sacramento River. Ideally located near downtown, the Delta King offers authentic, historic vistas of the thriving city.

Underground Tours of Old Sacramento

Explore excavated foundations and enclosed passageways hidden since streets in Sacramento were raised more than a century ago. Tour guides will explain how streets and buildings were built and what they were used for originally.

This historic tour includes hollow sidewalks, sloping alleyways, and the underground spaces themselves.

The Old Sacramento Underground Tours depart from the Sacramento History Museum in Old Sacramento. This half-mile-long historic walking adventure lasts about an hour and takes you through places with uneven surfaces and low ceilings. The tour accommodates up to 20 people.

Come dressed for the weather, as there are no temperature controls in the underground rooms. Also, the surfaces are uneven, so comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must.

With a diverse line-up of guides, no tour will be the same!

Old Sacramento School House

One of my favorite things to do in Old Sac is to tour the historical school house. This cute yellow building is often open to the public and inside it has been completely restored to look like a school house from the 19th century. You’ll see rows of little wooden desks, antique school books and school supplies, a wood-burning heater and even a little playground outside.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Old Sacramento

Behind the 19th-century exteriors, you will find places to shop, eat, learn about the fascinating historical events and spend time with your family.

Old Sacramento Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour

The Old Sacramento Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour takes you on a unique tour of Old Sacramento, where you will learn about the history of the gold rush and so much more. Along the way, you and your team will solve 21 fun puzzles and challenges. Most groups require 90 to 120 minutes to finish.

This is one of the best activities in Sacramento for families, couples looking for a unique date idea, or those searching for fun things to do in Sacramento.

Horse-Drawn Carriages in Old Sacramento

Ready to travel back in time? Top Hand Ranch provides fun and safe carriage rides in today's Old Town Sacramento. They also provide Christmas themed horse-drawn carriages through the Fab 40's neighborhood during the month of December.

Christmas in Old Sacramento

The city of Sacramento really makes great efforts to bring the holiday spirit to the Old Sac city streets. The old buildings are trimmed with wreaths, lights and garlands. There’s always a giant decorated Christmas tree and a tree lighting ceremony to welcome the beginning of the season.

For more fun things to do in Sacramento during the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Years, see my Sacramento holiday guide.

Visitor’s Guide to Old Sacramento - Candy and chocolate covered apples inside the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. — Candy and chocolate covered apples inside the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

G. Willikers Toy Emporium

G. Willikers Toy Emporium is a unique toy store situated in Old Sacramento that offers distinctive products and high-quality signature toys. It features an extensive line of nostalgic wind-up toys, Thomas tanks, LGB trains, tin toys, and so much more. Even for adults, visiting the store will be a fun experience.

Old City Kites

Old City Kites is a fun store and will surely appeal to young travelers. It's packed with kites, toys, games, and home decorations. Old City Kites has been around for over 25 years and is now one of Northern California's largest full-service kite stores. Kites are a great way to encourage your kids to spend less time on tech screens and more time enjoying the great outdoors.

Atrium 916

Another exciting place to see in Old Sac is Atrium 916 – a community art center and gallery. Inside you can browse and shop locally crafted art, or attend an event. Many of the events are kid-friendly hands-on art projects and experiences.

McGee's Old Time Photos

McGee's Old Time Photos is a family-owned novelty photography studio that's been in business for over 40 years. Gather your family and friends to take black and white old-fashioned photographs with vintage western-themed costumes, props and old-timey backdrops. Pick from a selection of themes including saloons, Bonnie and Clyde bank robbers, steam trains, wanted posters and more.

They also offer their own gift shop with toys, souvenirs, and more to remind you of the city and its history – from mugs, signs, and memorabilia to old-fashioned photographs and costumes.

When you visit McGee's Old Time Photos, you will be given the opportunity to bring home a fun and memorable photo of Old Sac!

Candy Shops & Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Old Sacramento

If your family unit has a sweet tooth and you guys like to try local ice creams and candies everywhere you go, Sacramento will not disappoint. Check out Old Sac sweet shops like Sacramento Sweets Co., Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and Boxcar Eats Frozen Yogurt (try the famous Dole Whip!).

For a more serious meal, you will love the casual eats at Joe's Crab Shack. From its vast menu, guests can choose from buckets of seasonal seafood, fish dishes, and fried shrimp platters, as well as options for meat lovers, such as steak, sandwiches, and chicken.

Adult Things To Do in Old Sacramento

If you have come to Sacramento with your other half, are adventuring solo, or have left the kids with grandparents for the night, it is time for a date night in Old Sacramento. We promise you – it will be a good one!

Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club

What is better than an evening filled with laughter? Be sure not to miss a comedy show at Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club. On their website, you can check the calendar of events so you can choose the comedian you think can really tickle your funny bone.

Sacramento Historic River Cruise

Sacramento offers excellent opportunities for riverside relaxation. Consider booking a leisurely boat tour along the Sacramento River which runs right along river front of Old Sacramento. The guided boat tour highlights the natural beauty of the city's surroundings and also gives you the historical backstories of the area.

If you’re looking for a fun day date with your significant other, this Old Sacramento River Cruise is a great option!

Sac Brew Boat

If you are looking for a date idea that is less typical and more fun, be sure to get tickets to the Sac Brew Boat. It is the perfect way to celebrate any kind of holiday or to spend part of your weekend enjoying the beauty of the Sacramento River.

Just imagine – refreshing drinks, a little exercise, and having fun in the water. It sounds great, doesn't it? In addition, the company offers private excursions of up to 90 minutes, during which the journey is controlled by pedal-powered boats along the historic Sacramento River waterfront.

Local Sacramento Maker Blossom Bathhouse

If you are looking for a thoughtful and special gift for your other half, friend, or family member, we recommend you visit Blossom Bathhouse. While there are many boutiques in Old Sac, locals especially love to share their colorful products on Instagram.

Blossom Bathhouse prides itself on handmade cosmetics of the highest quality and uniqueness. They say that memories are in the scent, and these products are certainly proof of that. The company designs all its products for customers who want colorful, festive, and fragrant bath products, as well as for people who suffer from sensitive skin and skin conditions at the same time.

All products are made right here in Sacramento and don't include any toxic ingredients and parabens.

Adult Foodie Tastings & Restaurants in Old Sacramento

Most tourist destinations don’t offer the type of exceptional dinning experiences that foodies like to enjoy. Old Sacramento is an exception with high quality eats, perfect for a date night.

Underground Tasting Room

Another fun thing to do in Old Sacramento is to visit this tasting room, which is focused on providing an exceptional educational wine tasting experience.

Just in case you want to grab a bite to eat along with the wine, they offer a small selection of high-quality gourmet dishes that pair very well with the wines available on the spot.

The Tasting Room is well suited for those travelers who appreciate and enjoy high-quality wines and want a different experience than a simple wine bar.

Visitor’s Guide to Old Sacramento - Horse-drawn carriage rides in Old Sacramento. — Horse-drawn carriage rides in Old Sacramento.

Rio City Café

There are plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants in Old Sacramento, so you are guaranteed to have your stomach full. But in case you want to enjoy a fine dining meal right on the river, Rio City Cafe is the place to put on your travel list.

Rio City Cafe is located in the heart Old Town Sacramento, overlooking some of the town’s most prominent landmarks. The Sacramento River flows right by the restaurant, so those dining on the terrace can enjoy this spectacular view, as well as vistas of the historic Tower Bridge and the Ziggurat (pyramid) building.

The food is upscale American with plenty of sea food and meat dishes. Scroll through the photos in this blog post to see photos from our Rio City Cafe entrees from the Sacramento Dine Downtown event.

Hoppy’s Railyard Kitchen & Hopgarden

For a simpler but no less special experience, locals appreciate and recommend Hoppy's Railyard Kitchen & Hopgarden. The restaurant offers casual American food, a fantastic cocktail menu and local craft beers. This is a good spot to enjoy a relaxing meal with a couple drinks.

Olive Oil Tasting in Old Sacramento

Chefs' Olive Mix is a specialty store in historic Old Sacramento where you can taste and mix 7 of the most ultra-premium Extra Virgin olive oils, 16 melted and infused olive oils, 18 dark balsams, 15 white balsams, 3 kinds of vinegar, and 5 gourmet oils.

When you first enter this delightfully charming upscale tasting room, you can't help but be stunned by the 64 shiny and stunning stainless-steel tanks (called fusti) that line the walls. Each fusti contains either Ultra-Premium Extra Virgin olive oils from around the world or balsamic vinegar from the most revered producers from Modena, Italy.

Blueprint Coffee

Blueprint Coffee just recently opened up and it’s the caffeine spot that’s been missing in Old Sac since forever. You can get your daily dose of caffeine in this modern and minimal cafe. They serve Mast Coffee, a local Sacramento brand.

Blueprint is a 100% non-profit organization. They partner with Project Church to make a difference in Sacramento. So when you buy a cup of coffee, you know you have done a good deed.

More Areas to Explore Right Outside of Old Sacramento

Full of beautiful historic buildings, rich history museums, and bustling businesses, Old Sacramento really is a treat to explore. The lively historic district, which covers a massive part of the city center, and its abundant attractions take you back to the days when Sacramento was a thriving pioneer city on the river.

But there’s still plenty more to explore just outside of Old Sac in Midtown, Downtown and beyond. Keep reading to find more top Sacramento travel itinerary ideas.

Downtown Commons DOCO

DOCO stands for Downtown Commons and this is where you’ll find a large outdoor shopping plaza with restaurants and popular chain stores. Inside DOCO you’ll also find the Golden 1 Center for sports and musical concerts. The trendy Kimpton The Sawyer Hotel is apart of DOCO as well.

The best part is that there’s a pedestrian tunnel that connects DOCO to Old Sac. So you can book a hotel on either side and have easy walking access to both sides.

Punch Bowl Social

Punch Bowl Social can be found inside The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel and can be best described as a bowling alley with arcade and billiard games for adults. They have great farm-to-table food and boozy drinks. The decor is whimsical and campy, with plenty of humor and surprises for guests.

See my complete guide to visiting Punch Bowl Social in Sacramento.

Riverwalk Walking Path

The Sacramento River flows right next Old Sac and the Tower Bridge is a pedestrian-friendly bridge which allows both cars and people to cross over to West Sacramento side. There are walking and bike trails on both sides of the river fronts, and the West Sac side has a park and trail known as Riverwalk Park.

We have taken our kids on stroller walks from the Riverwalk all the way over to Old Sac. On a day with nice weather it’s a very pleasant walk. See photos from our day walking on the Riverwalk to Old Sac here.