1. Effie Yeaw Nature Center
Effie Yeaw Nature Center is made up of low rolling hills on the banks of the bubbling American River. In addition to the Maidu village (an outdoor display of local Native American culture, including a grinding rock), the park offers nature talks with resident animal experts on weekends and is home to plenty of hiking trails that lead down to the river where, in fall months, you may see salmon returning to spawn. No matter the season, you’re sure to spot deer, woodpeckers, and wild turkeys. Keep an eye open for the rattlesnakes that occasionally lounge in the sun on the trails.
2. Sacramento River Fox Train
One of the coolest things to do in Sacramento, the Sacramento River Fox Train is a family-owned business that showcases the beauty and history of Northern California via train. There are quite a few different themed train rides you can experience with the River Train. These include a beer train, wine train, Great Train Robbery (where actors actually come on board and try to rob the train), Murder Mystery Train, River Dinner Show Train, and more. During the holidays, they offer themed train rides for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Mother’s Day. Train rides are usually around 2.5 hours and span 14 miles from West Sacramento to Woodland.
3. Old Sacramento State Historic Park
Ignore the kitschy souvenir shops and soak up the old-timey atmosphere of this historic part of town. Developed during the Gold Rush of the late 1840s, Old Sacramento takes you back to those pioneer days with covered plank sidewalks, cobblestone streets, preserved historic architecture, and original landmarks like the schoolhouse and firehouse. While you’re in the area, peek at the drawbridge and bright yellow Tower Bridge, grab a drink at the Back Door Lounge and check out the quirky variety shop/”costume mansion” Evangeline’s.
4. Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
Originally built in 1856, the Leland Stanford Mansion in downtown Sacramento was home to Leland Stanford, the former governor and co-founder of Stanford University. Guided tours of the 19,000-square-foot Victorian mansion are offered every day between 10 am and 5 pm. If you’re in a rush, you can also admire the architecture, including the striking curves of the main staircase, from the outside.
5. Crocker Art Museum
Located just blocks from Old Sacramento and the new Golden 1 Center, the Crocker Art Museum is the ideal stop during a day spent out in the city center. The oldest continuous art museum in the west is split between two very different buildings—the Italian-style mansion from 1872 and a light-filled contemporary museum. Don’t miss the painting “Boston Cremes” by local artist Wayne Thiebaud—the colorful rows of tantalizing creme pies are a fun example of pop art.
