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Things to Do in Sacramento: Top 10
Top 10 Things to Do in the Sacramento Area & What It Costs to Live Here
Are you thinking about visiting or moving to Sacramento? Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone who loves the great outdoors, California’s capital city has something for everyone. And let’s not forget affordability—while Sacramento isn’t the cheapest city in the U.S., it’s far more affordable than the Bay Area or Los Angeles.
So, what are the top things to do in the Sacramento area, and what does it actually cost to live here? Let’s dive in!
Top 10 Things to Do in the Sacramento Area
1. Explore Old Sacramento
Old Sacramento is a step back in time, with its cobblestone streets, wooden sidewalks, and Gold Rush-era buildings. This historic district is home to museums, restaurants, and fun attractions like riverboat cruises and horse-drawn carriages.
💰 Cost:
- Free to walk around and explore
- Museum tickets: $10–$15
- Riverboat cruises: $30+ per person
📍 Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall—summer can be hot!
https://www.oldsacramento.com/
2. Visit the California State Capitol
You can’t come to Sacramento and not check out the California State Capitol! This stunning government building is both a working office and a museum. The best part? You can take a free tour inside to learn about California’s political history.
💰 Cost: Absolutely free!
📍 Pro Tip: Walk around Capitol Park afterward—it’s filled with beautiful trees, gardens, and war memorials.
3. Check Out the Crocker Art Museum
If you love art, the Crocker Art Museum is a must-visit. It’s one of the oldest art museums in the Western U.S. and features everything from European masterpieces to contemporary California artists.
💰 Cost:
- $15 for adults
- Discounts for seniors, students, and kids
📍 Best Time to Visit: Weekdays to avoid crowds.
4. Enjoy the American River Parkway
If you love the outdoors, you’ll love the American River Parkway. This 32-mile stretch of trails runs along the American River and is perfect for:
✅ Biking
✅ Hiking
✅ Kayaking
✅ Fishing
💰 Cost: Free (except for some parking areas).
📍 Pro Tip: Rent a bike and ride the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail—one of the most scenic cycling paths in California.
5. Take a Day Trip to Apple Hill
In the fall, Apple Hill is THE place to be. Located about an hour outside Sacramento, this region is packed with apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and cider mills. If you love apple pie, apple cider, and all things autumn, this is your dream destination.
💰 Cost: Free to visit, but expect to spend $10–$30 on treats!
📍 Best Time to Visit: September–November.
6. Watch an NBA Game at Golden 1 Center
Sacramento takes basketball seriously, and the Golden 1 Center is one of the most high-tech arenas in the country. Whether or not you’re a Kings fan, watching an NBA game here is an experience.
💰 Cost:
- Tickets start at $30
- Courtside seats? Expect $500+
📍 Pro Tip: Arrive early to explore DoCo (Downtown Commons), a shopping and dining hub right outside the arena.
7. Sip and Savor in Midtown
Midtown Sacramento is the city’s cultural and nightlife hotspot, packed with farm-to-fork restaurants, craft breweries, and cocktail bars. Some of the best places to check out include:
🍽 The Waterboy – upscale California cuisine https://www.waterboyrestaurant.com/
🍸 The Snug – a cozy cocktail bar thesnugbar.com
🍺 Device Brewing – a local favorite for craft beer https://www.devicebrewing.com/
💰 Cost:
- Cocktails: $10–$15
- Dinner for two: ~$60+
📍 Best Time to Visit: Weekends for nightlife, weekdays for a quieter experience.
8. Visit the Sacramento Zoo
Great for families or animal lovers, the Sacramento Zoo features giraffes, big cats, and reptiles. While it’s not as big as the San Diego Zoo, it’s still a fun spot for a half-day adventure.
💰 Cost:
- $25 for adults
- $20 for kids
📍 Pro Tip: Head to William Land Park next door for a picnic or a visit to Fairytale Town, a fun play park for kids.
9. Tour the Underground Tunnels
Did you know that parts of Sacramento were literally raised to prevent flooding in the 1800s? That means entire underground streets and buildings still exist beneath the city. You can take a guided underground tour to see this eerie, hidden side of Sacramento.
💰 Cost: $22 per person
📍 Best Time to Visit: Any time—rain or shine, this tour is underground!
https://sachistorymuseum.org/past-exhibits-2/underground-tours/
10. Take a Wine Tour in the Nearby Sierra Foothills
Napa is great, but Sierra Foothills wineries offer amazing wines at a fraction of the price. Some of the best spots include:
🍷 Boeger Winery https://boegerwinery.com/
🍷 Lava Cap Winery https://www.lavacap.com/
🍷 Helwig Winery https://helwigwinery.com/
💰 Cost: Tastings range from $10–$20 per winery.
📍 Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for the best weather.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Sacramento?
Thinking about making Sacramento your home? Here’s what to expect:
🏡 Median Home Price: ~$500,000
🏠 Rent for a 1-Bedroom Apartment: ~$1,800/month
💡 Utilities: ~$150/month
🍎 Groceries: About 10% lower than San Francisco
⛽ Gas Prices: Usually ~$0.50 cheaper per gallon than the Bay Area
What Do Mortgage Payments Look Like?
Let’s break it down using a typical home price of $500,000.
🏡 Example Mortgage Calculation:
- Home Price: $500,000
- Down Payment: 10% ($50,000)
- Loan Amount: $450,000
- Interest Rate: ~6.5% APR
- Loan Term: 30 years
💰 Estimated Monthly Payments:
- Principal & Interest: ~$2,850
- Property Taxes & Insurance: ~$600
- Total Monthly Payment: ~$3,450
Of course, your payment will vary based on your credit score, loan type, and other factors. Want to know what your mortgage would look like? Get preapproved HERE.
Should You Move to Sacramento?
✅ Pros:
- More affordable than San Francisco or LA
- Thriving food and craft beer scene
- Close to Lake Tahoe, Napa, and the coast
❌ Cons:
- Hot summers (it regularly hits 100°F)
- Some traffic congestion during rush hour
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for adventure, history, or a more affordable place to live, Sacramento has a lot to offer. If you’re considering buying a home here, the best first step is to get preapproved.
📢 Ready to buy? Start your journey HERE!
FAQs
1. Is Sacramento expensive?
Compared to LA or the Bay Area? No. But it’s getting pricier as more people move here.
2. What are the best neighborhoods to live in Sacramento?
East Sacramento, Land Park, and Midtown are all great options.
3. How’s the job market in Sacramento?
Government, healthcare, and tech are booming industries here.
4. What’s the weather like?
Hot summers, mild winters, and lots of sunshine.
5. Should I rent or buy in Sacramento?
If you plan to stay 3+ years, buying usually makes more sense. Get preapproved HERE.
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