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Things to do in Greater Sacramento Area
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items Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the Greater Sacramento area is packed with amazing things to do - from scenic outdoor spots and delicious eats to fun cultural attractions and nightlife. This guide includes some of my all-time favorite activi...
Map
Sections
6
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Bars
Outdoor Activities
Get outside and enjoy the best of Sacramento’s fresh air and sunshine! From peaceful lakes and scenic river trails to family-friendly parks and ballgames under the lights, these spots offer something for everyone. Whether you’re into hiking, picnicki...
Looking for a sunny summer escape near Sacramento or Napa Valley? Lake Berryessa is one of our favorite spots for swimming, boating, and soaking up beautiful lake views. With plenty of space for kayaking, paddleboarding, and picnicking, it’s a perfec...
Lake Berryessa Near Napa Valley | Swimming & Boating
Folsom Lake is a go-to local favorite for swimming, boating, and relaxing by the water during Sacramento’s sunny months. Whether you’re into paddleboarding, hiking nearby trails, or just setting up a lakeside picnic, this California State Park is a p...
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - California State Parks
Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento is the home of the Sacramento River Cats, and it’s now also a part-time home for the Oakland A’s while their new stadium is in development. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just want a fun evening out, t...
Catch a Game at Sutter Health Park | Sacramento River Cats & A’s Baseball
A perfect day out for families and animal lovers! The Sacramento Zoo is packed with wildlife, interactive exhibits, and a peaceful park setting. I love how walkable it is, and the giraffe feeding is always a highlight. Great for kids or just a laid-b...
Sacramento Zoo
McKinley Park Rose Garden is a serene gem in the heart of East Sacramento - and a filming location from the Oscar-nominated movie Lady Bird! The colorful blooms, winding paths, and peaceful setting make it a perfect spot for a romantic walk, quiet af...
MCKINLEY PARK ROSE GARDEN
Sutter’s Landing Beach River Access is a laid-back riverside spot in Sacramento perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, or taking a dip on a warm day. Shaded by trees with sandy patches along the shore, it’s a favorite local hangout for families, paddleboa...
Sutter’s Landing Beach River Access
Restaurants
From iconic Old Sacramento restaurants to hidden gems across the city, here are some of our favorite spots to grab a bite. Whether you’re craving Mexican, brunch, or something sweet, these are places we love coming back to again and again.
If you’re exploring Old Sacramento, La Terraza is a must for great Mexican food and balcony views. Located upstairs in a historic building, it offers outdoor seating where you can enjoy tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas while overlooking the cobblest...
La Terraza Mexican Restaurant in Old Sac
Roman’s Pizza in West Sacramento is a local favorite known for its delicious, satisfying pizzas and unbeatable value - you can get two large, fully loaded pizzas for around $30. It’s a perfect pick-up spot for an easy dinner or late-night craving, wh...
Roman's Pizza
Chevys on the River is a Sacramento favorite for waterfront dining with vibrant energy and stunning views. Located right along the Sacramento River, it’s perfect for sunset dinners, weekend margaritas, or relaxing with friends on the spacious patio u...
Chevys on the River
Tres Hermanas in Davis serves up flavorful, authentic Mexican food in a welcoming downtown location that’s great for lunch, dinner, or a casual night out. The portions are generous, the margaritas are strong, and the patio is a perfect spot when the ...
Tres Hermanas Davis
Other Food & Drinks
Looking for a quick bite, a sweet treat, or something fun to sip on? This section features Sacramento’s best spots for snacks, desserts, and drinks you won’t want to miss. These are our go-to places when we’re not quite ready for a full meal but stil...
A true Sacramento classic! Gunther’s Ice Cream has been serving scoops since 1940 and is still one of the best spots in the city for a nostalgic treat. Known for its neon sign and retro vibe, this family-owned shop offers handmade ice cream that loca...
Gunther’s Ice Cream
Arts & Entertainment
Sacramento has a vibrant arts and entertainment scene - from comedy clubs and theaters to galleries and live music venues. This section highlights some of our favorite places to experience the creative side of the city, whether you’re into stand-up, ...
Ready for a night full of laughs? Punch Line Comedy Club is one of Sacramento’s top spots for stand-up comedy, featuring local talent and national headliners in an intimate setting. The vibe is energetic but laid back, and the cocktails and snacks ar...
Punch Line Comedy Club Sacramento Tickets & Schedule | Sacramento Concert Venue
This is one of our favorite escape room spots in the Sacramento area - we’ve done every single room here! Each theme is immersive, challenging, and super fun whether you’re going with friends, family, or coworkers. Great for team-building, date night...
Red Door Escape Room
PanIQ has some of the most creative and visually impressive escape room setups we’ve seen. The rooms range from spooky to sci-fi, and there’s something for every skill level. It’s a great option for anyone who loves puzzles and adventure, especially ...
PanIQ Escape Room Sacramento
Another must-try for escape room fans! The Escape Game Roseville features detailed sets, tech-driven clues, and fast-paced fun that keeps you on your toes. We’ve played all their rooms and had a blast especially great if you’re looking for something ...
The Escape Game Roseville
One of the best science museums in Northern California! The SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) in Sacramento features hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, interactive science displays, and fun learning experiences for kids and adults. Perfect ...
SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity
The Aftershock Festival in Sacramento is a must for rock and metal fans - four epic days of nonstop music featuring legendary headliners like Blink-182, Deftones, Korn, and Slayer, plus dozens more. Held at Discovery Park, this annual event brings ou...
Aftershock Festival
Local Favorites
These spots capture the heart of Sacramento - from Gold Rush-era history and ghost tours to local government landmarks. If you’re visiting for the first time or want to reconnect with classic Sacramento charm, this list will guide you to the most ico...
Step back in time with a visit to Old Sacramento, where historic Gold Rush-era buildings, wooden sidewalks, and horse-drawn carriages line the streets. You’ll find museums, local shops, restaurants, and riverfront views - perfect for a relaxing walk,...
Old Sacramento
If you love haunted history, this ghost tour in Old Sacramento is a must-do! It’s packed with spooky stories and real Sacramento history from the Gold Rush era. You’ll visit eerie alleyways and historic landmarks while hearing tales of hauntings, out...
Sacramento: Gunslingers Ghosts and Ghouls Walking Tour
Explore the beautiful California State Capitol building and its museum filled with exhibits on state history, lawmaking, and political figures. Wander through the lush Capitol Park, then head inside for a free tour and a closer look at how California...
Visit the State Capitol | California State Assembly
Bars
Looking for a night out with a twist? Sacramento has bars that go beyond basic - from mermaids swimming overhead to themed events and iconic drinks. These are some of the coolest spots we recommend for a fun evening in the city.
Dive Bar in downtown Sacramento is one of the most unique nightlife spots in the city - complete with a live mermaid show in an actual aquarium above the bar! The vibe is fun and theatrical, and it was even featured in the 2024 movie Sacramento. Grea...
Dive Bar
If you miss your Myspace days or just love belting out early 2000s emo anthems, The Emo Night Tour at Harlow’s is a can’t-miss event. It’s a 21+ night of throwback music, dancing, and all the nostalgic feels for elder emos. Harlow’s also hosts tons o...
The Emo Night Tour | Harlow's