Sacramento: A Whimsical Riverfront Adventure in 3 Days

Discover Sacramento's family fun: history, culture, and smiles await!

19 July 2023

A trip to Sacramento, United States offers a perfect family-friendly experience with its abundant recreational opportunities and educational attractions. Families can explore the iconic California State Capitol building and its beautiful gardens, as well as visit the interactive museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum and the California State Railroad Museum. The city also boasts numerous parks and outdoor spaces where families can enjoy picnics, bike rides, and boat tours along the scenic American River.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Riverfront

  • Check into the Jungle Explorer Hotel, a fantastical oasis for families with its lush greenery and animal-themed décor.
  • Wander along the Sacramento River, where charming paddlewheel boats whisk you away to a bygone era of adventure.
  • Treat the kids (and your inner child) to a visit to the Sacramento Children's Museum, a haven of interactive exhibits that unleash boundless creativity.
  • Stroll through the Old Sacramento State Historic Park, an open-air time capsule that transports you back to the Gold Rush days with its cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages.
  • Devour finger-licking-good BBQ at Tank House BBQ & Bar, where you can feast on melt-in-your-mouth ribs that are guaranteed to make your taste buds tango with delight.
Day 2

Wildlife Wonders

  • Begin your day with breakfast at the Tower Café, a vibrant eatery bursting with eccentric decor, global culinary delights, and a magical courtyard brimming with fountains.
  • Venture to the Sacramento Zoo, where your heart will skip a beat as you encounter majestic lions, adorable meerkats, and mischievous monkeys.
  • Reconnect with nature at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, where trails wind through picturesque forests, inviting you on a whimsical journey of birdwatching and deer spotting.
  • Embrace the ambiance of Old Soul Co., a rustic-chic café where you can savor expertly brewed coffee while immersing yourself in the local artsy vibe.
  • Satisfy rumbling tummies at the Squeeze Burger, which lives up to its name with mouthwatering burgers that explode with flavor, leaving you forever changed.
Day 3

Artistic Delights

  • Wake up to a delectable brunch at The Porch Restaurant and Bar, a Southern-inspired eatery famed for its fried chicken and comforting biscuits.
  • Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Crocker Art Museum, with its vast collection of masterpieces spanning from European classics to contemporary marvels.
  • Tiptoe through the stunning McKinley Park Rose Garden, a fragrant oasis with over 1,200 blooming roses that will transport you to a realm of eternal romance.
  • Unleash your inner Picasso at the Painted Cork, a lively art studio where you can sip wine and unleash your creativity on canvas.
  • Indulge in an unforgettable farm-to-table dinner at The Waterboy, where innovative dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients will dance on your palate with a symphony of flavors.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Sacramento via plane is to fly into Sacramento International Airport (SMF), which offers both domestic and international flights.

Car

The best way to get to Sacramento via car is to take Interstate 5, which runs North and South through the city.

Train

Although there is no direct train service to Sacramento, Amtrak's California Zephyr offers service from both the East and West coasts, arriving at the Sacramento Amtrak Station.

Boat

Although Sacramento is located on the Sacramento River, there is no direct boat service to the city. However, river cruises departing from San Francisco and other Bay Area cities often make stops in Sacramento.

Bus

The best way to get to Sacramento via bus is to take Greyhound, which offers service to the Sacramento Greyhound Station located downtown.

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