Budget-Friendly Sacramento: 5 Days of Fun

Discover the best of Sacramento without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Sacramento on a limited budget can still be enjoyable and full of activities. Visit the California State Capitol for free tours and explore the Crocker Art Museum on their free admission days. Take a stroll along the Sacramento River and grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks or local restaurants.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploring Downtown

  • Check into The Greens Hotel, a budget-friendly, eco-friendly hotel in the heart of downtown Sacramento.
  • Grab breakfast at Tower Cafe, a funky restaurant with eclectic decor and delicious brunch options.
  • Stroll around Capitol Park, a beautiful green space surrounding the California State Capitol building.
  • Visit the California State Railroad Museum to learn about the state's railroad history.
  • Indulge in some retail therapy at the unique boutiques and shops in the charming Midtown neighborhood.
  • End the day with dinner at Low Brau, a hip German-style beer hall with mouthwatering sausages and a vast beer selection.
Day 2

History and Art

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Bernardo, a local chain serving up delicious breakfast classics.
  • Learn about California's Gold Rush heritage at the Old Sacramento State Historic Park.
  • Check out the Crocker Art Museum, featuring art from around the world and a beautiful garden.
  • Grab lunch at Skool, a trendy restaurant with a diverse menu and a focus on seafood.
  • Visit the California State Indian Museum to learn about the state's Native American history and culture.
  • End the day with dinner at Mulvaney's B&L, a farm-to-fork restaurant located in a historic firehouse.
Day 3

Farm-to-Fork

  • Start the day with coffee and pastries made with local ingredients at Insight Coffee Roasters.
  • Take a tour of the Sacramento Farmers' Market, featuring fresh produce and artisanal products from local farmers and makers.
  • Visit the Farm-to-Fork Museum to learn about the region's agricultural heritage.
  • Grab lunch at Grange, a farm-to-fork restaurant showcasing local ingredients.
  • Visit the California State Capitol Museum and take a tour of the Capitol building.
  • End the day with dinner at Empress Tavern, located in the basement of a historic hotel and serving up delicious meat dishes.
Day 4

Parks and Recreation

  • Start the day with breakfast at Pushkin's Bakery, serving up gluten-free and vegan options.
  • Visit William Land Park, a beautiful green space with a zoo, golf course, and rose garden.
  • Take a walk along the Sacramento River and visit the Delta King, a historic riverboat turned hotel and restaurant.
  • Grab lunch at Kru, a trendy restaurant serving up sushi and other Japanese-inspired dishes.
  • Explore the American River Bike Trail, a 32-mile trail running along the river.
  • End the day with dinner at Ella Dining Room and Bar, a chic restaurant offering modern American cuisine.
Day 5

Day Trip to Lake Tahoe

  • Rent a car and take a scenic 2-hour drive from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe.
  • Enjoy the stunning views and clean, crisp air of the high Sierra.
  • Spend the day hiking, skiing, or snowboarding at one of Tahoe's many ski resorts.
  • Grab lunch at Riva Grill, a lakeside restaurant with delicious seafood and stunning views.
  • Take a leisurely drive around the lake and visit the charming town of Truckee.
  • End the day with a soak in one of the hot springs located throughout the area.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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.

Destination

Sacramento

Welcome to the sunny city of farm-to-fork fare, where the Sacramento Kings reign supreme and cows outnumber people. Get ready to experience a capital idea!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Experience 4 Days of Romance in Sacramento

A romantic trip to Sacramento, located in northern California, promises gorgeous views of the Sacramento River and a historic atmosphere. You can spend your days exploring the Old Sacramento State Historic Park, taking a scenic river cruise, or indulging in wine tasting at nearby vineyards. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy dinner at one of the city's fine restaurants or take a moonlit stroll along the riverfront.

5 Days of Family Fun in Vibrant Sacramento!

Sacramento, the capital of California, offers a fantastic family-friendly trip. Visit the California State Railroad Museum for a fun and educational experience, explore the beautiful Sacramento Zoo to get up close with wildlife, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic River Walk to take in the city's charm. With its rich history, outdoor activities, and kid-friendly attractions, Sacramento is a great destination for a family getaway.

5 Days of Adventure and Fun in Sacramento!

As a tourist to Sacramento, one can explore the city's rich history by visiting attractions such as the California State Capitol and the Old Sacramento Waterfront. Nature lovers can enjoy the picturesque views of the American River Parkway and Folsom Lake. For entertainment, visitors can attend concerts at the Golden 1 Center or try their luck at the Cache Creek Casino Resort.

Sacramento in 4 Days: History, Parks, and Brews

On a limited budget, a trip to Sacramento can still be enjoyable. Visitors can explore downtown Sacramento and take a free tour of the Capitol building. Outdoor activities like hiking in nearby parks or visiting the city's many museums can also be done on a budget.