The below information is courtesy of the Sacramento Visitors Bureau. To find out more about places to go and things to see in Sacramento, visit www.discovergold.org.
Sacramento’s history began in 1839 when Johann Augustus Sutter settled at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers. When the Mexican government and Governor Alvarado granted 48,000 acres of land to Sutter, they did not realize that they had given away a literal goldmine. Gold was discovered in 1848 just thirty miles east of Sacramento. The rest is history! The news of the discovery spread like wildfire around the globe and fortune hunters came by the thousands from all corners of the world to California—Sacramento to be precise. California became a state in 1850 and Sacramento its capital four years later. The city has been on the move ever since and is now one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States.
Today, visitors can still “discover gold” in Sacramento—in the museums, restaurants, parks, and more. Below are some tourist attractions to check out while at the Summit. Future issues of Intercom will highlight restaurants, bars, day trips, and more.
Old Sacramento
The Old Sacramento historic area, a registered national landmark and state historic park, is a 28-acre site on the banks of the Sacramento River. It is a vital historical, business, residential, shopping, and dining district with a fascinating past and the greatest concentration of historic buildings in California. More than 100 unique shops and eclectic restaurants will satisfy even the most discerning visitor.
California State Railroad Museum
www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org
Old Sacramento is home to the largest interpretive railroad museum in North America—the California State Railroad Museum. The 100,000-square-foot building houses the largest interpretive museum of its kind in North America, displaying 21 restored locomotives, cars, and 46 exhibits. Steam train rides are available on weekends from the depot to Miller Park.
California Military Museum
Also in Old Sacramento is the California Military Museum. Exhibits reflect California’s rich militia and military history from pre-statehood to contemporary times. The museum contains more than 30,000 military papers, documents, and memorabilia.
Sacramento History Museum
Housed in the reconstructed 1854 City Hall on the Waterfront in Old Sacramento, the Sacramento History Museum explores Sacramento’s city founders, industry, and the Gold Rush.
Crocker Art Museum
A restored Victorian in Old Sacramento houses the oldest public art museum in the West, which has grown and expanded since 1873. The original European paintings and master drawings collections were soon augmented with 19th-century California paintings, sculptures, Asian art, and more recently contemporary art and photography.
California State Capitol Museum
After a massive restoration completed in 1982, the building once again reflects the beauty and grandeur of the 1900s. The magnificent dome, marble mosaic floors, crystal chandeliers, and monumental staircases are highlights.
Leland Stanford Mansion
After a 14-year, $22 million restoration and rehabilitation, the Leland Stanford Mansion is now open to the public as a museum. It also serves the citizens of California as the state’s official reception center for leaders from around the world. A stunning example of the splendor and elegance of the Victorian era in California, the four-story, 19,000-square-foot Mansion dates from 1856 and has special historical and architectural significance.
Other Museums
Visit www.sacmuseums.org for a full list of museums in and around Sacramento.
Blue Diamond Growers Visitors Center
Factory outlet for the largest almond processing plant in the world, with a 20-minute video in several foreign languages.
Sacramento Zoo
Located in William Land Park, Sutterville Road and Land Park Drive, the 15-acre zoo is home to over 340 exotic animals. Across from the zoo is Fairytale Town, a six-acre children’s theme park.
The International World Peace Rose Gardens
Dedicated in May 2003, the Victorian-designed garden features over 800 roses in a variety of colors and fragrances. Walkways lead to a small courtyard with a fountain in the center, and a heart-shaped seating wall.
California Delta
The California Delta is an intriguing labyrinth of waterways formed by the confluence of the Sacramento, Mokelumne, and San Joaquin rivers as they flow into the San Francisco Bay. With 1,000 miles of meandering channels, rivers, sloughs and cuts, this fresh-water system offers an abundance of water activities in this decidedly laid-back community. With quaint historic towns that have changed little since the Gold Rush era, the Delta offers a delightful trip from nearby Sacramento along scenic Route 160.
