11 Fun Things To Do In Sacramento

A getaway to the state capital is anything but boring—it offers the best of both worlds. Visiting Sacramento is like a history lesson and simultaneously, a bustling hub of modernity. Museums oozing with Gold Rush history, Midtown Sacramento’s nightlife scene buzzing with energy, green spaces inviting you to embark on adventures; you’ll find yourself lost in the state capital. Squeezing all the fun things to do in Sacramento into one piece is a difficult task; visit for yourself and you’ll understand why.

Fun Stuff To Do In Sacramento During The Day

1. Tour the Old Sacramento Waterfront

Traveling back in time at the Old Sacramento Waterfront does a better job of teaching about Sacramento’s history than textbooks. The Old Sacramento Waterfront is a 28-acre district on the edge of the Sacramento River, with around 53 buildings standing from the 1800s—the oldest of them is the Lady Adams Building, which survived the 1852 fire. You’ll be surprised at how well this fun place in Sacramento blends in with the rest of the city. Hop on a horse-drawn carriage and ride straight into the Gold Rush era just like the olden days. 

2. Hop on a Train at California State Railroad Museum

The best part about visiting Sacramento is that you get to go on an excursion aboard an authentic locomotive from the 1800s. All you need to do is head to the California State Railroad Museum and take the six-mile round trip along the Sacramento River. But if a train ride isn’t your cup of tea, you can still have fun at this Sacramento attraction. Check out the 21 restored locomotives—the oldest of which dates back to 1862—displayed at the museum. 

3. Kayak Through the Sacramento River

California’s largest river, the Sacramento River, is a 446 mile-long stunner that’s a sight you can’t miss—in fact, it’s one you don’t want to miss. Watching the river from a distance is beautiful, but experiencing its glory is one of the most fun activities in Sacramento. Rent a kayak from Mr. Kayak Adventures and enjoy stunning views of the city as you paddle through the waters. 

4. Pay a visit to the Sacramento Central Farmers Market

Hundreds of vendors welcome you at the Sacramento Central Farmers Market between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. every Sunday. Here, you’ll find the best fresh produce, meat variety, and dairy products when shopping for groceries. This is also where the best chefs in the area join the community to pick up the freshest products for their guests—healthy has never looked this tasty at a farmers market! 

5. Spot the Murals of Sactown

One of the most fun and free things to do in the state capital is spotting the 600-plus murals across the city. These kaleidoscopic artworks add life to every corner of Sacramento. If you’re not sure where to head, Downtown Sacramento is a good place to start; it boasts the largest number of murals in the area. The second place to check out is Midtown Sacramento. The city also hosts Wide Open Walls every summer, where a big lineup of international and local artists create huge murals over the course of 11 days.   

6. Hike the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail

Being in a city as gorgeous as Sacramento, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible outdoors. The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail is the perfect spot to exercise and enjoy the natural beauty of Sactown. Whether you like to trek, bike, run, or just have a quiet picnic, this is one of the best hiking trails in the entire area. It’s also your primary water sports destination—the trail exposes you to the American River, where you can kayak or canoe.

How To Have Fun In Sacramento At Night

7. Enjoy the Nightlife Scene at Midtown Sacramento

Midtown Sacramento is the heart and soul of the state capital. Not only is it one of the best neighborhoods in the city, but it’s also where the nights get loud and crazy—the best restaurants, clubs, and entertainment venues line the streets of this district. Looking for a fun night out with your boo? The nightlife scene will have you partyin’ till morning.

8. Catch a Show at B Street Theatre

Still looking for fun places to go in Sacramento? B Street Theatre is all the fun you’ll ever need. Expect to see anything from the recreation of The Wizard of Oz to great musical performers like Herb Alpert and Popa Chubby. Some shows are perfect to attend with your family, while others are ideal for a unique date night. Whatever your plans for the weekend are, B Street Theatre has you covered.

9. Watch the Sacramento Kings Play at Golden 1 Center 

Whenever you’re in a city that has an NBA team, you attend a game—that’s the unspoken rule. The Sacramento Kings are the oldest running franchise in NBA history and have been representing California since 1923. Watching the Kings play at home is the most fun you’ll have in Sacramento. Games at the Golden 1 Center are known to get loud, with thousands of loyal fans cheering for their team. Buy a ticket and see what the hype is all about.

10. Glide on the Ice at Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink

Fun stuff to do in Sacramento doesn't stop when the weather gets colder. On the contrary, you’ll have more activities to add to your to-do list. The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink is the city’s winter wonderland. Spending the night here feels right out of a romantic movie. If you’re in the city for a winter getaway, make sure to glide at Sacramento’s favorite ice rink—experience not needed. 

11. Share a Romantic Dinner at The Waterboy

When visiting the farm-to-fork capital, you have to dine at one of the most authentic restaurants. The Waterboy is the perfect spot for a first date. There’s a good reason why people can’t stop talking about this restaurant—here, you’ll taste the fresh ingredients with every bite. Wow your boo with the best Sacramento has to offer; we promise that the Waterboy is one of the most fun things to do in Sacramento.