Sacramento is well known as a city of powerful contrasts, which makes it even more interesting. Once a 'cow town', a place where cowboys did their thing, it's a city of sprawling 'burbs with an exceptionally smart and trendy centre, a place of contemporary loft living studded with posh boutiques and lovely old traditional shop fronts. And there's a small but vibrant culinary, art and nightlife scene to enjoy.
The City Historic Cemetery features lush gardens and marble statues dating back to the Gold Rush.
Three enormous public parks create the green heart of the city, complete with golf, water features, grassland, jogging trails, fishing, picnic areas, tennis and two great zoos. Big city tourist hotspots are always a great place to start, and Sacramento has plenty. Here are three of the best.
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Waterfront dining, boating and swimming on the Sacramento and American rivers
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Old Sacramento, 28 acres of fascinating history preserved beautifully for posterity
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Sutters Fort houses, a tour of which takes you back to the era of the California gold rush
If you want to get a real flavour of life in this remarkable city, put all three on your itinerary.
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There's more than one 'Old Town' to explore. Old Sacramento itself is joined by Folsom, Roseville, Fair Oaks and Elk Grove, each with their own historic heart ripe for exploration.
Known by local outdoor enthusiasts as the crowning jewel of the city, the American River Bike Trail delivers 32 miles of easy cycling, a brilliant way to discover the city for cyclists of all ages. But there's more...
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The Crocker Art Museum, a world-class venue
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Loads of golf courses including Haggin Oaks
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A day trip to nearby Apple Hill
Take in a spot of culture, enjoy a game of golf and experience a tour of some of California's favourite wineries and you've nailed the vibe of this thrilling city.
Ride the Screamer at Scandia Family Fun Center. But don't scream. You'll be asked to leave. Screaming is banned even though it hurls thrill seekers around at 65 miles an hour.
The attractive and interesting Leland Stanford Mansion, dating back to 1856, was home to three governors in the 1860s. Not old in British terms but pretty damn old for California. The Governor’s Mansion, built in 1877, housed 13 governors. And Sutter’s Fort, dated 1843, has seen service as a trading post, a rehab point for survivors of the notorious Donner Party and a refugee camp for earthquake-displaced people in 1906. All amazing, all worth a visit. Better still, many of the city's older buildings feature spooky underground passages, rooms, pathways and deep, deep foundations, all revealed during a fascinating experience called the Old Sacramento Underground Tour. It's a great way to get a flavour of the town's historic past.
Exceptional nightlife awaits you in this unique city. There are loads of really good pubs, bars and in-pub micro-breweries, plus big city clubbing, all focused on the downtown and midtown areas. You can mix with locals and tourists alike for a fun, friendly and warm-hearted night out. If partying the night away isn't enough for you, add numerous theatres, great international and local shopping, ice skating, live music, state fairs and farmer's markets and you're getting there. You'll need weeks to explore this amazing place to the full in all its infinite variety.