This post may contain affiliate links. This means I might receive a commission for any purchases made using these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. So, go get your Amazon on!
Sacramento is best known for being the capitol of California. There is more to the city than a big white building. You definitely need to tour the State Capitol Building, but you should also check out Old Sacramento along the river. If you are spending the day or weekend in town, this is a guide for what to do and where to eat for 24 hours in Sacramento.
What To Do:
Go Downtown
Downtown Sacramento has a variety of happenings from farmers markets to concerts. When I arrived on a Friday afternoon, there was a concert starting up at Cesar Chavez Plaza.
Click here to see what events are currently happening in Downtown Sacramento.
Tour The California State Capitol
Finished in the 1800’s, the California State Capitol Building is the beautiful white building at the end of Capitol Mall. Its dome and white pillars give it the political poise we have come to associate with government buildings. You can visit during the day or night and take pictures in front of the building.
If you have the time, free tours are available. It costs you no money to walk around and see a piece of our state’s history. Many bills and laws have come to fruition from inside these walls. Not to mention, the history in the making. See your current legislatures offices along with recreated rooms.
Interested in more? Here are 8 reasons you must tour the California State Capitol.
Visit The California State Capitol Park
Located beside the California State Capitol Building, the park is a green haven. There are a handful of memorials to see along the park that honor state and national history. In addition, you can walk through the park getting to or from the capitol building. The walk from my hotel to the State Capitol Building was tree-lined and was a nice setting for a morning walk.
Visit Old Town Sacramento
The Old Sacramento Waterfront is located along the Sacramento River and has plenty to do and see. Starting with the waterfront, you have a selection of boat tours and yacht cruises. If you would rather stay on land, there are patios along thee riverfront to enjoy a mimosa. See Rio City Cafe below.
There are different shops along the waterfront including toy stores, ice cream parlors, and souvenir shops. Whether you are going with a group of friends or with little kids, there is something for everyone.
Click here for a complete list of attractions and events in Old Sacramento.
Where To Eat:
Grace Coffee Roasters
Grace Coffee Roasters is conveniently located a block away from the California State Capitol Park. You can grab a coffee and walk through the park to begin your morning. The coffee shop is also across the street from the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. If you are in town for a convention, stop in for a mocha like I did!
See Grace Coffee Roasters on YELP or click here to view their website.
Rio City Cafe
Located along the Sacramento River, Rio City Cafe greets tourists and locals alike. Rio City Cafe has the same appearance as Old Sacramento with its rich history of a time long ago. We got a seat on the patio and were able to watch steamboats pass by. Though I was sipping mimosas and taking pictures with my phone, it did feel like we traveled into the past.
See over 1,300 reviews of Rio City Cafe on YELP.
We arrived at lunchtime on a Saturday afternoon so there was a little wait. We did not mind because we were able to peek around Old Sacramento. To avoid a long wait, make a reservation!
Make your reservation now through Open Table.
I have a hard and fast rule that anytime I see a Loco Moco on a menu, I have to get it. The dish is an American treasure and one that I intend on enjoying any time I get. It did not disappoint, in fact, it was the decadent dish that set my day in motion.
Click here to view their website for hours, directions, and more.
Il Fornaio
According to their website, Il Fornaio has 18 locations of premiere Italian eating across the West Coast. We had a reservation and only waited minutes before being seated in our own private room.
Make your reservations at Il Fornaio on their website now.
Have you ever been to a restaurant and wanted to order every single item on the menu? I face this problem mostly at Italian restaurants. When the menu has so many good pasta and ravioli options, I find myself unable to choose. One on had, I wanted to order everything at Il Fornaio. Every item on the menu was calling my name. On the other hand, the minute I saw the Cappellacci Di Zucca contained butternut squash, I closed the menu and was set on my decision.
The Cappellacci Di Zucca was centered around pasta filled with butternut squash served with a brown butter sauce. I wanted to lick my plate when I was done. In addition to the meal, we also splurged on a bottle of red wine to go with the bread.
See over 700 reviews of Il Fornaio on YELP.
Where To Stay:
The Citizen Hotel
Staying at The Citizen Hotel made our quick Sacramento trip much more memorable. With political cartoons and innuendos decorating the rooms and walls, I had a blast looking over the different details.
The Citizen Hotel is located across the street from Cesar Chavez Plaza. During your stay, you will be just over half a mile from the State Capitol Building and Park. The hotel is also one mile away from the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center and one mile away from Old Sacramento.
The Citizen Hotel is also home to Grange Restaurant and Bar. Located on the first floor, we sat outside on the patio one night and enjoyed a glass of wine.
Make your reservation at Grange Restaurant and Bar now!
Great news! The Citizen Hotel is in the Marriott family! Book your stay now.
Whether you are planning 24 hours in Sacramento or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite places. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family. Please comment if you have visited Sacramento and tell me how you liked it.
I am always open to recommendations. If you have any favorite spots, please share them below!
Cheers!
