Sacramento Guide

Sacramento Guide: Old Sacramento Waterfront: A Complete Visitor's Guide

Everything to see, eat, and do in Old Sacramento — the historic Gold Rush waterfront district. Museums, restaurants, riverboats, and practical tips from Sacramento locals.

Old Sacramento (officially Old Sacramento State Historic Park, often called Old Sac or Old Town Sacramento) is the birthplace of modern California — a preserved Gold Rush-era waterfront district along the Sacramento River. It's walkable, photogenic, and home to a cluster of worthwhile museums.

Here's what to know before you go, from Sacramento locals who've brought countless City of Trees House guests over for the afternoon.

Where Is Old Sacramento?

Old Sacramento Waterfront is in downtown Sacramento along the Sacramento River, bordered by the I-5 freeway on the east. The main pedestrian area runs along Front Street, 2nd Street, and 3rd Street between I Street and the river. It's 4 minutes by car from Golden 1 Center, 7 minutes from the California State Capitol, and 10 minutes from City of Trees House in West Sacramento.

What to See in Old Sacramento

• California State Railroad Museum — Hands down one of the best railroad museums in the country. Real locomotives you can walk through. Kids are mesmerized. Adults $14, kids free under 5.
• Sacramento History Museum — Compact, well-curated museum on Gold Rush and early California. Take the underground tour for the real hidden gem.
• The Delta King — Historic paddlewheel riverboat permanently moored on the river, now a hotel and restaurant. Worth walking on board even if you're not staying.
• Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum — Tiny, free museum recreating an 1800s one-room schoolhouse.
• Wells Fargo History Museum — Free. Real stagecoach, Gold Rush artifacts, under 45 minutes to see the whole thing.
• Sacramento Southern Railroad excursion train — Runs from April-September. 45-minute ride along the river in a vintage train pulled by a real steam engine. Book ahead.

Where to Eat in Old Sacramento

Old Sac's restaurants tend to skew tourist-friendly, but there are real gems:

• The Firehouse — Upscale American, historic firehouse setting. Dinner reservations recommended.
• Rio City Cafe — Riverside patio, sunset views of Tower Bridge. Mid-range. Sunday brunch is a local favorite.
• Ten22 — Modern New American, relaxed dining. Great brunch menu.
• Sacramento Sweets Company — Fudge, caramel apples, ice cream. Kids will insist.
• Old Sacramento Public House — Historic-feeling tavern, solid burgers and beer.

Tips from a Local

• Parking: $2-3/hour in garages, often free on Sundays. The lot closest to the river (between I and J Streets) fills fastest.
• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings or Sunday afternoons. Saturdays get crowded.
• Second Saturday: Art walks extend into Old Sacramento from midtown — more nightlife energy.
• Photography: Tower Bridge at golden hour is the iconic Sacramento shot. Cross to the West Sacramento side for the classic downtown-skyline-plus-bridge view.
• With kids: Railroad Museum + train ride + Sacramento Sweets is a fully-fed 3-hour loop.

Combine With Other Sacramento Attractions

Old Sacramento pairs well with other downtown stops. A good day loop from City of Trees House:

1. 10 AM — Drive 10 minutes to Old Sacramento. Park in a garage.
2. 10:30 AM — California State Railroad Museum (1.5 hrs).
3. 12 PM — Lunch at Rio City Cafe with river view.
4. 1:30 PM — Walk the boardwalk, visit smaller museums.
5. 3 PM — Drive 2 minutes to the California State Capitol for a free tour.
6. 5 PM — Head back to the house. If it's a game day, walk 7 minutes to Sutter Health Park for a 7:05 PM first pitch.

See our complete things-to-do in Sacramento guide for more itinerary options.