Old Sacramento - Things to Do in Sacramento | California Travel Tips

Veronica Hill of California Travel Tips offers a guided tour of Old Sacramento State Historic Park in Sacramento, CA. Established in 1849, the Old Sacramento district was formed as eager miners, bankers and businessmen arrived for California's Gold Rush. Today, there are 53 historic Spanish-style buildings to explore, and many have been faithfully restored.

Old Sacramento attractions include the 1851 Big Four House, named for the founders of the First Transcontinental Railroad; and the 1853 B. F. Hastings Building, which once housed the Pony Express terminal and California's Supreme Court. During Sacramento's boom years, miners and pioneers flocked to the Eagle Theatre, which was established in 1849. This was the first permanent theater in California, and is rumored to be haunted by its former owner.

Set on 28 acres and roughly eight city blocks, Old Sacramento is packed with activities. You can tour Sacramento by electric bicycle or horse and carriage, explore the Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum, or hop aboard the California State Railroad Museum Sacramento Southern Railroad for a 40-minute train ride.

Old Sacramento was the terminus of the Transcontinental Railroad and the last stop on the Pony Express. At 2nd and J streets, you'll find the Pony Express Monument, which commemorates the 1,900-mile mail route from Missouri to Sacramento. Another monument honors Theodore Judah, the engineer who helped design the first Transcontinental Railroad.

In 1862, a record-breaking rainstorm flooded Sacramento, causing the city to raise the streets up to 14 feet by the 1870s. Underground Tours are offered through the Sacramento History Museum, where you can explore the legends that lurk beneath the city sidewalks; or you can check out Pioneer Park, which offers a glimpse at the lower levels of the city.

For a unique overnight, hang your hat at The Delta King, which is docked on the Sacramento River waterfront. This 1920s riverboat cruised between San Francisco and Sacramento until the 1940s and is one of the most unique and charming hotels in Sacramento. In 1982, the Delta King was restored to the tune of $9 million, and now boasts modern hotel rooms, a theater, wine school and two charming Old Sacramento restaurants.

One thing to remember — most of Old Town is metered parking, so you'll need some change to park. Change machines are located on almost every city block.

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