Sacramento Tourist Attractions

Where Sutter's Fort Museum stands today was once the site of the first outpost of the white man in California, set up by the German-Swiss immigrant Johann August Sutter in 1839. The adobe house built in the same year has been restored in the original style, and today houses relics of the pioneering and gold-rush period; there are also items on show to remind us of the town's founder, whose estates reached as far as the other side of the American River near Coloma. After gold was discovered Sutter was literally overrun by gold-seekers, so that he was forced to flee.

A reconstructed Victorian building, originating from 1873, houses the longest continuously operating museum in the western United States. The Crocker Art Museum was established in 1885. It has been extended several times. In addition to paintings and drawings by Californian artists (from Sacramento in particular), the exhibits include European, East Asian and recently also some contemporary works of art and photographs.The Crocker Art Museum is noteworthy largely for its impressive collection of California art. The museum building, property and original collection, which still forms the backbone of the museum, were donated by Margaret Crocker. This private collection was assembled by Judge Edwin B Crocker in the 1860s.The California and American art includes pieces dating back to 1848 with everything from Daguerrotypes to Ansel Adams photos, and paintings that range from early 19th Century to the current decade.The building itself has undergone restorations and changes over the years. The most recent addition saw the creation of the 125,000 square foot "Teel Family Pavilion". The contemporary design of the new area blends nicely with the original older sections.Ongoing events at the Crocker include Third Thursday Jazz, the Classical Concert Series, First Thursday Art Talks, and Saturday Hands-On Art Activities for families.

This magnificent Victorian villa, built in 1878, served as a residence for thirteen Californian Governors, the last being Ronald Reagan, who lived there from 1966 to 1975.This mansion lies within the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park. The incredibly ornate and beautiful building was erected for a private individual and subsequently purchases by the state in 1903 for Governor George Pardee. Since then, thirteen governors lived in the residence. The mansion is decked out in some very fine décor with mirrors from France, marble fireplaces from Italy, 14 foot ceilings, and exquisitely detailed finishing touches.Outside the home, the expansive grounds are a gardener's delight. Exotic plants from around the world, some dating back to 1877, are well maintained and thrive in the temperate climate. Of particular note is the swimming pool built in 1959.

The California Automobile Museum (formerly the Towe Museum) was first set up in 1987 and contains a collection of Ford cars, with an example from each year of manufacture and at least one model from each of the years 1903-53.Over 160 antique and classic vehicles are on display at the California Automobile Museum depicting the story of the development of the automobile in America. The Museum exhibits a changing inventory of its own and privately-owned vehicles selected to fulfill our Interpretive Plan. Exhibit vehicles range in age from the late 1800s to the early 2000s.

Fairytale Town is a nonprofit family park offering over two acres of enchantment and fun. The park seeks to promote the imagination, creativity and education of children through gentle and creative play. On site are farm animals and interactive learning gardens nestled among over twenty three-dimensional play sets based on favorite fairytales and nursery rhymes. The events calendar includes multicultural programs, live theater, literacy and creative learning experiences to families in a safe and colorful environment.

Funderland is an amusement park targeted at youngsters and early elementary school children. The park is free to enter but everything inside costs extra. Rides and activities are simple, largely non-scary events that are great for young children but likely boring for older children. There is a snack bar on site and the park hosts birthday parties. Occasionally there are special events taking place at Funderland.

The Sacramento History Center is a modern museum with four galleries.The information center introduces the visitor, by means of a 9-minute film and a computer system, to the way the gallery has been built up (ground floor).The Discovery Museum is located in the replica 1854 City Hall and has displays of history, science and technology.

The Big Four Building in Sacramento is named after the four most influential men in the Californian railway industry. They all lived in the city before moving to the larger and more important San Francisco: they were Charles Crocker, Mark Hopkins, Collis B. Huntington and Leland Stanford.

Regional Transit in Sacramento operates a 20 mile light rail system that is connected to the bus network. The rail system opened in 1987 and uses 36 vehicles with service every 15 minutes during the day and 30 minutes in the evening. Trains run from 4:30 a.m. till 1 a.m.

The California Military Museum honors Californians who fought in the Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars as well as the more recent Desert Storm.

The Hastings Building in Sacramento, dating from 1853, was originally a bank; today it is a museum where you will find a reproduction of California's first Supreme Court, as well as the Pony Express Museum and the Wells Fargo Museum.

The Spirit of Sacramento is a 110-foot paddle wheel riverboat that conducts 1-hour sightseeing cruises on the Sacramento River. Meals and a murder mystery excursion are available.

Waterworld USA in Sacramento has over 30 water rides. It can be rented for group functions. Waterworld USA is home to the Tornado, a six-story funnel of swirling water that drops riders 75 feet.

The Wells Fargo History Museum in Sacramento features an original Concord Coach, panoramic paintings, original maps and views of Sacramento; an Agent's office, a Wooten patent desk, and a postal history collection from Livingston Sacramento.

The California State Archives in Sacramento offer a comprehensive exhibition of documents on the history of Sacramento and California.

Old City Cemetery is a Victorian era garden cemetery. It is also home to the Sacramento Historic Rose Garden featuring antique roses.

The Sacramento Community Center Theater is home to opera, ballet, Broadway and other entertainment events.

The Sacramento Zoo has more than 300 animals including lions and tigers as well as a reptile house.

The State Library in Sacramento is a granite building with a 100-foot mural by Maynard Dixon. A second building at 900N Street houses the state history section.