Old Sacramento State Historic Park is a district of the city of Sacramento that consists of 50 original early Gold Rush era commercial buildings, all of which have been meticulously preserved and are still in use today as active businesses, shops and restaurants. A popular destination for shopping and dining, the park is also home to many historical reenactment events and activities as well as various festivals and gatherings throughout the year.
Parking and public transportation at Old Sacramento State Historic Park
Thanks to the rich commercial history of the area, Old Sacramento State Historic Park is easily accessible by car, boat, train or bus. If driving, you'll appreciate the location right off the freeway. Just take Interstate 5 to the J Street exit and follow the signs. There is limited 90 minute metered curbside parking available inside the park itself but if you're comfortable taking a short walk plenty of covered parking is available in the main parking structure located at 3rd and J Streets. If boating is preferable over driving, the Old Sacramento Public Docks are located at the Old Sacramento Waterfront and offer day-use docking free of charge (fees do apply for overnight stays though). There are numerous train routes to the park via Amtrak, Capitol Corridor and RT Light Rail with varying fare rates. Otherwise there are bus stops near the park accessible via Sacramento Regional Transit bus routes 11, 30, 62, 86 and 88.
Best and worst time to go to Old Sacramento State Historic Park
The park is open year round but due to the type of the businesses that make up Old Sacramento, the best time to go depends on the nature of your visit. To check out the various museums or do a little shopping, obviously daylight hours are recommended. To escape the kids for dinner, drinks, live music and dancing, check out the dining options after hours.
Admission to Old Sacramento State Historic Park
There is no admission fee to visit the park but some of the museums and activities within the park (stagecoach rides for example, or entry into the Railroad Museum) have their own fees. It's a good idea to bring extra spending money though. The park offers a plethora of shops featuring everything from California souvenirs and a fortune teller to handmade candy, old fashioned photographs, ice cream parlors and a magic shop.
Must see/do at Old Sacramento State Historic Park
No matter your age, interests or budget, there is a tour of Old Sacramento to fit everyone. Those interested in the history of the location can take a stagecoach ride around the park in the style of its horse drawn heyday or reserve a spot on an Old Sacramento Underground Tour to see excavated foundations and hidden pathways that date back to when the city raised its street level over a century ago. Walking tours are also offered, as well as bicycle tours, ghost tours, river cruises and train excursions.
Other places to visit near Old Sacramento State Historic Park
While visiting Sacramento, let your children explore their creativity by getting them involved in the artistic process at artBEAST Studio. An open studio space for children, artBEAST Studio lets kids experiment with different mediums in several themed art exploration spaces. They can dress-up, paint, sculpt, create music, enjoy water and outdoor play or take one of several classes offered. The best part though, is that the fees go to a nonprofit that supports homeless families.
Insider tip for visitors to Old Sacramento State Historic Park
This is the place to go for fun evening dining. Whether vying for the coveted first place prize at Fat City Bar and Cafe's Monday night trivia, cracking open a crustacean at Joe's Crab Shack, digging in to the seasonal corned beef and cabbage at O'Mally's Irish Pub, splurge on fine riverboat dining on the Delta King, laughing it up at the comedy club Laughs Unlimited or just relaxing with a cold beer and a Jiffy Burger at Fanny Ann's Saloon, there is no better nightlife in Sacramento.
Author's bio: Ann Milligan is a wife, mom, author, artist and California native. She can often be found photographing golden poppies, dancing with her kids and nom-nom-noming.