The bustling capital of one of the most popular states in the US, Sacramento, is a rapidly expanding Californian city that somehow manages to retain its relaxed atmosphere. The city’s art deco and post-modern skyscrapers blend magnificently with the leafy, tree-lined streets and refined Victorian-era edifices. Additionally, Sacramento is the gateway to gold country, easy to reach with rental car in Sacramento, and an assortment of fine museums and living monuments pay tribute to the era. National travel deals are becoming easier and easier to find.
Getting there
Located 18kms northwest of the city center, Sacramento International Airport serves mainly domestic routes, with most international flights arriving via connections in Los Angeles or San Francisco. The cheapest way to get into the city is by bus; however, there is also an airport shuttle service and taxis. Amtrak trains serve the city daily and are a scenic way to travel in this region. Greyhound runs a frequent and reliable bus service from San Francisco, taking about two hours.
For those travelling by car rental, Sacramento lies at the junction of I-5 and I-80. From Los Angeles, head north on I-5 from through the Central Valley; a journey time of seven to eight hours. I-80 continues northeast through on towards Reno and Lake Tahoe.
Key attractions
You can get your bearings by finding the distinctive State Capitol building, which was built in 1869 and lies at the center of the city, surrounded by lush green space. Sutter’s Fort State Historical Park contains a blacksmith’s forge and a jail, while volunteers in period dress act out scenes of typical life during the Gold Rush. Another quirky sight is the California State Railroad Museum, which is one of the biggest railroad museums in the country, containing 105 antique locomotives and rail carriages.
Croker Art Museum features an excellent collection of local Californian art and is housed in an exquisitely designed building, notable for its carved and inlaid wooden interior. The State Indian Museum also should not be missed, as it chronicles 400 years of local Indian history and culture in an innovative manner.
Out and about
Empire Mine State Historical Park is where you can find one of the biggest and oldest gold mines in the US, which closed in 1956. Many of the mine’s old buildings are still in good condition, surrounded by pleasant gardens. Hundreds of limestone caverns permeate the countryside, with the most notable being Moaning Cavern and California Caverns, which have both been open to the public since 1850. The trendy city of San Francisco, known for its Golden Gate Bridge and liberal atmosphere, is a short drive west by rental car in Sacramento.
Leisure options
Old Sacramento stretches along the river and contains historic buildings, shops and restaurants, as well as saloons and cobbled streets complete with horse-drawn carriages. Here, you can cruise down the river or cycle along its shady banks. Rafting on the clear, blue water of the American River is also popular.
Safety
Travelers can put themselves at risk when driving car rental across long distances. Beware of pickpockets, especially around night areas. The cost of medical care in the US is high and you would not want to be without insurance if something were to occur. We highly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family. National travel deals should likewise be arranged in advance.