Exploring Sacramento in 48 hours

A weekend in California’s state capital? If you only have 48 hours in the City of Trees, check out some of these not to be missed experiences.

You will be spoiled for choice, from its lauded cuisine to arty venues and festivals, family friendly activities, sports, music and more.

Sacramento has it all.

Morning coffee

To start the day right, every visitor’s first stop should be one of Sacramento’s top cafes and bakeries. Tupelo Coffee & Roasting uses coffee beans that are roasted locally and serves an amazing assortment of custom tea blends. In Lavender Heights, stop for a treat from Midtown Bakery, which makes delicious, handcrafted cookies, cakes, and pies.

Capitol building and World Peace Rose Garden

Don’t miss a visit to the state capital building and the peaceful green space that surrounds it. The World Peace Rose Garden features over 650 roses comprising 150-plus varieties, it is a Victorian-style garden, dedicated to women, children, and families, created as a sanctuary of peace and inspiration. Strolling through the pathways, read the inspirational messages written by young adults.

Afternoon of art

The Crocker Art Museum is a cultural hub for Sacramento, known for its collection of California Impressionist art, German drawings and from contemporary to antiquity. The museum was originally used to house the Crocker family’s art that they collected across Europe in the 1870’s. Over time the museum’s collection has since expanded and underwent a $100 million renovation in 2010. It is partially housed inside a Victorian house that has been faithfully preserved in its original form.

Farm to folk dinner

As America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, Sacramento is the best place in the country to get locally grown, fresh, seasonal food. The region has been an agricultural powerhouse for more than a century, boasting a year-round growing season, ideal climate and a huge bounty of crops. Grange Restaurant and Bar is one of Sacramento’s best examples of a restaurant showcasing the best regionally grown ingredients.

Late night in Midtown

A fun night out is guaranteed in the best of the city’s gay bars and clubs located in Midtown. For a chilled drink visitors should head to The Depot. For vibrant nights of music and dancing head to Faces Nightclub. It hosts weekly events including karaoke, drag shows, DJ sets and Noche Latina on Tuesday nights.

Rest your head for the night

Sacramento has plenty of cool lodging options. Perfectly placed in Midtown is Hyatt House, set in a Romanesque Revival-style building built in 1928. Guests can pick suites or apartment style rooms. For a slightly quirkier experience try The Delta King, a 285-foot riverboat on the Sacramento River, the 44 room hotel also boasts delicious food and entertainment.

A relaxed morning in Lavender Heights

The city’s “Gayborhood” is known as Lavender Heights, the neighbourhood owes its title to the large number of LGBTQ-owned businesses such as cafes, bars, boutique shops, and galleries. A must visit here is Kennedy Gallery, known as “The Jewel of Midtown”, curated by local gay artist Michael Misha Kennedy, the gallery features the work of more than a dozen resident artists. Exhibits range from abstract oddities and vintage toys to paperwork and glassblowing.

Stop for lunch

For a quick bite, stop at Buffalo Pizza & Ice Cream Co. a local favourite for over 30 years. For a taste of the East coast visitors can head to Uncle Vito’s Slice of NY, a late night pizza joint serving hand-crafted, New York-style pizza with house-made sauces.

Catch a game in the evening

Sacramento hosts pro league sporting events regularly. The Sacramento Kings NBA team play at the Golden 1 Center and the city’s soccer team Sacramento Republic FC became part of MLS in 2022. The city’s baseball team, the Sacramento River Cats, are the AAA affiliate of the San Francisco Giants and play at Sutter Health Park throughout the season.