The hidden gems of Sacramento

Sacramento may be capital of the world’s fifth largest GDP, but it remains a city full of hidden gems and local secrets that few visitors manage to find.

It has many unsung neighborhoods, secret gardens, and vineyards.

There are many hidden gems to uncover. Discover four ways visitors can discover Sacramento’s secrets.

Secret Gardens

Sacramento was named one of the 10 Best Urban Forests in the nation by American Forests in 2013 and was rated among the top 10 large cities in the nation with the best park systems by The Trust for Public Land in 2014. Nestled in William Land Park is the WPA Rock Garden, this quaint, yet somewhat hidden garden is a park within a park. Often overlooked by passersby heading to Fairytale Town, the WPA Rock Garden offers beautiful California native flowers, plants and foliage in raised beds. Meandering paths edged with local granite masonry direct visitors to explore the peaceful surroundings.

Under the radar wine country

Many visitors are unaware of Sacramento’s wine region, the city and its surrounding counties are home to more than 200 wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms, most are within an hour’s drive. Area wineries, as well as wine bars, are tapping into the region’s agricultural bounty to serve dozens of varieties grown and made in the area. It’s a little-known fact that a large portion of the grapes used to make world-famous Napa wines come from the Sacramento region. One of the most historic wineries in the region is Boeger Winery, the Gold Rush-era winery has specialized in unique varietals and artisan blends since 1972.

Lesser-known foodie spots

SacTown Bites offers visitors the chance to eat like a local. Their curated tours highlight Sacramento’s most exciting chefs, the hottest new establishments, plus the hidden gems that locals love. They showcase Sacramento’s delicious and diverse food scene with food tours through the city’s Old Town area, Midtown, and a wine tasting tour, plus specialty vegan food tours. There are also tours out of the city to Capay Valley to discover some of the farms that make ‘farm to fork’ food so accessible in Sacramento.

Unsung neighbourhoods

Outside Sacramento’s Old Town and Midtown neighborhoods there are plenty of unique communities that visitors can explore. South Sacramento and Little Saigon are a must. Make sure to make a breakfast stop at Pegasus Bakery & Cafe for Hong Kong style baked goods, and a lunch stop at Pho Bac Hoa Viet. Head to The Sacramento Chinese of indoChina Friendship Association to see the colorful temple dedicated to Guanyin, the Eastern goddess of Mercy.

To explore more of Sacramento’s local secrets visit visitsacramento.com/neighborhood-guide 

Related News Stories:  

Related News Stories: