Leaving San Francisco to arrive in Old Sacramento is like entering another world! Old Sacramento is a National Historic Landmark District and a State Historic Park. The unique area is like no other place I have ever visited. Arriving in Old Sacramento on the cobble streets is as though I have been teleported back to the Old West. The Wild Wild West! Old Sacramento is filled with museums (including the amazing California State Railroad Museum), eclectic shops, one of a kind restaurants, and on-going historical events. Wander through the streets of Old Sacramento to step back in time to take a break from our many modern amenities. Put your electronic devices away to tour Old Sacramento on horse and carriage, join a walking tour, visit one of the museums, or taste test at the many specialty shops along the way. My favorite was nibbling on cashew brittle and fresh popped pop corn while wandering the open streets of Old Sacramento.

Old Fashion Popcorn Parlor

The old fashion charm of Old Sacramento made me feel right at home (I’m originally from a small town). In Old Sacramento, you would never guess that you are in the middle of a large metropolitan city, let alone in the capitol of California. It is so interesting how the city of Sacramento grew around Old Sacramento leaving it in its natural wonder. Visiting Old Sacramento was refreshing; I left the fast paced busyness of San Francisco behind to enter an entirely new world. The historical wonder of Old Sacramento left me searching for the secrets of the region.

Old Sacramento is 28 acres of pure history with 53 historic buildings and charm. Take a 40 minute excursion on California State Railroad Museum’s train (April-September). Take an Old Sacramento Underground tour to explore the city’s original underground and historic district. There are endless opportunities to learn more about the California Gold Rush and the history of Old Sacramento! Since 1848, Old Sacramento has been booming with victors from all over. With Sacramento being the last stop on the Pony Express route (transcontinental railroad), “Old Sac” became quite popular and still is today.

The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation sponsors year-round events including:
-Themed tours & activities
-Walking tours of the historic district
-Street theatre program (summer)
-Ghost tours (fall)
-Old Sacramento Underground Tour (July-October)
-Sacramento History Museum

Old Sacramento events:
-Mardi Gras
-St Patrick’s Day Parade
-Pacific Rim Festival
-Sacramento Music Festival
-Gold Rush Days
-World Music & Dance Festival
-Raley’s Theatre of Lights

Old Sacramento Museums:
-California Military Museum
-California State Railroad Museum
-Huntington & Hopkins Hardware
-Sacramento History Museum
-Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
-Wells Fargo History Museum

Iconic landmarks:
-B.F Hastings Building
-Tehama Block
-Eagle Theatre
-C.M. & T. Co. Building
-Big Four Building
-Dingley Spice Mill Building
-Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station
-Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot
-Pony Express Monument
-Delta King

Although I spent almost an entire day exploring in Old Sacramento, I feel as though there is more to be discovered. I could go back to Old Sacramento and spend another day sight-seeing and still not run out of things to look at. The endless trinkets in Evangeline‘s Weird & Wonderful Gifts & Toys, Fun & Amazing Tricks, Jokes and Magic, the turquoise sparkly wonders in Sparkles Fashion Accessories, and the specialty foods in the Central Pacific Railroad Depot. I was left wandering for hours. There is nothing better than browsing in historically unique stores and attractions. Wouldn’t you want to get your picture taken in traditional nineteenth century clothing? There was something for everyone in Old Sacramento!