Downtown Sacramento - Sacramento, CA Area Guide

Sacramento’s downtown area originally covered a 28-acre portion of waterfront along the Sacramento River. What began as a settlement in the mid-1800s quickly expanded into a booming city when the Gold Rush hit in 1848. After several floods, downtown gradually moved farther east, away from the river, and the city became a major railroad terminus. Today, downtown Sacramento is home to the California State Capitol and the city’s central business district.

History defines many of the museums in downtown Sacramento. Part of the State Capitol, the California State Capitol Museum features impressive artifacts and artwork depicting the city’s history. At the California State Railroad Museum, explore the city's railroad history. Patrons of the arts enjoy performances by the Sacramento Opera, Philharmonic and the Sacramento Ballet at the Community Center Theater. Don't miss the monthly Second Saturday, a downtown art-walk event. Annual events in downtown include the Sacramento Music Festival and Gold Rush Days.

Downtown's dining scene often plays second fiddle to the restaurant-heavy Midtown neighborhood, but it has its own collection of worthy restaurants to check out. Ella Dining Room and Bar offers a modern menu in an elegant-but-casual atmosphere. The restaurant focuses on locally sourced, sustainable and in-season foods, with menu options that include pan-roasted duck breast, steak tartare with garlic popovers and Berkshire pork osso bucco.

Enjoy the waterfront views at The Firehouse Restaurant, a classy establishment in the Old Sacramento district. Perfect for a special occasion, this establishment's upscale menu items, including duck confit hash, hazelnut-encrusted lamb and the signature Firehouse filet mignon, excite local diners.

Head to the popular Dad's Sandwiches for a laid-back bite to eat. This warm and casual spot serves up a wide variety of sandwiches, fresh salads and burgers. Stop by for breakfast to try the hacienda hottie, a spicy jalapeno, egg and bacon sandwich.

Varied nightlife lies in the downtown area. When you want to dance the night away, local favorite District 30 stands as an always-packed club that features a large dance floor with flashing lights and go-go dancers, or enjoy one of the several VIP lounges here. When you want to hear live music, The Old Ironsides never disappoints. The oldest bar in Sacramento, this historic spot draws crowds nearly every night of the week with live bands, open mic nights and karaoke.

Dive Bar, known for great happy hour deals and a unique environment, draws attention for its underwater theme. Keep your eye out for live performers dressed as mermaids swimming in the club's massive aquarium. In the Old Sacramento district, the Laughs Unlimited comedy club provides exactly what its name states. Learn how to tango at River Tango, which offers lessons before themed dancing events.

Getting around downtown Sacramento could not be easier in this compact, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. While walking to many areas of downtown can be done within minutes, you can also take advantage of the city’s public transportation to get around the neighborhood. Sacramento Regional Transit operates several buses and light rail trains that connect the downtown area with other parts of the city.

If you plan on driving into the downtown area, Interstate 5 travels right through the western part of the neighborhood. While driving around is possible, it’s a lot easier to park in one of the many parking garages and walk or hop on public transportation. Parking rates vary depending on the area. Traditional cabs can be hailed on busy streets, but you’re likely to get a ride even faster from ride-sharing companies, Uber and Lyft.

A relatively flat grid of streets, ample biking lanes and bike racks, give downtown Sacramento a reputation for being very bike-friendly. The city boasts several biking events and initiatives to promote cycling in the area.

Downtown has several parks to help get residents outdoors and active. At the heart of the neighborhood, the Cesar Chavez Plaza features a beautiful fountain, shady, grassy areas for picnics and a stage for concerts in the park. The park plays host to the free Summer Concert Series every year.

The family friendly Southside Park stretches across 19.9 acres of land, and includes a large, accessible children’s playground, a swimming and wading pool, an amphitheater and a fishing lake. The park offers plenty of exercise opportunities, including a jogging trail and a course with fitness stations. Nearby Roosevelt Park draws leisure-sport enthusiasts with its basketball court and baseball diamond.

Living in downtown Sacramento costs about 4.8 percent more than it costs to live in other parts of the city. Expect to pay an average of about $1,400 for a one-bedroom apartment in this desirable neighborhood.

Taking public transportation in and around this city-center neighborhood costs only $2.50 per ride. Driving around the area can be a bit pricey, as gas hovers about 17 percent higher than the national average. At a local pub, expect to pay between $3.75 and $5 for a pint of beer.

Varied and diverse shopping opportunities await in the downtown area. This locale houses a variety of locally owned toy stores, music stores, fashion boutiques and gourmet sweet shops.

For those looking for a traditional shopping experience with familiar store brands, visit Arden Fair, a popular shopping mall just 6 miles from downtown. The mall features high-end stores such as Coach, The Disney Store and JC Penney.

For a more unique shopping experience, check out the locally owned shops in Old Sacramento. Peruse old records and antiques at Brook's Novelty Antiques & Records, and find crazy and creative socks at Sock City. Buy a quirky, one-of-a-kind toy at the eclectic Evangeline's.

Take home a selection of hand-made treats at Sacramento Sweets. When seeking the latest fashions, U.BE.U Fashions has you covered with stylish duds from local designers.

Although no major grocery stores lie within the downtown area, the neighborhood does have a number of small markets such as Red Sea Food Market that provide fresh meats and grocery basics. Large grocery stores can be found in the surrounding neighborhoods. A farmers market opens at 8th & W Streets every Sunday.