Sacramento is a great city to visit on a budget. There are plenty of free things to do, from visiting museums to exploring parks. Here are a few of our favorite free places to visit in Sacramento⁚
California State Railroad Museum
The California State Railroad Museum is a must-see for any train enthusiast. The museum has a vast collection of locomotives and railroad cars, and you can even take a ride on a historic train. The museum is located in Old Sacramento, which is a great place to spend a day exploring. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and other attractions in the area.
Highlights⁚
- See a vast collection of locomotives and railroad cars.
- Take a ride on a historic train.
- Explore Old Sacramento, a charming historic district.
Tips⁚
- The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
- Admission is free.
- There is a small fee for train rides.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
Old Sacramento State Historic Park
Old Sacramento State Historic Park is a living history museum that tells the story of California’s Gold Rush era. The park is located on the banks of the Sacramento River, and it features a variety of historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. You can explore the park on your own, or you can take a guided tour. There are also a number of special events held throughout the year, such as living history demonstrations and concerts.
Highlights⁚
- Explore a living history museum that tells the story of California’s Gold Rush era.
- Visit historic buildings, shops, and restaurants.
- Take a guided tour or explore the park on your own.
- Attend special events, such as living history demonstrations and concerts.
Tips⁚
- The park is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
- Admission is free.
- There is a small fee for some activities, such as guided tours and train rides.
- The park is wheelchair accessible.
Sacramento Zoo
The Sacramento Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from all over the world. The zoo is divided into different regions, such as the African Savanna, the Asian Highlands, and the Australian Outback. You can see animals such as lions, tigers, elephants, gorillas, and kangaroos. The zoo also has a variety of educational programs and exhibits;
Highlights⁚
- See over 1,000 animals from all over the world.
- Explore different regions, such as the African Savanna, the Asian Highlands, and the Australian Outback.
- Learn about animals and their habitats through educational programs and exhibits.
Tips⁚
- The zoo is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
- Admission is free.
- There is a small fee for some activities, such as camel rides and giraffe feedings.
- The zoo is wheelchair accessible.
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is a living history museum that tells the story of California’s Gold Rush era. The park is located on the site of the original Sutter’s Fort, which was built in 1839 by John Sutter. The fort was a major trading post and stopping point for travelers on the Overland Trail. Today, the park features reconstructed buildings, costumed interpreters, and educational programs that bring the Gold Rush era to life.
Highlights⁚
- Step back in time to the Gold Rush era at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park.
- Explore reconstructed buildings, meet costumed interpreters, and learn about the history of California.
- Pan for gold, play period games, and enjoy other hands-on activities.
Tips⁚
- The park is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
- Admission is free.
- There is a small fee for some activities, such as gold panning.
- The park is wheelchair accessible.
Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park is a beautiful Victorian mansion that was once the home of Leland Stanford, the founder of Stanford University. The mansion is located in the heart of Sacramento’s historic district, and it is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can tour the mansion, which is filled with period furniture and artifacts, and learn about the life of Leland Stanford and his family.
Highlights⁚
- Tour the opulent Victorian mansion of Leland Stanford, the founder of Stanford University;
- Admire the mansion’s period furniture, artifacts, and architecture.
- Learn about the life of Leland Stanford and his family.
Tips⁚
- The mansion is open for tours Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
- Admission is free.
- The mansion is wheelchair accessible.
- There is a small gift shop on the premises.
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