Being California’s capital city, Sacramento is not only the state’s political and economic harbor. However, it is not unusual that some tend to miss out on the funnier side of this sunny city and its region, forgetting how beautiful it is and how much it has to offer in terms of sight-seeing, holiday trips, and such.
Sometimes, Sacramento County seems to be terribly underrated, for that matter. Luckily, this magnificent region has been building a brand new reputation for itself. The reputation of a great place to visit for an entertaining holiday with a family, a friend, or a partner, or just going there solo.
In this guide, you will learn about the ten best ideas to spend some fabulous time in Sacramento County.
We’re starting off with the city of San Francisco. Or San Fran, as you might hear it on the street. You see, the people of San Francisco adore their city so much they made up such a cute nickname for it. It’s short, informal, and informative since it represents the vibe of the city.
So what does the “San Fran” mean? It means that you are sure to spend some marvelous time there and fall in love with the city. There is just no way you will leave San Francisco unimpressed.
Just an hour and a half drive away from Sacramento, San Franciso is situated on the coast and is a perfect place to change scenery. Apart from the numerous historical sites this city can offer, you will get the chance to discover its lesser-known tourist attractions and spots. Besides, San Fran is one of the most favorite movie sites, as well. We bet you will be getting some “48 hours”, “Metro,” or “George of the Jungle” flashbacks wandering around the downtown.
The city of Auburn is another Sacramento county gem you must find time to visit.
Beginning as a French camp during the California Gold Rush back in the late 1840s, the soon-to-be city grew rapidly. By 1850, Auburn’s population rate reached fifteen hundred people. In 1865, Auburn got its railway station. There are a lot of historic 19th-century buildings in the city. Among them are the Post Office and Fire Station buildings from the early years of the city. It’s no surprise that Auburn is deemed one of California’s historic spots.
But the historical background of Auburn city goes even deeper in the past. Way before the Gold Rush and first settlements, that area was the home of the now-extinct ancient Martis people.
For more history, memorable souvenirs, and some fancy food, visit Nevada city that is just an hour away from Sacramento.
This place is famous for its renowned theater where such profound writers as Jack London and Mark Twain used to perform with their works. Nevada city has preserved a lot of Victorian-era buildings, so the place will be of great interest to anyone in love with the history of the state of California.
As for more down-to-earth tourist attractions, check out the wide array of souvenir stores where you can purchase products from the local manufacturers. Items include fresh foods, home-crafted soap, and bathing products.
On San Francisco Bay’s east coast lies the city of Berkeley.
First of all, Berkley is famous for its liberal vibe and rich history of political movements from the second half of the 20th century. As of today, Berkley can attract tourists with its vast array of cultural sites. To name the few, they are Berkley Art Center & Berkley Art Museum, Berkley Repertory Theatre, and Shoh Gallery.
And, of course, Berkley is one of the most profound educational places in the state of California. Everyone knows about the famed University of Berkeley and its famous graduates like Jack London, Steve Wozniak, Gregory Pack. Because of its status as a college town, Berkeley has plentiful bookstores, libraries, as well as bars and restaurants.
Another key trait of Berkeley is that it is one of the most liberal cities in the United States. In 1984, the city’s authorities recognized same-sex marriage by using a trick-term “domestic partnership.”
But the city of Berkeley also has some beautiful views to offer to its visitors. For instance, you can go to Tilden Park to enjoy the sights of San Francisco Bay.
It will take to a 2-hour drive to get to the city of Calistoga, which is located in Napa Valley. People usually visit Calistoga city for relaxing spa sessions in its mud showers and hot-springs. One of the most famous attractions of Calistoga city is an artificially created geyser called “Old Faithful of California.” The water erupts from the ground shaft that was drilled in the second half of the 19th century.
Another idea for Calistoga city attractions is an air-balloon flight above the Napa Valley. With its green hills, plains, and grape plantations, the region offers breathtakingly beautiful views.
Or maybe you’re a golf lover? In that case, Calistoga city is especially the place for you to go. Apart from that, you can arrange a tour all across Calistoga’s cultural locations, such as Castello di Amorosa – a medieval-style castle. Wine-lovers are welcome to take wine tours conducted by experienced wine-makers.
Are you a fan of fishing? If you are, why not take a trip down to Bodega Bay. This North California fishing town is a marvelous place to visit! It’s about a two-hour drive from Sacramento and is famous for being a filming site for Hitchcock’s cult classic “The Birds.” Some of the locations are still there fairly untouched and are easily recognizable.
Among Bodega Bay’s historical places is Fort Ross. Founded in 1809 by pioneers from Russia, this location stays intact to this very day and is one of the most famous local tourist attractions.
But in terms of inspiration and amusement, it’s hard to think of anything more eyecatching than watching whales – the magnificent creatures of the sea. In Bodega Bay, you can watch whales from Bodega Head – a four-mile-long rocky ridge that serves as a natural entrance into the Bodega harbor. Bodega Head penetrates further into the ocean, giving you an opportunity to get a closer look at the giants of the sea.
Although in Bodega Bay, you can watch whales all year round, your best bet is to visit this place any time between October and February – that is the period when whales pass these waters as they head from down South. But if you come to Bodega Bay between February and April, you will see just the same massive amount of whales heading back from Mexico to Alaska.
There is also a chance to try kayaking or paddleboarding. You can do it by yourself or with the help of an experienced instructor. The Bodega Bay kayak tour follows the route down the lower Russian River and Estero Americano. If you have an underaged company, they will be instructed and watched by local guides.
Brannan Island State Recreation Area is a perfect place for those who wish to get away from regular tourist attractions of cultural sites, festivals, fairs, souvenir stores, museums, bars, and restaurants. In Brannan Recreation Area, you will get to enjoy the views of nature, observe wildlife and take up outdoor activities like boating and windsurfing.
Brannan Island State Recreation Area is just a few miles from Sacramento’s Rio Vista and occupies a total area of 133 hectares with numerous streams, waterways, marshes, and islands.
This recreation area is heaven on Earth for those who love water activities such as fishing. Although fishing is allowed only in specialized places, so keep that in mind. Another feature every nature lover will appreciate is an opportunity to witness almost 80 species of various animals freely living all around the area.
For those seeking seclusion, there are almost 150 campsites available for visitors.
The Yosemite National Park is a place first protected in the mid-1860s and now occupying an area of twelve hundred square miles. While this Park is basically well-known for its waterfalls, it has a lot more to show. In The Yosemite National Park, you will get to enjoy the views of meadows, valleys, giant sequoias, and much more.
This park has a number of fascinating locations to go to. The locations include (but are not limited to):
The aforementioned locations are just a small part of what the Yosemite National Park has in store for its visitors. Truly, this Park is one of California’s gems every nature lover must visit.
One step away from the top stop of our list is the National Forest of El Dorado. Getting to this location from Sacramento will take you just about an hour’s drive.
The National Forest of El Dorado is not only a fantastic place to be in thanks to its spectacular nature, but it is also a fully-equipped tourist location. It has everything to suit tourist’s needs in terms of comfort. So you just have to choose a day to come to the El Dorado forest to enjoy its magnificent views and man-made comfort.
Among outdoor activities available in the National Forest of El Dorado are climbing, fishing, and skiing during winters.
Lake Tahoe is our number one pick. It will take you two hours to get to Lake Tahoe from Sacramento. Connecting the two states together (California and Nevada), Lake Tahoe is one of California’s most amazing natural locations. Apart from that, Lake Tahoe offers a developed tourist infrastructure, including ski resorts and recreation areas. The United States’ second-deepest lake, Tahoe, is extremely popular. It attracts tourists from all over the country due to its clear water, gorgeous natural environment, and ski resorts.
Other activities available at Lake Tahoe include hiking and climbing of all difficulty levels imaginable.
0 – Plumbing in Sacramento
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