Most Instagram Worthy Locations Near Sacramento
There are few buildings that symbolize the state of California and Sacramento better than the Capitol Building itself. The home of the California State Legislature since 1869 the California Capitol serves as both the working seat of California's government and a thriving historical museum visited by thousands daily. With Greek and Roman influences found literally everywhere inside and out, finding an interesting photo won't be much of a challenge. For a real Instagram-worthy photo, it would behoove you to aim your smartphone up towards the Rotunda ceiling when you first enter for that all-important selfie shot.
This vertical lift bridge is close to 100 years old and still serves as a four-lane road. With a new paint job in 2007, this bridge serves as a functional standing monument for the city that connects West Sacramento with the capital on the other side. It also happens to look rather striking and impressive both day and night. For a great shot, it doesn't matter which side of the bridge you're on. From the street, you'll most likely have trees blocking your view, but if you hop on the Sacramento River Bike Trail or onto River Walk Park, the bridge is clearly visible from the trail. Join the bike trail from Old Sacramento and you're closer to a few more shops and restaurants.
There are lots of places in Sacramento where old meets new, but few are more noteworthy than the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. Located at the corner of 11th and K Street, the Cathedral serves as the chair for the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Sacramento and is an important symbol for the city's visual history. Sure, you can snag a great shot for Instagram in the Cathedral itself, but if you want a real crowd pleaser you'll have to head up high. Across the street is the Hyatt Regency and its multi-level parking garage. Head to the top of the parking garage towards the end of the day and snag a shot of the Cathedral on the other side of the street as the sun sets.
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If you've spent any time looking for fun events in the heart of Sacramento, you've probably attended a couple of events at the California State Expo Center. Located a hop, skip and a jump away from mid-town Sacramento, the California State Expo center is home to the Sacramento County Fair in May and the California State Fair for more than two weeks in the middle of July. When the Expo Center isn't hosting fairs, it's home to Sacramento's local soccer and rugby teams as well as numerous horse races and motocross events. Keen eyes will notice giant letters spelling out our state's name at the entrance and is a certainly a great Instagram photo opportunity. Buy some soccer or rugby tickets, invite some friends and snap some shots enjoying the game.
If you want an Instagram-worthy spot that only the locals know, head on over to "No Hands Bridge." From El Dorado St., head over The American River on CA 193 and park alongside the road next to the trailhead to Calcutta Falls. You'll hike for less than a couple of minutes and actually walk over "No Hands Bridge" and across to the other side. From the trail after that, you can catch some awesome views of this concrete bridge with its iconic arches. Although no longer carrying trains across the river, the No Hands Bridge is still used by runners, horse riders and hikers. Start hiking towards the end of the day to catch some epic shots.
