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Guide To Old Sacramento Historic State Park

Old Sacramento or 'Old Sac' to the locals is a must see for many Capital City visitors.  The 28-acre area, along the Sacramento River, is a cluster of Gold Rush-era buildings.  Visitors walk on wooden plank sidewalks and cobblestone streets while exploring the historic area.  Old Sacramento was the western terminus for the first transcontinental railroad, the transcontinental telegraph and the Pony Express.  A number of historic buildings are still standing like the B.F. Hastings Building, former home of the California Supreme Court.  The State Railroad Museum is also in Old Sacramento.  There are also more than 100 shops, boutiques and restaurants.

Old Sacramento Museums

Old Sacramento has more than 50 historic buildings.  In 1965 the entire original 1850's business district of Old Sacramento was named a National Historic Landmark.  Along with the B.F. Hastings Building, you can still see the 1849 Eagle Theater and the 1855 Big Four Building.  There are also a number of museums that are part of the Old Sac State Park including the must-see California State Railroad Museum with its 20 restored locomotives, toy train exhibit and train rides.

 

California State Railroad Museum
(credit: csrmf.org)

California State Railroad Museum
111 "I" Street
(916) 445-6645
Open daily from 10am to 5pm
www.csrmf.org

Sacramento History Museum
101 "I" Street
Old Sacramento
916.808.7059
www.historicoldsac.org

Wells Fargo History Museum
Corner of Second and "J" Streets
(916) 440-4263
Open daily 10am  to 5 pm
Old Sac Wells Fargo History Museum

California Military Museum
1115 Second Street
(916) 442-2883
Open daily except Monday, 10am to 4:30pm
www.militarymuseum.org

Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
Front and "L" Street
(916) 483-8818
www.scoe.net/oldsacschoolhouse/about/index.html

Shopping In Old Sacramento
(credit: flickr.com)

Shopping In Old Sacramento
Of course, many people come to Old Sacramento just for the shopping.  There are more than 100 shops to peruse.  You can find gifts, clothes, toys and collectibles.  Old Sac offers a unique shopping experience that includes some favorites like Evangaline's, Old City Kites, and G. Willikers Toy Emporium.

Click here for a complete list of stores.

Eating And Dining In Old Sacramento

There are plenty of places to grab a quick bite to eat in Old Sac or even have a romantic dinner overlooking the Sacramento River.   You can get a sweet treat at one of the old fashioned candy stores, a sandwich at one of the delis or have a fine dining experience at a Sacramento mainstay like the Firehouse Restaurant.

Click here for a complete list of places to dine.

 

Under Old Scaramento
(credit: historicoldsac.org)

Unique Old Sacramento Experiences

Old Sacramento offers some unique experiences.  You can go back in time by visiting during a Living History Day or by going underground to literally see the foundation of Sacramento. If the paranormal is more your speed, take a Ghost Tour of Old Sacramento.

Old Sac Underground – More info
Ghost Tours – More Info
Living History – More Info
Walking Tours – More Info

General Information
Old Sacramento State Historic Park
916.445.7387
Old Sacramento State Historic Park website

Old Sacramento Business Association
916.442.8575
Oldsacramento.com

Location and Parking:
Old Sacramento State Historic Park is located in downtown Sacramento and is convenient to reach by all freeways. Coming from any direction in the state, take Interstate 5 to the "J Street" exit and follow the signs into park. Abundant covered parking is available at the main parking structure located at 3rd and J Streets. There are a limited number of metered, 90-minute on-street parking spaces throughout the park.

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