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Best Sightseeing Tours In Sacramento

Whether you are new to Sacramento or have lived in the city for a few years, there is likely a lot for you still to experience. Go on a leisurely historical walking tour of Sacramento itself, explore the local food scene or venture farther out for some outdoor adventure and wine tasting. No matter what you are looking to do, one of these local tour operators will help you learn more about the greater Sacramento area.

hysterical-walk
(Credit: hystericalwalks.com)

Hysterical Walks & Rides
2570 Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 441-2527
www.hystericalwalks.com

Look at Sacramento in a humorous way with Hysterical Walks & Rides. Choose from one of its unique walking tours or hop on a Segway to see Sacramento in a different way. Be sure to check out the Hysterical SHOCK of the Dead, a saucy ghost tour designed for adults 18 and older. This is a look at the darker side of Old Sacramento and a fun way to to learn about the city's history and ghostly past. For some daytime fun that is less spooky, try one of Hysterical Walks & Rides' Segway tours.

local roots tour
(Credit: local-food-tours.com)

Local Roots Food Tours
2408 Lindbergh St.
Auburn, CA 95602
(800) 407-8918
www.local-food-tours.com

Interested in learning more about northern California cuisine and the local food scene in the greater Sacramento region? Stop by Local Roots Food Tours' website to check out some of its tasty offerings. One popular option is the Origins of Sacramento Food & Cultural Tour, a 3.5-hour tour of two of Sacramento's most historic neighborhoods -- Midtown's Sutter District and East Sacramento's Fabulous Forties. And what will you sample? Typical tastings include amaretto custard French toast with local almonds, local pork fried carnitas with black beans, seasonally flavored sunchoke and celery soup, Snickerdoodle cupcake with lemon cream frosting and more. Once you have devoured this tour, be sure to check out the wine tours to Murphys and the Sierra Foothills.

Old Sacramento Underground
(credit: historicoldsac.org)

Old Sacramento Underground Tours
101 I St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-7059
www.historicoldsac.org

Another way to explore Old Sacramento is through Old Sacramento Underground Tours. This local award-winning option explores Old Sacramento's underground, one of the best-kept secrets in the city. Explore excavated foundations and enclosed pathways while your guide recounts stories of devastation, perseverance and determination that ultimately led to California's only successful street-raising project. The hour tour is very popular with locals and visitors alike. Note, there is a typical season these are offered - March through November. For exact dates, check the website and monthly schedule.

Related: The Best Haunted Tours In The Sacramento Area

whitewater adventure
(Credit: otwhitewater.com)

Whitewater Adventures
Rumsey, CA 95679
(800) 977-4837
www.gotwhitewater.com

Looking to experience greater Sacramento's rivers? How about a whitewater rafting trip? Whitewater Adventures offers one- and two-day rafting trips to Cache Creek. The Upper Cache Creek is a class three rapid run through a volcanic canyon only accessible via water. There is a chance you will see tule elk and bald eagles as you explore this pristine area of northern California. Want to extend your adventure? There is a Friday night camping option before your rafting adventure begins. Be sure to check the website for the rafting season as it doesn't run year-round.

tributary whitewater
(Credit: whitewatertours.com)

Tributary Whitewater Tours
South Fork American River Tour
6400 Highway 49
Lotus, CA 95651
(800) 672-3846
www.whitewatertours.com

Does the idea of a class three rapid scare you? Try Tributary Whitewater Tours that offers rafting trips on a number of northern California rivers, from "mild to wild." Tributary Whitewater Tours caters to everyone, whether you are looking for a gentle family outing or whitewater rafting adventures for the expert. Because of the number of rivers Tributary Whitewater Tours covers, its season extends longer and it offers everything from half-day trips to adventures lasting up to five days.

Related: Best Historic Sacramento Tours

Erin De Santiago is a freelance travel and food/wine writer and photographer from Sacramento, California. She is a regional membership coordinator for the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and writes for a number of publications in addition to publishing her own blogs. She has traveled to over 40 countries on five continents in search of the best food and wine around the globe. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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