Sacramento is the metropolitan hub of a diverse region with attractions ranging from the Gold Rush-era Old Sacramento, a trendy Midtown area, farm-to-fork restaurants, a burgeoning wine region and a host of outdoor activities. This sample 5-day itinerary showcases a little of everything and gives visitors a complete look at what Sacramento and the region have to offer.

  • Day 1

    State Capitol Tour: Take a docent-led tour at the historic Capitol building. Experience California’s rich history and witness the making of history through the modern lawmaking process. California State Railroad Museum: Enjoy stimulating exhibits, enthusiastic and knowledgeable docents, and beautifully restored railroad cars and locomotives illustrating railroad history in California and the West.

    Old Sacramento Waterfront: Meander the boardwalk and enjoy the beautiful Sacramento River. Have lunch at the historic Firehouse Restaurant, built in 1853, and originally the home of the Sacramento No. 3 firehouse. Finish your visit with a souvenir photo at McGee’s Old Time Photos.

    The Handle District: Start your evening at The Rind, a cheese-centric bar where you can experience unique and inspiring artisanal cheeses paired with delightful and complex wines and beers. Finish with dinner at Mulvaney’s, a restaurant that specializes in hand-crafted New American cuisine, a farm-to-table devotee that celebrates the efforts of the growers, ranchers, brewers, and winemakers.

  • Day 2

    Apple Hill: Visit the beautiful scenic roads filled with apple and fruit farms, bake shops, wineries, a spa, and flower gardens. Taste red wines at Boeger Winery, relax with a beer at Jack Russell Farm Brewery and don’t miss hot apple cider donuts at Rainbow Orchards or a Walkin’ Pie at Delfino Family Farms.

    Sacramento Brew Bike: Pedal around Midtown Sacramento on 15- passenger bikes (they have 5 of them) and experience the best bars and craft beer Sacramento has to offer. Make it a progressive dinner sampling farm-to-fork fare at each stop.

  • Day 3

    Old Sugar Mill: Just a short drive out of downtown Sacramento along the Sacramento River, explore each of the 15 wineries and taste wines in a beautiful historic building.

    Bogle Winery: Pick up lunch at Husicks Country Store & Taphouse and enjoy it at Bogle Winery in their beautiful picnic area while sipping their award-winning wines.

    Local Roots Food Tour: Meet in the downtown Sacramento for a tour that explores the restaurants, chefs, architecture and history that make the Sacramento region an amazing culinary destination.

  • Day 4

    Good Eats Cooking Class: There’s always something delicious cooking in Paulette Bruce’s classes. Each class includes three hours of hands-on instruction in a professional kitchen, coffee, a fresh-baked breakfast treat, tastings of all the recipes and a recipe booklet to take home.

    History and Art: Visit Sutter’s Fort, built in 1839, to learn about important California history and the cultures that inhabited the fort and the surrounding areas during the 1840s.  Next, visit the Crocker Art Museum, the oldest art museum west of the Mississippi and featuring world’s foremost display of California art.

    Cocktail Class and dinner at Hook & Ladder: Join one of Hook & Ladder’s talented bartenders for the ultimate cocktail class including a lecture and demonstration, tasting and hands-on drink creation. Enjoy your creation over a true farm-to-fork dinner.

    Live Entertainment: Check out a Kings game or big concert at Golden 1 Center or take in a baseball game at Sutter Health Park. If a more intimate live music experience is what you’re looking for, see who’s playing at Harlows or Old Ironsides but don’t forget the theater, too! Go to Sacramento365.com for a complete listing of Sacramento events.

  • Day 5

    Old Soul Co, The Alley: This location holds the baking and roasting operations for all three locations of Old Soul. Grab a cup of coffee or hot tea, a small breakfast plate and enjoy the local art.

    Stand-up Paddle Boarding lessons:  Unwind on the water. Enjoy private stand-up paddle boarding lessons on Lake Natoma. This class will incorporate yoga into your lesson for a truly relaxing and mind-clearing experience.

    Asha Baths: Wrap up your rejuvenating day and trip with a soak. Asha Baths bring the modern and cultural fusion of the old-world bathhouse – a center for healing and rejuvenation, a gathering place to restore well-being with heat and water.