Explore the Best of Sacramento
Welcome to Sacramento! In town for a day or planning a Sacramento weekend getaway? We’ve put together an itinerary that takes you through the city’s best attractions, restaurants, and local experiences - right from your home base at Kimpton Sawyer Hotel.
1-2 DAY SACRAMENTO ITINERARY
- Borrow our Kimpton bikes to ride or walk to Old Sacramento Waterfront, where Gold Rush history meets boutique shopping and river views. Then cross the Tower Bridge where Sutter Health Park sits and is home to the River Cats and Athletics. Find yourself in the Bridge district to make a pit stop at Drake’s The Barn or Franquette’s while soaking in the riverfront views.
- Step into history at the California State Railroad Museum, one of the most impressive train museums in the world. Then, enjoy lunch at Camden Spit & Larder; a modern London-inspired eatery, in Downtown Sacramento.
- Visit the stunning Crocker Art Museum, home to an impressive collection of California art, European masterpieces, and rotating contemporary exhibits.
Evening:
- Dine in Midtown at local favorites like Paesanos or Alaro’s; both known for their fresh, seasonal menus. If it’s Friday, don’t miss Concerts in the Park at Cesar Chavez Plaza for live music and local vendors (May-July).
Day 2: Dive Deeper Into the Capital
Morning:
- Start with a stroll through the Capitol Park gardens and a guided tour of the California State Capitol Building; a must-see for history and architecture lovers. Or, if you’re here on a Saturday, peruse through the Midtown Farmer’s Market to soak in the local shoppers and vendors with live music and a delicious selection of food vendors.
Midday:
- Enjoy a farm-fresh brunch at Cafeteria 15L or Café Bernardo on R Street, then take a leisurely stroll down the vibrant R Street Corridor. Along the way, you’ll discover local artisans, charming coffee shops, and colorful street murals that showcase Sacramento’s creative spirit.
Afternoon:
- Explore local shops at DOCO right outside our doors or unwind poolside.
- Cap off your stay with a sunset cocktail at Revival, our rooftop bar, and take in the stunning rooftop views; especially vibrant on concert or game nights at Golden 1 Center
3–4 DAY ITINERARY: SACRAMENTO + SAN FRANCISCO ADVENTURE
DAY 3 ITINERARY: SAN FRANCISCO ADVENTURE
Take a scenic drive from Sacramento to our sister city, San Francisco
Morning:
- Start your day at the Ferry Building Marketplace, a vibrant waterfront hub filled with artisan vendors, fresh pastries, and locally roasted coffee. Grab breakfast from Acme Bread, Blue Bottle Coffee, or Boulette’s Larder, and enjoy views of the Bay Bridge while the city wakes up around you.
- From there, head into North Beach for a mid-morning stroll and a hearty bite at Mama’s on Washington Square—a beloved spot known for its French toast and scrambles. After breakfast, make your way to Golden Gate Park and wander through the Japanese Tea Garden, where koi ponds, pagodas, and winding paths offer a peaceful escape from the city buzz.
- Next, explore Chinatown, the oldest and largest in North America. Walk through its lantern-lined streets and stop for dim sum at Good Mong Kok Bakery for a quick bite, or settle in at House of Dim Sum or City View Restaurant for a sit-down experience with steaming baskets of dumplings and buns.
- Continue on to Lombard Street, the famously crooked block with eight sharp turns and postcard-worthy views of the bay and Coit Tower. Then loop back into North Beach, San Francisco’s Little Italy, and grab a slice at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana before relaxing in Washington Square Park beneath the towers of Saints Peter and Paul Church.
Afternoon:
- Drive or walk across the Golden Gate Bridge to take in one of the most iconic sights in the world. Just below, Fort Point offers dramatic architecture and unbeatable photo ops. Then head to Crissy Field for a beach walk and sunset views of the bridge.
- Wrap up your day at The Buena Vista on Hyde Street with their legendary Irish Coffee, or opt for a sweet finish at Ghirardelli Square, where boutique shops and world-famous chocolate await.
- Local Tip: San Francisco’s weather can shift quickly. Even if it’s sunny and warm when you leave Sacramento, the city might greet you with Karl the Fog, wind, or a cool breeze off the bay. Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes.
- Return to Sacramento
- If time permits, wind down with a nightcap at Revival
Day 4: Relax or Explore More
- Sleep in, enjoy in-room dining, and lounge by the pool. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, visit the California Museum or head to Clarksburg for a wine tasting experience.
FAMILY FRIENDLY 2-3 DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 – History + Hands-On Fun
Morning:
- Old Sacramento Waterfront and Sacramento History Museum to learn about the gold rush and take an underground tour.
Afternoon:
- Take a boat ride or horse-drawn carriage tour
- Ice cream stop at Devil May Care in Old Town
- Dinner at Punch Bowl Social or Yard House
Day 2: – Animals & Art
- Morning: Sacramento Zoo + Fairytale Town (great for kids under 10)
- Afternoon: Crocker Art Museum family scavenger hunt then grab lunch or early dinner at Tower Cafe, a vibrant and eclectic local favorite. A must, grab a scoop from California’s best ice cream shop, Gunther’s
- Evening: Catch a movie at the Crest theater on K Street or Cinemark right in the plaza
Day 3:
- Explore Sutter’s Fort Historical Park or the SMUD Museum or visit a local Sunday market or the Sacramento Antique Faire (if staying the first weekend of the month)
- Optional - San Francisco Day Trip
ROMANTIC OVERNIGHT STAY IN SACRAMENTO
Perfect for a quick getaway to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.
Afternoon Arrival:
- Check in and toast your stay with complimentary wine during Social Hour in the hotel lobby.
- Your guest amenity fee gets you a complimentary glass of bubbles at FIZZ in the DOCO plaza.
- Stroll hand-in-hand through the Old Sacramento Waterfront, exploring cobblestone streets, river views, and hidden boutiques.
Sunset Hour:
- Head to Revival, the rooftop bar, for pre-dinner cocktails overlooking DOCO and a stunning view of the Golden 1 Center. Ask about the seasonal cocktail or nightly programming.
- Catch a comedy show at Laugh’s in Old Town.
Dinner:
- Make a reservation at The Firehouse, a romantic, candlelit restaurant in a historic brick fire station, or dine at Ella Dining Room & Bar for elegant ambiance and farm-to-fork cuisine.
Evening:
- Return for a nightcap by the fire pits at Revival
Next Morning:
- Sleep in with late checkout (if available)
- Enjoy a cozy a mouthwatering breakfast at Morning Fork in Midtown or Café Bernardo on R Street
- Take a romantic stroll through the Capitol Rose Garden before heading home
ROMANTIC WEEKEND GETAWAY IN SACRAMENTO
Day 1 – Arrive + Unwind
- Check in and enjoy Social Hour wine
- Rooftop cocktails and lite bites at Revival
- Dinner at Echo + Rig or Camden Spit & Larder
- Evening walk at the Sacramento Water Front
Day 2 – Explore & Indulge
- Breakfast in bed or Echo + Rig
- Visit the Crocker Art Museum
- Couples massage or spa treatment Tru Spa Encompass
- Cruise through the Fab 40's where you can spot the Lady Bird House. Dine at Michelin recommended restaurant Allora.
- Return for a relaxing nightcap at Revival
Day 3 – Leisurely Departure
- Light breakfast or coffee at Estelle’s in the DOCO plaza
- Visit a local Sunday market or the Sacramento Antique Faire (if staying the first weekend of the month) or World‘s Worst Expo