Old Sacramento

1014 2nd St #200, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA

Address:	1014 2nd St #200, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
Phone:	+1 916-970-5226
Site:	oldsacramento.com
Rating:	4.5

Location

Photos 1

Reviews 8

Bruce

**In 1854 and despite floods, fires and epidemics, Sacramento became Californias Capital. The city of "Sacramento" started off in the mid-nineteenth century as an expansion from Sutters Fort. However, the Fort being some distance away from the Sacramento River which was the main means of transport along the coast of California during that time. By the 1960s, the area had fallen into such a rundown state that plans were actually made to tear it down to become a part of Interstate 5. As luck would have it, cooler heads prevailed and a decision was made to modernize the area as an outdoor living history center similar to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. Several of the historically significant buildings were moved or reconstructed and those that were beyond repair were demolished. Since the 1960s, Old Sacramento State Historic Park or Old Sacramento as it is more commonly referred to has been restored and developed into a significant tourist attraction. The Old Sacramento Historic District is a U.S. National Historic Landmark District. Today, with 53 historic commercial structures sited on 28 acres, the Old Sacramento Historic District covers the area between the river frontage and Interstate 5, between I Street and the Capitol Mall. The State Historic Park comprises about a third of the total acreage of the district including half of the waterfront, a large grassy area and railroad features. The world-famous California State Railroad Museum sits at the north end of the District. The majority of the buildings date back to the 19th century and they have "reasonably still kept their original appearance when they were first built." The buildings have required varying degrees of restoration to restore them to their original state. Most of these historic buildings now house restaurants, gift shops, or other businesses catering to tourists. Old Sacramento attracts over 5 million visitors annually and regular events include the Sacramento Music Festival (formerly known as the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee), Gold Rush Days, New Years Eve parties and events, the St. Patricks Day Parade, the World Music and Dance Festival and the Mardi Gras. Here are a few "notable buildings:" * B. F. Hastings Building, the National Historic Landmarked western terminal of the Pony Express and the first location of the California Supreme Court * The Lady Adams Building is the oldest non-residential building and is California Historical Landmark No. 603. * Sacramento Engine Company No. 3, the oldest remaining firehouse in Sacramento * Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum * The Eagle Theatre, which only survived from 1849 to 1850 but has been reconstructed * Booths residence on Front Street was the first governors mansion after the Mexican-American war. Our visit: We have come down to this historic place on numerous occasions over the years and we even stayed aboard the "The Delta King," spending that night sitting outside of our room and eating a "pizza" while watching boaters on the Sacramento River. There is a lot to see in this "cobble stone town" and a great place to take the family and do a little window shopping while the kids munch on candy from the local Candy Store! During one of our many visits here, we took the kids on one of the horse and buggy rides around "Old Sacramento" and they had a lot of fun and the price for the rides were quite reasonable in my "opinion." The Sacramento History Museum tells about the history of the area and how it came to be. However, my son always enjoys the "War Museum" where he marvels at all the weapons and old uniforms from yesteryear. Joes Crab Shack is one of our favorite restaurants to dine after a hard day of touring! Parking can get to be problematic during some of our visits here, but on this occasion it was an overcast day and parking was a problem

Jeri Simpson

Parking meters or paid parking all around this area. Seemed like a few restaurants offered valet. We went during a very rainy day. Not ideal for walking around. Railroad Museum. Wells Fargo museum. Historic School museum. And visitors center. Are all in a small area. There were many homeless where we parked. Near the railroad museum. $10 for all day parking 24 hours. We almost stayed overnight in our RV. The parking enforcement police indicated it would be ok, but after reading a few reviews online for the crime rates in the old Sacramento area increasing, we opted to leave. Decent town. Seemed very touristy. Lots of junk food, candy, ice cream, hot dogs, pizza, doughnuts. Trinket/souvenir shopping. Saloons. Some decent restaurants. A few coffee shops. Town seems like it has seen better days.

Melissa Enlow

We love going here, it takes you back to the time of the Gold Rush. I have a 3 and 4 year old grandson that are really into the old trains. Here they can see, hear, touch and ride those old trains. They love it and so do I. We live here in South Sacramento and go there usually 2 or more times a month. Wet love the old time stores, our favorite store is Evangelines, it has old time wear, costumes, knicknacks, and they have a game you can play while your there. You have to search the stores for many pictures that tell you some very interesting tells. As a family it was a lot of fun, and it would be fun by yourself to just go exploring. As for Old Sac you can also go on tours of Old Sac and the Old Sac that is now under ground. Its really awesome to go and see, have a great time!!!

José Luis Rebollos

Ya no es ni sombra de lo que fue. Ya no hay calesas, ni gente a caballo ni el ambiente Far West que tuvo siempre. Imagino que la crisis lo destrozó. Ahora sólo quedan las tachadas típicas de un poblado del Oeste, con tiendas en las que, básicamente se venden golosinas. Triste y desangelado.

Tristan

Was visiting the area on vacation and heard about old sac. Decided to check it out because it represented the old nature California and its roots. When you get there yes you see old style buildings and you can snag a horse and carriage ride if you wanna spend 20 bucks. Yes theres plenty to eat and do but all the shops are new shops and toy stores. Yes theres plenty to eat but all the pizza and candy shops. Therere some cool stuff to see but dont expect to learn about the history of California or Sacramento. Expect to buy fudge and Star Wars toys.

Madeline Derichs

I came out for vacation and was in Roseville (About 20 miles away) and my vacation wasnt going so well so I went to Old Sacramento to do something fun before I left. What a quaint area and so much history in one place. I stayed here almost the whole day and never felt bored! I went on the Hornblower 1 hour boat tour and had a blast! They do commentary while your on the tour so you know what your looking at and you learn information regarding the river and structures on it. Was a great add on to my vacation!

Mama Boom

Love Old Sacramento. My family and I go just about every weekend, whether its just to take a stroll, to browse or to shop. There is a lot to see there. This is also the best place to take beautiful scenic pictures to catch the sun setting over the Sacramento river or to catch the sun rising. Great place to bring the family during the day and a great hangout at night with your adult friends. Lots of great places to hang out at.

David Levin

A fun place to explore with friends. There are few fun restaurants to check out and if youre a Pokemon Go player there are lots of rare Pokemon that appear here quite regularly. One word of warning through is that the parking meters are active until 10pm and have 2 hour maximums so be prepared to run back and forth to your car. I wish Sacramento would just make their street parking free.