History
Old Sacramento Visitor Guide
February 18, 2026 · 6 min read
Old Sacramento Waterfront covers 28 acres of preserved Gold Rush-era buildings on the Sacramento River, and it is the single best starting point for a first visit to the city.
The district was raised by more than ten feet after the catastrophic floods of the 1860s, which is why guided tours can show you sealed sidewalks and basements that used to be ground floors.
Park in the garage on Front Street and give yourself at least half a day. Add the California State Railroad Museum if you are traveling with kids.
Guided walking tours run throughout the day and cost far less than most attractions. Evening ghost tours use the same streets after dark and tell a very different set of stories.