Budget-Friendly Sacramento: 5 Days of Fun

Discover the best of Sacramento without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Sacramento on a limited budget can still be enjoyable and full of activities. Visit the California State Capitol for free tours and explore the Crocker Art Museum on their free admission days. Take a stroll along the Sacramento River and grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks or local restaurants.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploring Downtown

  • Check into The Greens Hotel, a budget-friendly, eco-friendly hotel in the heart of downtown Sacramento.
  • Grab breakfast at Tower Cafe, a funky restaurant with eclectic decor and delicious brunch options.
  • Stroll around Capitol Park, a beautiful green space surrounding the California State Capitol building.
  • Visit the California State Railroad Museum to learn about the state's railroad history.
  • Indulge in some retail therapy at the unique boutiques and shops in the charming Midtown neighborhood.
  • End the day with dinner at Low Brau, a hip German-style beer hall with mouthwatering sausages and a vast beer selection.
Day 2

History and Art

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Bernardo, a local chain serving up delicious breakfast classics.
  • Learn about California's Gold Rush heritage at the Old Sacramento State Historic Park.
  • Check out the Crocker Art Museum, featuring art from around the world and a beautiful garden.
  • Grab lunch at Skool, a trendy restaurant with a diverse menu and a focus on seafood.
  • Visit the California State Indian Museum to learn about the state's Native American history and culture.
  • End the day with dinner at Mulvaney's B&L, a farm-to-fork restaurant located in a historic firehouse.
Day 3

Farm-to-Fork

  • Start the day with coffee and pastries made with local ingredients at Insight Coffee Roasters.
  • Take a tour of the Sacramento Farmers' Market, featuring fresh produce and artisanal products from local farmers and makers.
  • Visit the Farm-to-Fork Museum to learn about the region's agricultural heritage.
  • Grab lunch at Grange, a farm-to-fork restaurant showcasing local ingredients.
  • Visit the California State Capitol Museum and take a tour of the Capitol building.
  • End the day with dinner at Empress Tavern, located in the basement of a historic hotel and serving up delicious meat dishes.
Day 4

Parks and Recreation

  • Start the day with breakfast at Pushkin's Bakery, serving up gluten-free and vegan options.
  • Visit William Land Park, a beautiful green space with a zoo, golf course, and rose garden.
  • Take a walk along the Sacramento River and visit the Delta King, a historic riverboat turned hotel and restaurant.
  • Grab lunch at Kru, a trendy restaurant serving up sushi and other Japanese-inspired dishes.
  • Explore the American River Bike Trail, a 32-mile trail running along the river.
  • End the day with dinner at Ella Dining Room and Bar, a chic restaurant offering modern American cuisine.
Day 5

Day Trip to Lake Tahoe

  • Rent a car and take a scenic 2-hour drive from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe.
  • Enjoy the stunning views and clean, crisp air of the high Sierra.
  • Spend the day hiking, skiing, or snowboarding at one of Tahoe's many ski resorts.
  • Grab lunch at Riva Grill, a lakeside restaurant with delicious seafood and stunning views.
  • Take a leisurely drive around the lake and visit the charming town of Truckee.
  • End the day with a soak in one of the hot springs located throughout the area.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Sacramento via plane is to fly into Sacramento International Airport (SMF), which offers both domestic and international flights.

Car

The best way to get to Sacramento via car is to take Interstate 5, which runs North and South through the city.

Train

Although there is no direct train service to Sacramento, Amtrak's California Zephyr offers service from both the East and West coasts, arriving at the Sacramento Amtrak Station.

Boat

Although Sacramento is located on the Sacramento River, there is no direct boat service to the city. However, river cruises departing from San Francisco and other Bay Area cities often make stops in Sacramento.

Bus

The best way to get to Sacramento via bus is to take Greyhound, which offers service to the Sacramento Greyhound Station located downtown.

Destination

Sacramento

Welcome to the sunny city of farm-to-fork fare, where the Sacramento Kings reign supreme and cows outnumber people. Get ready to experience a capital idea!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Discover Sacramento's Charm in 4 Days

As a tourist in Sacramento, one can explore the city's rich history by visiting landmarks such as Old Sacramento and the California State Capitol. Foodies will be delighted by the diverse culinary scene, with its emphasis on local and farm-to-table cuisine. Nature lovers can take in the beauty of the American River Parkway, while sports fans can catch a Sacramento Kings basketball game at the Golden 1 Center.

Discover Sacramento in a Day

A trip to Sacramento as a tourist promises a fun-filled itinerary of historic and cultural attractions that will surely leave an impact on any traveler. From exploring the iconic California State Capitol building to taking a riverboat cruise on the Sacramento River, visitors can experience a blend of olden charm and modern vibes in this vibrant city. The culinary scene, thriving arts and entertainment culture, and abundant outdoor activities make Sacramento an enticing destination for every kind of traveler.

Budget-Friendly Sacramento: 5 Days of Fun

A trip to Sacramento on a limited budget can still be enjoyable and full of activities. Visit the California State Capitol for free tours and explore the Crocker Art Museum on their free admission days. Take a stroll along the Sacramento River and grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks or local restaurants.

Sacramento: A Budget-Friendly Adventure

If you're on a tight budget but still want to experience a cosmopolitan city, a trip to Sacramento is perfect for you. The city offers a wide range of free activities such as exploring the Capitol building and strolling along the picturesque riverfront. To save some money on accommodations, consider booking a stay at a budget-friendly hostel or camping at one of the local campgrounds.