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Visitor Information
Old Sacramento State Historic Park
1014 2nd Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-7387
www.parks.ca.gov/oldsac
Where the Past Still Breathes
Imagine walking on wooden boardwalks where the sound of boots once echoed during the Gold Rush. The scent of kettle corn drifts through the air, steam rises from a riverboat docked along the Sacramento River, and just steps away, you can peek into a 19th-century schoolhouse or board a vintage locomotive bound for memory lane.
Welcome to Old Sacramento State Historic Park—one of California’s best-kept treasures where history isn’t sealed behind glass but lived out daily on cobblestone streets and in the laughter of visitors discovering it for the first time.
Once a bustling gateway for miners and merchants, this riverside district nearly disappeared under decades of flooding, urban neglect, and time.
But like many great comeback stories, Old Sacramento had something most cities lose—a community determined to rescue and reimagine it.
“It’s like Colonial Williamsburg,” one shopkeeper proudly shared, “but with steamboats, trains, and taffy.”
From a floating hotel on the Delta King to the rumble of restored trains on the Sacramento Southern Railroad, every inch of this district has a story to tell—and not just about the past.
This is a living, breathing neighborhood powered by entrepreneurs, artists, historians, and dreamers.
If you’ve ever wanted to step back in time without giving up great food, lively shops, or unforgettable photo ops, this might just be your perfect day trip. And once you arrive, you’ll see—it’s not just Sacramento’s past on display here. It’s its heart.
A Gold Rush Legacy Reimagined
Old Sacramento began in 1850 as California’s first incorporated city. Positioned at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, it quickly became a trading hub during the Gold Rush, with steamboats unloading cargo and dreams by the riverbank.
“Back then, this was the gateway to everything,” a museum docent explained during a tour. “If you wanted to strike gold or start a business, you came through here.”
But prosperity had a price. Built directly on a floodplain, the area regularly flooded. In 1862, a catastrophic flood submerged most of the district.
The community didn’t abandon it—they raised the streets. Literally. Using dirt, rock, and ingenuity, the city elevated sidewalks and built underground storefronts, many of which you can still tour today.
Decades later, when the railroad left and the riverside’s importance faded, Old Sacramento became known more for blight than for charm. But the community didn’t let it stay that way.
Rebuilding History: From Skid Row to Living Museum
By the mid-1900s, Old Sacramento had fallen into disrepair. But thanks to a passionate group of preservationists, urban planners, and local business owners, the area was reborn.
Inspired by places like Colonial Williamsburg, they restored historic buildings, recreated iconic structures like the Eagle Theatre, and turned an old rail line into one of the most beloved attractions in town.
One local historian explained, “We wanted a place where families could touch history—not just read about it. That meant recreating it down to the last wooden board.”
Today, the park is home to over 50 original or reconstructed buildings from the mid-19th century, covering everything from general stores to railroad depots. It’s also where you’ll find the famous California State Railroad Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate and arguably one of the finest train museums in the world.
“Had a great time at the Railroad museum. After, we were able to see the Golden Spike. Walked around a bit & got some clam chowder. The kids got lots of goodies at the candy store.”
— Ted V, Google Review
The Heartbeat of the Waterfront
The park isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a stage where daily life continues. There’s something surreal about walking past a horse-drawn carriage while sipping locally roasted coffee or buying a pressed penny souvenir from a century-old machine.
Visitors can board the Sacramento Southern Railroad for a scenic riverfront ride or explore the underground tours that reveal hidden basements and stories buried by the floodwaters of 1862.
On the river itself, the Delta King—a 1927 paddlewheel steamboat turned boutique hotel—offers dockside dining and historic charm. As one traveler put it, “There’s nothing like watching the sun set over the Sacramento River with a cocktail in hand, sitting on the Delta King’s deck.”
“Very impressive museum with a number of refurbished steam trains and other train cars. You can go through a few of them. Also very educational to learn about how the railroads were built”
— Cynthia P, Google Review
And it’s not just adults who enjoy it. The entire area feels like a playground for curious minds—mini-museums, hands-on exhibits, candy shops, and even an animatronic fortune teller named Zoltar add a splash of whimsy.
What Makes Old Sacramento State Historic Park Truly One-of-a-Kind
Old Sacramento isn’t just another park—it’s a living, working piece of history wrapped in charm and creativity. While many historic parks offer scenic views or static exhibits, Old Sacramento gives you a fully immersive experience. You’re not just seeing history—you’re walking it, hearing it, tasting it.
What sets it apart?
Real working businesses inside preserved historic buildings
Underground tunnels and raised streets—California’s answer to Venice’s layered cityscape
A functioning riverboat hotel where you can eat, sleep, and step back in time
Themed train rides and year-round experiences that engage all ages
Passionate shopkeepers and storytellers who make history come alive
It’s part museum, part marketplace, and part theatrical set—all woven into a waterfront backdrop that feels like a different century.
Events Throughout the Year
There’s never a dull season in Old Sacramento. Here are just a few events that make it a year-round destination:
Spring
Gold Rush Days – A family-friendly educational celebration of California’s Gold Rush era
Easter Eggstravaganza – Kid-friendly fun with egg hunts and seasonal treats
Summer
Live Music Nights on the Boardwalk – Outdoor concerts from local bands
Third Thursdays – Extended shopping, food trucks, and entertainment
Riverboat Sunset Cruises – Summer evening rides along the Sacramento River
Fall
Spookomotive Train Ride – A Halloween-themed train experience
Fall Harvest Festival – Pumpkin carving, crafts, and warm apple cider
Winter
Theatre of Lights – A live-action Christmas light show set to the story of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas
Polar Express Train Ride – Holiday magic for the whole family (book early!)
Holiday Tree Lighting – A festive kickoff to the season after Thanksgiving
If You Go: Tips from Locals
Arrive early to snag a parking spot at the garage on 3rd & J Street
Book underground tours and seasonal rides online in advance
Don’t miss Danny’s Mini Donuts or the Thai Tea shaved snow at Vampire Penguin
Best photo ops: Tower Bridge at sunset, the Delta King deck, and Zoltar in action
Make a full day of it—there’s far more to see than you think!
Conclusion: More Than a Day Trip—A Journey Through Time
Old Sacramento State Historic Park is more than a tourist destination—it’s a living classroom, a community triumph, and a celebration of resilience. It reminds us that history isn’t just something we read in books. It’s something we walk through, taste, hear, and carry forward.
From the clack of train wheels echoing through the California State Railroad Museum to the creak of wooden sidewalks under your boots, this place invites you to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the beauty in preservation.
The passion behind every reconstructed building and restored shopfront tells a story of people who refused to let their past disappear.
What can we learn from a visit here? That progress doesn’t always mean tearing down the old to build the new. Sometimes, the strongest growth comes from restoring what once was—and reimagining it for a new generation.
So if you’re craving a break from the modern rush, if you want to experience something real, lasting, and rooted—Old Sacramento is waiting for you. Support the businesses that bring it to life, share its stories with friends and family, and let yourself be inspired by the spirit of a place that’s as enduring as the river it sits beside.
Plan your visit, take the train ride, press that penny—and walk away with more than just a souvenir. Walk away with a piece of Sacramento’s soul.
Google Map of Old Sacramento State Historic Park
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