California's State Capital may not have the same touristy sparkle as San Francisco or Los Angeles, but it has plenty of charm and history to make it worth your while. Old Sacramento is the heart of the action, with historic buildings and a scenic location on the Sacramento River.
In Old Sac, there are shops and restaurants to browse and riverboat tours to take. It’s also a 28-acre National Historic Landmark District and State Historic Park, and home to several museums. History buffs could spend days exploring the California State Railroad Museum, California Military Museum, Sacramento History Museum and Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum.
If you’re more into art than history, the Crocker Museum is just a short walk from Old Town. Even if you don't have business at the Capitol Building, take a free tour, stroll the grounds and check out the art collection that includes portraits of every California governor (including a couple of former movie stars you might recognize). Reward yourself with a cone from local favorite, Gunther’s Ice Cream.