California Discount Hotels - Sacramento Travel Guide

California Discount Hotels - Sacramento Travel Guide - Sacramento City Overview

Sacramento is not only the capital of the largest state in the Union, it is also a unique historical and cultural center. Sacramento's history rested on a few pioneers and Indians for until gold was found nearby in the 1840's. Within weeks, Sacramento and the entire area became the busiest and most bustling part of the entire nation as thousands came west to strike it rich in the great Gold Rush. Sacramento has done a great deal to preserve the relics of that time.
This city has a pioneer feel, particularly in some of the museums and in its capitol building. Of special note, the old Sutter's Mill and Fort have been preserved and rebuilt. It's a fascinating place to visit, full of history and excitement of the Gold Rush years. Other museums and attractions allow visitors to participate in the Gold Rush culture, panning for gold in the river or seeing how the early forty-niners lived.
 

California Discount Hotels - Sacramento Travel Guide - Sacramento Attractions

B.F. Hastings Building
A reconstruction of the first chambers of the California Supreme Court occupies the second floor of this 1853 building. A Wells Fargo History Museum greets the public on the first floor.

California Military Museum
Three floors of this museum showcase more than 30,000 artifacts--uniforms, weapons, photographs, documents, medals, and flags of all kinds--that trace Californians' roles in military and militia activities throughout U.S. history.

California State Railroad
This 100,000-square-ft museum is the largest rail museum in North America. It features 21 locomotives and railroad cars and 46 exhibits. Visitors can experience all aspects of the railroad throughout its history in this enormous museum.

Capitol
Built in 1869, California's Capitol features a 120-ft-high rotunda of amazing beauty. The rooms are beautifully decorated, and the legislative chambers are in the style of the 1890's. The capitol park has impressive flower gardens and memorials.

Central Pacific Passenger Depot
At this reconstructed 1876 station there are plenty of exhibits and rides on a steam-powered train. The train makes a 40-minute loop along the Sacramento riverfront.

Crocker Art Museum
The Crocker is the oldest art museum in the American West. Its extensive collections feature art from Europe, America and California.

Discovery Museum
This children's museum is a replica of the 1854 City Hall and Waterworks. The many hands-on exhibits include sifting for gold, walking into an Indian thatched hut, and viewing the print shop of the old Sacramento newspaper.

Governor's Mansion
This 15-room Renaissance style house was built in 1877 and was used by Ronald Reagan when he chose a new home. The mansion is said to have been one of the first homes in California to have an indoor bathroom.

State Indian Museum
This museum focuses on the Indians of California and offers arts-and-crafts exhibits, as well as a demonstration village. A ten-minute video fully explores the history and life of California's Indian population.

Sutter's Fort
Sacramento's earliest settlement was founded in 1839; today, visitors can go on a self-guided tour of the fort. Demonstrations of food preparation and firearms maintenance complete this interesting look at pioneer California.

Towe Auto Museum
With over 100 cars, including a 1931 Chrysler, a 1960 Lotus, and a bullet-proof Cadillac limousine once used by the U.S. State Department, this museum will interest auto enthusiasts of all persuasions. A 1920s roadside café and garage exhibit complete the museum.

Columbia State Historic Park
Called the Gem of the Southern Mines, this park sits in the heart of gold-rush country. Visitors can ride a stagecoach, pan for gold, or watch a blacksmith working at his anvil.