|
|
|
Sacramento Travel Guide
|
| Sacramento
|
California's state capital, SACRAMENTO, in the flatlands
of the Central Valley, was founded in 1839 by the Swiss
John Sutter. He worked hard for ten years to build a busy
trading center and cattle ranch, only to be thwarted by
the discovery of gold at a nearby sawmill in 1848. His workers
quit their jobs to go prospecting, and thousands more flocked
to the goldfields of the Central Mother Lode, without any
respect for Sutter's claims to the land. Sacramento became
the main supply point for the miners, and remained important
as the western headquarters of the transcontinental railroad.
Flashy office towers and hotel complexes have now sprung
from its rather suburban streetscape, enlivening the flat
grid of leafy, tree-lined blocks, and going some way towards
resurrecting the rowdy, free-for-all spirit of the city's
Gold Rush past.
Sacramento
is not especially prominent on most travelers' itineraries.
There's not a great deal to see, though the wharves, warehouses,
saloons and stores of the historic core along the riverfront
have been restored and converted into the touristy shops
and restaurants of Old Sacramento. On the northern edge
of the old town, the California State Railroad Museum (daily
10am–5pm; $3) brings together a range of lavishly
restored 1860s locomotives, with "cow-catcher"
front grilles and bulbous smokestacks. The old passenger
station and freight depot, a block south on Front Street,
now serve as the summer depot for a refurbished Central
Pacific Railroad steam train (summer weekends 11am–5pm;
$6), which makes a seven-mile, 45-minute round-trip along
the river. |
| Sacramento
Travels & Tours |
Sacramento Zoo
Home
to more than 400 animals including the snow leopard, red
panda, Bateleur eagles and reptiles. In addition to the
animals, the Zoo has two lakes, and both a butterfly and
hummingbird garden and a camellia garden complete with animal
sculptures. The zoo offers lectures and tours. Services
and amenities also include: picnic areas, concessions, gift
store, stroller rentals and complimentary wheelchairs.
American River Raft Rentals
For
a great summertime day adventure, a self-guided rafting
trip on the American River is hard to top. Take a relaxing
three-hour drift down the Lower American River to Goethe
Park. The raft rental season runs from mid-April through
September.
California State Railroad Museum
This
is the largest train museum in the country. Dedicated to
accuracy and detail, the California State Railroad Museum,
located in historic Old Sacramento, recreates the golden
days of American railroading circa 1849. Adults and kids
alike can wander for hours among restored locomotives, cars,
bridges and railroad equipment. Indoor and outdoor displays
bring to life rail travel during the Gold Rush Era.
Crocker Art Museum
Founded
in the 1870s, this is known as the first art museum in the
West. The historical building with hand-carved doors, ornate
walls and parquet floors, creates a gorgeous backdrop as
impressive as the art. The art includes the Gold Rush, Victorian
and European masters and contemporary works. The museum
hosts art talks, classical concerts, jazz concerts (the
third Thursday of each month) and tours (afternoons and
weekends). A gift shop is also available.
William Land Park Golf Course
This
9-hole layout, at 5,208 yards, has the length and difficulty
of many 18-hole courses. With a pair of par-four holes and
one par-five, even low handicappers will find their skills
challenged. In fact, many regulars consider the par-three,
third hole to be one of the best holes north of Pebble Beach.
The course maturity is evident in the large trees lining
the fairways and lush, manicured greens.
|
|
|
Sacramento Hotels Discounts Search
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
