Explore Like a Local
Sacramento is a great place to live, and when you visit, you'll feel like a local. Tourists typically visit the Gold Rush-era Old Sacramento, the State Capitol, Sutter's Fort, the California State Railroad Museum and the Crocker Art Museum, but there's a lot to love about California's capital beyond the tourist haunts.
Raise a Glass
Sacramento's craft beer scene is experiencing a renaissance, with more than 50 breweries in the region. Pop in to Track 7 Brewing Company just south of the central city for a neighborhood favorite and rub elbows with the locals playing board games or visiting with friends after work. Staying in Midtown/downtown core? Fieldwork is centrally located in The Handle District and is a favorite with locals as well.
Get the full scoop on Sacramento beer with our beer guide.
Grab a Bite
Sacramento is America's Farm-to-Fork Capital, and that means you'll eat amazing food and see why locals are always looking forward to their next meal. Grange Restaurant and Bar is located downtown across from Cesar Chavez Plaza -- which hosts a farmers market Wednesdays during the spring. At Grange, you'll find farm-fresh food and delicious craft cocktails complemented by an impressive wine list.
Looking for something quicker? Try Burgers and Brew on R Street so you can catch a show at Ace of Spades or sidle into a booth at Shady Lady Saloon afterward.
Check out Golden 1 Center
Sacramentans are famously passionate about the NBA's Sacramento Kings, and you can catch a game in the brand-new Golden 1 Center during the season and see what all the fuss is about. With plenty of craft beer options and local eateries serving the concessions, you can actually raise your glass and grab your bite while you watch the action on the court. Don't forget to plan ahead and look at the concert schedule as well -- since opening in 2016, Golden 1 Center has brought Paul McCartney, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, The Lumineers, and many more.
Get Artsy
If you ever though Sacramento was a sleepy government town, think again. More than 450 murals adorn the walls of buildings in the city, and the annual Wide Open Walls mural festival adds to them each year. Stroll the tree-lined streets and find your favorite mural in a city that is fast becoming an outdoor art gallery.
Know What's Going On
If you want to explore Sacramento like a local, you need to know what's going on, and Sacramento's favorite place to get the heads-up on things to do is Sacramento365, the year-round source for events. Browse the week's events and find the one you want to attend.
Bonus: Watch the Movie Locals are Loving Right Now
Sacramento Native Greta Gerwig's Golden Globe-winning "Lady Bird" is a favorite with critics and showcases Sacramento in a way that those who grew up here fondly recall. Once you've seen the movie, check out the filming locations in this guide.
