Old Sacramento State Historic Park

Old Sacramento State Historic Park is a fun and charming place to visit if you’re into history or just looking for a nice way to spend an afternoon. Walking through the old-timey wooden boardwalks and restored 1800s buildings really makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There’s a cool mix of museums, little shops, and restaurants—some are more touristy than others, but it adds to the quirky charm of the place. The highlight for me was definitely the California State Railroad Museum—it’s surprisingly impressive and really well done. Even if you’re not a big train person, it’s worth checking out. We also did the underground tour, which gives you a glimpse of how the original streets of Sacramento were raised after major flooding. Super interesting and a little eerie in the best way. There are also a bunch of souvenir shops, old candy stores, and novelty spots that are clearly geared toward tourists, but still fun to browse. Some places felt a bit overpriced or gimmicky, but that’s kind of expected in a historic district like this. The only downsides were the crowds and parking—it can get a bit busy, especially on weekends, and finding a good parking spot nearby takes a bit of luck or patience. Also, while the area is very family-friendly during the day, it felt a little less lively and safe at night. All in all, it’s a great place to bring visitors or just explore on your own if you’re into local history. I wouldn’t say it’s a must-do every time you’re in Sacramento, but it’s definitely worth visiting at least once. If you pair it with the Railroad Museum or grab lunch at Joe’s Crab Shack by the river, it makes for a really solid day out.

Old Sacramento State Historic Park is a fun place to spend a day. The shops are charming, and the California State Railroad Museum is a real highlight. I had lunch at one of the local spots, and it made for a nice, relaxed visit. Parking can be a little tricky, but I was still able to find a spot without too much trouble. Overall, it’s a great place to explore for both locals and visitors.

We were visiting Sacramento on Sunday in late October, and it was a beautiful day walking around the historic park.

Had a nice walk here around 5 years ago! My family and I loved it — took some great photos!

Old Sacramento is a cool spot, a little on the tourist side, but fun. The train museum is a must do. very well laid out, fun, entertaining, and you will leave there with a little more knowledge. $12 for adults seems to be a more than fair admission. Unfortunately, the day we went, there was a TON of kids there. it might be best to call first

Great place with lots of historic buildings.

I rarely leave reviews this harsh, but I feel obligated to warn others. From the moment I stepped into this place, I was overwhelmed by a strong, unmistakable stench of rat urine — a foul, acrid odor that clung to the air and made it nearly impossible to breathe comfortably. It was like walking into a forgotten storage unit that hadn’t seen a cleaning product in years. As if the smell weren’t bad enough, I actually saw rats — not just one or two, but several darting across the floor and even disappearing into the floorboards and trash cans. I didn’t dare eat or drink anything around the area. I’m honestly not sure how businesses are still allowed to operate in its current condition. Do yourself a favor: skip this place for now. It’s not just uncomfortable — it’s a health hazard. The city should do something about this. It’s disappointing. I wished I had snapped a couple of pictures and recorded a video.

One of the few things I enjoy going to as much as an adult as I did as a kid. Amazing old machines that you can really get close to.