When you have friends or family visiting from out of town, one of the premier spots to take them is Old Sacramento.  Old Sacramento offers a lot, honestly, from some of the best restaurants and bars, to unique and quirky shops. Additionally, Old Sacramento connects to one of the most pristine trails, the American River Bike Trail, and is a lovely spot for biking or taking a casual stroll. 

Capitol Park is a 40-acre park making up the grounds of the California State Capitol. A number of paths cut through this park, lined by over 200 trees from throughout the world. A variety of gardens are in the park, the most famous of which is the World Peace Rose Garden, and features 650 roses. The roses were not in bloom when we visited but we heard that the garden should be in full bloom by April.


Capitol Park is also home to a number of memorials and monuments including a statue of Spanish missionary Father Junipero Serra, The California Veterans Memorial, and the California Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial. The Civil War Memorial Grove was created in 1897 with saplings from famous Civil War battlefields. 


There are lots of benches and shaded areas making Capitol Park a great place to have a weekday lunch or to take a relaxing stroll on the weekends, when it is usually less crowded. On most weekends, you'll likely see photographers taking pictures of newlyweds and families. You can find more information about the park here: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=495

The Leland Stanford Mansion, originally built in 1856, is a 19,000-square-foot home that was once owned by Leland Stanford, former governor of California, founder of Stanford University, and president of the Central Pacific Railroad. The Leland Stanford Mansion served as the office of three California governors during the construction of the state capitol and currently serves as a reception center for the governor and state legislators. Free hour-long tours are given throughout the day where you'll be able to view the expansive interior, although photography is prohibited. For more information, visit http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=489

Tucked across the river from Old Sacramento is the River Walk Park. River Walk Park offers stunning views of Old Sacramento, Downtown Sacramento, and marvelous shots of the Tower Bridge.  We will definitely visit this park again in the spring! For more information on the park, please visit http://www.cityofwestsacramento.org/city/depts/pcs/rentals.asp

Sacramento's 17th Annual Museum Day was on February 7, 2015 and featured numerous museums throughout the city that offered free or reduced price admission.  We decided to visit the Aerospace Museum of California, which features a variety of interactive exhibits and aircraft. The US Navy Blue Angels' fighter, an A-10 Thunderbolt, and an F-14 Tomcat, among many more, are all available for visitors to view and explore. Interactive displays include a motion-ride simulation, a flight simulator, and exhibits generally geared for kids. The museum is located at the McClellan Business Park. For more information, visit http://www.aerospaceca.org/

North Natomas Regional Park boasts of many amenities including a walking/bike trail, dog park, lake,  baseball fields, and a shaded picnic area and playground.  Included on the playground is a water spray area for those hot, summer days! Check out the City of Sacramento's webpage description of the park, or see for yourself! 

East Sacramento is home to a whole gamut of grandeur of homes. The Fabulous '40s, located between 38th and 46th Streets and bordered by J Street and Folsom Boulevard, is a lovely neighborhood to stroll through regardless the time of year. Fun fact: while Governor of California, Ronald Reagan rented a home on 45th St. which served as his "Executive Residence” during most of his term. 

We are excited to return during the spring to see the trees and flowers blossoming!

Less than a five-minute drive from the "Fab '40s" is McKinley Park. McKinley Park offers numerous amenities including tennis courts, a playground area, various sports fields, a jogging trail and restrooms. For more information, visit the City of Sacramento's McKinley Park webpage.