Where to Base
Base yourself in Old Sacramento or Downtown. Old Sacramento offers historic charm near the Railroad Museum, while Downtown provides easy access to the State Capitol and Convention Center, ideal for both business and leisure travelers.

Sacramento, the capital of California, sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. As the fourth-most populous city in Northern California, it blends rich history with modern amenities. Key attractions include the California Museum, Crocker Art Museum, and Old Sacramento State Historic Park. The city serves as a major hub for healthcare and government, offering travelers a unique mix of political significance, cultural depth, and historical preservation.
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Base yourself in Old Sacramento or Downtown. Old Sacramento offers historic charm near the Railroad Museum, while Downtown provides easy access to the State Capitol and Convention Center, ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
The city is compact, allowing walking access to key sites like the Capitol and museums. Old Sacramento features vintage streetcars. Public transit and taxis provide convenient connections to hotels and attractions throughout the metropolitan area.
Visit year-round, as the city attracts over 15 million visitors annually. Summer offers warm, dry weather perfect for exploring historic parks, while spring and fall provide mild temperatures ideal for museum visits and conferences.

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Together with his tight-knit team, Chef/owner Christopher Barnum-Dann brings unusual warmth to this intimate setting. His enthusiasm is instantly palpable as he happily explains his inspiration behind particular dishes and even solicits feedback. This is especially true for diners who sit at the spacious counter.The freewheeling tasting menu is thoroughly Californian in its commitment to carefully sourced ingredients, while also drawing upon global cuisines, reimagining flavors from the chef's travels with impressive imagination. Whimsy is a common thread throughout, as in a puffed pillow of c
WebsiteAfter more than 30 years of operation, The Kitchen has upgraded to a grander space, but its raucous party atmosphere, led by energetic emcee Chef Kelly McCown, is the same as ever. Diners are encouraged to get up and walk around, even to wander through the kitchen and rub elbows with the cooks. Really like that truffle dish? The chef, who frequently proclaims the menu’s caloric impact, nonetheless invites you to ask for seconds. The menu changes monthly and features far-reaching inspiration while highlighting the Central Valley’s treasure trove of ingredients. Expect dishes like sweet potato c
WebsiteFind the convivial Canon tucked away from the downtown bustle. Contrasting deep tones with bright whites, this cool space is packed most evenings. Chef Brad Cecchi's menu leans into bold, globally inspired small plates designed for sharing. Arrive with a group and explore widely, from vibrant vegetable dishes like roasted carrots layered with preserved black bean and herbaceous chutney to smoky duck legs brushed with honey and paired with salsa verde and hearty beans. The kitchen balances richness with brightness, and there are plenty of options for vegan and gluten-free diners. Dessert may be
WebsiteIt may not look like much from the outside, but there’s a reason that pho lovers flock to this unassuming strip-mall operation. The staff and ambience do offer an above-average level of charm, but it’s the cooking, made with apparent care and high-quality ingredients, that really sets it apart. Naturally, pho is the main event here, offered in a variety of sizes and featuring either chicken or beef broth, both long-simmered and deeply flavorful, to be decked out with accompaniments ranging from tender meats to house-made pork wontons. Fried crab and cream cheese wontons are also offered as app
WebsiteSisters and co-owners Napis Lindley and Napak Kongsitthanakor have brought the vibrant, punchy flavors of Thai street food to this modern converted warehouse space in Midtown. The menu spans a wide array of regional specialties, running the gamut of flavors from sweet and sour to funky and hot—and diners seeking heat will get their wish with a request of “Thai spicy.” Approachable favorites like pad Thai (served wrapped in a thin egg crepe) and flaky potato-filled curry puffs share space with lesser-known delicacies like clay-pot shrimp and Isaan sausage. Sweets like mango sticky rice and roti
WebsiteSet right in Capitol Mall, this upscale spot (which also has outposts in University Village, Roseville and Folsom) greets guests with heavy wooden doors, dark metal chandeliers and plenty of lush greenery. The sprawling outdoor patio offers prime people-watching, while the menu draws inspiration from regional Mexican cooking.Freshness is a clear focus, whether in bright ceviches layered with avocado, cucumber and serrano or in a range of tacos served on house tortillas. Options run from crisp Baja-style fish to marinated steak and braised chicken, paired with lively salsas and classic garnishe
WebsiteThis upscale beauty in downtown Sacramento is equal parts rustic and refined, with floor-to-ceiling curtains, thick linens and a colorful overhang comprised of antique wood. You're likely to be seated among regulars chatting with the attentive staff while exploring the thoughtful wine selections. The menu offers creative takes on globally influenced dishes, while perfectly crispy Southern fried chicken remains a staple and rightfully so. The bar is also a great place to linger — with an expertly prepared cocktail, like the house gin and tonic.
WebsiteThe Citizen Hotel is primo for those with business on their minds, but that doesn’t mean it’s all just corporate here downtown. In fact, Grange, tucked inside the hotel, is proof positive that business and pleasure mix with fine results. High ceilings and an arched shelf stacked with liquor instantly draw the eye, while wood tables lined with orange leather banquettes balance style and comfort. If visiting midday, opt for the Power Lunch and enjoy three courses for a palatable price.The menu shares a farm-focused sensibility with rustic creations. Mojo pork loin spread with calabrese bomba on
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