Guide to Unique Attractions in Sacramento, CA

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Sacramento's Most Interesting Museums Sacramento is home to a number of excellent museums related to California’s past. Below, we’ve listed a few of our favorites. For more information regarding Sacramento’s museums, give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you! California Automobile Museum Address: 2200 Front Street, Sacramento, CA Hours: Wednesday through Monday, 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (Closed Tuesday.) Distance from us: 1.0 miles The California Automobile Museum is a non-profit organization that uses exhibits and events to tell the story of the automobile's influence in American society. The museum has over 120 automobiles on display in it's 72,000 square feet of space. About 60% of the automobiles are loaned to the museum by private exhibitors; the rest are owned by the California Vehicle Foundation. Displays at the museum are arranged in chronological order. The overall collection is an excellent representation of automobiles driven in California over time. The museum also has rotating exhibits that change three or four times a year. Admission is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids. Your admission includes a personal tour with a staff member who will be glad to answer any questions you have. Group tours and classes (such as a Model T driving class) are available. The museum also has a gift shop and an area for enjoying lunch.

Guide to Water Activities near Sacramento Sacramento’s layout has it situated around two rivers that meet near the downtown area. This means people can experience a lot of fun water activities when visiting Sacramento, including fishing, kayaking and river rafting. While these activities are ideal for the summer, Sacramento features mild temperatures year round so there are chances to hit the water during all seasons. Our guide to Sacramento water activities is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the city and have a good time. These outdoor activities can also be a fun date idea. What are some of Sacramento’s waterways? The Sacramento River runs north to south along the western edge of the city. It has an offshoot called the manmade Sacramento River Deep Water Ship Channel that begins near Miller Regional Park. Washington Lake forms off of the channel. The American River flows from east to west and empties into the Sacramento River near Tiscornia Park. It is prominent through the northern part of the city. If you’re up for a longer trip, both Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma are within 35 miles of the Inn & Spa at Parkside. River Rafting near Sacramento Sacramento is within close proximity to many great rafting experiences on the American River. The American River has three forks when it comes to river rafting: south, middle and north fork. These forks are about 45 minutes out of Sacramento. A great way to experience river rafting is through a rental shop in the area. Those include OARS American River Outpost , Mother Lode River Center , H20 Adventures LLC and American Whitewater Expeditions . Many of these places offer tours, making for a great way to enjoy the outdoors. The Sacramento River is also a great place to go rafting, providing a chance to float under the Tower and I Street bridges. Kayaking near Sacramento Kayaking around Sacramento is a similar experience to river rafting. You can take to the rapids of the American River forks or enjoy a leisurely float down either the American or Sacramento rivers closer to town. Regardless of what you decide to do, Sacramento kayaking is a great experience on a warm day. Rentals are available at the same places mentioned above. Other great places to enjoy some kayaking are Lake Natoma, the Sacramento State Aquatic Center and Folsom Lake. These spots are also great for other forms of water activities such as boating, sailing, canoeing and rowing. Sacramento Fishing If you’re looking to go fishing in Sacramento, then you will have plenty of opportunities. Thanks to the wide array of rivers, lakes, ponds and inlets, there is no shortage of opportunities to drop in a line. The Sacramento River has plenty of spots to go fishing with the lower Sacramento river being closest to the city as it runs from Shasta Lake to the San Francisco Bay. You can catch Salmon and Striped Bass, among others in this section. There are plenty of spots for fishing on the Sacramento River in town. The American River has plenty of fishing spots as well where you can catch American Shad, Rainbow Trout and Striped Bass. The American River begins at Folsom Lake, where you can catch three types of bass as well as Rainbow Trout, Sockeye Salmon, Crappie, Bluegill and Catfish. Washington Lake is a bit closer to home and offers a plethora of fishes to catch. Other water activities in Sacramento While these are some of the more popular water activities near Sacramento, there are a lot of other things to do on Sacramento’s waterways. From swimming to water skiing, Sacramento truly is home to some great ways to enjoy the various waterways that run in and around the city. Discovery Park and Sutter’s Landing both offer access to the Sacramento and American rivers, respectively. Both parks have a beach area as well as boat launches. Regardless of what you decide to do, Sacramento is a great place to enjoy water activities and spend a day with the family.

Guide to Romantic Restaurants in Sacramento Many visitors who visit the Inn & Spa at Parkside are spending a romantic getaway with their significant other. One way to dial up the romance is by indulging in a romantic date night complete with dinner. Fortunately, there are plenty of romantic restaurants in Sacramento couples can go to enjoy some great food and a memorable experience. Many of the following restaurants are a short distance from the Inn & Spa at Parkside and are a perfect way to spend a date night in Sacramento. The Firehouse Address: 1112 Second St., Sacramento, CA Hours: Monday through Thursday 5-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5-10 p.m.; Sunday 4-9 p.m. Distance from us: 1.2 miles Menu: https://www.firehouseoldsac.com/the-firehouse-menus A key part to a romantic dinner is an intimate setting and The Firehouse features just that. Come experience this Old Sacramento restaurant in either its elegant dining room or gorgeous outdoor dining area. The menu features sophisticated American cuisine. Afterward, take some time to visit Old Sacramento. The Waterboy Address: 2000 Capitol Ave.. Sacramento, CA Hours: Lunch: Wednesday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner: Tuesday through Thursday 5-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5-9:30 p.m. Distance from us: 1.8 miles Menu: https://www.waterboyrestaurant.com/menu/ The Waterboy serves as a great spot for a date night in Sacramento. The menu changes with the seasons and uses many local ingredients in its European cuisine, mainly French and northern Italian. This is one of the top restaurants in Sacramento’s midtown and tops many lists for a romantic dinner setting. Il Fornaio Address: 400 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA Hours: Monday through Thursday noon to 8 p.m.; Friday noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday 4-9 p.m.; Sunday 4-8 p.m. Distance from us: 0.8 miles Menu: https://www.ilfornaio.com/menus/ Italian restaurants always serve as a great romantic dinner and Il Fornaio is no different. While being one of the best Italian restaurants in Sacramento, Il Fornaio does also feature elegant private and semi-private dining spaces. This restaurant sits in downtown Sacramento so there’s plenty to do after your meal. Piatti Address: 571 Pavilions Lane, Sacramento, CA Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Distance from us: 7.5 miles Menu: https://sacramento.piatti.com/menus/ If you’re looking to venture away from downtown Sacramento, Piatti is a great place to try. Piatti’s is another one of Sacramento’s top-rated Italian restaurants and offers both indoor and outdoor seating, both being romantic settings. Pasta is the speciality at Piatti as it is housemade daily and there are pasta stations to allow for a unique experience on each visit. Dawson’s Steakhouse Address: 1209 L St., Sacramento, CA Hours: Tuesdays through Saturdays 5-9:30 p.m. Distance from us: 1.9 miles Menu: https://dawsonssteakhouse.com/menus/ Enjoy this downtown restaurant that is one of the best steakhouses in Sacramento. The menu features a good host of starters and classic steaks with a contemporary twist perfect for any date night. Along with some tasty steaks, there is also a wine and bar menu to further enhance your romantic night out. Aioli Bodega Espanola Address: 1800 L St., Sacramento, CA Hours: Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 5-10 p.m. Distance from us: 2.1 miles Menu: https://aiolibodega.com/#aioli-menu Aioli Bodega Espanola is another great midtown Sacramento restaurant. It features a host of Spanish dishes and you can enjoy your meal in an intimate setting. The outdoor patio is draped in greenery while the indoor dining room features candles for lighting. This restaurant is gem in midtown and is a great date idea in Sacramento. Ella Dining Room & Bar Address: 1131 K St., Sacramento, CA Hours: Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Dinner: Monday through Thursday 5-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5-10 p.m. Distance from us: 1.3 miles Menu: https://elladiningroomandbar.com/menus/ Have a taste of modern American cuisine at Ella Dining Room & Bar, situated in downtown Sacramento. This restaurant is another great Sacramento date idea and is perfect for couples. The dining room has an elegant look and the menu features a lot of local ingredients from the area. You won’t want to miss this romantic restaurant for your date night in Sacramento.

Guide to Old Sacramento Waterfront One of the great parts about Sacramento is the diverse nature of the city and its neighborhoods. One such neighborhood is the Old Sacramento Riverfront. This area of Sacramento hosts museums, stores, restaurants and a whole host of other things to do. Because of its wide array of attractions, it is also a great place to spend a romantic date night. Enjoy a romantic date night on the riverfront as part of your stay at the Inn & Spa at Parkside. Where is Old Sacramento? Old Sacramento Waterfront sits on the east shore of the Sacramento River between the I Street and Tower bridges just west of Interstate 5. It’s about 1.3 miles from us. What is Old Sacramento? Old Sacramento Waterfront is home to over 125 shopping, dining, events and attractions. It is also home to the Old Sacramento State Historic Park, which features several early Gold Rush commercial buildings. The Sacramento River Bike Trail also runs through the area. In short, Old Sacramento is a great place to visit and is especially perfect for a romantic outing with your sweetheart. Old Sacramento Parking There is two-hour metered street parking available throughout Old Sacramento from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. There is also surface lot parking at Front and L Street as well as two public garages. The first is Old Sacramento Garage on I Street between Third and Second streets. The second is the Tower Bridge Garage on Capitol Boulevard near the bridge. You can find rates here. Old Sacramento Restaurants Old Sacramento is home to a wide array of restaurants, bars, cafes, delis, sweetshops and tasting rooms, many of which are perfect for a romantic evening. Some of the top restaurants to visit are The Firehouse Restaurant, Rio City Cafe, Honey and the Trap Cat, Hoppy’s Railyard Kitchen & Hopgarden and I Shanghai Delight, among many others. You also won’t want to miss the various candy shops as well as Boxcar Eats Frozen Yogurt. Chef’s Olive Mix and Underground Tasting Room are the two wine tasting rooms in the area. Regardless of where you choose, these restaurants and tasting rooms offer one of the more romantic things to do in Sacramento. Old Sacramento Museums There are plenty of ways to learn the history of Old Sacramento. There are several museums and exhibits in the area including the California Automobile Museum, California State Railroad Museum and Sacramento History Museum. Old Sacramento State Historic Park is also a great place to learn about history. It houses several Gold Rush-era buildings including the Eagle Theater and the B.F. Hastings Building, which used to be the western terminus of the Pony Express. It also houses the visitor’s center to be sure to stop by for an in-depth look. Old Sacramento Stores Old Sacramento is home to an eclectic collection of unusual and locally-owned stores. It is here you can collect one-of-a-kind collectables as well as upscale accessories and apparel. Old Sacramento Riverfront has shops for those of all tastes. The setting also serves as a great place to spend a date night with your significant other. Old Sacramento Events Not only is Old Sacramento a home to shops and restaurants, but it also hosts various events throughout the year. These can range from various festivals, concerts, comedy shows and many others. Check out Old Sacramento Waterfront’s calendar for specific events. Old Sacramento Attractions  If you’re looking to enhance your date night in Sacramento, then check out some of the various attractions at Old Sacramento. You can cuddle up with your significant other while riding in a horse-drawn carriage. Another romantic option is taking a railroad or boat tour from the area. There is also a ferris wheel in the Waterfront Park. If you’d rather just enjoy the views with your sweetheart, then head on over to the Riverfront Promenade and enjoy some great river views.

Fair Oaks, CA | Best Romantic Things to Do in Sacramento, CA Old Fair Oaks is a suburb of Sacramento, California. It happens to be one of the most beautiful and romantic towns to visit in the area, and boasts many cute shops, top-tier restaurants, and quaint scenic spots. Here are just a few of the things to do when you stop by. Fair Oaks Restaurants Whether you are in the mood for some fine dining, a small drink, or a tasty snack, Fair Oaks’ food has you covered! This is a list of our top restaurants, the price you should expect to pay, and a general idea of what they serve their guests. The menu depicts only a small portion of what these dining establishments have to offer. Fair Oaks Brew Pub Address: 7988 California Ave, Fair Oaks A blend of foods from a variety of cultures! Menu Artisan Pizzas - $13-$15 Big Burger - $15 Pulled Pork - $13 Brewers Pie - $15 Smokey Oaks Tavern Address: 9634 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks Quality comfort food at a decent price! Menu Big Bleu - $15 Cowboy Up - $16 Chicken Pot Pie - $23 Smoked Meats - $23 Sunflower Drive-In Cafe Address: 10344 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks Perfect if you need a vegan or vegetarian option. Much cheaper than other restaurants. Menu Burrito - $7 Falafel - $9 Nut Burger - $8 Patty Melt - $8 Fabian’s Italian Bistro Address: 11755 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks Fabian’s Italian Bistro will transport your taste buds to Rome. Outdoor dining available. Menu Linguine Scampi - $21 Mary’s Chicken Cacciatori - $23 Risotto - $20 Braised Short Rib - $29 Carmelitas Address: 4071 Howard St, Fair Oaks Classic Mexican food that will make your mouth water! Menu Grandma’s Carnitas - $19 Steak and Shrimp Diabla - $26 Fajita Burrito - $17 Chimichanga - $18 Fair Oaks Bridge Do you want to go for a stroll through nature? The Fair Oaks Bridge is the place to do it! You’ll have an opportunity to birdwatch, take selfies, or just lovingly hold hands as you walk down the bridge. It’s a great mid-day activity to keep yourselves active while celebrating your relationship. Village Park Right near the Fair Oaks Community Clubhouse, you will find the Village Park. Whether you want to attend a concert, watch a theatrical performance, or spend a sentimental day picnicking on the grass, you’ll have something to do here. Also, don’t mind the chickens! Fair Oaks Chicken Festival If you’re lucky, you may stumble into town when the annual Chicken Festival is clucking up a storm! You can meet new people at the BAWK party, eat some delicious chicken meals, and get a casual drink with your special someone. The festivities last all day. What are you waiting for? Fair Oaks Theatre Festival Is your spouse a fan of the theatre? If so, you must make Fair Oaks Theatre a part of your vacation. Typically, shows occur through the summer, but occasionally there will be a music event in the colder months. If you are interested in the show, you can buy tickets here . Picnicking in Fair Oaks Those wanting to save money by bringing a picnic lunch will have a great time here! You can eat, laugh, look at the wild chickens, and make memories. O Cafe Fair Oaks To cap off your meal, you’ll probably want to visit a Fair Oaks bakery like O Cafe. This high-quality bakery offers basic lunch and breakfast food options. However, they also bake some of the most delicious pastries, cookies, and pies. Excellent meal ideas for a pic-nic! Sherwood Florist Address: 10239 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks What could be more romantic than buying your wife (or husband) a flower arrangement? As you walk in your nose will tingle from the scent of nature. Custom Arrangements Want to surprise your spouse? Order a custom flower arrangement online through their website. Nothing will be more exciting than seeing their face light up with surprise. Fair Oaks is a lovely village. Visiting can take you back to a simpler time. It’s romantic, quaint, and unforgettable, hopefully like your relationship.

Guide to Midtown Sacramento A great date idea when staying at the Inn & Spa Parkside is to take a trip to midtown Sacramento. This neighborhood is often considered the arts and culture wing of the city, featuring a host of trendy restaurants, bars, art galleries, boutiques and shops. There are also several museums to visit along with a host of residential spaces featuring historic architecture. Midtown Sacramento also hosts the LGBTQ community of Lavender Heights, which features the Sacramento LGBT Community Center and a host of LGBTQ clubs, bars and other businesses. Midtown Sacramento also plays host to plenty of events and festivals throughout the year. Regardless of what you do, Sacramento’s midtown is a great place to spend a romantic date with your significant other. Where is Midtown Sacramento? Midtown Sacramento sits just east of downtown and west of East Sacramento. The borders of midtown include R Street to the south, 16th Street to the west, J Street to the north and Business Loop 80 to the east. Restaurants in Midtown Sacramento Finding a good restaurant is always a fun thing to do in Sacramento for couples. Luckily, midtown is home to many great options. The Melting Pot , Goodside Coffee , Chando’s Cantina and No Moo Foods are some great options for those in need of a meal. Acheson Wine Company and Midtown Spirits are great places to go for a drink while Ro Sham Beaux and Golden Road Brewing are some of the top bars in midtown. So whether you’re looking for a romantic meal or want to get some drinks, there are plenty of restaurants in Midtown Sacramento. Midtown Central is the perfect place to find other restaurants to try. Midtown Sacramento Nightlife Wanting to experience the nightlife of Sacramento? There are plenty of bars and dance clubs to visit in midtown that can make for a fun date idea in Sacramento. The Jungle Bird has a great selection of rum as well as other drinks while Harlow’s Restaurant and Nightclub and Factor IX offers some great dancing opportunities. There is also a large selection of gay bars in midtown such as Faces , The Depot and Sidetrax that include dancing and drinks. Midtown Sacramento Arts and Entertainment Another date idea for your visit to Sacramento is exploring the host of art galleries in midtown. Groundswell Art Gallery , Elliott Fouts Gallery and B. Sakata Garo are just some of the many art galleries in midtown Sacramento. Another great way to spend date night is enjoying the performing arts at Broadway at Music Circus , Capital Stage or B Street Theatre . Add a shot of sophistication to your date night by enjoying the arts. Be sure to stop by Sutter District to experience other great entertainment options. Attractions in Midtown Sacramento Midtown Sacramento has a vibrant history, much like the rest of the city. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is a great place to learn about John Sutter and the California Gold Rush. The State Indian Museum can teach you about the Native Americans who lived in the area prior to settlement. The Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park is a great place to visit as well. Midtown Sacramento events Midtown Sacramento hosts several events throughout the year. One consistent one is the Midtown Farmers Market . This runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday on 20th Street between J and L streets as well as on K Street between 19th and 21st streets. Another great activity is Sacramento’s Second Saturdays . This event, set on the second Saturday of each month, offers an eclectic collection of culinary, visual, performing and unexpected arts for all to enjoy. Both events offer a great way to spend time with your date. Shops in Midtown Sacramento There are many great retail and beauty spots to visit strewn across Midtown Sacramento. These shops offer everything from clothes and accessories to home decor. There are also plenty of salons and boutiques that are sure to pique your interest. A great date idea is to take your significant other and go for a walk around midtown to see the various stores.

Guide to historical sites in Sacramento, CA Sacramento is full of history. From its days during the California Gold Rush to its rapid growth during the 1900s, history buffs will love exploring some of the popular Sacramento points of interest. Not only do these sites make for an interesting visit, but some rank among the best fun things to do in Sacramento for couples. Regardless, our historical visitors guide will help you soak in the history when visiting Sacramento. To start your Sacramento adventure, be sure to book a stay at the Inn and Spa at Parkside. Sacramento Masonic Temple Address: 1123 J St., Sacramento, CA Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to noon Distance from us: 1.4 miles Learn more: https://www.sacmt.org/ The Masonic Temple in Sacramento is bathed in history. It opened in 1918 and carries a lot of the historical architecture of the era. Because of its history, the landmark is a popular location for weddings, parties, corporate events and other large events. It features a unique architectural design and its decor makes it a sight to behold. Be sure to call or email ahead to schedule a visit. Leland Stanford Mansion Address: 800 N St., Sacramento, CA Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Distance from us: 0.9 miles Learn more: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=489 Take a look at a piece of the Victorian Era by visiting Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park. This mansion served as the home of former California governor Leland Stanford in the mid 1800s. Two other governors lived here before Jane Stanford, Leland’s wife, gifted the home to the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento as a place for homeless children. This stunning mansion is also a romantic outing for couples. B.F. Hastings Bank Building Address: 1000 Second St., Sacramento, CA Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Distance from us: 1.3 miles Learn more: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=497 The B.F. Hastings building used to serve as the western terminus of the Pony Express and hosted the California Supreme Court from 1855-69. It sits among the Old Sacramento State Historic Park and serves as the Old Sacramento Visitor Center and Wells Fargo History Museum. Across the intersection of J and Second streets also sits a Pony Express monument. Come learn a piece of Old Sacramento history. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament Address: 1019 11th St., Sacramento, CA Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Distance from us: 1.2 miles Learn more: https://www.cathedralsacramento.org/ Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament originally opened in 1889 and has undergone numerous additions and renovations since with a big project happening in 1998. The cathedral still hosts Catholic masses each Sunday in numerous languages as well as weekday masses, adoration and reconciliation.There are also tours so call ahead to learn specific times. The grandeur of this building makes it a popular place for couples. Old Sacramento State Historic Park Address: 111 I St., Sacramento, CA Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Distance from us: 1.4 miles Learn more: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=497 Old Sacramento State Historic Park is a cluster of historic buildings. Along with the B.F. Hastings building, there is the Eagle Theater, the Big Four Building, the Sacramento History Museum and the California State Railroad Museum, among others. There’s a lot to explore here and is a great place to take the family for a day out or spend the day with a significant other. When visiting Sacramento, you’ll want to learn of Old Sacramento’s history at this park. California State Capitol Museum Address: 1315 10th St., Sacramento CA Hours: Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Distance from us: 1 mile Learn more: https://capitolmuseum.ca.gov/ There’s a lot of stuff to do in Sacramento that it’s easy to forget the city is the capital of California. The California State Capitol Museum is one of the best museums in Sacramento because the building features a lot of great architecture and history. The capitol opened in 1874 despite one of its architects Reuben Clark being committed to a mental institution because of his obsession with the building. The museum features historic rooms, the Capitol Park, portraits, statues, murals and other exhibits.

The Sacramento Zoo has close to 500 animals and 140 species. Check out their rare and endangered species. Just minutes from Inn & Spa at Parkside.