You don’t need major funds to have major fun in Sacramento; just look at these free activities.
We promise these free things to do are more than just an aimless walk in the park. Instead, we’re making sure you get well-researched, unique suggestions worth the trip.
Outdoors
Sacramento Waterfront Trail | Whether you’re into hiking, biking, or birding, this river promenade with views of downtown + Old Sacramento is the perfect spot to take in a sunset or stroll over the iconic Tower Bridge.
California State Capitol World Peace Rose Garden | It’s important to stop and smell the roses and this peaceful, Victorian-designed garden is a prime spot to do just that. Stroll the walkways, take a seat in the courtyard near the fountain, and take in 650 roses in 140+ colors and fragrances.
Paradise Beach | Our local swimming holes are the best, and this little cove stemming from a bend in the American River is a great year-round, shallow-water option. Pro tip: It can get crowded on weekends during summer and becomes a beloved fishing spot during other times of the year, so expect some company.
University Arboretum | Sac State’s 3-acre botanic garden located west of the campus’ J Street entrance is home to ~1,400 species of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials. It’s open daily from dawn to dusk.
Stop and smell the roses, Sac.
Photo via Sarbjit Bahga + Wikimedia Commons
Arts
Midtown Second Saturday | This monthly celebration of Sacramento’s art scene goes down from May to October and features local artists, curated art walks, gallery pop-ups, markets, live music, and theatre shows.
Latino Center of Art & Culture | Visit on Fridays + Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., to see exhibitions and programming focused on Latinx artists and organizations.
Crocker Art Museum Third Sundays | “Pay what you wish” on the third Sunday of every month at Sac’s premier art hub spanning three floors of gallery space and collections from all over the world.
Wide Open Walls | Stroll this open-air gallery in Midtown and downtown featuring vibrant murals created by local artists. This map can help you find your way.
The Sacramento Public Library offers numerous community services across its 28 branches.
Photo via the City of Sacramento
For kids
Family Storytime | Partake in songs, rhymes, and movement activities at this Sacramento Public Library program designed for families with kids up to age 5. The events take place at several branches across the city every week.
Spray parks | Make a splash with the little ones during those hot summer days at one of Sac’s many spray parks including those at McClatchy Park, Magnolia Park, and Wild Rose Park. These spraygrounds run from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Effie Yeaw Nature Center | Located inside Ancil Hoffman Park in Carmichael, this spot is perfect for little nature enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, and science. Entry is free, but a $5 donation per guest is suggested and welcome.
Try taking a free tour at this historic Victorian-era mansion-turned-museum.
Photo via TravelingOtter + Wikimedia Commons
History
California State Capitol Museum | Make your way to the information desk on the first floor rotunda to sign up for a free public tour of the building, its architecture, and its exhibits — running Monday-Friday on the hour, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also tour the lush gardens of State Capitol Grounds and learn all about its monuments + memorials.
Old Sacramento State Historic Park | Dig into the Gold Rush era at this California Historical Landmark featuring a cluster of historic commercial buildings like the 1849 Eagle Theater, the 1853 B.F. Hastings Building, and the 1855 Big Four Building.
Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park | The restored, 19,000-sqft Victorian-era mansion-turned-museum offers free public tours on the hour daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Expect to see recreated carpeting and draperies based on photos from the 1870s, 17-ft ceilings, and original period furnishings that belonged to former California Governor Leland Stanford and his wife Jane Stanford.
