The city of Sacramento is located in the heart of California and offers visitors with everything that they expect when they visit California – a laid-back easygoing lifestyle with friendly people. It’s a beautiful city that provides ample opportunities of exploration as well as enjoyment. While a majority of the attractions in the city charge entrance fees, there are many that you can explore without paying a single penny. Anyone who is looking to explore the city but has minimal budget should definitely check out this list.
Enjoy the sights along the American River Bicycle Trail
Also known as the Jedediah Smith Bike Trail, this trail goes along the American River for about 32 miles or about 51.5 km. The fully asphalt trail starts off at the Discovery Park in Old Sacramento and ends at Beal’s Point close to Folsom Lake. The trail is very popular with cyclists although one can also skate or hike along the trail. Horse-riding is also a good option. On the way, you will descry some of the native plants and animals along with some major sights, making the trail the perfect way to see what Sacramento has to offer.
Give in to sweet temptations at the Jelly Belly Factory
Who hasn’t watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and wished for a tour of a candy factory! The Jelly Belly Factory offers an absolutely free tour of its facility to visitors. Visitors get to see some of the world’s favorite candies, such as Jelly Beans Chocolate Dips, Harry Potter Jelly Beans, and Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans, being made. The tour lasts for about 40 minutes and along the way, visitors can also stop by an ice cream parlor, a café, and a store from where they can buy all the jelly beans they want. There is also a separate dog-walk area, so even pets can enjoy themselves here.
Become a culture vulture during the Second Saturday Art Walk
On the second Saturday of every month, art galleries in Sacramento showcase exhibitions for free and are open till late. Local artists from the area also show off their creations here. Apart from that, live music is played, making it a community event of unlike sorts – a complete aesthetic ride. And the whole thing is free of cost, making it even more delectable. Galleries are located throughout the area; however, the ones downtown or midtown are the ones that are the most popular. There are also a number of food and drink stalls that are set up along the way to ensure that visitors can entice their taste buds as well.
Feed the ducks at the William Land Park
The William Land Park is a 166-acre park, which is located close to the center of the city. The entry is free and many locals visit the park for a stroll, a picnic or a nap. There is also a pond where people can feed ducks and watch the world go by. A jogging trail is also there in the park, which is a bang-up point for fitness freaks. If that isn’t enough, there is a Shakespeare theatre as well and there is a chance that you may get to watch a live performance; however, a small fee will be charged for watching the performance.
Pay your respects at the Historic City Cemetery
Cemeteries may not be very high on the list of places to visit; however, the Historic City Cemetery in Sacramento is different. Established in 1849, the cemetery is the final resting place for many notable Californians. The cemetery is also known for its well-kept gardens, especially its roses that are considered to be amongst the best in California. There are many events, such as Early Rose Bloom Tour, Deadheading @ Dusk, Rose Propagation Class, and Tragic, Triumphant and True Tales of Education, held at the cemetery and those who are up for it can also choose to volunteer there.
Cool off at Folsom Lake
Folsom Lake in Sacramento was created in 1955 by the construction of the Folsom Dam and offers people in the city a great place to cool off during the summer months. The lake is very popular for swimming, fishing, and boating. The beautiful vistas provided by lake have also made it very popular with campers who arrive in their recreational vehicles and set up their camps there. There is also a trail around the lake for cyclists and hikers. The recreation area is also accessible by wheelchair.
Get a dose of history at the State Capitol Building
Completed in 1874, the State Capitol Building of California is a treasure trove of history. The entire structure was built to look like the U.S. Capitol and it shows. The neoclassical architecture of the building is stunning and is sure to interest those with a keen eye for architecture. It also offers free guided tours of its museums and there is a basement theatre, which has free entry. There is also a large park behind the building that houses different varieties of plants, attractions, and monuments.
Revisit the past in Old Sacramento
History buffs will definitely love Old Sacramento. It is a time capsule of a bygone era when horses ruled the roads and trains were still expanding out the West. The sidewalks of the place are wooden and horse-drawn carriages roll down the streets. There a legion of historically significant buildings here including the so-called Big Four of the Western Railroads: Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins, Collis P. Huntington, and Charles Crocker.
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