There are plenty of reasons to rush to California’s capital city. Chief among them: miles of winding waterways, family-friendly thrills, and a farm-to-fork philosophy that’s not just a novelty, but the norm. More into historical or cultural pleasures? Swing by Sactown, and you’re golden. Before you pack your bags, tell us more about you. 

The ways in which to celebrate Sacramento’s rich agricultural tradition are as abundant as the bounty itself: Visit a U-pick farm, take a culinary course, attend the Farm-to-Fork Festival in September. But our favorite? Spending two hours with chef Oliver Ridgeway of Grange. Follow Oliver to the farmers market in Cesar Chavez Plaza every other Wednesday through October and listen as the chef shares his encyclopedic knowledge of the ingredients. Then return to Grange for a three-course lunch prepared using the just-purchased produce. 

Ella:

This splurge-worthy spot serves up seasonal New American cuisine and first-class service without an ounce of pretension.

Mother:

This Michael Thiemann–helmed joint dishes up downright addictive—and entirely meatless—soul food. 

Golden 1 Center:

The Sacramento Kings’ new arena will source 90 percent of its food and beverage options from within 150 miles of center court. 

Hook & Ladder:

Beverage director Chris Tucker crafts artisanal cocktails using the freshest produce available.

Revolution Wines:

Get a peek into the production process at this urban winery, the first to open in the city since Prohibition.

Temple Coffee:

Almost as impressive as the custom tap system at the 22nd and K streets location: the floor, made up of 500,000 hand-laid pennies.

Founded in 1885, the Crocker Art Museum is the longest continuously operating art museum west of the Mississippi. Even more impressive? The collection itself. The Crocker family’s ornate Victorian mansion houses works by California painters and European masters, while the ultramodern Teel Family Pavilion, which was added in 2010 and more than tripled the museum’s gallery space, showcases international ceramics as well as Asian and African art. On view this summer: Andy Warhol: Portraits (through June 19) and Little Dreams in Glass and Metal (June 19 through September 11).

Sacramento International Airport:

Sculptor Lawrence Argent’s 56-foot aluminum rabbit is just part of the hopping art scene in Terminal B.

Bright Underbelly:

The 70,000-square-foot mural beneath the WX Freeway near 6th Street depicts a clear blue sky through a canopy of trees.

Wat Dhammararam:

Instagram-worthy moments at this Buddhist temple in Stockton include nearly 100 bejeweled statues and a 54-foot reclining Buddha. 

Concerts in the Park:

Stockton’s Victory Park morphs into an outdoor amphitheater every Wednesday night through August 17. 

California State Fair:

It’s hard to beat eating contests, animal shows, and 17 days of free concerts (July 8–24), including Plain White T’s and Chaka Khan.

California Musical Theatre:

Music Circus, a captivating theater-in-the-round experience, presents a range of shows this summer, from Legally Blonde to Seussical.

Situated at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers, and a short drive from the Sierra Nevadas, the City of Trees offers plenty of excuses to go outside and play. For cyclists, the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail beckons. The path winds from Old Sacramento to Folsom and can be accessed from most parks in the American River Parkway, a scenic, 23-mile stretch along the waterway. Want to get even closer to the water? Head east to the south fork of the American River for the region’s most popular whitewater rafting locale. 

Cruising:

Weave your way past dozens of historical sites during an hour-long Sacramento River cruise on the Capitol Hornblower yacht.

Kayaking:

A peaceful paddle awaits on Lodi Lake, a short drive south of Sacramento. For full-day, half-day, and hourly rentals, stop by Headwaters Kayak Shop.

Fishing:

Since 1985, Dave Jacobs Professional Guide Service has been luring anglers of all abilities to the Sacramento River for guided excursions. 

Sacramento River Cats:

Watch the San Francisco Giants’ Triple-A affiliate defend their home turf 17 times this month.

Ancil Hoffman Golf Course:

The key to this tough but fair track: Get off the tee safely. An errant first shot and you’re playing for bogey.

Sacramento Republic FC:

Buy your tickets now. This United Soccer League franchise has been smashing attendance records since 2014. 

For a glimpse into California’s colorful past, present, and future, consider a free guided tour of the capitol, offered daily. Highlights include well-preserved offices of former elected officials, an art exhibit showcasing the works of retired legislators, and a life-size bronze grizzly posted up near the entrance to the governor’s office. Some tips: If you visit during a legislative session, ask about access to public galleries to see the lawmaking process in action; and leave time to mosey through the Capitol Park gardens, where plants from around the world flourish among more than 150 memorials. 

Marshall Gold Discovery Site:

Learn how to pan for gold near the site where James Marshall first found flecks in 1848, sparking the famous Gold Rush.

Empire Mind Historic Park:

Start in the “Secret Room” to see a scaled-down model depicting the mine’s 367 miles of tunnels. 

Sacramento History Museum:

The Lure of Gold and Coming to California recount the experiences of those who risked it all for a chance to strike it rich. 

Citizen Hotel:

A few blocks from the capitol, this 196-room hotel seamlessly blends Old World furnishings with modern amenities. 

Delta King:

Drop your bags in one of 44 cozy staterooms onboard this restored 1920s riverboat permanently moored in the Sacramento River. 

Amber House:

Choose between an 1895 Colonial Revival and a 1905 Craftsman at this refined two-home B&B in Midtown.

It’s not easy pleasing the whole clan, but here’s something everyone can get behind: baby animals. (And ferocious predators and endangered beasts, of course.) Set on 14 acres in Land Park, the Sacramento Zoo houses lions, tigers, lemurs, chimps, Gila monsters, ball pythons, and more. Feed acacia and elm branches to giraffes from a platform deck during a twice-daily encounter, or pitch a tent on the reptile house lawn during a family overnight safari to glimpse the animals after dark and early in the morning as they begin to stir.

Aerospace Museum of California:

Pose for photos next to biplanes and fighter jets as you celebrate the history of aviation.

California State Railroad Museum:

Thrill seekers: See what it’s like to pilot a high-speed train in the Fast Tracks exhibit, on display through December. 

California Automobile Museum:

View the evolution of cars from 1885 to 2011 in the 150-vehicle permanent exhibit. 

Gunther’s Ice Cream:

A Sactown staple since 1940, this retro shop is known for its sorbet-like fruit freezes and flavors of the month.

Ginger Elizabeth:

Many of this chocolatier’s candy bars and macarons are made using locally sourced ingredients.

Jelly Belly Factory:

Did you know it can take up to three weeks to make one bean? Find out why during a tour of the factory, 45 minutes west of town.