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Old Sacramento Waterfront

1014 2nd Street, Sacramento, California

Description

Old Sacramento Waterfront is a district located along the Sacramento River comprising and extending south of the Old Sacramento State Historic Park. It comprises over 50 historical buildings developed mostly during the Gold Rush period of the mid-19th century such as the Eagle Theater, the B. F. Hastings Building and the 1855 Big Four Building. The city of Sacramento grew up around that period as a development from Sutter's Fort but with a practical location along the river for freight. By the 1960's the area had fallen into disrepair but was renovated and revitalized as a tourist attraction.

Access & Transport

Coming from any direction in the state, take Interstate 5 to the ”J Street” exit and follow the signs into the State Historic Park. Covered parking is available at 3rd and J Streets and there are a limited number of metered, 90-minute on-street parking spaces throughout the park. Bus 62 stops along 3rd St. and the Sacramento Valley station is less than 10mins walk away (trains + Gold light rail line). Accessibility info: http://access.parks.ca.gov/parkinfo.asp?park=146&type=0

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining a visit there with the California State Railroad Museum.

Meta review

Invariably listed as a must see by travel guides but online reviews are a lot less enthusiastic. Some visitors like the atmosphere with plenty of shops and historical buildings but a large minority was quite underwhelmed by the shops that they qualify of tourist traps and the variety and quality of restaurants.

Environmental & Social

Repurposing of existing building and helps preserve the city's architectural and historical heritages

Conclusion

A visit to Old Sac' is the perfect opportunity to learn about the city's history but it lacks substance. Those keen on shopping for souvenirs won't mind but those looking for cultural activities may be a little disappointed. Good combo with the Railroad Museum.

Key positive

Some photogenic buildings

Key negative

Very commercial

Lacks cultural depth

Suitability

Most of the 2nd floors of historical buildings are not accessible but most of the sightseeing is at street level

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
SHP Museum is open from 10:00 to 17h00

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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