Capitol Park has been home to the California state government since 1869. In addition to being the state's seat of government, the neoclassical Capitol building also houses a museum with state artifacts, artistic depictions of California, plus antiques, murals and governors' portraits.

After you've explored the Capitol building and museum, take a stroll through the rest of the park, which is home to memorials marking significant events in state history, including the Civil War Memorial Grove, the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the California Veterans Memorial, among other monuments. Much to the delight of recent travelers, the park’s 40 acres are also filled with plenty of trees, flowers and benches perfect for enjoying the serene spot.

Boasting more than 25,000 pieces of art, the Crocker Art Museum is an important part of Sacramento's history and a highly-rated art destination. The museum was originally established in 1885 as a home and art gallery for the Crocker family. Today, it’s considered the oldest art museum in the Western United States. In 2010, the 125,000-square-foot Teel Family Pavilion was added to expand the exhibition and gallery space.

The facility houses permanent collections of artwork from around the world, including Californian pieces that date back to the museum's founders – the Crocker family – and the Gold Rush period. Other extensive collections include Native American ceramics as well as collections of African, European, Oceanic and Asian art.

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you prefer to explore with fewer people around, weekdays during the day are your best bet. During the evenings, the area tends to hum with people set to enjoy the nightlife scene, especially on weekends. – Katie Joll

A subsection of the city along the Sacramento River, Old Sacramento Waterfront is one of those National Historic Landmark Districts that pays tribute to the days of yesteryear. It can be cheesy. It can be fun. Either way, you're bound to visit at least once during your Sacramento trip.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Fremont Park in the heart of Midtown is a great spot for picnics and for kids to play. There are also regular events, such as outdoor movies, craft markets and the Labor Day Weekend Chalk It Up Festival. – Katie Joll

The Midtown area of Sacramento is known for being the hippest and fastest-growing district in the California capital. The neighborhood is located roughly from E Street to S Street and 16th Street to 29th Street. Originally a large residential neighborhood, it's home to hundreds of businesses ranging from trendy bars and highly-rated restaurants, to boutique retail shops. Residents and visitors alike also enjoy the burgeoning nightlife scene. The year-round Midtown Farmers Market ranks as one of California’s best.

Situated at the northern edge of Old Sacramento, the California State Railroad Museum excites kids and history buffs alike. With more than 225,000 square feet of exhibition space, this museum hosts numerous restored trains, all with unique histories and interiors.

But there is more to examine than locomotives. Educational exhibits show how railways expanded the West and chronicle their impact on commerce and travel. It also explores the role of women and Chinese workers in building the transcontinental railroad. There are also exhibits on toy trains and the world of model railroading.

Travelers with small children will want to put Fairytale Town on their to-do list. At this amusement park, children can act out their favorite fairy tales on more than 25 fantastical oversized playsets.

Visitors can also say hello to a few real-life animal pals like Peter Rabbit, the three little pigs and Mary's little lambs. Adults may find the setting a bit cheesy, but youngsters think they've entered fun-filled Neverland. The park also features the Children's Theater and outdoor Mother Goose Stage that offer kid-friendly live theater and musical performances.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Try river rafting at least once! The best time for this varies each year, depending on the volumes of water from Sierra snowmelt in spring. A professional outfitter is always the best way to go. – Katie Joll

Spanning 32 miles and 4,800 acres, the American River Parkway encompasses more than a dozen access points to the American River, including parks, beaches and fishing spots. Running between Discovery Park and Folsom Lake’s Beals Point, the parkway is a popular spot for cyclists, joggers and roller skaters thanks to its paved paths. Those looking for more adventure can explore the dirt trails that diverge from the main parkway.

Downtown Commons, frequently referred to as DOCO, is a mixed-use, shopping and entertainment complex, located on K Street near the Golden 1 Center. The area has benefited from revitalization during the 2010s to become a top shopping and dining destination in Sacramento.

Visitors can catch a game or concert at the Golden 1 Center, home of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, and walk to well-known dining or shopping options, including Yard House, Chipotle and Macy’s. DOCO is also home to the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel – one of the top hotels in Sacramento.

Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park is an enduring Sacramento landmark and serves as not only a public museum but the state’s official reception center for worldwide leaders.

Leland Stanford, who served as California governor from 1862 to 1863, established the residence as a headquarters for governors through the 1860s. Sadly, Stanford and his wife lost their only child to typhoid fever, which led to them establishing Stanford University in his name. The residence served as the Stanford Home for Children until its establishment as a state park in 1978.

Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament serves as a mother church in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, as well as an important piece of Sacramento's architectural and social history. Built in 1889, it is considered an excellent example of Renaissance Revival architecture and features intricate stained-glass windows, sculptures, and a rare copy of Raphael’s Sistine Madonna. At the time of its completion, it was considered the largest church west of the Mississippi River.

Recent visitors described the cathedral as tranquil, peaceful and beautiful. They enjoyed the detail of the architecture and interior features, including the beautifully restored dome. Several reviewers said it’s worth stopping by for a quick look if you’re in the downtown area.

Take a step back in time to the days before gold was discovered in California with a visit to Sutter's Fort.

In 1839, Swiss immigrant John Sutter built what became known as Sutter’s Fort, the first permanent European settlement in the California Central Valley. It was an economic center for agricultural production across 191,000 acres of land, which Sutter was granted or bought in parcels. The current state park, including the remaining fort, is located a mile east of what is now Capitol Park. The fort was a popular home for immigrants, who came to the West and helped harvest the wheat, cotton and bean crops within the fort. Sutter's empire extended into the fur trade and ranching business.

Located on Front Street near Old Sacramento, the California Automobile Museum is a car enthusiast’s dream. The museum houses more than 130 vehicles in its collection and displays rotating special exhibits and vehicles on loan. Expect to see classic cars, muscle cars, race cars and more. During “Sunday Drives” on the third Sunday of every month, visitors can enjoy a free car ride with a paid museum entry. (Note: Car seats cannot be accommodated in classic cars.)

Recent visitors praised the knowledgeable museum docents and the broad range of the museum’s collection. A few were disappointed you can only sit in a couple of the cars; most of the vehicles are on display only.