Vacation Rentals in Sacramento

California’s capital city, Sacramento (Sac to locals) is a bustling waterfront neighborhood set upon the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. The City of Trees was occupied for thousands of years by Native Americans until the Spanish settlers arrived in the 1800s. As such, Spanish colonial and Native American influences remain to make the city a culture tripper’s paradise. Today, Sacramento is highly regarded for its mosaic of world-class museums, eclectic nightlife, specialty shops, and a slew of year-round festivals and events. Independent travelers, families, and groups of friends would do well to book a Holidu vacation rental here.

Blessed with a Mediterranean climate, it’s always a good time to visit this four-season destination. Quite a few rentals come with pools and air-conditioning, just perfect for Californian summers. With regards to the best neighborhoods to stay in, Downtown Sacramento is at the heart of everything, and restaurants, shops, the State Capitol, and Crocker Art Museum, are all in easy reach. Vacation rentals in the Old Sacramento Historic District will fetch you lovely water views – the cinematic Tower Bridge is nearby too. Families with kids should consider East Sacramento for its quieter vibe and proximity to parks.

Start at the gorgeous Capitol Building, a free attraction, where you can witness an actual legislature in session, and stroll through the halls of the government. The building hosts the State of California Capitol Museum, a treasure trove of portraits, murals, and statues that throw light on California’s colorful history. Crocker Art Museum meanwhile dates to 1885 and showcases important European paintings by the Masters, as well as regional works dating to the Gold Rush. Children love the California State Railroad Museum for its restored engines and vintage train cars – these aren’t replicas but the real thing! Finally, do head to imposing Tower Bridge at night when it is drenched in golden yellow lighting. The architecture allows for gorgeous photos from most angles.

Kick start the day with a hearty breakfast at Bacon & Butter, a major player in the farm-to-table movement. Recommended eats here include decadent buttermilk flapjacks, bacon melt, and biscuit sandwiches. The luscious Custard French Toast served at Tower Café is a signature Sacramento dish that merits mention. Serving burgers, “hot dawgs” and chilled burgers since 1974, Fanny Ann’s Saloon is straight out of some time warp – a wagon hangs from the ceiling, and the old décor is decidedly funky. Infuse a bit of romance with dinner at the Delta Bar & Grill – from here you can take in California’s fabled sunsets + 180-degree river views.

The city’s nightlife is varied and extends well beyond its hipster breweries and chic wine bars. For drinks and vintage arcade games, Coin-Op Game Room on K Street won’t disappoint. Their décor, memorabilia, and Plexiglas barriers between game stations are a nice touch. A one-of-kind cinematic experience waits at West Wind Sacramento 6 Drive-In, a family tradition for most locals. Get your food and drinks, and enjoy a classic film from the privacy of your car. How about a musical at Broadway at Music Circus, a contemporary theater whose unique circular seating around the stage adds to the intimate ambiance. For spectral glow-in-the-dark indoor mini-golf that features California’s top attractions, pop into Cali Glo Indoor Entertainment, a short drive south of Sacramento in the city of Elk Grove.

Sacramento’s festival and event line-up are impressive, and there’s never a dull moment. A top attraction is the 2nd Saturday Art Walk where the city’s art galleries and cafes are thrown open – chat with local artists, enjoy live music, food and drinks, and the fun sideshows. Summertime’s Concerts in the Park series is a free outdoor music festival that ropes in the region’s hottest DJs and coolest bands. July 4th Independence Day celebrations are a huge deal, and the best viewing points are along the side of the Sacramento River close to Tower Bridge. Mexican tradition comes to Old Town Sacramento each November as revelers mask up for Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) festivities. The year closes with Theater of Lights, a spectacular light show that unfolds along the pretty waterfront.

Old Sac’s Historic Waterfront features dozens of vintage buildings, cobblestone streets, a beautiful promenade with paddle steamers, saloons, and even raised wooden plank sidewalks. It’s like a movie set! Take a ride on a horse carriage or a steam-hauled train for a true blue Sacramento experience.

Surrounded by two rivers, Sacramento is an ideal rafting destination. The South Fork on the American River is particularly recommended for beginners. The 17-mile long Middle Fork gets a bit adventurous but you’ll be treated to views of California’s foothills and a perhaps a host of migratory birds: Canada geese, cranes, and the exquisitely beautiful tundra swans.

This is the ultimate bar-hopping tour where party-goers are trundled onto a 15-passenger party bike that makes its way through popular bars and pubs in Downtown and Midtown Sacramento. Another fun option is to sail down the Sacramento River on a pedal-powered boat with Sac Brew Boat.

From African lions to roaring leopards, slithering reptiles, and mischievous lemurs, the zoo is a top-rated attraction for visitors of all ages. Kids, in particular, will love hopping onboard the Zoo Train, and the colorful Conservation Carousal.

You’ll have to see it to believe it - at Dive Bar, patrons sip on cocktails to the beats of chill-out music while models dressed as mermaids swim through the waters of a resplendent glass water tank. Fantastical for sure! Mermaid swimming timings are scheduled so check ahead.