🇺🇸 Travel Guide to Retro Towns Near the Bay Area

Today, we continue exploring fun destinations around the California Bay Area. Recently, I spent a weekend in Sacramento, the state capital. Though it’s the capital, Sacramento is relatively less crowded compared to cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Yet, it boasts a rich history and culture, beautiful retro architecture, riverside parks, and delicious food. It’s worth spending half a day to a full day here to learn about California’s capital while relaxing in this charming small city. This guide will introduce a one-day itinerary for Sacramento, which can also serve as a pit stop on your way to Lake Tahoe! 📍🌟 Start at the heart of the capital – the California State Capitol and Museum. It’s grand and architecturally stunning, with its white marble structure. Plaza de California offers a great vantage point for photos from the front street. 📍🌟 The Capitol Park, located behind the main building, is a vast green space filled with gardens and sculptures. Don’t miss the World Peace Rose Garden, Desert Garden, Firefighters Memorial, and Purple Heart Monument. It’s also a great place to learn about California’s history. 📍 Downtown Sacramento is compact and perfect for a leisurely stroll. Check out the historic Crest Theatre. 📍🌟 The Cathedral Of the Blessed Sacrament is spectacular both inside and out. 📍🌟 Old Sacramento Historic District, situated along the Sacramento River, is a must-visit. This area retains its Wild West charm, once inhabited by gold miners and merchants. The architecture dates back to the 1800s, making it feel like an old Western town. The retro-style wooden cabins are perfect for photos, and you can even step into the historic The Eagle Theatre. 📍 The California State Railroad Museum, located in the old town, features vintage trains and tracks perfect for photos. It’s a great museum experience, and you can even take a train ride! 📍 The Sacramento History Museum, also in the old town, offers insights into local history. 📍 Old Sacramento Waterfront is a bustling area with shops, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. The famous Tower Bridge is nearby, ideal for a walk or a relaxing riverside stroll. 📍 If you’re visiting during the season, catching a Sacramento Kings NBA game is highly recommended. They’re currently in the playoffs, battling it out with the Golden State Warriors! Other optional attractions: 📍 Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park 📍 Fairytale Town (colorful cottages) 📍 Crocker Art Museum 🌟 Every time I drive back to San Francisco from Tahoe, I stop by Sacramento for a meal. Here are some restaurant recommendations: 📍 I Shanghai Delight (located in the old town) 📍 Top Choice Restaurant (Guilin rice noodles) 📍 JiuJiu Korean & BBQ (a lesser-known Korean BBQ buffet) #USATravel #BayAreaWeekends #BayAreaGetaways #CaliforniaLife #HiddenTravelGems