🚣 Sacramento Day Trip｜Rafting + Historic Old Town Stroll

Even at the end of August, Sacramento was still 37°C — perfect for rafting! 🌞 Here’s our relaxed yet culturally rich one-day itinerary from last weekend, perfect for those who love a mix of outdoor fun and history. 📍 Itinerary Day 0｜Friday Night Left the South Bay after dinner 🍽️, drove about 3 hours to Hyatt Place Roseville. Played Mario Kart on Switch with friends — so much fun! 🎮🏁 Day 1｜Saturday 8:00 AM: Woke up, had hotel breakfast 🍳☕ 9:20 AM: Checked out and drove to the rafting launch point (45-min drive) 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM: Rafting on South Fork American River 🚣♂️💦 Booked through Raft California — chose a Class II whitewater tour 💡 Great for beginners/families — lots of kids! Water was cool and currents mild (a bit tame for us, but very beginner-friendly). Guides were professional and kind. Showers available afterward! 🧴 2:30 PM: Lunch in the city at Azayaka Japanese Fusion 🍜🎎 Still open at that hour! Food was above Bay Area average — nothing like hot soup after rafting 🍲❤️ 3:30 - 6:00 PM: Old Sacramento Historic Walk 🏛️🚂 Parked at 1289 Front St (flat rate $15) California State Railroad Museum: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A must-visit! Not just trains — it deeply moved us with stories of 19th-century Chinese railroad workers, including their struggles under the Chinese Exclusion Act. Felt like an immersive history lesson. Tower Bridge: Beautiful golden lift-bridge 🏗️🌉 — great views including the California State Capitol from afar! The old town streets are super photogenic: vintage architecture, railroad relics, and cute shops — full of charm! 📸 👕 What to Wear Sacramento is still hot in late August — up to 37°C ☀️ Recommend: T-shirts/tank tops + sun protection 🧢🕶️ + light jacket For rafting: Quick-dry clothes + swimwear + water shoes (see our outfit inspo in 👀) 🏨 Hotel Rec Hyatt Place Sacramento/Roseville Pros: Close to rafting, safe, free breakfast, some rooms have connecting doors 🚪🍳 Sacramento surprised us — more fun than expected! Highly recommended for those who enjoy light outdoor adventure mixed with history. One day was a bit rushed, but totally worth it. Especially the Railroad Museum — heavy but meaningful. Don’t miss it! #Sacramento #BayAreaWeekend #Rafting #NorCalRafting #DayTrip #HistoricWalk #TravelCA #WeekendGetaway 🌟🚂🌊