Sacramento, California is not only the state capital but also a fantastic place to start a journey into history. If you and your family love exploring, learning about the past, and spending quality time together, then you’re in for a treat! There are so many day trips from Sacramento, California that take you to incredible historic places, perfect for a family-friendly adventure. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, these trips will make learning about history fun and exciting.
In this article, we’ll dive into several historic places you can visit within a day from Sacramento, with activities and sights that the whole family can enjoy.
1. Old Sacramento State Historic Park: A Step Back in Time
One of the easiest day trips from Sacramento, California is Old Sacramento State Historic Park. It’s right in the heart of Sacramento, so you don’t even have to drive far! This area takes you back to the 1800s during the California Gold Rush. The buildings are well-preserved, and there’s plenty to see and do. Also read Day Trips from Sacramento, California: Historic Places for a Family-Friendly Adventure
Fun Things to Do with Family
Your family can take a ride on a historic steam train, go on a horse-drawn carriage tour, or even hop aboard a riverboat. These activities let you experience what life was like back in the day. You can also explore the many museums, like the California State Railroad Museum, where your kids can see real trains up close and even climb inside them!
With old-timey candy shops, ice cream parlors, and fun souvenirs, Old Sacramento is a place the whole family will love. It’s educational and fun, all rolled into one.
2. Sutter’s Fort: Learning About Early California History
Sutter’s Fort, located right in Sacramento, is another fantastic historic spot for a day trip from Sacramento, California. This place was once a bustling trading post and the home of John Sutter, one of California’s pioneers.
Why Sutter’s Fort is Great for Families
At Sutter’s Fort, families can learn about the early settlers who lived in California before the Gold Rush. You can explore old buildings and see what life was like for pioneers. Kids love seeing the old tools, wagons, and cooking supplies used by early settlers.
The fort often has reenactments where actors dress up in old-fashioned clothes and show what daily life was like back in the 1800s. Your family can watch demonstrations of how things were made or even try out some hands-on activities like candle-making.
3. Coloma and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park: The Gold Rush Begins
A little over an hour from Sacramento, you’ll find Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma. This is the spot where gold was first discovered in California, which led to the famous Gold Rush in 1848.
Family-Friendly Activities at Marshall Gold Discovery Park
Your kids can try their hand at gold panning, just like the prospectors did over 150 years ago! It’s an exciting and fun way to see if you can find a little treasure of your own. Even if you don’t strike gold, it’s an unforgettable experience.
The park also has hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor’s center with exhibits about the Gold Rush. You can take a self-guided tour of the town and see original buildings from the Gold Rush era. It’s a fantastic way for kids to learn about an important part of California’s history while having fun outdoors.
4. Nevada City: A Charming Historic Town
About an hour and a half from Sacramento, Nevada City is a beautiful, historic town that’s great for a family-friendly day trip. It feels like stepping into a storybook with its old-fashioned charm and lovely streets.
What to Do in Nevada City with Family
Nevada City has a lot to offer, from historic buildings and shops to fun activities. Your family can visit the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum to learn about the role railroads played in the development of the area. There are also several parks and hiking trails around the city where you can enjoy a picnic or explore nature.
During the holidays, Nevada City turns into a magical winter wonderland with their Victorian Christmas celebration. Your kids will love seeing the decorations, hearing the music, and maybe even meeting Santa Claus!
5. Folsom: History and Nature Combined
Folsom is only about 30 minutes from Sacramento, making it one of the easiest day trips from Sacramento, California. It’s a great blend of history and outdoor fun, so there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Historic Places to Visit in Folsom
The Folsom History Museum is a great place to start. Here, you can learn about the town’s Gold Rush past and see artifacts from that time. The Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park is another interesting spot, where families can learn about one of the first hydroelectric power plants in the U.S.
For a fun and unique experience, you can visit the famous Folsom Prison Museum. It may sound a little spooky, but the museum is full of interesting history, including exhibits about famous inmates and the prison’s role in California’s past.
6. Auburn: Discovering the Gold Rush Era
Located about 40 minutes from Sacramento, Auburn is another excellent spot for a historic day trip from Sacramento, California. Auburn played a key role during the Gold Rush, and today it’s a beautiful town filled with historical landmarks.
Exploring Auburn with Your Family
Start your trip at the Placer County Museum, which has displays about Auburn’s history and the Gold Rush. Your family will enjoy seeing old tools, gold nuggets, and photographs from the past. You can also take a walking tour through Old Town Auburn, where many buildings date back to the mid-1800s.
Auburn also has plenty of parks, so pack a picnic and enjoy a day of history and outdoor fun!
7. Placerville: A Small Town with Big History
Placerville, just under an hour from Sacramento, is a charming town rich in Gold Rush history. It was once known as “Hangtown” due to its wild west reputation, but today it’s a family-friendly destination full of historical sites.
Family Fun in Placerville
Your family can visit the El Dorado County Historical Museum to learn more about Placerville’s past. The museum has fun exhibits about the Gold Rush and what life was like in the 1800s. Kids will enjoy seeing the old carriages and wagons used by early settlers.
Placerville also has several historic buildings to explore, and during certain times of the year, they hold festivals and events that bring the town’s history to life. Don’t forget to take a stroll down Main Street, where you’ll find plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or shop for souvenirs.
8. The California State Capitol Museum: Learning About Government and History
If you’re looking for a quick and educational day trip from Sacramento, California, why not visit the California State Capitol Museum? Located right in Sacramento, this museum is housed in the state’s capitol building and offers a great way to learn about California’s government and history.
Why Kids Love the Capitol Museum
The museum offers guided tours where you can learn about how the state government works and see the historic rooms where important decisions are made. Kids will love exploring the beautiful building and learning about the people who helped shape California.
The Capitol Park, which surrounds the building, is a great place to have a family picnic or just enjoy a relaxing walk. There are beautiful gardens, memorials, and even a pond filled with fish and turtles!
9. Sonoma: History and Wine Country
While Sonoma is best known for its wineries, it’s also a fantastic place for families to learn about California’s early history. Located about two hours from Sacramento, Sonoma makes for a perfect day trip for families who want a mix of history and scenic beauty.
Family-Friendly Historical Spots in Sonoma
Sonoma’s most famous historic site is Mission San Francisco Solano, the northernmost mission in California’s mission system. Families can explore the mission’s old buildings and learn about the role it played in California’s development.
Sonoma Plaza is another great spot for families. This historic town square is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks. Kids will love the wide-open space where they can run and play while parents enjoy the charm of this picturesque town.
10. Monterey: A Coastal Adventure with History
Monterey is a bit farther from Sacramento, about a three-hour drive, but it’s well worth the trip. This coastal town is full of history and has plenty of activities for families.
Exploring Monterey with Kids
One of the must-see places in Monterey is Cannery Row, a historic waterfront district that was once home to sardine canning factories. Today, it’s a fun place to visit with plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Monterey also has several historic sites, like Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Monterey State Historic Park, where families can learn about the town’s past. And of course, no visit to Monterey is complete without a walk along the beautiful coastline.
Conclusion
Sacramento is the perfect starting point for exploring California’s rich history with your family. From Gold Rush towns to historic parks and beautiful coastal areas, there’s no shortage of exciting day trips from Sacramento, California that are both educational and fun for the whole family. Whether you’re riding a steam train in Old Sacramento, panning for gold in Coloma, or exploring the historic streets of Nevada City, these adventures will create lasting memories and give your kids a deeper appreciation for the past. So, pack your bags, gather the family, and get ready for a historic adventure!