Experience California's Gold Rush history inside Old Sacramento
Noe PadillaWithin the bustling capital city of California lies a pocket that evokes the state's Gold Rush roots and history.
Sitting along the Sacramento River is a 28-acre area dubbed "Old Sacramento" that features over 50 Victorian-era Gold Rush buildings, cobblestone roads, storefronts, and museums that document the city's history as the heart of California railroading and travel.
So much of California's history is preserved in Old Sacramento, including remnants of the western terminus of the Pony Express, the first transcontinental railroad, and the transcontinental telegraph. The area is considered a California Historical Landmark and National Historic Landmark.
Why it matters
Old Sacramento represents one of the state's last preserved trading centers, and a peek into the settlement that 1840s miners traveled through in pursuit of gold. Inside the historical district are some of the earliest Gold Rush commercial structures and historic buildings, which hold significant importance to the state.
Some of these buildings include the Eagle Theatre, one of California's first permanent theaters, which was constructed in July 1849, or the B.F. Hastings Building, which housed California's Supreme Court after its construction in 1853.
Notably, the preservation of Old Sacramento resulted from a multi-year battle between city developers and historical preservationists. In the 1960s, much of Sacramento's West End, which housed the city's oldest neighborhoods and many minority communities, had been demolished in pursuit of the state capital's redevelopment.
As part of the redevelopment effort, city officials wanted to destroy the last remaining buildings along the Sacramento River and downtown to construct the Interstate 5 freeway. The project came to a halt after President John F. Kennedy suspended funding for the Sacramento freeway until the Department of the Interior could conduct a historical study of the area.
City leaders, preservationists, and developers reached a compromise to preserve a 28-acre plot containing a portion of the original settlement buildings. Highway developers were allowed to build their freeway through downtown Sacramento and along the Sacramento River, but they were required to build around the 28 acres. Once the parties agreed to this plan, Kennedy reallocated funds to the project.
What to see today
Although the historic buildings are a sight to behold, the National Historic Landmark also has several museums open to the public, such as the California State Railroad Museum and the Sacramento History Museum.
Guests can also visit the Delta King, an authentic 285-foot riverboat that operates as permanent moored hotel and restaurant. There are also over 50 storefronts guests can visit throughout the day.
Ask a local
Although Old Sacramento is known for its historic buildings and museums, there are plenty of local businesses to explore. Visitors could grab a cup of coffee at Terra Forte Coffee or Blueprint Coffee Project.
The neighborhood also offers several late-night options, including the retro lounge Back Door, the Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and O'Mally's Irish Pub.
Plan your visit
- Best time: Folks should visit the historic area in spring or fall and participate in some of the neighborhood's biggest events, such as the Old Sacramento Spring Festival or Gold Rush Days, when the town turns "back the clock" for Labor Day Weekend.
- Hours/admission: Old Sacramento is open to the general public. Hours of operation for storefronts and museums range; the Sacramento History Museum is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Sacramento Visitors Center is open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Getting there: Old Sacramento is located along the east bank of the Sacramento River between the Tower Bridge and the I Street Bridge. Visitors traveling on Interstate 5 can easily access the area. The area has limited two-hour metered street parking, with additional parking in the Old Sacramento Garage, and a parking lot located at Front Street and L Street.
- Learn more at:www.oldsacramento.com
Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him at [email protected], follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. Sign up for the TODAY Californian newsletter or follow us on Facebook at TODAY Californian.