Zoos are one of the most interesting places to visit, whether it's during your vacation or a family outing on a Saturday afternoon. They are a wealth of information on some of the most unseen and exotic creatures, and quite simply – it's a lot of fun to see the different types of animals and the behaviors they exhibit.
The Sacramento Zoo offers a variety of exhibits for the entire family to enjoy. The large number of rare and endangered species at the zoo will give you an opportunity to get up close and personal with animals you wouldn't normally encounter. The snow leopard exhibit is one of the most popular, as well as the red pandas. But there are also "traditional" animal exhibits to see as well such as the giraffes, swans, parrots, lemurs, turtles, and many more.
The best part of the Sacramento Zoo is the sprawling environment in which it is set. 100 year old oaks adorn the property and give you a shady place to sit and rest while taking in the sights. The unique gardens are a must if you're going to visit; they're filled with fragrant flowers and fauna.
Over the past year, the Sacramento Zoo has added many new animals to their ever changing exhibits. The black and white ruffed lemur was a thrill for the zoo to get. He was born to his 8 year old parents and has been the life of the zoo ever since – garnering visitors from all over California. Also, four penguins got themselves a temporary exhibit because unlike other penguins at the zoo, these were especially unique. They thrive in Sacramento's warm climate and swim in a lukewarm pool as opposed to the ice cold waters we're used to seeing them in. They are quite a sight to see, and very entertaining!
For the real zoo lovers in all of us, they offer starlight safaris through the zoo in the evening as well as a safari sleepover! Anyone over the age of four years old along with a parent can spend the night in one of the most natural settings in Sacramento. Groups of 50 to 175 people can enjoy camp style programs and an after-hours look at all of their favorite animals.
Whether you're coming for the day or staying over for an evening excursion, there is so much to learn, see, and do at the Sacramento Zoo.
Admission
Adults: $8.50
Seniors: $7.75
Children (3-12): $6
Children (0-2): Free
So many of us have been on trains in our lives, yet how much do we really know about them? If you live in the area, or are planning a visit to Sacramento, you should definitely make a stop at the California State Railroad Museum.
Located in the popular area of Old Sacramento, the California State Railroad Museum is an array of historic learning experiences, as well as a plethora of attractions that are unique to the California Railway system. Widely known as one of the best railroad museums in the country, it has so much to offer both for the young and old. You can see restored trains that are as lavish in decor as they are in size, and exhibits that are interactive and engaging to the eager minds wanting to learn about this famous subject.
Their seasonal events are what make many of the locals go back time and time again. They have Train Time with Santa, as well as more infrequent (but just as wonderful) rail fairs that last 10 days and incorporate some of the best train exhibits in the world. It isn’t just about how the trains are made either. They discuss some of the social issues when it comes to trains – such as women’s role in the train workplace, and they show the amazing art that people have painted or sculpted with their passion for trains.
On each weekend during April and September, the museum offers train rides that you can take around Old Sacramento. It’s a steam powered excursion train that departs on the hour and travels 6 miles roundtrip around the Sacramento River. It’s great for both children and adults that haven’t had the experience of traveling on the rails. Unobstructed views will help you better understand the beauty of Old Sacramento and some of the history behind this engaging town.
The California State Railroad Museum is amazing in every sense of the word. It gives you a real eye opening experience on how transportation has changed and how great it is both now and then. When you leave don’t forget to stop by the museum store to get one of your special keepsakes to take home. Even if you live in Sacramento you can still appreciate the history of trains that so many of us have taken for granted.
Visitor Information
Admission to the museum is extremely reasonable at only $8.00 per adult, and $3.00 per child, and they are open all year except major holidays. There are guided tours for the people who really want to experience what the California State Railroad Museum has to offer. They last between 30 and 40 minutes and give you a much more comprehensive look at the railway system and how it has affected California. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, you’ll have plenty of time to spend and gaze at the amazing trains and collections on display.
Measuring only 4 square blocks, McKinley Park has kept much of its natural charm and unbelievable setting over the years…making it a place that everyone can enjoy throughout the day.
McKinley Park is a haven for sports enthusiasts and during the spring and summer months you can always find a game of some sort going on here at the park. There are baseball fields, a soccer field, tennis courts, and horseshoe pits – all of which can be taken advantage of during the warm weather months in Sacramento. The park is also perfect for that afternoon picnic or barbecue.
The mile long trail circling park is perfect for that morning jog or afternoon stroll. There are also several smaller walking trails that wind through the park, giving you plenty of options if you’re looking for something active to do. If exercise isn’t what you had in mind, then you should take a tour of their beautiful rose garden.
Located on H Street, near 33rd, the rose garden in McKinley Park was created in 1928. This lush 1.5 acre garden contains over 1,000 rose bushes, rose trees, and blooming annuals. The rose garden is available for rent and has been a local favorite for weddings and other social events.
With over 275 acres of mature trees and grasslands, Discovery Park offers a plethora of activities for you to enjoy. Whether you're looking to have a picnic, go horseback riding, or just a leisurely stroll through the park - there is much to be found and "discovered" in Discovery Park.
Highly regarded as one of the best boat launches in Sacramento, many people spend the day fishing or just hanging out while taking in the beautiful scenery of the city. There is even an archery range for those who are into camp style sports. Picnic spots are plentiful, and on just about any day of the week you can see tons of families and couples enjoying a picnic beneath a shady tree.
If you’re looking for something a little more active, bring your bike and take a ride along the 32-mile Jedediah Smith Bike Trail which circles the park. Alternatively, you can enjoy a hike or walk on several smaller trails nestled throughout the park.
During the summer, take in one of their free summer concerts that attract not only local bands but some pretty famous ones as well. There is a total diversity of local acts that make their way to the park to entertain the hundreds of people that come out for a real taste of Sacramento.
Discovered over 100 years ago, millions of people have made this park a place where they can meet and greet, have lunch, enjoy the sun, and catch great fish. If you haven’t visited this park then it is time to get out there and join them. You’ll be glad you did!
Getting There
Discovery Park is relatively easy to find. Take the Richards Blvd exit from the I-5 and then head westbound till you reach the South entrance of the park.
Over 160,000 people already know that Crocker Art Museum is a hidden gem among art museums, but many more are figuring this out everyday. Since the opening of the museum in 1885, the mission of Crocker Art Museum has been to bring enthusiasm to the wonderful world of art.
The Crocker Art Museum offers diverse collections for locals and tourists alike to enjoy; they also have events and programs that are specific to California. The Californian art is one of the state’s premiere collections and many people enjoy coming to look at local artists and their creations. They also have world-renowned Old Master drawings as well as a significant amount of Asian inspired art and ceramics.
What most people love about the Crocker Art Museum are the 15 changing exhibits that happen annually. Every time you walk into this museum you see something new and interesting. Whether it is to highlight media, cultures, or time periods, it feels like you are visiting the museum for the first time. In 2010, they’re planning a large expansion that will triple the museum in size so that they can give back to the many visitors that grace their doors every year. It will also help to showcase their permanent collections and draw new people into the museum.
The Crocker Museum is also believed to be hotbed for hauntings and other paranormal activity. A few years back, a paranormal researcher spent some time there walking through with a person adept to EMF, Electromagnetic Fields. These people claim that they can feel energy from the person who is "haunting" a building or a home. More specifically, the researcher pinpointed a very strong EMF level in the East Wing…where he felt the presence of someone named Maggie or Eleanor. Turns out, Margaret Eleanor Crocker was the wife of Judge Crocker, the founder of the museum. Margaret was extremely spiritual as well as genuinely passionate about the arts. Many believe that Margaret’s ghost still resides in the museum today.
Museum Information
Currently their hours are from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, with Thursdays staying open till 9pm. The art museum is very inexpensive to visit at only $6.00 a ticket for adults. You’ll enjoy free admission on Sunday’s from 10am to 1pm. There is simply no better way to spend a Sunday morning.
Zoos are one of the most interesting places to visit, whether it's during your vacation or a family outing on a Saturday afternoon. They are a wealth of information on some of the most unseen and exotic creatures, and quite simply – it's a lot of fun to see the different types of animals and the behaviors they exhibit.
So many of us have been on trains in our lives, yet how much do we really know about them? If you live in the area, or are planning a visit to Sacramento, you should definitely make a stop at the 
