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.
Open year round from sunrise to sunset, Paradise Beach is a wonderful recreational area located in Sacramento, California. With beautiful scenic views, a gorgeous sandy beach, and plenty of California wildlife, Paradise Beach is a wonderful way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Some of the most popular activities at Paradise Beach include swimming and Skimboarding. You’ll enjoy spending a day skimboarding at Paradise Beach as the cove makes the perfect location for working on your skimboarding skills. In fact, Paradise Beach is so popular for its skimboarding that it is the location for the annual Skimfest competition. The first Skimfest took place at Paradise Beach Park in 1998.
Things To Do
Paradise Beach is part of the American River Parkway and is in close proximity to Glenn Hill Park. At Paradise Beach, sand dunes and coves make swimming fun however it is strongly urged that swimmers use caution due to the topography of the coves. Fishing is a popular sport that takes place at the beach as well.
If you would rather swim in a supervised environment, you might prefer to swim at the pool located at Glenn Hill Park, however many people enjoy the beauty and freshness of the pure California waters of Paradise Beach.
There is no fee to enter the park and there are no alcoholic beverages allowed on the premises. However, there are parking fees every day of the year, so make certain that you bring enough money to cover parking. Also, be sure to obey all rules and regulations that pertain to the park to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience.
Location
Paradise Beach is located at the intersection of Carlson Drive and Sandburg Drive. You can reach the park by taking U.S. 50 to Howe Ave. From the off ramp and heading north, take a left on Fair Oaks Blvd. Carlson Drive will be on your right.
Nestled in the heart of Sacramento is a gem worth more than gold, Old Sacramento State Historic Park. The park is actually comprised of various buildings that were of significant value during the Gold Rush period. There are more than fifty buildings that overlook the park, and the entire state park is twenty-eight acres. There are always plenty of activities scheduled for the landmark historic sites and there are many theatrical reenactments that take place as well. Many of the festivals and reenactments at Old Sacramento are free of charge and open to the public.
Old Sacramento also features a number of different museums that provide plenty of entertainment as well as educational activities. In fact, more than five million visitors come to Old Sacramento Historic Park annually, and it has also been said to be the best place for a first date.
Things to do
Along with touring the number of historic buildings and landmarks, the park features a number of bike trails. There are also many exhibits as well as educational programs that focus on the historical aspects of the park. There are plenty of places to shop at as there are over one hundreds stores in the Old Sacramento district. You’ll also enjoy the choice of dining from one of the delicious restaurants located in the area. Situated adjacent to the Sacramento River, many of the restaurants provide beautiful scenic waterfront views.
Entertainment choices abound with mystery theaters, plays, and other forms of art. You’ll enjoy taking a carriage ride through the streets or relax at one of the nightclubs. From chartered boat cruises to live jazz concerts, entertainment choices abound at Old Sacramento.
Getting There
To reach Old Sacramento State Historic Park take Interstate 5 to the J Street exit in downtown Sacramento. The J Street exit is the entrance into the park.
Nestled in the heart of Sacramento, the American River Parkway has been referred to as Sacramento’s Jewel. The parkway enjoys more than five million visitors each year and is one of the most beautiful wildlife preserves and recreation areas throughout California.
With over 5,000 acres, American River Parkway reminds those who are caught in the bustle of urban life, the beauty and majesty of nature’s finest exhibits.
Features
The American River Parkway is enormous and there are numerous parks and recreational facilities that comprise the Parkway. Stretching nearly endlessly for twenty-three miles, the smaller parks and boat ramps provide for numerous additional activities. The smaller parks that make up the American River Parkway are: the Ancil Hoffman Park, the Discovery Park, the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Goethe Park, Howe Avenue, Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, Paradise Beach, Rossmoor Bar, Sailor Bar, Sarah Court, Upper and Lower Sunrise Recreation Areas, Waterton and S.A.R.A. Accesses, Watt Avenue, and William B. Pond. With the vast variety of parks and boating docks to choose from, the American River Parkway offers splendid scenic views and recreational fun.
Things To Do
At the American River Parkway you can enjoy the breathtaking views of wildlife and enjoy the beauty of California’s natural habitats. Flora and fauna abound, and there are plenty of paved trails that are perfect for hiking and exploring. There are also many picnic sites available, making the parks a great place to enjoy a special get together or birthday occasion. There are many opportunities for those who enjoy fishing and the boat ramps make easy access to enjoy the great American River. The American River is renowned for its White Water rafting. The Ancil Hoffman Park also features an award winning golf course.
Admission
Each park within the parkway has its own features as well as different admission policies and fees. However, the best alternative is to purchase an annual Park Passport for $40.00 (for vehicle) and receive free access to all of the parks. They also have low income park passes so that everyone may enjoy the beauty of the parks, regardless of income.
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.
Open year round from sunrise to sunset, 
Nestled in the heart of Sacramento, the American River Parkway has been referred to as Sacramento’s Jewel. The parkway enjoys more than five million visitors each year and is one of the most beautiful wildlife preserves and recreation areas throughout California.