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.
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.
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.
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 
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.