This itinerary in Downtown Sacramento is perfect for the creative type. A little quirky, a bit educational, but mostly just downright fun. Good for all ages, it’s also perfect for singles, couples, or families. However, it does have quite a bit of walking. So keep that in mind and modify where necessary.
**Disclaimer**
The businesses and events highlighted are in no way a “Best Of…” list. They are simply places and activities our Savvy Cali Girl contributors have deemed worthy of a shout out. If you want us to tell our readers about your favorite place, tag us with #scgplacestogo and we’ll catch you next time we come through town!
Downtown Sacramento is basically just a big rectangle, with the Waterfront District on the left and the Theatre District on the right. The capital buildings and gardens run straight down the middle. Our recommendations span the top half of the rectangle. We’ll save the bottom half for another itinerary!
Fun Fact, Calling All Dreamers!
In 2013 the Downtown Sacramento Foundation started its multi-billion dollar investment. It created the downtown area you see today. The cornerstone of this investment is annual business contest called “Calling All Dreamers”. It’s a retail business plan competition for aspiring entrepreneurs to compete for the chance to open a downtown store. Winners earn a business start-up package worth nearly $100,000.
We included four past winners featured in our itinerary!
Morning Mojo in Downtown Sacramento
Oblivion Comics & Coffee
Note that this community business has since closed due to the effects of COVID-19. We have left this link active in case they should return and as their website is still published.
www.oblivioncomics.com
Image used with permission from Oblivion Comics via Facebook
Start out the morning right in the center of downtown with 2016 Calling All Dreamers Winner Oblivion Comics & Coffee. The shop is a unique spin on the DC Comic’s Oblivion Bar.
A little “geeky” you might be thinking? Maybe, but that’s exactly the point! Oblivion provides more than just comics and coffee. They’ve created a space where everyone is invited to make themselves at home. So grab a seat and share an opinion! Basically it’s a place for geeks and non-geeks alike. Check out the event calendar while you’re in town. If you’re lucky enough to catch a Trivia Night at Oblivion don’t miss it. It’s seriously great fun with some awesome people.
Oblivion partners with multi-award winning local coffee distributor Chocolate Fish Coffee to provide optimal morning mojo. Our recommendation is the Cobblepot ! A guilty waltz of black & white chocolate in steamed milk partnered with a double shot & topped with a cocoa Batman symbol (pictured below).
If you’re hungry, don’t miss the toast! Local Sacramento bakery Grateful Bread Company delivers thick slices of fresh bread daily. Definitely makes serving toast just geeky enough to be cool! Order it topped with sweet or savory options that are as tasty as they are fun. Everything on the food menu is Vegan, and many of the drinks are Vegan (or Vegan Upon Request).
Eats & Treats in Downtown Sacramento
Milk House Shakes
Note that this establishment closed in 2020 during the pandemic lockdowns but we left within this post as a source of inspiration and creativity in California.
Milk House Shakes is on the west end of downtown in the Waterfront District. Making time for a stroll through this area is a must. Visiting Milk House Shakes provides the perfect excuse! It’s also our second stop at a Calling All Dreamers winner (2018)! This super fun shop also serves coffee. But it’s the milkshakes that really shine.
As it happens, the entire store is presidential-themed! (Fitting for the capital city!) Never fear though – they don’t take sides and have “A Shake For EVERY Party”. Regardless of your political affiliations, stop by, enjoy a delicious shake, and learn some interesting facts about past Presidents. If you’re into Presidents as much as they are, follow their Instagram account for a daily dose of Presidential trivia.
Images used with permission from Milk House Shakes via Facebook
Sauced BBQ & Spirits
Read about the Sauced Story here, then try them out! Southern BBQ meets Northern California and everybody wins at Sauced.
With everything from Veggie (Jackfruit) BBQ to homemade Mac N Cheese, Sauced will exceed your standards. Definitely make sure to try one of their signature cocktails! The Southern Peach Tea is a personal favorite.
Images used with permission from Sauced BBQ & Spirits via Facebook
Chando’s Cantina
Chando’s is classic California Mexican food. Seriously – there’s a California rule that says any visit to a new city requires taco tasting. Stop by before or after a night at the theatre. It’s walking distance from the Theatre District.
For a small bite before or after the show try the street elote with a classic margarita. Additionally, if you want a full meal, you’ll be delightfully surprised by the Avocado Tacos!
Fun In The Sun In Walkable Downtown Sacramento
Downtown Sacramento has an amazing array of things to do. Many of them are free or very low cost. So why spend money when you have plenty of free options? Instead, do it the savvy way. A walkable itinerary that focuses on all of the many free options in Downtown Sacramento means more money to splurge on a close, yet lovely hotel and classic California cuisine.
California State Capital Museum
Even if you’re not a fan of politics, this historic building can’t be missed. A visit provides insight into both the history of the state capitol. Undoubtedly, you’ll also learn something about the present-day politics that are taking place under its roof.
There are self-guided tours, or a free-guided tour that runs on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Image by Denis Hiza from Pixabay
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of Sacramento’s iconic landmarks. It was built in 1935 as a shortcut from West Sacramento to Sacramento.
At night, the bridge is lit up and its welcome glow illuminates the path into downtown.
Take a stroll down to the Waterfront district after dinner to view the bridge at night. This provides the perfect opportunity to stop by Milk House Shakes (description and link in the Eats & Treats section above).
Photo by Stephen Leonardi on Unsplash
Downtown Sacramento Offers the Opportunity To Commune With Nature
If the beautiful gardens and parks Sacramento boasts are more your style, explore the Sacramento Tree Foundation’s Tree Tours. Guided tours are available in the Fall and Spring.
Click here for a link to their self-guided walking tour. It’s conveniently broken into sections, so you can choose which and how many sections to view.
While you’re walking around town, stop in to visit the following places:
Andy’s Candy Apothecary
Note that this community business has since closed due to the effects of COVID-19. We have left this link active in case they should return and as their website is still published. They intend to reopen in Sacramento in 2021 in a new location.
www.andyscandystore.com
Andy’s Candy Apothecary was the very first 2013 Calling All Dreamers Winner. This store is delightfully old school. The colorful candy in rows of identical jars makes the shop as beautiful to look at as it is yummy.
Whatever you order comes straight from the jar or tray. They do have packaged items for purchase as well. We dare you to resist taking some home for later!
Did you happen to read our Christmas Shopping Guide For California Lovers? We talk about gifting items that are meaningful. If you’ve been to Andy’s Candy on a special trip with someone you love, hop on their web site and order a treat for them. The memories will be as sweet as the gift.
Images used with permission from Andy’s Candy Apothecary via Facebook
The Allspicery
The Allspicery was 2015’s Calling All Dreamers Winner and is the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir or gift. Allspicery has quite the reputation in downtown Sacramento. Their spices are used by many of the city’s professional culinary talents. Thus, they are featured on menus all over the city. The Allspicery has everything from diy kits to starter sets.
Remember Oblivion Comics & Coffee? If you order “The Dream” (Buttered slice of country french toast dusted with cinnamon & sugar), that’s The Allspicery’s cinnamon/sugar blend!
And Chocolate Fish Coffee? Award winning coffee distributor for Oblivion Comics & Coffee? Their espresso beans are featured in The Allspicery’s Espresso Rub.
Downtown Sacramento has a truly amazing business community.
Images used with permission from The Allspicery via Facebook
Rest & Recharge
Tired yet? There’s so much to explore in Downtown Sacramento! As you wrap up your day, spend an evening in the Theatre District. Here you’ll find professional theatre and amazing bars & restaurants (Chando’s Cantina from our Eats & Treats section above is our pick for dinner) all within walking distance.
Sacramento Theatre Company
www.sactheatre.org
The 2019-2020 season happened to be the 75th Anniversary, and the season was been dubbed “The season of Decades, Divas, & Diamonds”.
View a complete description of their updated lineup here.
Images used with permission from Sacramento Theatre Company via Facebook
Broadway at Music Circus
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the summer, Broadway at Music Circus is a truly unique musical theatre experience.
The Broadway At Music Circus series features new productions of classic musicals with some of the most talented professional actors available, Tony-winning Broadway veterans, and stars of touring Broadway, film, and TV.
The Community Center Theater is currently closed for renovations. While it is closed, the 2019-20 Broadway On Tour season will be presented a few blocks away at the Memorial Auditorium, 1515 J Street in Sacramento.
Work on the Community Center Theater completed in the fall of 2020. So Broadway On Tour returns there for the 2020-21 season.
Images used with permission from Broadway at Music Circus via Facebook
This is awesome! The DC Comics and Coffee shop has been added straight to my list of places to go! Thanks for sharing
An entertaining city for sure. Personally the food would definitely bring me there, I can see myself tucking into that spread at Sauced BBQ.
Good BBQ and some music always a nice stop on any trip.
Definitely on my bucket list. Can’t wait to go now!
Thanks! We also postponed a Midtown Sac post which we will probably publish once we know most places are open.
Sauced BBQ and Spirits sounds amazing! I love that they have veggie options as well as classic BBQ recipes too x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
Don’t you just love how restaurants are coming along with more options? Found a tiny little BBQ spot in San Diego that does this too!