Old Town Sacramento
5-10 minute walk from the Embassy Suites
This 28-acre historic waterfront district along the eastern bank of the Sacramento River features Gold Rush architecture, wooden boardwalks, cobblestone streets, and prominent attractions. Here you’ll find the California State Railroad Museum and the historic Delta King paddleboat, as well as many excellent restaurants and shops. https://www.oldsacramento.com
California State Railroad Museum
111 I Street, Sacramento, Admission: free - $12
The cornerstone of Old Town Sacramento is the California State Railroad Museum https://www.californiarailroad.museum. The museum covers railroad history from the construction of the transcontinental railroad to modern day. On display are locomotives and rolling stock from many different eras, as well as a large model railroad exhibit and children’s play area. On Fridays and weekends, the museum operates an excursion train south from Old Sac along the Sacramento River. The round trip takes about an hour and is a favorite family activity.
Leland Stanford Mansion
800 N Street, Sacramento
There is no admission fee for an interesting docent tour of the beautiful house that was the home of Jane and Leland Stanford, 8th governor of California. Stanford was the founder of Stanford University and a successful railroad tycoon. After Leland’s death, Jane donated the home to the Catholic Church, which operated a children’s home there until 1978. The house is well preserved with many of the original furnishings.
SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity
400 Jibboom St, Sacramento, Admission: $17 - 20
This fascinating children’s museum is an easy 1- mile walk from the reunion hotel along the Riverwalk Trail. Adults and children alike will be inspired to explore and learn about science: health, space, environment, energy, creativity, etc. The hands-on exhibits are entertaining for children of all ages.
Sacramento River Walk
Out of the back door of the Embassy Suites
Flat, paved paths connect the Tower Bridge and the I Street Bridge. The walking/jogging paths follow the Sacramento River and lead to Old Town Sacramento, the Museum of Science and Curiosity, picnic areas, and Union Square with views of the river and the city.
Bird watching
Sacramento and the surrounding area offers a fascinating variety of habitats in which to seek out and view birds. Year-round residents and summer migrants will be nesting and raising young at the time of the reunion. A number of bird species can be seen in the parks and the river parkway within walking distance of the reunion hotel. With a car, a wider range of grassland and forest birds, raptors, and waterfowl can be viewed. The Sacramento Bird Alliance https://www.sacramentoaudubon.org describes these summer season hotspots and may host a guided field trip at that time.
Fun on the water
Sacramento was founded on the Sacramento River, which was the easiest route between the city and the San Francisco Bay for cargo and people. Today, the bodies of water near Sacramento offer a variety of opportunities for fun side-trips
Some ideas to consider include:
Rafting
While the Sacramento River is relatively flat as it flows by Sacramento, other nearby rivers are more active. One popular outfitter is OARS https://www.oars.com/american-river-rafting, which offers ½- 1-, and 2-day trips on the south and west forks of the American River. OARS operates trips for a variety of levels. Start/finish point is 50 minutes drive from the reunion hotel.
Kayaking/Canoeing/Paddle Boarding
The Sac State Aquatic Center https://www.sacstateaquaticcenter.com offers rentals of kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards to use on Lake Natoma. The facility is located 25 minutes drive east from the reunion hotel.
River Cruise
For a less strenuous experience on the river, City Cruise California recently introduced an upgraded 180 person boat for cruises on the Sacramento River, which leaves from the Old Sacramento waterfront - a 5 minute walk from our hotel. https://www.cityexperiences.com/sacramento/city-cruises/sacramento-historicriver-cruises
Paddlewheeler
The Delta King was built in 1927, and carried passengers and cargo between San Francisco and Sacramento until 1940. It is now a hotel and restaurant permanently moored on the Old Sacramento Waterfront. https://www.deltaking.com