Sacramento sits at the meeting point of the Sacramento and American Rivers, and its older core grew up right on the water. The city is the capital of California, home to the State Capitol, the Crocker Art Museum, the California State Railroad Museum and Old Sacramento State Historic Park, and it spreads well beyond its historic centre into a wide valley grid.
For a visitor, the useful mental map is simple: the historic waterfront and the downtown grid sit side by side, with the main sights, the state buildings and the rail station all within a compact area. This guide covers which parts of the city make sense as a base, and what kind of accommodation you tend to find in each.
Best areas to stay in Sacramento
1. Downtown
Downtown is the central grid laid out in the city's early years, running from the lettered and numbered streets near the waterfront inland toward the Capitol. It puts you within walking distance of the California State Capitol, the Crocker Art Museum, the California Museum and the Sacramento Convention Center Complex, which makes it the most convenient base for a first visit.
This is where you find the widest choice of full-service and upscale places, alongside some mid-range options. One practical point: hotels in the downtown area charge more on weekday and major event stays than at weekends, because business travellers fill them during the week.
2. Old Sacramento
Old Sacramento is the historic waterfront district, home to Old Sacramento State Historic Park and the California State Railroad Museum. Staying here suits anyone who wants the riverfront, the historic streets and the museums on their doorstep, and it is especially practical for rail travellers.
You will find mid-range accommodation here rather than large resorts. The key advantage is transport: this area sits across the street from the Amtrak station and the Gold Line light rail station, so you can arrive by train and walk to your base. Note that availability can be very limited and prices higher during the annual jazz festival.
3. The area around Cal Expo and the fairgrounds
Away from the central grid, the area near Cal Expo and the Sacramento County Fairgrounds is a practical base if your trip revolves around events there. It is a quieter, more spread-out setting than downtown, and you will generally need a car or other transport to reach the central sights.
Accommodation here leans toward mid-range, all-suite and extended-stay style places, which can suit families and longer stays. The trade-off is that you are not within walking distance of the Capitol, the museums or Old Sacramento.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: expect simpler properties and hostel-style accommodation, including dormitory beds and private rooms, with shared or basic facilities.
- Mid-range: expect comfortable rooms, often with practical extras such as kitchenettes or fully equipped kitchens, complimentary breakfast and laundry facilities, in both central and outlying locations.
- Splurge: expect full-service hotels in the downtown core, with larger room counts, on-site dining and services, and rates that rise on weekdays and during major events.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown is the best base for a first visit. It keeps the Capitol, the major museums and the convention complex within easy reach, and it has the broadest range of places to stay. Just plan around the weekday and event pricing if your dates are flexible.
Frequently asked questions
When are downtown hotels most expensive?
Downtown hotels charge more on weekday and major event stays than at weekends, because a lot of business travellers come during the week close to the central business district.
Where should I stay if I am arriving by train?
Old Sacramento works well, since the area sits across the street from the Amtrak and Gold Line light rail station.
Is availability ever limited in Old Sacramento?
Yes. Availability can be very limited, and prices somewhat higher, during the annual jazz festival.
Which area suits a stay built around Cal Expo?
The area near Cal Expo and the Sacramento County Fairgrounds, where accommodation is within close proximity to both venues.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.