Are you looking for things to do in Sacramento when you’re bored?
Boredom can strike at any time — night, day, or in-between, and come with a sense of dread, foreboding, and restlessness. Your mind spins, and the next best thing to do seems nowhere in sight.
If you are at a loss for how to fill an afternoon or evening, fear not!
There are plenty of things to do in Sacramento when you’re bored.
Locally, and only a short drive away, the list of things to do if you’re in Sacramento is endless.
Although many Sacramento tourist attractions are closed currently due to the Covid pandemic, we’re hopeful the situation is temporary and destinations will be able to open again soon.
- Crocker Art Museum — The Crocker Art Museum sits on O Street along the Riverfront Promenade and features a diverse collection of art, sculpture, and artifact works.
- Sacramento Zoo — If you visit Sacramento, you can’t miss the Sacramento Zoo — a 15-acre zoo sitting within William Land Regional Park featuring 140 native and endangered species.
- Golden 1 Center at the DOCO (Downtown Commons) — Visit the Golden 1 Center at the DOCO (Downtown Commons) and catch a Sacramento Kings Game or latest concert tour.
- Fairytale Town — Fairytale Town is across the street from the Sacramento Zoo and makes a great second stop for a fun day at William Land Regional Park. Fairytale Town shares a storybook theme among gardens, cafe, and kid-friendly play structures and animals for petting.
- Midtown Farmers Market — The Midtown Farmers Market shares locally grown produce on Saturdays outdoors.
- Duck Lake at William Land Regional Park — If you visit William Land Regional Park, don’t forget to stop by duck lake just north of the Sacramento Zoo and Fairytale Town. Ducks play among gorgeous, gigantic lily pads that bloom throughout the year.
- Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park — Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is the oldest restored fort in the United States, where you’ll find docents dressed in character giving presentations at exhibits.
- California Automobile Museum — If you’ve ever wanted to see the history of cars all in one place, then you must visit the California Automobile Museum — countless antique vehicles displayed.
- R Street Corridor — The R Street Corridor features distinctive restaurants and breweries like Iron Horse Tavern and Shoki Ramen House.
- California State Fair at Cal Expo — If the annual California State Fair is in town in July, you’ve got to take an afternoon for your fill of corn dogs, pretzels, and rides.
- K Street — Historic K Street travels from Old Sacramento to Downtown to Midtown and is home to the Esquire IMAX Theatre and a host of restaurants like Brasserie Capitale.
- Lavender Heights in Midtown — The heart of the LGBTQ scene in Sacramento is Lavender Heights in Midtown, sitting at the crossroads of K Street and 20th Street, hosting a slew of clubs, bars, and drag shows.
- Sacramento River Cats at Sutter Health Park — Catch a Sacramento River Cats game at Sutter Health Park and cheer on your favorite local Minor League Baseball team.
- Sacramento River Cruise — Cruise down the Sacramento river on a beautiful afternoon or evening with charters like Hornblower Cruises.
- Broadway at Music Circus — Broadway At Music Circus delights every time — located at the round-shaped Wells Fargo Pavilion.
- Bike Through Midtown and Downtown — Many green bike paths exist along the roads of Sacramento’s midtown and downtown areas giving way to tree-studded touring of the city.
- Two River’s Trail & Sutter’s Landing Regional Park — Visit Sutter’s Landing Regional Park for bocce ball, a dog park, and access to the multi-use Two Rivers Trail along the American River.
- California State Capitol Park and California State Capitol Museum — Tour the California State Capitol Museum, featuring artifacts documenting the history of California’s legislature and beginnings, and walk the California State Capitol Park grounds landscaped with labeled trees and roses.
- Old Sacramento Waterfront and Sacramento River Parkway — The Old Sacramento Waterfront is where you’ll find an 8-block brick-paved area for visitors to step back in history, and the Sacramento River Parkway giving access to views of the Sacramento River.
- California State Railroad Museum — Locomotive history is bright at the California State Railroad Museum, where you’ll find an archive of old trains, visuals, and artifacts.
- Drive to the Bay or Foothills — Still not sure what to do in Sacramento and don’t have any more ideas? Head out on a road trip to San Francisco or make a day trip of visiting Apple Hill in Placerville! Sometimes it’s best to have a change of scenery entirely.
Although Sacramento is a smaller city, the landscape continues to change. There’s a rapidly growing collection of businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues continuing to flock to the area — growing the array of things to do in Sacramento when you’re bored.
Get out there and enjoy the charming city that is Sacramento!
