Where to Stay in Sacramento
Family-friendly areas, safe neighborhoods, and activities for all ages
Quick Answer
Stay in Old Sacramento Waterfront
Provides historical attractions and a unique environment that appeals to various age groups.
See full Sacramento neighbourhood guideTop 3 Areas to Stay in Sacramento
Family-friendly neighbourhoods that are safe and practical
Old Sacramento Waterfront
A historic district preserving the Gold Rush era with wooden sidewalks and period buildings.
Our top picks in Old Sacramento Waterfront
East Sacramento
A charming, established residential area with beautiful older homes and a popular commercial strip.
Our top picks in East Sacramento
Downtown
The bustling heart of the city, offering a mix of government, business, and entertainment.
Our top picks in Downtown
Directly across from the State Capitol, offering excellent amenities and views.
Book NowModern luxury with a rooftop pool and bar, adjacent to the Golden 1 Center.
Book NowHistoric hotel with unique, stylish rooms and a popular restaurant.
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Neighbourhood Comparison for Families
| Neighbourhood | Budget | Vibe | Best For | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1Old Sacramento Waterfront | Mid-range | A historic district preserving the Gold Rush era with wooden sidewalks and period buildings. | first-timersfamilies | Safe and well-lit during the day and ear... |
East Sacramento | Mid-range | A charming, established residential area with beautiful older homes and a popular commercial strip. | familiescouples | Very safe residential neighborhood; gene... |
Downtown | Mid-range | The bustling heart of the city, offering a mix of government, business, and entertainment. | first-timersculture | Generally safe during the day, but be aw... |
Midtown | Mid-range | Eclectic and vibrant, known for its tree-lined streets, local boutiques, and lively dining scene. | foodiesnightlife | Generally safe and well-trafficked, but ... |
Find family-friendly hotels in Sacramento
Hotels with family rooms and kid-friendly amenities
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Tips for Families in Sacramento
Plan Around Nap Times
Schedule big attractions for the morning when energy is highest. Keep afternoons flexible for downtime or playground visits.
Pack Snacks
Having familiar snacks on hand prevents meltdowns. Local supermarkets are cheaper than tourist-area shops for stocking up.
Consider Apartments
An apartment with a kitchen and washing machine can be more practical than a hotel in Sacramento, especially for stays over 3 nights.
Keep Distances Short
Young children tire quickly. Choose accommodation near your top 2 to 3 must-see attractions rather than in the geographical centre.
Book a family activity in Sacramento
Kid-friendly tours and fun experiences
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Ranked by relevance for families visiting Sacramento
Old Sacramento Waterfront
Mid-rangeA historic district preserving the Gold Rush era with wooden sidewalks and period buildings.
- +Unique historical atmosphere
- +Family-friendly attractions and shops
- +Scenic riverfront location
- -Can feel touristy and somewhat commercialized
- -Limited hotel options directly within the historic core
🛡️ Safe and well-lit during the day and early evening, but can become very quiet and less inviting late at night.
East Sacramento
Mid-rangeA charming, established residential area with beautiful older homes and a popular commercial strip.
- +Quiet, residential streets with mature trees
- +Highly-rated restaurants and cafes along Folsom Blvd
- +Proximity to parks and the American River
- -Less central for major tourist attractions
- -Requires a car or rideshare for most off-neighborhood activities
🛡️ Very safe residential neighborhood; generally quiet and secure day and night.
Downtown
Mid-rangeThe bustling heart of the city, offering a mix of government, business, and entertainment.
- +Central location with easy access to attractions
- +Good public transport links
- +Variety of dining and entertainment options
- -Can feel quiet on weekends and evenings outside of event nights
- -Some areas can appear less maintained
🛡️ Generally safe during the day, but be aware of your surroundings at night, especially in less populated blocks.
Midtown
Mid-rangeEclectic and vibrant, known for its tree-lined streets, local boutiques, and lively dining scene.
- +Abundant independent restaurants, bars, and shops
- +Walkable with a strong local feel
- +Active community events
- -Parking can be very difficult
- -Can be noisy on weekend nights
🛡️ Generally safe and well-trafficked, but be mindful of personal belongings in crowded areas at night.
Daily Budget (Mid-Range)
USD 250/day
Hidden Gems in Sacramento
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Crocker Art Museum
While it's a major museum, many tourists skip it for Old Sacramento. It boasts an incredible collection of California art, plus stunning Asian and European art, housed in a beautiful historic building with a modern wing.
Capitol Park
FREEMore than just the grounds around the Capitol building, this park features themed gardens, a rose garden, and a memorial grove with trees planted by dignitaries. It's a peaceful urban oasis perfect for a stroll.
East Portal Park
FREEThis expansive park is a beloved local spot featuring beautiful mature trees, playgrounds, sports fields, and walking paths. It offers a genuine slice of Sacramento life away from the usual tourist crowds.
Safety in Sacramento
ModerateSolo Female Travel
Exercise standard precautions; stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially at night. Downtown can be quiet outside of business hours or events.
At Night
Downtown and Old Sacramento can become quiet and feel less safe after dark. Midtown is generally more active and safer at night due to its vibrant bar and restaurant scene, but still requires awareness.
Emergency
911
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overpriced souvenirs in tourist-heavy areas.
- 2Street vendors offering unsolicited 'help' or goods.
- 3Occasional panhandling, sometimes aggressive.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Sacramento
Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.
Sacramento Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Sacramento on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Sacramento Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Sacramento with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
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Best of Sacramento: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Sacramento's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from Sacramento: Scenic Excursion
Escape Sacramento for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Sacramento Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Sacramento's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
2 areas to be cautious about
Read our full safety guide for Sacramento
Families in Sacramento: FAQ
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