True Traveler: Essential Guide

True Sacramento

By Joanna Corman | May 1, 2011

True True Sacramento

Sacramento’s Mediterranean climate brings bright-blue skies, warm days and river-fueled evening breezes this time of year. It’s the perfect season to explore the region’s natural beauty by day and enjoy an al fresco meal at night.

Thread Count

The Sheraton Grand Sacramento’s lobby is a former public market designed by famed architect Julia Morgan and built in 1923. The attached rooms underwent a recent $5 million renovation.
(1230 J St, 916-447-1700)

Try the Amber House Bed & Breakfast for a romantic getaway. The combination of a 1905 Craftsman bungalow and an 1895 Dutch Colonial revival house sits in the heart of Midtown.
(1315 22nd St, 916-444-8085)

Food Fix

At the chic L Wine Lounge and Urban Kitchen, the L burger, made from lamb, pork sausage and beef, and the pomegranate-glazed lamb ribs are always on the menu.
(1801 L St, 916-443-6970)

Zocalo serves margaritas made with Persian limes, agave nectar and blue agave tequila, plus pan-Mexican dishes such as tacos de cazuela and pescado en molé Amarillo.
(1801 Capitol Ave, 916-441-0303)

Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates makes exquisite chocolates year round—the summer menu of handcrafted ice creams and sorbets only add to its popularity.
(1801 L St, 916-706-1738)

Night Out

Dive Bar is all about the sea. Hence the saltwater tank suspended over the bar, complete with mermaid or merman swimming with tropical fish in an ersatz shipwreck scene.
(1016 K St, 916-737-5999)

District 30 brings in world-renowned DJs to its space with state-of-the-art lighting and sound and VIP booths that attracts an upscale crowd from the mayor to pro hoops players.
(1022 K St, 916-737-5770)

Mix Downtown’s sophisticated small plates menu, rooftop patio with fire pits and a DJ that spins top-40 tunes and dance hits after 9:30 p.m. make this upscale lounge appeal equally to the happy-hour and club crowds.
(1525 L St, 916-442-8899)

Don’t Miss

Bike, walk or run the 32-mile American River bike trail and you may spot a wild turkey on this protected patch of wild space in the middle of the city.

During Memorial Day weekend, 70,000 people turn the streets of Old Town into an outdoor dance party during the Sacramento Jazz Festival and Jubilee.

Stone’s Throw

Cool off at Lake Natoma, 19 miles east. Its flat water is perfect for kayaking, canoes and stand-up paddleboards.

At Folsom’s historic district nearby, you can learn about the city’s Gold Rush-era roots on totems posted along Sutter Street.

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Posted In: American River, California, hotels, restaurants, Sacramento, Sacramento Jazz Festival

Joanna Corman: A freelance travel writer, she fell in love with Sacramento, but made the mistake of leaving. She’s since moved back.

True Traveler: Essential Guide

True Sacramento

Thread Count

Food Fix

Night Out

Don’t Miss

Stone’s Throw

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