Known as America’s “Farm-to-Fork” capital thanks to its burgeoning farming scene, Sacramento is a delight to explore on foot – with many walking & food tours on offer.
(Photo: SacTown Bites – Food Tour Adventures / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Lying at the confluence of the Sacramento River and American River, the Californian capital has a rich heritage, with the wooden sidewalks and wagon rides that dot the Old Sacramento district harking back to the city’s fabled Gold Rush era. But perhaps more than anything, Sacramento is known for its delicious food and local produce – all of which can be discovered by booking onto one of the many organised walking and culinary tours available in and around the city. Here are five of the best.
Midtown Walking Food Tour
Sacramento’s vibrant Midtown district is the city’s hip cultural hub. This 2.5-hour small-group walking food tour invites you to soak up its distinctive atmosphere while sampling some of its culinary highlights, all in the company of an expert guide. Over the course of the tour, you’ll stroll down tree-lined streets and past trendy street art, stopping in to savour starter plates at up to four different local eateries along the way. The whole while, your guide will be on hand to deliver insights into the city’s rich history and that of its restaurants and chefs too. From $144 per person.
Capitol Park Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour
(Photo: Scavenger Hunt Walking Tours / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Scavenger hunts are a sure-fire winner with kids – and plenty of fun-loving adults too – and in Sacramento visitors can combine the thrills of these immersive puzzle games with sightseeing around the city. This 2.5-hour self-guided scavenger hunt and walking tour invites you to discover the gems of downtown Sacramento’s Capitol Park while solving 22 unique challenges as you follow clues on your smartphone. Along the way, as you’re having fun working with your private group to solve the riddles, you’ll see beautiful gardens, historic monuments, and the iconic capital building. After purchasing the game, you can play any time that fits your schedule. From $49 per person.
Downtown Historical Food Tour
Downtown Sacramento has experienced something akin to a 21st-century renaissance. This 3-hour walking tour combines an immersive history lesson on the area with several tastings of local delicacies. During the tour, you’ll see a mix of famous landmarks and hidden gems, including the city’s original main street, while learning about the area’s rich history and architecture, from the mid-1800s through today. Along the way, you’ll also gain an inside look at the city’s foodie culture, ducking into a number of local restaurants to try small bites and artisanal treats. From $100 per person.
Old Sacramento Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour
(Photo: Scavenger Hunt Walking Tours / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
For an alternative Sacramento scavenger hunt tour, this one invites you to explore Old Sacramento and enjoy the evocative sights, sounds, and memories of the 1850s. The 2.5-hour self-guided hunt and walking tour takes in such notable landmarks and places of interest as the historic Eagle Theatre, the Sacramento river front, the iconic Delta King riverboat hotel, and the beautiful Tower Bridge. Along the way, you and your private group will be tasked with solving 22 challenges as you follow the clues on your smartphone. From $49 per person.
Sutter District History and Food Walking Tour
The eclectic group of restaurants, bars, and nightlife that make up Sacramento’s Sutter District in Midtown is at the heart of the city’s culinary scene. This 3-hour small-group walking tour will see you stroll the streets with a guide and pop into up to six off-the-beaten-path eateries to sample popular local dishes and drinks, including organic coffee, pork spring rolls, and chocolate cookies. Your experienced and friendly guide will give you a rundown of the area’s fascinating history, notable landmarks and delectable food as you go. From $100 per person.