Free & Cheap Things to Do in Sacramento

History & Government

Free admission and free guided tours of California's working state Capitol — a stunning 1874 Neoclassical building with a domed rotunda, restored historic offices, and exhibits on California history. The surrounding 40-acre Capitol Park is open daily with rose gardens, memorials, and shaded picnic lawns. Free Capitol Park tours run Sundays at 11am (1pm in winter).

Address: 1315 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814

Tip: The Capitol building is closed weekends and most holidays — visit on a weekday morning when tours run hourly from 10am to 4pm. Capitol Park itself is open daily, year-round.

History & Walks

A 28-acre National Historic Landmark district along the Sacramento River with more than 50 restored Gold Rush–era buildings — wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, period actors, and an old-west streetscape that's free to walk and photograph. Several museums inside the district charge admission, but the streets, the riverfront, and the views over the Tower Bridge are all free.

Address: Old Sacramento Waterfront, Sacramento, CA 95814

Tip: Combine with a free walk across the historic Tower Bridge over the Sacramento River. Free public events and seasonal markets fill the district most weekends.

Arts & Museums

A historic 1885 art museum with three floors of galleries spanning African, Asian, European, American, and Native American art. Free year-round admission for SNAP/EBT cardholders (up to four people per card, with photo ID — no reservations required). Pay What You Wish on the third Sunday of every month is open to everyone.

Address: 216 O St, Sacramento, CA 95814

Tip: If you have an EBT card, you get in free year-round (up to 4 people, with photo ID — no reservations needed). Otherwise the third Sunday Pay What You Wish is the easiest free entry route. Closed Monday and Tuesday year-round.

History & Museums

Walk through the reconstructed 1839 fort that John Sutter built — the original foothold of European-American settlement in California's Central Valley and the place where Gold Rush hopefuls converged from 1848. Restored adobe walls, period-furnished rooms, and seasonal living-history programs bring frontier California to life. Cheap admission, daily hours, and an easy walk from downtown.

Address: 2701 L St, Sacramento, CA 95816

Tip: Open daily 10am–5pm (closed New Year's, Thanksgiving, Christmas). Audio wand tours included with admission. Free street parking on weekends in the surrounding Midtown neighborhood.