Things to do on a budget in Sacramento this Fall

October 6, 2020

The capital of California, Sacramento serves up a captivating mixture of historical and contemporary attractions. The famous district of Old Sacramento harks back to the city’s Gold Rush era, with its charming wooden sidewalks and wagon rides, while new lofts and upscale boutiques are squeezed between ageing mid-century storefronts.

Sunset over Sacramento buildings (Photo: Jeff Turner via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)

Sacramento is a popular tourist destination, with its thriving cultural scene and buzzing nightlife drawing large numbers throughout the year. Fall is a favourite time to visit for many, with its abundance of trees (not for nothing is the city known as The City of Trees) bursting into beautiful colours and the brisk weather offering respite from the often hot and sticky summers. If you’re planning to come to Sacramento and would like some activity ideas that won’t break the bank, we’ve picked out several budget ideas for things to see and do during your stay.

Enjoy Fall foliage in the City of Trees

Sacramento’s famous abundance of trees add to the city’s appeal at all times of year – but never more so than during Fall, when its lavish foliage explodes into a veritable kaleidoscope of autumn colours. Wherever you walk in the city you’ll be greeted by eye-catching seasonal scenes, but one of the best spots to enjoy its Fall foliage is along the Sacramento River, which is flanked on both sides by a myriad of trees.

Location: 2336 Esplanade Avenue

(Photo: moonjazz via Flickr)

Experience the Day of the Dead from the comfort of your car

The annual Panteón de Sacramento (“Sacramento’s Cemetery”) event has been re-imagined as a moonlit slow drive-through remembrance celebration. Held on the grounds of The Latino Center of Art & Culture, the event celebrates the powerful traditions of Día de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”).

Visitors can see an urban recreation of a candle-lit Mexican graveyard with an adjoining church and family altars. A cinema projection shows magical nighttime scenes of people sharing food, music and memories of their departed loved ones. Live acoustic music, mojigangas (giant puppets) and ballet folklórico performances are also part of the experience.

Location: 2700 Front Street

(Photo: Andres Alvarez)

Join a fun-filled food tour

Enjoy a sensory feast on a journey around the beautiful Capay Valley, an undiscovered gem right in Sacramento’s backyard, during a mouth-watering farm tour. The half-day experience includes wine tasting and small bites, olive oil and vinegar tasting, a hands-on lavender activity, an olive mill tour, and a hearty farm-to-fork lunch.

Among the highlights is a visit to a private wine and olive oil tasting area where guests can enjoy small treats while learning about the history of family-owned ranches that date back more than a century. The tour ends with the chance to relax with a glass of wine while enjoying views across the scenic hills.

(Photo: Sactownbites)

Celebrate the Autumn Equinox

The autumnal equinox, one of two moments in the year when the sun is exactly above the Equator and day and night are of equal length, is celebrated annually at a historic river ranch a short drive east of downtown Sacramento.

At this urban agricultural oasis, guests can explore the farm and gardens, enjoy live music, and sample seasonal organic food prepared by local chefs, along with craft beer and wine.

Location: Soil Born Farms, Rancho Cordova

Traverse a volcanic mountain range by car

The Sutter Buttes, a small circular complex of eroded volcanic lava domes rising above the flat plains of the Sacramento Valley, are among the region’s most impressive natural attractions.

A scenic autumn road trip is a great way to experience them. Spanning roughly a 40-mile loop, the Sutter Buttes are the only mountain range in the region that can be circled in a single day.

(Photo: Shamim Mohamed via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)

Visit a pumpkin farm

There’s no better way to kick off the fall season than visiting one of the many pumpkin patches around the Sacramento Valley. Often located on working farms, these attractions allow visitors to pick pumpkins for Halloween and enjoy family activities such as petting zoos, hayrides, slides, corn mazes, go-karts and train rides.

Take a drive to Apple Hill

One of the most popular affordable excursions from Sacramento is a trip to Apple Hill, which truly comes alive during fall. Located about 45 minutes from downtown Sacramento, the area features more than 50 ranches as well as wineries, a microbrewery, arts and crafts vendors, and countless apple-themed treats.

By Paul Joseph