Within our 14.5 acres there are over 600 animals comprised of over 140 different species at the Zoo. We specialize inrare and endangered animals from Reptiles to Mammals, Birds to Amphibians and more.You'll find photos, animal facts sheets and details about all your favorite creatures at the Zoo.
Local Attractions
Sacramento is a highly diverse city; it offers something for everyone. The following links will help you and your family find other attractions of interest in the area.
Land Park Attractions
After a visit to the Sacramento Zoo, make sure to check out our neighbors in William Land Park. Other fun attractions await your family, or simply enjoy the park's walking paths, picnic areas and baseball fields.
Fairytale Town - Where imagination lives, with child-sized play sets based on fairytales.
Funderland - A fun amusement park just perfect for your little kids.
The First Tee Golf Course - A 9-hole golf course in the middle of everything.
Sacramento Zoo Prices |
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Weekdays |
Weekends & Holidays |
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| General Admission | $10.50 | General Admission | $11.00 |
| Senior Admission | $9.75 | Senior Admission | $10.25 |
| Children Ages 2-11 | $6.50 | Children Ages 2-11 | $7.00 |
| Children Ages 0-1 | Free | Children Ages 0-1 | Free |
Directions |
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From North of Sacramento via I-5 |
From South of Sacramento via I-5 |
From Northeast of Sacramento via Capitol City Freeway/Hwy 99 |
From South of Sacramento via Hwy 99 |
From West of Sacramento via I-80 |
From East of Sacramento via Hwy 50 |
From Downtown Sacramento via 15th Street |
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Welcome to Old Sacramento
Experience a one of a kind visit to Old Sacramento. The unique 28-acre National Historic Landmark District and State Historic Park is located along the beautiful Sacramento River. Bustling with activity, the district is alive with shopping, dining, entertainment, historical attractions and world-renowned museums set within the time of the California Gold Rush and the Transcontinental Railroad.
Experience HistoryRelive the California Gold Rush and discover Sacramento's rich history!
In 1839 John Sutter arrived on the shore of the American River near its confluence with the Sacramento River. With the promise of a Mexican land grant, Sutter and his landing party established Sutter's Fort. As the settlement grew and became permanent, it attracted other businessmen looking for opportunities. Sutter and the people he attracted created a commercial center in the area, but it was the Gold Rush in 1848 that created the City of Sacramento.When gold was discovered in the nearby foothills by James Marshall, local merchant Sam Brannan rushed to open a store near the Sacramento River to take advantage of the convenient waterfront location. What was then called Sutter's Embarcadero was soon known as the City of Sacramento. The city rapidly grew into a trading center for miners outfitting themselves for the gold fields.
Early Sacramento's waterfront location was prime for commercial success, but was prone to severe flooding. The city also fell victim to repeated fires engulfing its hastily constructed buildings composed mainly of wood and canvas. In 1850 the new city experienced its first devastating flood and in 1852 the city was again wiped out by high water. It was apparent that drastic measures would have to be taken if it was to be saved.
In 1853 a mammoth project was proposed to raise the city above the flood level. The ambitious and expensive proposal was not fully accepted until another devastating flood swept through the city in 1862. Within a few years, thousands of cubic yards of earth were brought in on wagons and the daring scheme to raise the street level began. The original street level can be seen throughout Old Sacramento under the boardwalks and in basements.
The center of the commercial district gradually moved east and the original part of the city on Sutter's Embarcadero became known as the worst skid row west of Chicago. Reformers, ministers, politicians and others spoke out against conditions in this part of the city, but little was done to change the basic conditions.
In the mid-1960's, a plan was set forth to redevelop the area and through it, the first historic district in the West was created. Today, with 53 historic buildings, Old Sacramento has more buildings of historic value condensed into its 28 acres than most areas of similar size in the west. Registered as a National and California Historic Landmark, the properties in the district are primarily owned by private owners, with individual businesses leasing shops and offices. The area has flourished and is once again a thriving commercial trade center.
Sutter's Fort
Sutter's Fort stands as the oldest restored Fort in the United States. Today, the Fort is furnished and reconstructed to reflect its 1846 appearance. Many activities and programs recreate the past thanks to the volunteers who give their time to share their love of California History.
216 O Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-7000
The Museum's exhibitions include works from the permanent collection as well as a diverse schedule of approximately 20 changing exhibitions per year. The Crocker's permanent collection includes more than 14,000 works of art, boasting one of the state's premier collections of California art, a world-renowned collection of Master Drawings , and rapidly growing Asian art and International Ceramics collections. You can view works from our collection on Digital Crocker .
The Crocker hosts changing exhibitions that represent a diverse range of media, time periods and cultures. Find a listing of current and upcoming changing exhibitions.
Towe Auto Museum
Explore the history of the automobile and its influence on our lives in past, present & future. Enjoy the California Automobile Museums exciting collection of over 160 classic cars, race cars, muscle cars, hot rods and early models displayed throughout 72,000 square feet of museum space.
3615 Auburn Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 808-3941
Who we are: The Discovery Museum of Sacramento is a Family-Focused educational institution dedicated to enriching the lives of local residents and visitors to the Sacramento region by encouraging the exploration of history, science, and space.
Discovery Space Center
As a public non-profit organization, the Science & Space Center strives to bring the excitement of scientific discovery to students, families, and all members of our community. Each exhibit features interactive, hands-on activities and search-and-find guides based on state science standards.101 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-7059
Old Sacramento is a living historic district. The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation's mission is to convey the importance of historic Sacramento.
Exhibitions at the Sacramento History Museum
Visitors to the Sacramento History Museum have a unique opportunity to delve into multiple aspects of the rich and diverse history of the Sacramento region. By exploring both permanent and temporary exhibitions visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the development of Sacramento City and County, and its unique place in the history of California and the nation.
Upon entering the museum the first exhibition visitors will view is currently under construction and scheduled to open July 2009. The exhibit, Gold, Greed and Speculation: The Beginnings of Sacramento City provides an overview of the first half century of the city's history. Also on the first floor is the Agricultural Gallery which tells the story of the region's contribution as one of the world's richest agricultural areas, producing wheat, rice and an array of fruits and vegetables. The third floor Community Gallery provides a chronological narrative of the region and the people that have shaped its past and future.
Special short term exhibits highlight selected periods of time, events, people or collections that interpret in greater depth the stories of the region. Both permanent and short term exhibitions will provide visitors the opportunity to explore the origins of their community and to discover the ways that history plays an active role in how we live our lives.
Sacramento City: California's Gold Rush Legacy , a fascinating and entertaining tour hosted by one of Sacramento's colorful characters from the past.
Ghost ToursJoin us for an Old Sacramento tradition presented by the Old Sacramento Living History Program. Walk the streets of Old Sacramento on a journey.
California State Railroad Museum
Located in Old Sacramento, the California State Railroad Museum is a complex of historic facilities and unique attractions. Widely regarded as North America's most popular railroad museum, there is something here for everyone! Throughout the year, experience lavishly restored trains, engaging exhibits, and unique special events.
River Otter Taxi Company
From Old Sacramento to marinas, restaurants and shops along the Sacramento River, River Otter Taxi Company the sturdy 24-seat boat makes the placid round trip in about an hour and a quarter. Some of the notable destinations along the way include Chevy's, Crawdads and Woody's. Sacramento River Cats (minor league baseball) fans travel on the river taxi from convenient parking in downtown Sacramento to Raley Field on the West Bank of the Sacramento River.
Sutter Gold Mine Tours
1 hour guided tour provides a chance to see the famous Mother Lode quartz vein structure from the inside. Ride the Boss Buggy Shuttle deep into the mine and see the inner workings of a modern gold mine. Learn about the history of the Gold Rush and the geology of the area. Above ground activities: gemstone mining, gold panning, mining movies in the Gold Theatre, picnicking.
Governor's Mansion Tours
The Governor's mansion, built in 1877, has 14-foot ceilings, crystal chandeliers, ornate moldings, Persian carpets, Italian marble fireplaces and French mirrors. Many Governors' wives, including Nancy Reagan, have remodeled the home. Among the famous guests who stayed in the mansion were Teddy Roosevelt and Jack Kennedy. Each room is furnished from a different era, so the tour is also a history of furniture. Tours are on the hour and guides must accompany visitors.
California State Capitol Tours
Free guided tours of the State Capitol are given seven days per week (except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day, when the Capitol is closed). Tours are approximately one hour in length. Tour size is limited, so tickets for public tours are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning 30 minutes before each tour. Groups of 10 or more cannot be accommodated on these tours -- please see GROUP TOUR RESERVATIONS below. The Tour Office is located in room B-27 in the basement of the historic wing of the Capitol (near 11th and L Street entrance).
Hornblower Cruises
Join the legendary Hornblower dining experience as you leisurely cruise on the Sacramento River. Unlike any other Sacramento dining experience the Hornblower combines great food, nautical surroundings and ever-changing views.
