Victoria Lupascu 
Planning a trip to Sacramento? Then you’ve reached the right page, as I compared all the neighborhoods and hand-picked accommodation with top reviews for you below.
Long story short, Downtown is the best area to stay in Sacramento for first-timers, as it has countless attractions and fab hotels and restaurants.
Read this post because you are going to learn about the 4 top areas to stay in Sacramento with a brief explanation on the vibe for each neighborhood. As I mentioned earlier, I went ahead and manually compared all accommodation options out there and cherry-picked only the ones with the best reviews and sorted them by price (from luxury to budget).
This way you can easily book your ideal place in just a couple of clicks. Hope you enjoy it!
And my advice is to do that quickly, as Sacramento is a super touristy town (plus a state capital) which means that its best accommodations will sell out fast!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book now then quickly browse this list and check all the best hotels in Sacramento all located in Downtown
Contents
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the areas where to stay in Sacramento, CA that I will be talking about in this post:
- Downtown: for first-timers
- Midtown: trendiest place
- Old Town: for history lovers
- Davis: for families
1. Downtown Sacramento – where to stay for the first time
Downtown Sacramento is the place to be for any first-time visitor!
Everything from the architecture, the lively atmosphere and its incredible attractions will make you want to keep exploring until the coffee runs off on ya!
Expect amazing architecture in this location, that combines the old with the new and tons of attractions! This neighborhood is also known as the central business district of the city and is home to the Sacramento Convention Center as well as being a haven for foodies and people who love to visit historic museums.
Its popularity goes way back to the days of the Gold Rush period when James W. Marshall found gold in Coloma, a nearby area. That motivated ~300,000 people to come to California!
As for things to see, the iconic California State Capitol Museum and Park with its exhibition and history is surely a must-see! But I also recommend visiting the Crocker Art Museum and the WAL Public Market (where you can eat and shop for souvenirs)!
Sometimes they even have classic car shows on Capitol Mall Drive so keep an eye on that while you’re in town!
If you do book your hotel here (and my advice is doing it in advance as this area is super popular) you’ll be just a short walk away from all the attractions and great nightlife!
That’s right, Downtown Sacramento has lots of bars and pubs where you can grab a drink after a day of exploring! You can start the night at The Snug and continue from there!
P.S. If you’re on a road trip, then you could also visit Sacramento’s neighbor San Francisco (only a 1h and a half drive away)! Here’s a post with some of the best places to see there!
Now let’s check out the hotels in Sacramento Downtown:
I love the futuristic design of this luxurious property! Enjoy some relaxing time by the outdoor pool and watch the sunset from the lounge area! The rooms are super spacious and some of the suites have great views. The hotel has a restaurant, a fitness center, and private parking spaces for guests.
Other options in Downtown Sacramento
Feel at home in this friendly inn that offers amazing services like rooms with seating areas and free wi-fi
Here’s a great affordable place that offers cozy private and shared rooms a free breakfast
A spacious studio that comes with a kitchen, a private balcony and free parking
Things to do in Downtown Sacramento
- Visit the California State Capitol Museum
- Take a stroll around the Capitol Park
- Shop for souvenirs at WAL Public Market
- See some cool art at the Crocker Art Museum in the city center
- Check out the farmer’s market in the Franklin D. Roosevelt Park
- Admire the cool architecture of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament
- Learn new things at the California Museum in the city center
2. Midtown Sacramento – trendiest place to stay
Located east of Downtown near Arden Way Sacramento and Cal Expo, Midtown is one of the coolest neighborhoods to stay in the city!
Besides having some of the best hotels in town (and much more affordable than in the city center), this area has this bohemian vibe that draws lots of tourists!
If you’re interested in arts, culture, and having some fun after the sun goes down in one of the LGBTQ+ bars, especially on K Street (map) Midtown Sacramento, won’t disappoint you!
A cool thing to know about Sacramento is that its streets are lined up in alphabetical order (hence K street that I just mentioned above).
The best way to explore this neighborhood in East Sacramento is to just walk around (it is super pedestrian-friendly!) and stop on the way for a bit at one of the amazing restaurants (there are so many)! Zócalo Restaurant is perfect for a lunch, in-between your busy schedules!
Make sure you prepare your purse because I’m sure you’ll want to visit every local boutique shop and vintage store. Midtown Sacramento is known for having some of the most amazing shopping spots in the city!
You won’t see as many office buildings as in Downtown Sacramento, as this neighborhood has more residences and some of them are really old, which adds to the charm of the area that all travelers love. If you want to see one of the oldest establishments here, you can visit Sutter’s Fort Historic Park (map) in the east part of the city.
Boasting elegant rooms with a flat-screen Tv, this amazing hotel offers everything you need for your stay in Sacramento, including a complimentary breakfast, a gym to keep up with you work-outs and a restaurant.
Other options in Midtown Sacramento
You’ll love the eclectic design of this hotel which has individually-decorated rooms and a terrace
A friendly studio apartment that offers a great location and top services like free parking and free wifi
Guests can chill in the backyard of this east Sacramento loft that has a good location and two rooms
Things to do in Midtown Sacramento
- Search for hidden gems in the vintage stores
- Visit the Sutter’s Fort Historic Park
- Eat at the best restaurants on the east side of the city, near Arden
- Have a drink at the Flamingo House Social Club
- Admire some art at the B Sakata Garo Gallery
- Relax in the family-friendly Albert Winn Park
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3. Old Sacramento – where to stay for history lovers
Ready to explore the city on a horse-drawn carriage, visit historic buildings and take lots of photos?
Then check out Old Sacramento, a place that looks as if time stood still! Here, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled back in time!
This neighborhood is located on the banks of Sacramento River, which can only mean one thing: gorgeous views and scenic sunsets, just 10 miles (15 km) away from Sacramento International Airport (if that’s too far from it, and you have an early flight, you can look for some hotels in Sacramento near the airport)!
If you like spending time in nature then definitely go on a walk on the Sacramento River Trail! It’s by far one of the best things to do in Sacramento!
On top of the stunning old architecture of the historic hous§es, the area has a cute Tower Bridge, maybe not as famous as the one in London, but it sure gives it a run for its money! And at night, just as the first star in the sky appears, the views get even better when they turn on the fairy lights!
This city area is also known as the “Old Sac” and it serves as a home for a few 19th-century buildings (that means you’ll find some unique places to stay in Sacramento here)!
You’ll also get the chance to learn so many cool and interesting things about the town’s history at the museums!
Located near the Sacramento River, this lovely property offers some great views of the city! Chill by the outdoor pool and enjoy the weather before heading out to explore the town. The hotel has family rooms, with views of the river and a fitness center. Don’t worry if you don’t find a place to eat, there’s a restaurant on-site and a bar!
Other accommodation options in Old Sacramento
One of the best hotels in Sacramento, this unique hotel offers dinners with river views and cozy rooms on a boat
Chill by the pool of this affordable hotel that offers a free daily buffet and a fitness center
A great place that a nice lounge area with a Tv where you can relax and a kitchen
Things to do in Old Sacramento
- Admire the historic trains at the California State Railroad Museum
- Drink some wine at The Underground Tasting Room
- Visit the family-friendly Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
- Explore the State Historic Park with the family
- Have fun at the SacMiniGolf course
- Grab dinner at Honey and The Trapcat
- Stargazing at night near the Tower Bridge when the lights turn on
- Join a tour of the underground town at the Sacramento History Museum
4. Davis – best place to stay near Sacramento for families
Located 20 miles (30 km) away from Downtown Sacramento, this tranquil town is perfect for those who are looking for accommodation far from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
The accommodation in the area is very affordable so if you have a car, this area may be perfect for you as it is just a 20 min ride to the city center!
Davis is also home to the University of California, which means that you’ll find many more affordable hotels and restaurants here, than any other place in Sacramento.
I would recommend this place to families who’d prefer a more quiet spot! During the day you can take the kids out to Central Park and even have a picnic!
You can get your supplies for the picnic from the Farmers Market (map) which is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays! I love finding these types of places on my holidays, they make me feel like a local for a while!
This district is also home to a few cool attractions of its own like the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame, where the kids can admire a historic collection of bicycles and if you’re more into artsy stuff then you’ll find Pence Gallery a lovely spot!
Davis has some of the best hotels in Sacramento with family rooms and a central location so let’s find the best ones.
Guests will love the outdoor pool of this luxurious hotel located near California University! You can swim with the kids all day long and maybe hit the fitness center later if you’re in the mood. The accommodation offers spacious suites, free wifi, and parking spots.
Other accommodation options in Davis
Enjoy your stay in Sacramento in this modern hotel that offers breakfast and has an outdoor pool
This affordable place comes with family rooms that have a Tv, an outdoor pool and free parking
Chill on the terrace of this secluded cottage that has a spacious room, a kitchen and offers free parking
Things to do in Davis
- Enjoy a nice day in Central Park with the family
- Explore the University of California campus area
- Admire the art at Pence Gallery
- Have a family breakfast in one of the cafes
- Buy some delicious street food from the Farmers Market
- Visit the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$230 |
| 🏨 Mid-range: | US$170 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$100 |
| 📍 Best area: | Downtown Sacramento |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Kimpton Sawyer Hotel |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Inn Off Capitol Park |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | HI Sacramento Hostel |
FAQs about where to stay in Sacramento
💜 What is the best area to stay in Sacramento?
Downtown Sacramento is one of the best places to stay in Sacramento, CA as it has all the big attractions and amazing accommodation options, like the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel.
🏨 What is the best hotel in downtown Sacramento?
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel and Inn Off Capitol Park are two amazing hotels in Sacramento, in the Downtown district, both offer amazing services and have spacious suites.
❓What is Sacramento best known for?
Sacramento is known for being a diverse city and the home of the California State Capitol, plus many other important landmarks like the California Museum, California State Railroad Museum, and Old Sacramento State Historic Park.
🛑 Is Sacramento safe for tourists?
Yes, totally! There are lots of safe places to stay in Sacramento and the safest district in the city is Downtown Sacramento and most areas in the center.
🛎️ What are the best luxury hotels in Sacramento?
There aren’t any 5-star hotels in Sacramento but there are some pretty amazing 4-star hotels in the center like the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel and The Citizen Hotel.
🚶 Is Sacramento a walkable city?
Yes, Sacramento is a pretty walkable city and you can explore the main central areas easily on foot.
🤩 What is the famous street in Sacramento?
K Street is a super famous street in Sacramento! It has countless dining and shopping options and many bars.
Conclusion
That’s it from me!
I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Sacramento, which hotel to pick and also what to do in Sacramento during your holiday!
I know you have lots of amazing options but here are my two favorite hotels in Sacramento, both located in Downtown
- Kimpton Sawyer Hotel – a luxurious hotel in the center that has an outdoor pool
- Inn Off Capitol Park – you’ll love the elegant design of this hotel and its location
Don’t forget these are the best hotels in Sacramento, CA, and if I were you I would make sure I book the accommodations in advance, just so you can get the best deals and prices.
I hope you have fun exploring the historic district in Sacramento, CA!
As always, feel free to drop me any questions in the comment section below! I’d be happy to help you out!
Safe travels,
Victoria
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