Sacramento Travel and Things to Do Guide

Sacramento attracts over 15 million visitors annually. Centrally located in Northern California, the city is just 90 minutes from San Francisco, 45 minutes from Napa Valley, and 2 hours from Lake Tahoe, making it an ideal hub for both business and leisure travelers.

Sacramento combines accessibility, diverse venues, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes event planning seamless. The city’s central location and extensive infrastructure support everything from intimate corporate retreats to large-scale conventions. With mild weather year-round and a reputation for hospitality, Sacramento ensures your event runs smoothly while attendees enjoy the city’s unique blend of history and innovation.

Sacramento Convention Center: Premier Meeting Space
Located in the heart of downtown Sacramento, the Sacramento Convention Center is a world-class facility designed for large-scale events and meetings. The center welcomes over one million visitors and hosts more than 600 events annually, offering 384,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibit space across 31 meeting rooms.

Adjacent to the convention center, planners gain access to the historic 3,800-seat Memorial Auditorium and the intimate 272-seat Jean Runyon Little Theater, both located directly across the street. All events hosted at the Sacramento Convention Center are LEED-certified green, allowing organizers to use the nationally recognized Green-e symbol on promotional materials to highlight their sustainability commitment.

World-Class Hotels for Every Budget
Sacramento offers over 2,500 hotel rooms within walking distance of the convention center, with thousands more in the surrounding areas. Downtown properties provide convenience and luxury, while suburban options offer value and space for larger groups.

Top Downtown Hotels for Event Planners
Hyatt Regency Sacramento: Connected to the convention center via skybridge, offering 1,300 rooms, extensive meeting space, and river views.

Sheraton Grand Sacramento: Modern luxury with 450 rooms, rooftop dining, and 20,000 square feet of event space.

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel: Stylish boutique option with rooftop pool and creative meeting spaces.

Airport and Suburban Accommodations
Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Airport Natomas: Convenient for air travelers with free airport shuttle and 16 meeting rooms.

Hilton Sacramento/Arden West: Large property with 25,000 square feet of space and proximity to major highways.

With diverse options ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels, Sacramento ensures every attendee finds comfortable accommodations tailored to their needs.

Unique Event Venues: From Historic to Modern
Sacramento’s diverse venue portfolio offers creative spaces for every type of event, from corporate dinners to product launches.

Historic Venues with Timeless Charm
Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento features elegant spaces including the 250-seat Outdoor Courtyard and the Golden Eagle Room (up to 150 guests). This historic landmark combines California cuisine with sophisticated event spaces perfect for intimate gatherings.

Creative and Unconventional Spaces
Fairytale Town, a beloved children’s attraction by day, transforms into a magical outdoor venue at night. Under twinkling lights, this whimsical setting hosts elegant dinners and receptions surrounded by storybook cottages and gardens.

Sacramento River Train offers unforgettable themed experiences such as murder mystery dinners and champagne brunches. This historic rail journey along the Sacramento River creates memorable corporate events and celebrations.

Annual Festivals as Event Backdrops
Sacramento’s signature events provide unique opportunities for corporate tie-ins:

Sacramento Film and Music Festival (summer): Network with creatives during film screenings and live performances.

Farm to Fork Festival (fall): Celebrate California’s agricultural heritage with farm-fresh dining and local entertainment.

Seamless Transportation Access
Sacramento’s central location and excellent infrastructure make travel simple for attendees from across the country and around the world.

Major Highway Access
Four major highways converge in Sacramento:

Interstate 80: Direct route from San Francisco and Reno

U.S. Highway 50: Connects to Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe

Interstate 5: North-south corridor from Portland to Los Angeles

U.S. Highway 99: Central Valley route connecting Fresno and Redding

Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) handles over 150 daily flights with nonstop service to more than 52 cities, including major hubs like Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, and New York. Airlines serving SMF include American, Delta, Southwest, United, and Alaska Airlines. The airport is just 10 miles from downtown, with multiple ground transportation options including shuttles, rideshares, and taxis.

Educational and Business Community
Sacramento’s strong academic and business presence supports professional events and provides networking opportunities.

Higher Education Institutions
California State University, Sacramento (Sac State): Home to over 31,000 students and extensive conference facilities.

University of California, Davis (30 minutes away): World-renowned research university with meeting spaces.

Drexel University Sacramento and satellite campuses from National University and USC.

Major Businesses and Industries
Sacramento is headquarters for key organizations including:

Blue Diamond Growers: Leading almond producer

California Air Resources Board: Environmental policy leader

California Conservation Corps: Youth workforce development

As a major agricultural shipping center at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, Sacramento processes and distributes fruits, vegetables, rice, and wheat throughout the Central Valley.

Neighborhoods and Attractions for Attendees
Downtown Sacramento
The city’s modern core features walkable streets, contemporary dining, and cultural attractions like the Crocker Art Museum and California State Railroad Museum.

Old Sacramento
This National Historic Landmark District offers cobblestone streets, wooden sidewalks, and 19th-century architecture. Perfect for evening receptions or team-building activities, it immerses visitors in California’s Gold Rush history.

Midtown Sacramento
Known for its trendy restaurants, art galleries, and farmers markets, Midtown offers a hip, urban vibe just minutes from downtown.

Event Planning Services and Support
Sacramento’s experienced destination management companies (DMCs) and convention bureau provide comprehensive support:

Visit Sacramento
The official convention and visitors bureau offers free services including site selection, hotel negotiations, and familiarization tours. Their team specializes in sustainable event planning and local partnerships.