Old Sacramento: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Sacramento , United States of America

Old Sacramento: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Active

(9 reviews)

1h - 2h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Are you looking for a way to discover Old Sacramento's Historic District and Waterfront without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this self-guided walking tour.

• Find out how Sacramento was finally saved from yearly floods by raising the town 22 feet in the 1860s
• Hear from producer Lynn Momboisse a local who's created over 20 VoiceMap tours under her belt
• Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the Voice Map app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, pop in your headphones, and just tap start. Voice Map has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Available options

Old Sacramento: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

VoiceMap App for Android and iOS

Lifetime access to this tour in English

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

On this leisurely walking tour through Old Sacramento’s Historic District and Waterfront, I’ll paint a picture of what it was like for those early pioneers who were drawn to the city during the Gold Rush era.

Our tour starts at Tower Bridge. As you stroll along the cobblestone streets and wooden boardwalks, I’ll share stories about the buildings you pass.

On this tour, you'll take in Pioneer Square, the Pony Express Statue and the monument to Theodore Judah, the Central Pacific Railroad’s first Chief Engineer.

Named a California Historical Landmark in 1965, the suburb features over 50 restored historical buildings dating to the second half of the 1850s. Our tour starts at Tower Bridge. As you stroll along the cobblestone streets and wooden boardwalks, I’ll share stories about the buildings you pass, including the Firehouse Restaurant, Orleans Hotel, and What Cheer House, a former hotel and historical landmark.

Pass by the Lady Adams Building and learn its history while you walk.

Named a California Historical Landmark in 1965, the suburb features over 50 restored historical buildings dating to the second half of the 1850s. As you stroll along the cobblestone streets and wooden boardwalks, I’ll share stories about the buildings you pass, including What Cheer House, a former hotel and historical landmark.

You’ll also hear about California’s early history, and how it took 25 days via steamboat to get mail from the East Coast to California on the West Coast before the Pony Express was established in 1860.

Take in Pioneer Square, the Pony Express Statue and the monument to Theodore Judah, the Central Pacific Railroad’s first Chief Engineer.

On this tour, you'll have an opportunity to visit the California State Railroad Museum and Sacramento History Museum after learning about them.

You'll stroll down I Street and past the Big Four Building as well as down Front Street where you can sample the menu at any one of the charming bars or restaurants along the Old Sacramento Waterfront

On this tour, you'll have an opportunity to visit the California State Railroad Museum and Sacramento History Museum after learning about them.

You'll hear about Chinese migrants’ courage during the building of the Central Pacific Railroad.

The tour ends by the Delta King paddlewheeler where you'll learn its fascinating history.

What's not included

Food/Drink

Smartphone and headphones

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.5

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please Note:

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
───
Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Sacramento

Sacramento, the capital of California, is a vibrant city where rich history meets modern culture. Known for its lush parks, diverse culinary scene, and proximity to Napa Valley, it offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions.

Top Attractions

California State Capitol Museum

The California State Capitol Museum offers a glimpse into the state's political history. Visitors can tour the historic Capitol building, beautiful gardens, and the Capitol Museum, which features exhibits on California's history and government.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Old Sacramento

Old Sacramento is a historic district with cobblestone streets, wooden sidewalks, and historic buildings. It offers a variety of shops, restaurants, museums, and attractions, including the Delta King Riverboat and the Sacramento History Museum.

Historical Half day Varies by attraction

Crocker Art Museum

The Crocker Art Museum is one of the leading art institutions in California. It houses an impressive collection of American, European, Asian, African, and Oceanic art, as well as rotating exhibitions.

Museum 1-2 hours $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, free for children under 5

Sacramento River Walk

The Sacramento River Walk is a scenic trail along the Sacramento River, offering beautiful views, picnic areas, and opportunities for walking, jogging, and biking. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Sutter's Fort State Historic Park

Sutter's Fort State Historic Park is a reconstructed 19th-century fort that offers a glimpse into the life of early settlers. Visitors can explore the fort, learn about its history, and participate in living history demonstrations.

Historical 1-2 hours $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, free for children under 5

Must-Try Local Dishes

Farm-to-Fork Dishes

Sacramento is the 'Farm-to-Fork Capital,' offering a variety of dishes made with locally sourced, fresh ingredients. These dishes can range from seasonal vegetable plates to gourmet burgers and artisanal pizzas.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are widely available.

Donuts

Sacramento is famous for its donuts, with iconic shops like the iconic Donut Hole and the Old Soul Co. offering a variety of flavors and styles.

Breakfast/Snack Gluten-free and vegan options may be available.

Philly Cheesesteak

Sacramento has a thriving food truck scene, and one of the most popular offerings is the Philly cheesesteak. Local food trucks and restaurants offer their own unique twists on this classic dish.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options may be available.

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Whitewater rafting Rock climbing Spa treatments Picnics in the park Wine tasting Scenic drives

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-8 (Pacific Standard Time, PST) or GMT-7 (Pacific Daylight Time, PDT) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sacramento is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates in most areas. However, as with any urban destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis or rideshare services.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Sacramento International Airport • 10 miles (16 km) from city center

By train

Sacramento Valley Station

By bus

Sacramento Greyhound Station

Getting around

Public transport

The light rail system is efficient and user-friendly, with multiple lines connecting key areas. Fare options include single rides, day passes, and monthly passes.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Sacramento Midtown Sacramento East Sacramento Tower Bridge District

Day trips

Napa Valley

35 miles (56 km) from Sacramento • Full day

Napa Valley is one of the world's premier wine regions, known for its beautiful vineyards, award-winning wineries, and gourmet dining. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and scenic drives through the picturesque countryside.

San Francisco

87 miles (140 km) from Sacramento • Full day or overnight

San Francisco is a vibrant and diverse city known for its iconic landmarks, cultural attractions, and beautiful scenery. Visitors can explore the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and the bustling downtown area.

Lake Tahoe

100 miles (160 km) from Sacramento • Full day or overnight

Lake Tahoe is a stunning alpine lake known for its crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and skiing, depending on the season.

Festivals

California State Fair • July Sacramento Jazz Festival • May Sacramento Music Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit the California State Capitol Museum for a fascinating look at the state's political history.
Explore Old Sacramento for a taste of the city's rich history and charming cobblestone streets.
Stroll through the beautiful Capitol Park, which features a variety of trees, gardens, and memorials.
Take a day trip to Napa Valley for world-class wine tasting and stunning vineyard views.
Enjoy the vibrant food scene, with a focus on farm-to-fork dining and local ingredients.