Sacramento is a city that has always intrigued me. It doesn’t have the glitz of Los Angeles or the iconic skyline of San Francisco, yet it holds a charm all its own. From historic landmarks and riverside parks to a burgeoning culinary scene and hidden cycling paths, the city offers experiences that surprise me on every visit. Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to enjoying Sacramento—especially as a first-time visitor—is planning. And nothing has simplified that planning more than Expedia, a platform I’ve come to rely on for booking flights, accommodations, and even activities.
On my most recent trip, I decided to challenge myself: could I plan an entire Sacramento adventure using Expedia as the central hub? The answer, I discovered, was yes—but the journey of planning was just as enjoyable as the city itself.
Booking Flights to Sacramento
Flying into Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is straightforward, and Expedia made it even easier. I compared multiple airlines, departure times, and prices in one convenient platform. One thing I love about Expedia is how it bundles options: I could see flights, hotels, and car rentals simultaneously, allowing me to make decisions that fit both my budget and schedule.
I usually start by setting my travel dates and checking for flexible fares. On Expedia, I noticed the price difference between early morning and late evening flights—it’s subtle, but it adds up when traveling with family. For this trip, I booked a mid-morning flight from San Francisco, which meant I could avoid early morning airport chaos but still have a full afternoon to explore Sacramento on arrival.
Additional Platforms: For cross-checking fares, I occasionally use Google Flights and Skyscanner. They don’t replace Expedia for full-package planning but are useful for comparing airlines.
Pro Tip: Sign up for Expedia Rewards before booking. The points you earn can be redeemed for future hotel stays, flights, or activities, which is especially handy for frequent travelers like me.
Choosing the Right Accommodation
Once my flight was set, my focus shifted to lodging. Sacramento offers a range of options, from boutique hotels downtown to suburban apartment-style rentals perfect for families. Using Expedia, I filtered by location, amenities, and guest ratings. I wanted a place within walking distance of major attractions, but also comfortable enough for downtime.
After comparing several options, I settled on a mid-range hotel in Midtown Sacramento. The location was perfect: walking distance to the California State Capitol, Crocker Art Museum, and several highly-rated restaurants. I loved the fact that Expedia included guest reviews and photographs from past travelers, which helped me visualize the space better than any hotel website could.
Cost & Booking Tips:
- Midtown hotels ranged from \$150 to \$250 per night, depending on the season. I booked a 4-night stay, which qualified me for a small Expedia discount.
- For families or longer stays, apartment-style rentals often provide kitchens, laundry, and extra living space—perfect for meal prep and downtime. These can be found through Expedia’s “Vacation Rentals” section or platforms like Airbnb if you want more options.
Pro Tip: Always check for “free cancellation” filters. Sacramento’s weather is usually predictable, but having flexibility made my trip stress-free.
Renting a Car
Sacramento is surprisingly navigable, but a car makes day trips to nearby attractions much easier. Expedia allows booking flights and car rentals together, which I did to save time. I opted for a compact SUV, ideal for both city streets and short trips along the American River Parkway.
The pickup process at SMF was seamless. Using Expedia’s app, I had all my rental details ready on my phone, avoiding the lines and paperwork I dreaded. This convenience was especially valuable after a long flight.
Additional Platforms: I sometimes cross-check car rentals on Kayak or Priceline to ensure I’m getting the best deal, but Expedia’s bundled discounts often beat single-site bookings.
Pro Tip: Choose rentals that include GPS or consider using your phone’s navigation. Some areas of Sacramento, especially near parks or rivers, are not always well-signed for first-time visitors.
Mapping Out My Sacramento Itinerary
Once flights, hotel, and car were booked, I turned my attention to planning each day. Here’s how Expedia simplified this process. Using the “Things to Do” feature, I could explore Sacramento’s landmarks, museums, dining spots, and outdoor activities, and even reserve tickets directly through the platform.
Day 1: Downtown Exploration
I began my trip by walking from Midtown to the California State Capitol. Standing in front of the neoclassical building, I was immediately impressed by its grandeur. Walking through the legislative chambers and the museum inside gave me context about the state’s history. Using Expedia, I booked a guided tour in advance, ensuring I had a knowledgeable docent to explain architectural details and historical anecdotes.
Next, I wandered through Capitol Park, stopping at the rose gardens and monuments. My children loved running through the wide open spaces, and I appreciated the shaded benches where I could sip coffee I grabbed from a nearby café.
After the park, I headed to the Crocker Art Museum, just a short ride or stroll away. Expedia allowed me to purchase tickets in advance, skipping the lines. I spent a few hours exploring European, Asian, and California art collections. My favorite exhibit was the California Impressionist gallery, where I could linger over landscapes bathed in golden light.
For dinner, I booked a table at Mayahuel, a Mexican restaurant nearby, through OpenTable, which I had coordinated with my Expedia itinerary. The mole poblano and carne asada tacos were spectacular, and the kids enjoyed the colorful atmosphere.
Tip: I always keep a small portable charger in my bag. Booking confirmations, tickets, and maps are all digital, and running out of battery mid-day is frustrating.
Day 2: Old Sacramento and Riverfront Ride
The next day was perfect for exploring Old Sacramento Waterfront. The cobblestone streets and restored buildings felt like stepping back in time. Using Expedia’s “Things to Do,” I booked a visit to the California State Railroad Museum, which turned out to be a highlight. The restored locomotives and model trains were fascinating for adults and children alike.
After the museum, I rented bikes from a local shop I discovered through Expedia’s activity listings. The Sacramento Riverfront Loop was my chosen route. Pedaling along the levee, I stopped at Tower Bridge for photos and enjoyed the gentle breeze off the river. The route is flat and accessible for first-time riders, but the scenery and occasional wildlife make it feel like a mini adventure.
For lunch, I stopped at a riverside café I found via Expedia, ordering fresh sandwiches and iced tea. Afternoon rides took me past Sutter’s Landing Regional Park, a peaceful green space perfect for a quick snack break.
Dinner was at Thai Basil, reserved through OpenTable, offering a flavorful close to a day filled with history and outdoor activity.
Day 3: Cycling and the American River Parkway
This day was dedicated to a longer cycling adventure along the American River Parkway Trail. Expedia’s guided tour listings helped me identify safe entry points and suggested stops, including Discovery Park, Garfield Park, and Nimbus Dam. The trail stretches over 32 miles, and I chose a partial route suitable for a single day, saving the rest for a future visit.
The ride was a mix of natural beauty and urban accessibility. I encountered herons, small turtles, and even a family of deer along the path. Periodically, I stopped to take photos, drink water, or have snacks I packed in a small backpack. The guided map I downloaded through Expedia’s app was invaluable, showing trail intersections, amenities, and historical markers.
Lunch was a picnic I picked up from a local market the day before, arranged through Expedia’s recommendations for nearby grocery options. It’s one of those moments that feels simultaneously adventurous and cozy—eating sandwiches by the river after a long ride.
For dinner, I returned to Midtown and tried Curry Paradise, again coordinating the reservation through OpenTable. It’s amazing how having dining options integrated into the trip planning platform reduces decision fatigue.
Day 4: Landmarks and Local Flavors
I devoted this day to visiting Sacramento’s architectural and cultural landmarks. Using Expedia’s itinerary tools, I booked tickets to the Leland Stanford Mansion and the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. Both visits were eye-opening—the mansion for its historical preservation and period decor, the cathedral for its soaring ceilings and peaceful ambiance.
For lunch, I followed a recommendation from Expedia to a small Ethiopian café called Queen Sheba, ordering a vegetarian platter and sharing injera bread—a unique culinary experience that made the city feel truly global.
In the afternoon, I explored Sutter’s Fort, where historical reenactments and restored buildings illustrate California life during the Gold Rush. Expedia helped pre-purchase tickets, which saved time and guaranteed entry during a busy weekend.
Dinner was booked at Il Fornaio, a classic Italian spot in downtown Sacramento. The tagliatelle bolognese and wood-fired pizza were unforgettable, and having the reservation coordinated with my broader Expedia itinerary kept the evening stress-free.
Day 5: Outdoor Fun and Downtown Cycling
On my final day, I combined light cycling with sightseeing. I pedaled around Midtown, exploring street art, local boutiques, and coffee shops recommended via Expedia. I took a detour to McKinley Park, where the rose gardens and shaded paths offered a peaceful interlude.
Lunch was at Kasbah Lounge, enjoying a mezze platter that let me sample several Middle Eastern dishes at once. My favorite was the baba ghanoush, paired with fresh pita bread.
The afternoon was spent revisiting favorite landmarks for photographs: the California State Capitol and Tower Bridge in the soft afternoon light, perfect for capturing memories.
Pro Tip: Ending a trip with a casual ride allows you to digest the week’s experiences and enjoy the city at a slower pace.
Why Expedia Makes Sacramento Trips Easier
From flights to accommodations, car rentals, attractions, and even dining suggestions, Expedia serves as a one-stop hub for trip planning. Personally, I’ve found these features invaluable:
- Bundling: Booking flights, hotel, and car together often results in savings.
- Integrated Activities: Pre-booking tours, museum tickets, and guided rides saves time and guarantees entry.
- Customer Reviews: Expedia aggregates traveler experiences, which helps me make informed choices for first-time visits.
- Mobile App Convenience: Having all confirmations, maps, and guides on my phone makes navigation stress-free.
- Reward Points: Expedia Rewards add value for repeat travel, redeemable on hotels, flights, or activities.
I supplement Expedia with other platforms: OpenTable for restaurant reservations, Viator for specialized guided tours, Hotels.com for extra accommodation options, and Skyscanner for flight comparisons. This combination ensures both flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Start Early: Landmarks like the California State Capitol and Crocker Art Museum are less crowded in the morning.
- Pack Smart: Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and a portable charger are essential.
- Plan Dining in Advance: Sacramento’s Midtown and Old Sacramento areas are popular; reservations via OpenTable prevent long waits.
- Mix Outdoor and Indoor Activities: Alternate between museums, parks, and cycling to avoid fatigue.
- Use Expedia’s Itinerary Feature: Keeping everything in one platform reduces confusion and allows last-minute adjustments.
- Check for Discounts: Many museums offer weekday or early-bird discounts if booked in advance.
- Rent a Car if Needed: While downtown is walkable, day trips along the river or to suburban landmarks are easier with a vehicle.
- Stay Hydrated: Especially important when cycling or exploring outdoor parks.
- Engage with Locals: Sacramento residents often provide tips on hidden gems, shortcuts, or seasonal events.
- Document Your Trip: Photos, notes, and app bookmarks help recreate the experience later and share it with friends or family.
Sacramento is a city best experienced slowly, with time to explore streets, landmarks, rivers, and eateries. Planning through Expedia allowed me to structure each day efficiently while leaving room for spontaneity, whether discovering a new restaurant, cycling a hidden trail, or lingering at a museum. For first-time visitors, using Expedia as the central hub simplifies decisions and ensures that no essential experience is missed.
