7 Unique Things to Do in Sacramento
- July 14, 2023
- 7:32 pm
On the outside, Sacramento seems like a tame city. It’s not exactly known for having bright lights and nightlife; however, it’s still a vibrant place full of history and culture — and lots of unique things to do.
Whether you’re new to the city, have lived there your whole life, or looking to kill time while we remodel your kitchen, there will always be something new to discover. You just have to know where to look.
Below are seven of the most unique things to do in Sacramento:
1. The Underground Tour
Sacramento became a hot spot for gold seekers during California’s Gold Rush era. However, those who chose to settle in the Sacramento area had to deal with constant flooding, which is why the street levels and buildings were raised during the 1860s and 1870s. The original streets were known as “first floors,” and you can take a guided tour provided by the Sacramento History Museum that allows you to explore these lesser-seen streets and spaces.
You can also opt for the “After Hours” tour, which features some incredible details about Sacramento’s darkest years.
2. The Dragon House
The Dragon House is one of Sacramento’s greatest hidden gems. Created by an art teacher by the name of Carolyn Belmore in 1985, the Dragon House is home to a spectacular clay tile mural that depicts an entire fantasy. This mural started out as a way to cover up a failed application of stucco outside of the art teacher’s home but turned into her most notable work.
The mural is a mosaic scene of a giant dragon fighting a tiger, along with a stained glass fence and sculptures throughout the yard, all of which you’ll want to stop and marvel at. The Dragon House is located deep in the Curtis Park neighborhood — specifically 1100 0 St #3. However, it is still a private residency, so you’ll want to tread lightly with respect for the residents of the home as you admire the artwork.
3. Zombie Walk
The zombie walk became an undead tradition in the City of Trees back in 2001. It began as a part of the Trash Film Orgy event at the Crest Theatre but returned the following year due to popular demand. Now, every summer, the Zombie Walk takes place as it draws in a massive crowd of all ages.
You can expect tons of food vendors, makeup artists, contests, and more. You don’t have to come dressed as a zombie to enjoy the walk, but it is a lot of fun, and the event ends with a zombie-related movie screened at the nearby park.
4. Visit Dyer Lane
If you live for weird places full of myth and haunts, Dyer Lane will make the hair on the back of your neck rise instantly. Dyer Lane is Sacramento’s notoriously haunted street, as it has a history of KKK meetings, murders, and some of the darkest urban legends.
In the daylight, the abandoned street is creepy enough, but in the dark, it’s a whole other story. Many locals claim to have seen ghosts here, as well as orbs and other figures moving throughout the night.
5. Museum of Medical History
The Gold Rush era also gave way to the need for emergency medical attention as diseases and infections skyrocketed during this time. However, during this time, the medical field was mostly filled with untrained professionals. It wasn’t until 1855 that the Sacramento Medical Society was founded, which took some time to advance.
The Museum of Medical History is a unique place to see exhibits on how the topic of health progressed over the years and became modern medicine. There are lots of medical artifacts on display here, including leeches and a 1920s X-ray machine, as well as an iron lung!
6. The Sacramento Ziggurat
The Sacramento Ziggurat is an unconventional wonder in the architectural world. It’s essentially a structure that’s an interestingly juxtaposed building resembling that of an ancient pyramid — only more modern. It was designed by Edwin Kado in 1997 and was initially meant to be The Money Store. However, it ended up serving as the office of California’s Department of General Services.
You can find the Ziggurat sitting on the waters of the Sacramento River, and you’ll likely have to witness its wonder from the outside as they don’t usually allow people to wander around inside.
7. Mather Field Vernal Pool
Millions of years of evolution and geology have created the amazing vernal pools at Mather Field. Through three seasonal phases of wet, flowering, and dry, the vernal pool stays dry for six to eight months of the year. It fills up during the rainy season, and with the rain comes unique flora and fauna you won’t see elsewhere.
These flora and fauna have adapted to survive in this difficult setting, which means there’s a delicate balance that took over 200,000 years to create. It is highly recommended to spend time hiking and exploring the area, as is joining in on the conservation campaigns put in place to keep the vernal pool alive and well.
8. The Bat Talk and Walk
The Bat Talk and Walk takes place at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, which is a wetland that serves several purposes, including flood control and agriculture. It’s also home to an incredibly diverse collection of wildlife — bats being the main event.
The Yolo Basin Foundation provides an educational experience as it allows you to watch the largest colony of Mexican free-tailed bats in the state fly out from beneath the causeway. You’ll learn a lot about these mysterious creatures and how they came to migrate during the summer to live under the Yolo Causeway.
So Much to See and Do in Sacramento
Sacramento is full of fun things to do for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a typical night out, an educational experience, or a strange experience, you’ll find it here — although, you may have to do a little digging first.
This is especially good news if you’re having work done on your home. Home remodeling and renovations can take time, and you’ll likely want to get out of the house as much as possible to escape all the noise and commotion.
Luckily, JC Construction works quickly and with great attention to detail, so you won’t have to stay away for too long. Give us a call today to learn more about our contracting service or to book a free consultation!