East Sacramento Connect

Old Sacramento Waterfront waits on the western edge of downtown Sacramento, only about a ten-minute drive from East Sacramento. This colorful district rolls out cobblestone streets, riverside breezes, and a spirit that’s hard to shake. If the same-old scenes don’t cut it and you want somewhere truly alive, head to the riverside at 1014 2nd Street, Sacramento, and see what memories you create.

Vintage Charm Meets Today’s Fun

Walk beneath the broad canopies of sycamores and see the sunlight dance on the Sacramento River. The Old Sacramento Waterfront feels worlds away from city stress. This is where 19th-century storefronts open up to modern excitement, where something is always brewing, pouring, or being discovered. Colorful shop windows, quirky art galleries, and cheerful street performances bring a burst of energy around every corner.

A Scene To Snap: Sights That Wow

Why do people keep coming back?

• The river glimmers just off the cobblestones, perfect for a slow evening stroll or a lively photo session.

• Historic paddlewheelers deliver California’s golden age, floating just beside Instagram-worthy bridges.

• Classic outlines of the Tower Bridge and Central Pacific Railroad Station shape a skyline unlike any other.

Adventure Awaits Around Every Block

Who’s ready to play? Hop aboard the historic train for a 50-minute scenic ride along the Sacramento River, listening to the distant call of a vintage locomotive. Summertime brings the Golden Hour Express Cocktail Train for adults, offering first-class seating and sunset cocktails that taste of adventure.

Families love the All-Star Weekend, packed with baseball-themed games, wiffle ball home run derbies, and art stations across the district. Out on the river, watch parades of festive boats. And on any given day, the area buzzes with buskers, artists, and the sweet sound of a jazz saxophone slipping through the air.

Special Events Sprout All Year

• Free outdoor yoga every Sunday—find balance, breathe deep, salute the river.

• Third Thursdays fill the district with live artist demos, coffee workshops, and mini craft shows.

• Seasonal pop-ups, such as jewelry crafted from real butterfly wings and end-of-season clearance sales, make browsing a treasure hunt.

Shops With Stories

Forget chain stores and tired mall finds. The Old Sacramento Waterfront is a shopping playground. One moment you’re shopping for eco-friendly gifts at Ecojoyous or sipping a tasting flight at Chefs’ Olive Mix. Next, you’re picking out hand-crafted Peruvian art, unique stationery, or the wildest socks you’ve ever seen.

Stroll into bookstores crammed with local history, snag statement pottery at boutique galleries, or browse vintage LPs, plants, and upcycled accessories at The Market. Test your luck at the Capital Pinball Parlor—no need to hold back, all-day passes are a thing here.

Eats That Please Every Craving

Hunger hits hard with so many choices nearby. Will it be riverside brunch or just a quick bite before the next adventure? Try these, and see if you can pick a favorite:

• The Parliament Wine Lounge: Savor award-winning Delta wines, signature ports, and local cheese.

• Bear & Crown: It’s more than a pub. Eat, lounge, catch a game, or kick back on the outdoor patio by the fire pit.

• Joe’s Crab Shack: Bust into a pile of seafood and sing along with the crowd on the patio.

Looking for something on the fly? Steamers Bakery & Café has breakfast sandwiches and hot coffee. Emma’s Tamales serves up vegan and meaty tamale varieties, perfectly wrapped and ready to go. Cerealism offers over 75 types of cereal topped with just about anything—ice cream and shakes included.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

No stroll is complete without a treat. Kids (and grown-ups) dart into candy shops like Sacramento Sweets Co or Candy Heaven, their barrels brimming with taffy, brittle, chocolates, and every classic favorite. Dig into Mad Hatter Doughnuts for doughnuts right out of the fryer or try a new spin with Vampire Penguin’s fluffy, flavorful shaved snow desserts.

Looking to cool off? Boxcar Eats serves up creamy Tillamook ice cream and is known for its famous Dole Whip, a sweet and sunny finish to any day.

Entertainment for Every Mood

There’s never a dull afternoon at Old Sacramento Waterfront. Here’s a peek:

• Boat cruises delight sunset chasers or romantic souls.

• Mini golf and pinball—turn friendly competition into a cheerful challenge.

• History museums, jazz concerts, and improv shows mix learning with laughter and live music.

Seasonal highlights, like Game Night at the Railroad Museum or “West End Blues” jazz showcases, make every visit a fresh experience. Find yourself inspired by live painting, fashion pop-ups, or classic cars parading along the river.

Getting There is Effortless

Located just west of East Sacramento, the Waterfront is reachable in ten minutes by car. Parking garages make arrival smooth, and public buses drop you within a block of the action. Rideshare apps find easy drop-off zones, so you can step onto the cobblestones and let your journey begin.

Take a Stroll, Stay a While

Whether you come for the local art, live music, sweet treats, or just the riverside sunsets, Old Sacramento Waterfront’s unforgettable energy draws you in. Every visit offers new flavors, hidden surprises, and a sense that you’ve truly stepped into a different place—and perhaps, a different time. Set your sights on the Waterfront and let your next adventure flow.