Sacramento Walking Tours Offer Glimpse of California History, Art and Architecture

     Unique tours through downtown Sacramento introduce visitors to the people, places and events that shaped California history. From John Sutter to Cesar Chavez, these tours cover more than 150 years of state and local history. Topics range from art and architecture to cultural, religious and urban history. Simply show up at any tour’s starting point at the specified time or reserve in advance by phoning (916) 442-8575 or e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . All tours are guided and last approximately one to two hours. The cost is $10 per person.  Tours are generally capped at 25 members, however larger groups can usually be accommodated with advance reservations. 

Tales of the Central City

     This tour offers an overview of early Sacramento history. Walk downtown on a guided tour of one of the oldest cities in California. Learn how Sacramento wrangled the distinction of California’s State Capital, walk the original route of the famed Pony Express, see the influence of railroad’s “Big Four” on early urban planning and learn why downtown sidewalks are hollow.  Days and times: Sundays at 11 a.m., Mondays at 10 a.m., Fridays at 11 a.m. Starting point: Cesar Chavez Plaza at 9^th and J streets.

Structural Stories

     Stroll through the ages of architectural history in downtown Sacramento. From the Renaissance-style Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament and the graceful Art Deco shapes of Crest Theatre to Chicago-style architecture, you will see local examples of the world’s finest styles. Days and times: Tuesdays at 10 a.m., Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Thursdays at 3 p.m. Starting point: Cesar Chavez Plaza at 9^th and J streets.

Art is All Around Us

     This stroll takes a look at Sacramento’s collection of art in public places. Tour the city’s impressive collection of permanently sited works of art integrated into both built and natural environments. See local works by notable local and regional artists. The tour was developed in partnership with Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission’s Art in Public Places program. Days and times: Tuesdays at 3.p.m., Wednesdays at 10 a.m., Thursdays at 11 a.m. Starting point: Indo Arch outside of Downtown Plaza at 3^rd and K streets.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

     Beginning in Old Sacramento, this tour will trace Sacramento’s commercial growth. On this walk see, Sacramento’s first commercial district, learn about K Street’s early history as a vaudeville and entertainment hotspot and be the first to hear future plans for Sacramento’s most talked-about pedestrian mall. Days and times: Tuesdays at 2 p.m., Wednesdays at 1 p.m., Thursdays at 11 a.m., Fridays at 2 p.m., Starting point: Delta King docks at Front and K streets.

The Art of Terra Cotta

     This tour will discuss the history of terra cotta as an architectural art form and will highlight downtown’s best examples of this turn-of-the-century technique. This tour emphasizes the contribution of the Gladding McBean studio, one of the region’s best cultural and artistic assets, which has provided terra cotta tiles, pipes and sculpture for customers worldwide. Based in Lincoln, California, this studio has been in continual operation since 1874, with many downtown buildings showcasing the studio’s early works. This tour will highlight these structures as well as discuss the evolution of this notable clay studio, the process of working with this unique type of clay and the studio’s legacy in the art of terra cotta.  Days and times: Sundays at 1 p.m., Mondays at 2 p.m., Wednesdays at 2 p.m.  Starting point: Cesar Chavez Plaza at 9^th and J street.

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