Sacramento is the capital city of California and a major political, historical, and agricultural center in the western United States. Located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, it played a key role during the California Gold Rush and continues to be a hub for policy, innovation, and culture.
Overview
- Population: ~525,000 (over 2.4 million in the metro area)
- Nickname: River City, City of Trees
- Founded: 1848; became California’s permanent capital in 1854
- Geography: Located in California’s Central Valley
Landmarks and Attractions
- California State Capitol and Capitol Park
- Old Sacramento Waterfront – preserved 19th-century buildings
- California State Railroad Museum
- Tower Bridge and Crocker Art Museum
- American River Parkway – biking, kayaking, and wildlife
Economy
Sacramento’s economy is centered around:
- State government and public administration
- Healthcare and biotechnology
- Education and legal services
- Agriculture and food processing – gateway to one of the richest farming regions in the world
Culture and Lifestyle
- Known for its “farm-to-fork” culinary movement
- Diverse, vibrant neighborhoods with rich immigrant influences
- Hosts events like the California State Fair and Aftershock Music Festival
- Affordable by California standards with growing tech presence
Education and Research
- California State University, Sacramento (Sac State)
- University of California, Davis (nearby)
- Research in health, agriculture, and public policy
Transportation
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
- Regional Transit (RT) light rail and bus system
- Access to I-5, I-80, and Amtrak services
- Riverfront trails and bike-friendly infrastructure
Fun Facts
- Sacramento is one of the sunniest cities in the U.S.
- It is known as the most ethnically and linguistically diverse large city in America
- The original city had to be raised due to historic flooding in the 1800s — some of the old underground streets still exist today