Twenty restored Gold Rush blocks along the Sacramento River, west of I-5. Wooden boardwalks, the candy stores, the riverboat brunches and the Tower Bridge approach.
The Firehouse on Second Street in Old Sacramento is the historic 1853 brick firehouse turned fine-dining room with the largest wine list in the region.
Signature: Beef filet, Seared scallops
Order: The beef filet, the seasonal seared scallops, a bottle from the wine cellar
Tip: Jacket suggested for the dining room. Patio courtyard is the warm-weather option. Book a week ahead.
Vampire Penguin in Old Sacramento at 2nd Street was born in the city October 2013, the original shop of the now-national shaved-snow dessert chain.
Worth the queue: Vampire Penguin shaved snow bowl
Vampire Penguin in Old Sacramento at 2nd Street serves the signature shaved snow bowl under $10, the original 2013 storefront of the now-national chain.
Try: Shaved snow bowl with toppings