Spring Break Stay-cations In Sacramento
The staycation phenomenon has turned into a regular occurrence these days as families have began monitoring budgets a bit more closely. If you're passing on a spring break getaway vacation this year, still have some fun right here in Sacramento. The region is ripe with opportunities for a memorable vacation spent at home. Consider these ideas if a stay-cation is in your plans.
California State Railroad Museum
125 I St
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-7387
www.parks.ca
Price: Adults - $9, Youth (ages 6-17) - $4, Children (5 and under) - Free.
Hours: Daily - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sacramento has an interesting railroad history. Trains have connected Sacramento with the rest of the nation for years. This museum is a first class experience of where it all began. Enjoy looking at small workhorse engines, passenger trails, freight trains and historic steam and diesel engines that are surprisingly huge. There is something at the California State Railroad Museum for all ages and great stop on a stay-cation.
Aerospace Museum of California
3200 Freedom Park Dr
McClelland, CA 95625
(916) 433-3192
www.aerospacemuseumofcalifornia.org
Price: Adults - $8, Youth/Students (ages 13-17) - $6, Children (ages 6-12) - $5, Seniors (ages 65 and up) - $6, Active Military with ID, Children (5 and under) and Museum Members - Free
Hours: Tues to Sat - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Aerospace Museum educates visitors on the history of flight, spanning more than 70 years. B-17's, trainers, fighters and Lear Jets are all parked here. The museum offers a children's story time every Friday from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., which is followed by a tour of the museum highlighted by the story. The exhibits section of the museum is an enthralling place to wander about and get lost in the abundance of information. If flying is your game, this is the place to visit on your stay-cation.
Bicycles Plus
705 Goldlake Dr #320
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 355-8901
www.onlinecycling.com
Price: Click here for a list of rental prices
Hours: Mon to Fri - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The American River Bike Trail is a spectacular, paved, multi-use trail that runs from Discovery Park to Beals Point. It is a beautiful route to spend some time peddling, so rent a bicycle and ride on. The best place to rent a bicycle for a ride on this trail is at Bicycles Plus. This fully equipped cycling shop is located just a few yards away from the trail. They offer a variety of options with more than 40 bikes available. Helmets are included in the rental price. Great bikes, knowledgeable staff and this fantastic paved trail make for a stay-cation heaven.
Related: Best Places To Go Cycling In Sacramento
Crocker Art Museum
216 O St
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-7000
www.crockerartmuseum.org
Price: Adults - $10, College Students - $8, Youth (ages 7-17) - $5, Children (ages 6 and under), Seniors (ages 65 and up) - $8, Museum Members - Free
Hours: Tues to Sunday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thurs - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Related: Crocker Art Museum Guide
The Crocker has an expansive collection of art work housed in a beautiful, comfortable venue. The collection of work spans the gamut from old masters to very contemporary works. The museum's permanent collections alone can take up to an entire day, as can the current exhibitions which change on a regular basis. Painting of various mediums, sculptures, drawings and photography make this museum worth a visit. All of that walking and viewing can be draining, so refuel body and mind at the museum's cafe.
Historic Placerville
Main Street
Placerville, CA 95667
www.cityofplacerville.org
Placerville is an historic Gold Rush town located just east of Sacramento on US Highway 50. Main Street offers not only a walk down the street, but a walk through history. Stop and read the plaques on many of the buildings, almost all of which date back to the 1800s. Main Street has everything from great antiques to a contemporary boutique to an olive oil store. The oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi is located along the strip, as is the oldest newspaper company in California (Mountain Democrat). All of this history combined with great places for food and drink, stay-cationers will undoubtedly be happy they made the short drive to explore Placerville.
Charles is a freelance writer who has lived in the Sierra, halfway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, for the last 37 years. He retired from teaching after 36 years in 2010. He and his wife hike, kayak, cross country ski, snow shoe, ride mountain bikes and road bikes, year round. Wandering aimlessly, always looking for another place to explore, some place new, is high on the agenda. Charles enjoys all aspects of the great outdoors and writing about it to encourage others to explore as well. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
