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Sacramento Travel Resources

Sacramento Travel Resources

Sacramento California, USA Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • SacRT ZipPass

    For purchasing and activating public transit fares on your smartphone.

  • Google Maps/Apple Maps

    For navigation (walking, driving, public transit) and finding points of interest.

  • Uber/Lyft

    For convenient ride-sharing services.

  • Yelp/OpenTable

    For finding restaurant reviews and making reservations.

  • Local Weather App

    (e.g., AccuWeather, The Weather Channel) for daily forecasts.

Useful Websites

Online Communities & Media

Social Buzz

@VisitSacramento (Instagram, Facebook) for visual inspiration and updates. @Sacramento_RT (Twitter/X) for real-time transit alerts.

Listen In

Search for podcasts about Sacramento history, its farm-to-fork movement, or local culture.

Community Insight

Reddit communities like r/Sacramento or travel forums (e.g., TripAdvisor Sacramento forum) offer advice.

Get specific answers Connect with fellow travelers

Print Resources

Traditional Guides

  • General California guidebooks often include Sacramento sections.
  • Look for reputable publishers.
  • Local maps are often available at the Sacramento Visitor Center in Old Sacramento.
  • Maps assist with in-person navigation.

Literary Sacramento

  • Sacramento: An Illustrated History by Mark A. St. Pierre.
  • "The Big Four" by Oscar Lewis for railroad history.
  • Books by Joan Didion often feature California settings.
  • Explore local authors for unique perspectives.

Local Publications

Sacramento Magazine

  • Local lifestyle, dining, and event listings magazine.
  • A source for current happenings.
  • High-quality photography.
  • Subscription or newsstand copies.

Sacramento News & Review SNR

  • A weekly alternative newspaper.
  • Covers arts, culture, and local news.
  • Often free at cafes and newsstands.
  • Opinions and feature articles.

Other Local Guides

  • Look for visitor guides at hotels.
  • Chamber of Commerce publications.
  • Special event programs.
  • Maps detailing specific districts.

Emergency & Medical Information

Critical Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911 (U.S. National emergency number).
  • Non-Emergency Police: Sacramento Police Department non-emergency line: (916) 264-5471.
  • For non-urgent issues like reporting non-violent theft.
  • Memorize or save these numbers.

Medical Facilities

  • UC Davis Medical Center: 2315 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817.
  • Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento: 2800 L St, Sacramento, CA 95816.
  • Mercy The Main hospital: 4001 J St, Sacramento, CA 95819.
  • Urgent Care Centers: Numerous walk-in clinics throughout the city for non-life-threatening issues.

Document Safety

  • Passport: Report loss/theft to local police; contact nearest embassy/consulate.
  • Credit Cards: Immediately call your bank or card issuer to cancel.
  • Keep copies (physical and digital) of all important documents separate from originals.
  • Consider a VPN service for secure online activity.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Earthquake Preparedness

  • In case of an earthquake: "Drop, Cover, and Hold On."
  • Seek shelter under sturdy furniture.
  • Stay away from windows and tall furniture.

Wildfire Smoke Advisory

  • In case of wildfire smoke: Remain inside, keep windows closed.
  • Use air purifiers when accessible.
  • Monitor air quality reports from local authorities.

Consular & Official Information

Embassy & Consulate

  • Locate your country''s diplomatic mission in Washington D.C.
  • Note any consulates in California (e.g., Los Angeles, Frisco).
  • Keep their contact details available for lost passports or consular services.

Local Authority Instructions

  • Follow instructions from local authorities.
  • Via emergency alerts (e.g., FEMA app, local news radio/TV).
  • Stay informed through reliable news sources.

Further Exploration

Documentaries & Films

  1. "Lady Bird" (2017): A coming-of-age film set and filmed in Sacramento.
  2. Offers a glimpse into the city's districts and vibe.
  3. Provides a contemporary perspective on Sacramento.
  4. Explore documentaries on California history.
  5. Consider works on the Gold Rush or Central Valley's agricultural significance.

Music & Art

  1. Listen to local Sacramento bands or musicians.
  2. Gain a feel for the city's the music community.
  3. Explore the street art in Midtown.
  4. This art adds a dynamic visual layer to the urban environment.
  5. Look for local galleries and art walk schedules.

Language & Communities

Language Learning

Brush up on basic English phrases with apps like Babbel or Duolingo. Knowing courtesy phrases is always beneficial.

Online Forums

Reddit communities (r/Sacramento) or travel forums (TripAdvisor Sacramento) offer advice from locals and fellow travelers.

Local Insights

These services are useful for particular questions or last-minute tips regarding your visit.

Safety Note

Always stay vigilant, especially in unfamiliar areas. Your well-being remains a top priority.

Further Exploration

Online Communities & Media

Social Media Highlights

  • @VisitSacramento

    On Instagram and Facebook for visual inspiration and local updates.

  • @Sacramento_RT

    On Twitter/X for real-time public transit news and alerts.

  • Local Influencers

    Follow local food bloggers and lifestyle accounts for current recommendations.

Digital Content & Forums

  • Podcasts

    Search platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts for Sacramento history or farm-to-fork themes.

  • Reddit Communities

    R/Sacramento offers advice from local people and fellow travelers.

  • Travel Forums

    Platforms like TripAdvisor Sacramento forum are useful for specific questions.

Printed Publications

Guidebooks

Dedicated Sacramento guidebooks are not as common as for larger cities. General California guidebooks often include sections on Sacramento.

Local Periodicals

Sacramento Magazine is a local lifestyle, dining, and event listings magazine. Sacramento News & Review (SNR) is a weekly alternative newspaper.

Local Maps

Local maps are often available at the Sacramento Visitor Center in Old Sacramento. They offer clear navigation for central areas.

Literary Explorations

Historical Accounts

  • Sacramento: An Illustrated History by Mark A. St. Pierre provides a visual and narrative journey.
  • "The Big Four: The Story of Huntington, Stanford, Hopkins, and Crocker" by Oscar Lewis.
  • This book relates to the railroad tycoons and the California Railroad Museum.
  • Works on California's Gold Rush enhance going to museums.

Fiction & Local Flair

  • Books by Joan Didion often feature California contexts and themes.
  • They present a literary perspective on the state.
  • The film "Lady Bird" (2017) is set and filmed in Sacramento.
  • It captures the city's neighborhoods and vibe, offering a contemporary view.

Other Resources

Music & Art Scene

  • Pay attention to local Sacramento bands or musicians.
  • Gain a feel for the city's music scene.
  • Explore the street art in Midtown.
  • This public art adds a dynamic visual layer to the urban environment.

Language & Community Engagement

  • If you wish to brush up on basic English phrases, consider apps like Duolingo.
  • Babbel or Pimsleur can support your learning.
  • Online communities like r/Sacramento provide advice.
  • Travel forums are useful for specific questions or last-minute tips.

Local Learning

Engaging with local media or communities enriches your visit, providing a connection to the city.

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