Student Itinerary

There’s a reason why Sacramento is one of the country’s most popular destinations for student groups. Whether it’s exploring California’s colorful Gold Rush history, getting hands-on experience on a farm in one of the world’s richest agricultural regions, diving into the state capital’s world of government or simply having fun with the endless outdoor recreation opportunities, student groups never have a shortage of memorable moments in Sacramento. And if you have a student performance group, Sacramento’s wide selection of festivals, fairs and other events offers an ideal opportunity to showcase their talents.

SAMPLE 2-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: SACRAMENTO
California State Capitol: Take a docent-led tour at the historic Capitol. Students can experience California’s rich history and witness the making of history through the modern lawmaking process.

Sutter’s Fort: Visit the fort where John Sutter originally set up shop to provide rest and accommodations to weary pioneers. Find out how Sutter impacted California by inviting people from all over the world to start a new life in California. Enjoy a boxed lunch (Lunch Box Express) delivered to the front lawn of Sutter’s Fort.

California State Railroad Museum: Enjoy stimulating exhibits, enthusiastic and knowledgeable docents, and beautifully restored railroad cars and locomotives illustrating railroad history in California and the West.

Sacramento History Museum: The building is a reproduction of the 1854 City Hall and Waterworks building and inside features interactive exhibits that bring to life the people and events of Sacramento and its unique place in the history of California and the nation. The museum also features a variety of Old Sacramento tours including an Underground Tour.

Old Schoolhouse Museum: Explore California’s early days of education in this replica of the one-room schools found during the latter half of the 19th century. Costumed schoolmarms and schoolmasters are available to tell about school life in earlier times and even lead visitors in a lesson. 

Old Sacramento: This National Historic Landmark District and State Historic Park is located along the beautiful Sacramento River. It’s filled with historical attractions and world-renowned museums set within the time of the California Gold Rush and the Transcontinental Railroad. Take a carriage ride around town and transport back to 1850. Enjoy dinner in Old Sacramento with a variety of choices suitable for student groups. Joe’s Crab Shack, Round Table Pizza and Ten 22 are all great spots for a large group and depending on your budget.

DAY 2: GOLD COUNTRY
Old Hangtown’s Gold Bug Park and Mine: Located near downtown Placerville, about 60 minutes from Sacramento, Students have three sites to visit in the park. Gold Bug Mine is the major historical and geological attraction and is an excellent example of hard rock mining. The Hendy Stamp Mill provides a full explanation of the ore extraction process from the quartz and the priest Mine is the original 1849 mine. Hard hats are provided and there is also a picnic and hiking area in the park.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Park: Just 10 miles North on historic Highway 49 from Gold Bug Mine, stand in the exact spot where John Marshall discovered gold in 1848, setting off one of the most significant migrations the world has ever seen. Your group can enjoy a real California Gold Rush experience while panning for gold near the site of the actual gold discovery. Park Ranger-guided programs of Sutter’s Mill are available as well as other value-added programs.

STAND OUT IN UNIQUE PERFORMANCE VENUES
Sacramento has a variety of student performance venues. From large events like Gold Rush Days and the California State fair to smaller venues, such as Arden Fair Mall or our Second Saturday Art Walk, we can arrange special and unique opportunities for your student performance groups.

ENJOY AGRICULTURAL TOURS IN AMERICA’S FARM-TO-FORK CAPITAL
Give your students the opportunity to explore the source of their food in one of the richest agricultural regions in America. Sacramento is “America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital,” and many of our local farms within a short drive from downtown Sacramento offer student tours with hands-on experiences.

The Farm at Cal Expo: Take a tour of the California State Fair Farm’s crops and interactive stations, including a functioning greenhouse. The tour will highlight California agricultural history, seeds, crop growing, and innovations in farming, soil and worm composting and tasting farm-fresh produce Soil Born Farms: Students will enjoy hands-on interactions with agriculture, native plant restoration projects, healthy cooking and eating activities, and nature explorations. Group field trips include a farm tour, hands-on activities, nutrition education, and service projects. Students can meet the farmers, the farm animals, and explore the natural wonders of the farm!