Law638
Train Attendant
What are some recommendations for the layover in Sacramento waiting for the midnight Coast Starlight?
Sacramento layover
- Thread starter Law638
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Last time I did that trip (December 2019), I got a room at the Embassy Suites, relaxed, took a nap and avoided waiting in the station for hours (which I did in 2010 and hated it). I have Hilton points and used them for the stay. I walked to the hotel from the station after arriving on the CZ, but had the hotel shuttle take me back to the station since I did not want to walk in the dark.
BCL
Engineer
What train are you starting from?
If it's CZ #5 (scheduled arrival around 2 PMish), then the one thing I can think of is the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento. Depending on when, they might have specific activities like train rides. The rest of Old Sac is kind of kitschy tourist traps, but that can be fun if you have an open mind. When I've gone there I had a railroad museum membership and took my kid. We also went on a couple of their horse carriage rides, which were only $10 for maybe a 12 minute ride.
Other than that, maybe a walk to downtown. I don't think you really want to go further than that because that would be the county jail and various county/state/federal government buildings. Sacramento Chinatown is across the street, but that's rather sad now. Haven't been there in a few years, but the last time I was there the former Downtown Plaza mall was still open, although I know it was mostly torn down to build the Golden 1 Center. Maybe check out the event schedule if there's something that might interest you.
https://www.golden1center.com/events
Looks like whatever is left is now just called Downtown Commons. I haven't been to this location, but I have been to others in the Yard House chain, and it's pretty good. Especially happy hour
https://www.docosacramento.com/pdfs/directoryMap.pdf
https://www.yardhouse.com/locations/ca/sacramento/sacramento-downtown-commons/8379
If it's CZ #5 (scheduled arrival around 2 PMish), then the one thing I can think of is the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento. Depending on when, they might have specific activities like train rides. The rest of Old Sac is kind of kitschy tourist traps, but that can be fun if you have an open mind. When I've gone there I had a railroad museum membership and took my kid. We also went on a couple of their horse carriage rides, which were only $10 for maybe a 12 minute ride.
Other than that, maybe a walk to downtown. I don't think you really want to go further than that because that would be the county jail and various county/state/federal government buildings. Sacramento Chinatown is across the street, but that's rather sad now. Haven't been there in a few years, but the last time I was there the former Downtown Plaza mall was still open, although I know it was mostly torn down to build the Golden 1 Center. Maybe check out the event schedule if there's something that might interest you.
https://www.golden1center.com/events
Looks like whatever is left is now just called Downtown Commons. I haven't been to this location, but I have been to others in the Yard House chain, and it's pretty good. Especially happy hour
https://www.docosacramento.com/pdfs/directoryMap.pdf
https://www.yardhouse.com/locations/ca/sacramento/sacramento-downtown-commons/8379
