Who needs TSA lines, $9 airport lattes, and suitcase drama when you’ve got tree-lined streets, riverfront trails, and some of the best food in California — all in your own backyard?
A staycation in Sacramento isn’t settling. It’s smart. It’s chill. And it’s surprisingly good for your soul (and your wallet). Whether you’re skipping airports or just need a break without blowing your PTO, here’s how to plan the perfect week off — without ever leaving the 916.
Day 1: Home Reset – Lazy Luxury Without Leaving the House
The goal for day one? Pretend you checked into a bougie Airbnb.
- Clean your space like you’re hosting someone cooler than you.
Make the bed with the fancy sheets. Light a candle. Clear the counters. You want “weekend retreat,” not “midweek chaos.” - Stock your own minibar.
Think: local wine from Bogle or Bailarin Cellars, cheese from the Co-op, pastries from Faria Bakery. Hide it from your kids. Or don’t. But definitely eat it in bed. - Order in and don’t move.
Go full robe mode. Binge something trashy. Bonus points for ordering from somewhere new — like Kodaiko ramen. If it arrives hot and you didn’t have to put on pants, you’re already winning. - No chores. No errands. No “real quicks.”
Put your phone on Do Not Disturb. Turn on the “Out of Office” even if your office is your couch. This is day one — set the tone.
Day 2: Spa Vibes + Backyard Bliss
Now that your home feels like a hotel, it’s time to treat it like a resort.
- Morning: DIY spa rituals
Hot towel. Fancy face mask. Spotify’s “Zen Garden” playlist. YouTube a 10-minute facial massage. Pretend you’re in Napa, not your own bathroom. - Midday: Backyard picnic or patio lounge
Grab a book or a cold drink and park yourself outside. Don’t have a yard? Balcony, porch, front steps — they all count. - Lunch: Farmers market haul
Hit Midtown Farmers Market or the Co-op and grab local snacks. Picnic in Capitol Park or under the shaded paths at McKinley Rose Garden. - Afternoon: Nap like your life depends on it
Because it kinda does. Set a 45-minute timer. Wake up reborn. - Evening: Movie night, but better
Projector in the backyard? Blanket fort on the living room floor? Popcorn in a metal bowl feels way fancier than it is.
Day 3: Local Explorer Mode – Rediscover Sacramento
Play tourist in your own town.
- Morning eats: Bacon & Butter, Orphan, or The Mill — pick your poison.
- Hidden gem stops:
- Walk the Sacramento River Trail at Discovery Park
- Stop by the Effie Yeaw Nature Center (you’ll see deer, trust)
- Explore the WPA Rock Garden if you’re into secret gardens
- Lunch + wandering:
- Grab something from Selland’s, Temple, or Kru Bento Bar
- Walk around East Sac, Oak Park, or Curtis Park and fall in love with houses you can’t afford
- Afternoon idea: Take a tour!
- California State Railroad Museum (oddly fun)
- Midtown murals walking tour (free + photo-worthy)
- Historic City Cemetery (creepy but beautiful)
- Dinner: Canon, Kru, or Masullo’s for pizza — you deserve it.
Day 4: Tourist for a Day – Museums, Rooftops, and Local Luxury
Today, you’re not a Sac local. You’re a fancy-ass visitor with fresh eyes and zero responsibilities.
Start at a museum (yes, really)
- Crocker Art Museum is a classic — stunning space, rotating exhibits, and that perfect mix of culture without the pretension.
- Or hit the California Museum if you want something interactive and quirky.
Brunch like you don’t pay property taxes
- Try Fixins Soul Kitchen for comfort food and mimosas.
- Or hit up Pushkin’s if you want gluten-free and still delicious.
Midday indulgence
- Book a massage at Asha Urban Baths.
- Or get a blowout and pretend you’re heading to the Emmys.
- Bonus points if you wear sunglasses inside like you’re avoiding paparazzi.
Hit the rooftops at golden hour
- Revival (above the Sawyer Hotel) for views and cocktails.
- Or Iron Horse Tavern for solid happy hour and great people watching.
Order a drink that’s slightly too expensive. It’s vacation, remember?
Optional splurge
- Book one night at Kimpton Sawyer or Hyatt Centric.
- Order room service. Use every towel. Don’t make the bed in the morning.
Day 5: The Art of the Slow Sunday – Don’t Rush the Reentry
This is your come-down day. No rushing. No panic. Just gentle transition.
Morning ritual
- Tea. Coffee. Silence. Maybe both.
- Put your phone in another room.
- Sit outside and do nothing. It’s harder than it sounds.
Slow brunch at home
- Make waffles or shakshuka. Use the good plates.
- Eat in your pajamas. Or nothing. Who’s judging?
Afternoon flow
- Tidy up slowly.
- Reflect on what you actually enjoyed this week.
- Make a little list of “things I want more of.” (Quiet? Sun? Pastries?)
Evening wind-down
- Watch something cozy.
- Make a face mask.
- Go to bed early, not because you have to — but because you can.
Bonus Day Ideas: Pick and Mix
- Folsom Day Trip – Historic downtown, lake walk, breweries.
- Winery Afternoon – Bogle, McConnell Estates, or Scribner Bend.
- Bike the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail – Or at least pretend to.
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard – Sacramento and American River access all over.
- Thrift Shop Crawl – Sacramento has an underrated secondhand scene (hit up Freestyle, Article, and Thrift Town).
- Sunset picnic at Land Park or Sutter’s Landing – Low effort, high vibes.
Why This Actually Matters
Vacations aren’t about location. They’re about intention.
This week? You slowed down. You ate good food. You walked your own city like it was worth exploring — because it is. You gave your nervous system a break and maybe even your email inbox too.
That matters.
No flights, no layovers, no suitcases. Just rest, joy, and some damn good coffee in a place you already call home.
Final Thoughts
A Sacramento staycation doesn’t mean sacrificing fun — it means finally having time for it.
You rediscovered your city. You remembered your favorite park. You actually used your patio. And if you’re lucky, you now have leftover pastries and a few new restaurant crushes.
So when the group chat starts talking about Europe or Tulum next month? Just smile. You’ve already found a little magic, right here in the 916.
