As the unofficial start to the summer in the United States, Memorial Day Weekend is designed for both reflection and enjoyment. While marking a time to honor military workers who have passed on, Memorial Day also gives people a chance to spend some extra hours with family and friends—and what better place to do so than Sacramento? Known as the City of Trees due to the vast number of trees it has per capita compared to every other city worldwide, Sacramento is also known for its range of attractions, culture, and history. Residing on the Sacramento River, this city offers plenty to see and do on Memorial Day Weekend, including cruising on the river to take in all of the breathtaking surroundings. Here’s our guide on how to make the most of it.
What To Do on the Water in Sacramento
Since the Sacramento River serves as the city’s backdrop, anyone who wants an up-close view of its sights and sounds has to make getting on the water part of their to-do list. Fortunately, City Cruises makes it easy with three packages to choose from. First there’s the Sacramento Rock the Yacht Cruise. This festive excursion is all about enjoying time with people you treasure in a party atmosphere you could never experience on land. Over the course of 1.5 hours, guests can savor and sip creative cocktails, wine, and beer from the well-stocked cash bar onboard while immersing themselves in refreshing river breezes. Riding along the scenic Sacramento River, the vessel offers incredible views as it travels underneath the Tower Bridge and past the beautiful bright lights of the city. Live DJ entertainment sets the mood for this casual affair, which also offers small bites for purchase. Note that seating is limited and not guaranteed, so be sure to get there early to secure your seat. You’ll also need a valid ID for those planning to imbibe.
Memorial Day Fun on the Sacramento River
Next, let’s look at the Sacramento Memorial Day River Cruise. For 1 hour, friends and family can travel along the Sacramento River and take in awe-inspiring scenic city views while listening to a live narration detailing intriguing facts about the waterway and the area’s rich history—some of which include military landmarks. While onboard, guests can toast in honor of those who’ve served with access to a full bar, whether with creative cocktails, wine, or beer. The casual environment invites guests of all ages to attend, and for those who get hungry, small bites are also provided for purchase. Since cocktail seating is first-come, first-serve, be sure to arrive early to confirm your space.
For our third option, let’s check out the Sacramento Memorial Day Sights & Sips Cruise. This 1.5-hour cruise is the perfect way to celebrate the occasion. By getting immersed in breathtaking views of Sacramento’s sights of significance and toasting to honor servicemen and women, guests can combine quality time with family and friends while marking the day in an upbeat and memorable way. Our well-decorated yacht cruises all along the scenic Sacramento River as live DJ entertainment sets the mood for festivities. While the event is casual and all ages are welcome, the fully stocked cash bar onboard features innovative cocktails, wine, and beer for those 21 and over. There are also small bites available for purchase. Holidays can be crowded and cocktail seating is first-come, first-serve, so we suggest arriving early to secure your place.
Need further proof that booking with City Cruises the ideal way to toast Memorial Day? Have a look at this video clip highlighting last year’s Memorial Day Cruise in Sacramento. For fun in the sun with loved ones, there’s no better way to commemorate the day when you opt for an adventure on the water.
More Fun Things to Do During the Holiday Weekend
Since Memorial Day Weekend is 72 hours, you can pack in a lot of activities. We know being on the water is fun, but there are also options on land in Sacramento that are exciting as well. For history buffs, we recommend visiting the eye-catching State Capitol building, where the grounds come complete with spectacular adjacent gardens bursting with color at Capitol Park. You’ll also find several monuments there, including a bronze group sculpture and the Vietnam War Memorial erected in 1988. For art aficionados, the Crocker Art Museum and the Teal Family Pavilion feature an impressive range of California art from both past and present, along with European drawings and paintings. Its main building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During warmer months, film series and music concerts are also held here.
Meanwhile, a visit to Old Sacramento (also designated a National Historic Landmark) boasts eight blocks of more than 50 historic structures along the city’s waterfront and more than 125 locally owned hotels, museums, restaurants, and shops. Fun fact: You can take a horse-drawn carriage while seeing the sights. Speaking of alternate transportation, the California State Railroad Museum includes more than 200,000 square feet of exhibition space. During the summer months, the attraction operates historic steam locomotives or vintage diesel trains that travel along the Sacramento River. For the kids, we would be remiss, not to mention the Sacramento Zoo and Fairytale Town, a recreational storybook-themed park designed with a happily-ever-after experience in mind. Last but not least is Sacramento’s Memorial Day parade. Free for all to attend, it takes place on Watt Avenue in North Highland and includes animals, floats, and much more.
Spend Memorial Day with City Cruises in Sacramento!
Celebrating Memorial Day in Sacramento, both on and off the water, is an excellent way to mark the occasion. A combination of the two is highly recommended. However, City Cruises can book up quickly, so we also suggest reserving your spot onboard as soon as possible!