The history of Sacramento can be traced to 1808, when Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga found and named the Sacramento Valley and Sacramento River. Mexican representative John Sutter, Sr. arrived in the territory in 1839 and named his colony New Helvetia. He was the political authority in the new settlement that grew as pioneers headed west. Sutter Sr. experienced huge success, which saw him own a 10-acre orchard and a herd of 13,000 cattle. Sutter Sr. received 2,000 fruit trees in 1847, which gave birth to Sacramento's agriculture industry. The territory was named Sacramento City after the Sacramento River in 1848 after U.S. Army Captain William H. Warner had drafted the official layout of the city. Sacramento's residents adopted a city charter in 1849, which the legislature recognized in 1850, making Sacramento the oldest incorporated city in California. Sacramento was devastated by fires, floods, and a cholera epidemic during the early 1850s. Despite this setback, the city continued to grow, attracting a population of 10,000. The support of Gober John Bigler helped the California State Legislature move to Sacramento in 1854. The city was named the capital of California at the Sacramento Constitutional Convention of 1879.

Coffee

Recognized as one of the world's best cities for coffee lovers, understanding the importance of starting your day with coffee is one of the first steps toward fitting in. To enjoy one of the city's best farm-to-cup coffees, stop at Temple Coffee in Midtown or Insight Coffee Roasters in Industrial Blvd Suite. Want to take your love for coffee one step further? Don't miss the Specialty Coffee Week in September, which features a series of programs geared towards tasting, educating, and celebrating coffee.
Dinning

As the farm to fork state capital, Sacramento residents enjoy the freshest farm produce. Sacramento grows it all, from avocados to almonds. The presence of fresh produce has made the city a suitable destination for top chefs around the country. Restaurants in the city use the freshest produce and ingredients and pride themselves on sourcing locally. To get fresh farm produce, visit the Farmers Market in downtown Sacramento, which opens on Wednesdays between 10 am and 1 pm.

Prefer to eat out? Start your day with a stack of strawberry and Bacon Platter from Bacon and Butter, grab California's famed Cheese-skirt burgers from Squeeze Burger for lunch. Something a bit upscale for dinner? Savor the renowned chef's tasting menu, which fuses "sophistication with everyday excellence" at Firehouse. Got room for dessert? Treat yourself to old-fashioned pie at Rick's Dessert Diner. Where to get good food will be the least of your problems if you buy a house in Sacramento.
Parks and Recreational Centers

Though it's a little far from the Pacific Ocean, Sacramento has plenty of freshwater and parks. Float, fish, or boat on the American River Parkway, which is nicknamed the "Jewel of Sacramento." The 32-mile river is home to spacious parks, scenic waterways, and seemingly endless hiking trails. Prefer something more sporting? Kayak through miles of beautiful waterways on the Sacramento River. Hoping to learn surfing? Stop at Folsom Lake, where you can take windsurfing lessons or swim.

Around with kids? Take them to hang out with their favorite storybook characters at Fairytale Town, or help them make clay masterpieces and paint the walls at Art Beast on K Street. Do you have animal lovers in your family? Head to the Sacramento Zoo to get up close and personal with over 130 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. You and your children will have no shortage of fun places to go if you buy a house in the city.