Spanish explorer Pedro Fages visited the valley in the 1770s and named the river for the Christian religious sacraments. The Maidu people initially inhabited the city, and then the city began to grow rapidly and became a scene of an armed squatter's riot over the legality of Sutter's grant. Governor John Bigler helped facilitate the movement of the California State Legislature to Sacramento in 1854. The capital of the state from Spanish and Mexican rule until this time was Monterrey. The convention changed the state's capital to San Jose in 1849. However, after the statehood of California was ratified in 1859, Sacramento was named its permanent capital during the Sacramento Constitution Convention of 1879. Its new status as the state capital and the strategic location helped the city prosper economically. The American and Sacramento rivers were crucial in this growth as the city controlled commerce on these rivers. The funds accrued from taxes levied on goods unloaded from ships and boats onto rail cars were used in funding public works projects. However, floods suffered in 1850 and 1861 slowed down the city's remarkable growth rate.

Parks
The city has a park called Southside Park. The Southside Park is a large park with a natural pond that sits at the center of the community and hosts several celebrations yearly, including the popular Sunday Farmers Market.

The city created the park about 100 years ago by the Southside Improvement Club members. The amphitheater was built and named after Robert Callahan, a former member of the Southside Improvement Club and the County Supervisor. The park also hosts the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement yearly Cesar Chavez Day march and rally centered on the amphitheater. The city also has other amazing parks to visit with family and friends, including; American River Bicycle Trail, Sutter's Fort State Historical Park, McKinley Park, Sacramento Zoo, and many more.

Looking for a park to take your four-legged friend to? Barandas Dog Park is one park to check out. It's got a nice and decent-sized area for dogs, with a good playground. Other dog parks include Blackbird Park Dog Parks, Glenbrook Park, Granite Regional Park, and others.

Restaurants
You can never go wrong with the delicious meals the chefs in Sacramento offer. The city houses forty farmers' markets and three restaurants, honored with the Michelin Bib Gourmand awards for their fantastic food quality. Don't miss the annual Farm-to-Fork Festival if you are a genuine food lover. The two-week festival features the celebration of food, wine, and great music concerts from local talents. You also get to discuss cuisine and recipes with top-rated chefs in the city. The festival's crown jewel is the Tour Bridge Dinner, a grand meal prepared by the region's greatest cooks and eaten while overlooking the Sacramento River.

Looking for a cozy place to have breakfast before you kick start the day? Bacon & Butter is a lovely spot to grab a bacon platter. Burgers for lunch? Order or head to Squeeze Burgers to enjoy the famous California Cheese-Skirt Burgers. Something upscale for dinner? Try out the seasonal menu at The Kitchen restaurant on Hurley Way. Are you a steak lover? Dawson's Steakhouse is that place for you. Other notable restaurants to try out in the city include; The Waterboy, Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Ella Dining Room & Bar, Grange Restaurant & Bar, and others.