Walk Old Sacramento at your own pace with an app-driven audio tour that pairs Gold Rush history with ghost stories. Start at the haunted saloon, follow riverside boardwalks, and stop where you like—this self-guided route blends archival facts with spooky local lore.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Even before your thumb taps “start,” the river calls—cold, quick, and insistent—pulling you toward the boardwalk where wooden warehouses slope down toward the Sacramento. The app drops you at a haunted saloon; brick and iron smell faintly of coal smoke, and the sidewalks remind you that this waterfront was rebuilt on top of itself after the floods. The tour moves by foot at your pace, pairing archival detail with atmospheric narration that makes cornerstones feel like characters.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
55–65 minutes
Fitness Level
Low: suitable for most fitness levels; walking on flat to slightly uneven surfaces
Wildlife
History
Old Sacramento rose during the 1848–1850 Gold Rush; frequent flooding led to major 19th-century engineering projects that raised the street level and shaped the district's current appearance.
Conservation
The district balances public access with preservation—stay on designated walkways, avoid touching historic facades, and support local museums and conservation groups that maintain the area.
Reserve your spot on the Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring fully charged phone
This is an app/GPS-driven experience—carry a portable battery and make sure location services are enabled.
Wear grippy shoes
Boardwalks and original brick sidewalks are uneven; closed-toe shoes with traction make the route comfortable.
Use headphones for narrative
Stereo headphones improve audio clarity and help you hear narration and ambient sound design in crowded areas.
Plan for shade or water
Summer sun can be strong along the river; bring water and schedule the walk for morning or evening when possible.
Smartphone with app & GPS
Required to play the tour and access mapped stops and narration.
Over-ear or in-ear headphones
Helps isolate narration and hear historical audio cues in busy public spaces.
Comfortable walking shoes
Good traction and support for brick sidewalks and boardwalk sections.
Reusable water bottle
Hydration is important during hot months—water fountains are limited on the route.
summer