Rtc Bus Routes Schedules
If you’re planning a trip to the Greater Sacramento area, the Regional Transit Bus System, or RTC, is a great way to get around and explore the city. With over 70 bus routes and schedules, the RTC offers a convenient and affordable way to travel to some of the top attractions, hidden gems, and outdoor adventures in the area. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about riding the RTC bus system and exploring the Greater Sacramento area.
Top Attractions
One of the top attractions in the Greater Sacramento area is the California State Capitol Museum, located in the heart of downtown Sacramento. The museum offers free tours of the Capitol building, where visitors can learn about California’s history and government. Another must-see attraction is the Crocker Art Museum, which houses a vast collection of American and European art.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for some off-the-beaten-path experiences, check out the Old Sacramento Underground Tour. This tour takes you beneath the streets of Old Sacramento, where you can explore the hidden tunnels and rooms that were once used by merchants and gamblers. Another hidden gem is the Sacramento River Train, which offers scenic train rides through the Sacramento Valley.
Food Scene
The Greater Sacramento area is known for its farm-to-fork cuisine, which means that many of the restaurants use locally-sourced ingredients. Some of the top restaurants to check out include The Kitchen, Mulvaney’s B&L, and The Waterboy. If you’re looking for something more casual, check out the food trucks at SactoMoFo, a popular food truck festival held throughout the year.
Budget-Friendly Tips
If you’re traveling on a budget, consider purchasing a day pass for the RTC bus system, which costs just $6. You can also save money by visiting some of the free attractions in the area, such as the California State Capitol Museum and the Crocker Art Museum. Another budget-friendly activity is hiking in the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains, which offers stunning views and is completely free to do.
Outdoor Adventures
The Greater Sacramento area is home to many outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, and kayaking. Some of the top hiking trails include the American River Parkway Trail and the Lake Natoma Loop Trail. If you’re looking to go kayaking, head to the Nimbus Flat State Recreation Area, where you can rent kayaks and explore the scenic waterways.
Historical Landmarks
The Greater Sacramento area is rich in history, and there are many historical landmarks to explore. One of the most famous landmarks is Sutter’s Fort, which was built in 1839 by John Sutter. Another landmark to check out is the California State Railroad Museum, which showcases the history of the railroad in California.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy in the Greater Sacramento area. The Sacramento Zoo is a popular attraction, where you can see over 500 animals from around the world. Another fun activity is visiting Fairytale Town, a park that is designed to inspire imagination and creativity in children.
Natural Wonders
The Greater Sacramento area is home to many natural wonders, including the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe. Some of the top natural wonders to explore include the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and the American River Parkway, which offers stunning views of the river and surrounding wilderness.
Vibrant Nightlife
If you’re looking for some nightlife, the Greater Sacramento area has plenty to offer. Some of the top bars and nightclubs include The Bank, The Mix Downtown, and The Red Rabbit Kitchen & Bar. If you’re looking for something more laid-back, check out the live music scene at Harlow’s or the comedy shows at the Sacramento Comedy Spot.
Local Markets
If you’re looking to explore the local markets, head to the Midtown Farmers Market, which is held every Saturday and features over 50 vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts. Another market to check out is the Sacramento Antique Faire, which is held on the second Sunday of every month and features over 300 vendors selling vintage and antique items.
Beaches and Mountains
If you’re looking for some beach time, head to the nearby Lake Tahoe, which offers stunning beaches and crystal clear waters. If you’re looking for some mountain adventure, head to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where you can hike, ski, and snowboard at some of the top resorts in the area.
Cultural Immersion
The Greater Sacramento area is home to many cultural attractions, including the California State Indian Museum, which showcases the history and culture of California’s indigenous people. Another cultural attraction is the Crocker Art Museum, which features a vast collection of American and European art.
Art and Music Scene
The Greater Sacramento area has a thriving art and music scene, with many galleries and live music venues to explore. Some of the top galleries include the Elliott Fouts Gallery and the Blue Line Arts Gallery. If you’re looking for live music, check out the Ace of Spades, which hosts some of the top bands and musicians in the area.
Walking Tours
If you’re looking to explore the city on foot, there are many walking tours to choose from. Some of the top tours include the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery Tour and the Midtown Mural Tour, which takes you through the vibrant street art scene in Midtown Sacramento.
Architectural Marvels
The Greater Sacramento area is home to many architectural marvels, including the California State Capitol Building and the Tower Bridge. Another architectural gem to check out is the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, which features stunning stained-glass windows and intricate carvings.
Historical Sites
If you’re a history buff, the Greater Sacramento area has many historical sites to explore. Some of the top sites include the Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park and the California State Railroad Museum. Another historical site to check out is the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park, which was once the home of California’s first governor.
Biking Routes
If you’re a fan of biking, the Greater Sacramento area has many biking routes to choose from. Some of the top routes include the American River Parkway Trail and the Folsom South Canal Trail. Another popular route is the Sacramento River Parkway Trail, which takes you through the scenic riverfront area.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate, the Greater Sacramento area has many wellness retreats to choose from. Some of the top retreats include the Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary and the Lake Tahoe Yoga and Wellness Retreat. Another popular retreat is the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm, which offers yoga and meditation classes in a serene natural setting.
Adventure Sports
The Greater Sacramento area is home to many adventure sports, including rock climbing, kayaking, and skiing. Some of the top adventure sports to try include whitewater rafting on the American River and skiing at the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains. Another popular activity is rock climbing at the Auburn State Recreation Area, which offers some of the best rock climbing in the area.
As you can see, the Greater Sacramento area has something for everyone, and the RTC bus system is a great way to explore all that the area has to offer. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, or cultural immersion, the Greater Sacramento area has it all. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!