Staycation ideas: Staying in Sacramento for Labor Day

Labor Day weekend is right around the corner, marking the unofficial end of summer. Many people celebrate the long weekend with camping trips, or other out-of-town excursions. But why fight traffic, pay inflated prices, and deal with the crowds when you can relax at home instead? A staycation can be just as fun as a getaway with the added benefit of being affordable and stress-free. Whether you prefer unwinding in a luxurious hotel,  exploring the outdoors, or indulging in local events,  Sacramento offers a variety of options to make your staycation one to remember.

Staycation-Friendly Hotels in the Greater Sacramento Area

If you’re looking to truly escape without leaving town, consider booking a stay at one of Sacramento’s top hotels. These accommodations provide the perfect blend of luxury and convenience, allowing you to unwind in style.

Photo courtesy of The Citizen Hotel Sacramento

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
Located in the heart of Downtown Sacramento, the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel offers a chic urban retreat with rooftop views, a stunning pool deck, and easy access to local attractions like Golden 1 Center and the DOCO shopping district. Enjoy contemporary rooms, gourmet dining at the on-site restaurant, and the option to explore nearby city events.

The Citizen Hotel
Experience old-world charm at The Citizen Hotel, an Autograph Collection property that combines historic architecture with modern amenities. Situated close to the State Capitol, this boutique hotel is perfect for history buffs and those who appreciate unique design. Don’t miss the Grange Restaurant & Bar, where you can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine in an elegant setting.

The Westin Sacramento
For those who prefer a riverside retreat, The Westin Sacramento offers a tranquil setting along the banks of the Sacramento River. This luxurious hotel features spacious rooms with river views, a serene spa, and an outdoor pool. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation, with nearby access to the scenic River Walk Park and bike trails.

Hyatt Regency Sacramento
Centrally located across from the State Capitol, the Hyatt Regency Sacramento offers a blend of comfort and convenience. The hotel boasts modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and easy access to downtown’s attractions, including museums, theaters, and shopping. It’s a great choice for those who want to be in the middle of the action while enjoying premium accommodations.

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Labor Day Events in Sacramento

• Chalk it Up. Now in its 34th year, this community event in midtown Sacramento brings together professional and amateur chalk artists to decorate the sidewalks surrounding Fremont Park. Held Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the family-friendly event also plays host to more than a dozen local musicians. There will be a beer and wine garden and local food trucks as well. Best of all, proceeds benefit youth art programs.
• Foodie Land Night Market. This annual night market, held at Cal Expo in the Arden Arcade area, brings together hundreds of multicultural food vendors. You can find everything from Korean corndogs to Portuguese egg tarts, Navajo fry bread to Argentinian empanadas. Plus, there’ll be arts & crafts, games, and entertainment for the whole family. The event will be held Aug. 30–Sept. 1 and tickets must be purchased in advance.
• Sac Anime. Pop culture with an anime twist is the focus of this popular event held at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Downtown Sacramento. This year, the guest of honor will be Jodi Benson, voice of the Little Mermaid and Barbie in Toy Story 2 and 3. Also appearing is illustrator Bill Morrison, best known for his work on The Simpsons comics. The event features panel discussions, workshops, autograph sessions, a cosplay masquerade, gaming, and more.
• Sacramento Free Day of Yoga. Every wanted to know the difference between downward facing dog and happy baby? Warrior 1 and warrior 2? You can practice these poses and more during this annual event, held Sept. 2 at various yoga studios throughout the Sacramento area, including Citrus Heights, Davis, West Sacramento, and Folsom. All classes are free, but some may request pre-registration.
• Afro Soca One Love Festival. Held Sunday, Sept. 1 from 4–10 p.m., this family-friendly block party and carnival features the best of afrobeats, soca, reggaetón, dancehall, reggae, hip hop and RnB music. Held near the California Automobile Museum in downtown Sacramento, it also features food vendors dishing up African-American, Caribbean, African and Afro-Latin cuisine, plus local artisan vendors. Tickets can be purchased in advance and children 16 and under are free!
• Zin Fest. Do you love wine? Do you especially love the fruity, spicy flavor of a California Zinfandel? Then head to Fair Play this Labor Day weekend for Zin Fest, which celebrates all things Zinfandel! Tickets include food and wine pairings at five local wineries, plus live music and a keepsake glass. Tickets are available for both Saturday and Sunday and special reduced rates are available for designated drivers. Speaking of wine, you can also book the Old Vine Express, a special wine train run by the River Fox Train in West Sacramento. Saturday’s train features the wine from Matchbook Wines, an award-winery located in Yolo County.

Other Things to Do in Sacramento on Labor Day Weekend

See Some Live Music

Being that Labor Day weekend is essentially a three-day celebration, enjoying some live music may be in order. Luckily, there are several opportunities for live music. In addition to Chalk it Up mentioned above, you can also kick off the weekend early at Rhythm on the River in West Sacramento on Thursday, Aug. 29. Held at Drakes at The Barn, the free, family-friendly event features old school Latin tunes and food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Other live music events on Labor Day weekend include Live on the Boulevard in El Dorado Hills, featuring the Folsom Lake Symphony on Thursday, Aug. 29; Music on Main in Winters on Friday, Aug. 30; and a free Friday night concert in Rancho Cordova, featuring Cripple Creek Band. Also on Friday is the Hot Summer Nights Concert Series in Elk Grove.

Catch a Baseball Game

Photo courtesy of River Cats

Nothing says summer like a good, old-fashioned baseball game. The Sacramento River Cats are playing the Las Vegas Aviators every day over the three-day weekend, so you can bring the whole family and make a day (or night) of it. Saturday, Aug. 31 is Wild West Night, with a special all-you-can-eat BBQ dinner, live music and post-game fireworks; special ticket packs are available.

Spend Time on the Water

One of the best ways to soak in the last rays of summer is to spend some time on the water. Renting a raft and floating down the mellow American River is a popular Labor Day activity for both adults and children alike. Or, if you need a bit more adrenaline, head to the Coloma/Lotus area and take a guided whitewater trip. If flat water is more your jam, you can always swim, boat, paddle, or picnic at Folsom Lake near Granite Bay and Folsom, Jenkinson Lake near Pollock Pines, Rollins Lake near Colfax, or Scotts Flat Lake near Nevada City.

Step into El Dorado County’s real estate market. 

No matter what you choose to do, you don’t need to hit the road to enjoy Labor Day weekend. Often, good times are found right in your own backyard. Whether you want to celebrate your community, hear some great music, explore the outdoors or indulge in some great food and wine, the greater Sacramento region has plenty of options to make your Labor Day staycation one to remember.