North Sacramento - Sacramento, CA

North Sacramento was a city from 1924, when it was incorporated, until it merged with Sacramento in 1964. Visitors can explore the history of the area with a trip to one of the museums downtown. The Sacramento History Museum showcases artifacts from the Gold Rush and a historic print shop. Be sure to tour the Governors Mansion State Historic Park to view the historic building and learn about California history. To view artwork, visit the Crocker Art Museum, which has galleries of art from around the world and rotating exhibitions.

The McLellan Conference Center provides the venue for the Art of Beer Invitational. At this annual festival, breweries serve samples of their beers and Sacramento restaurants serve their signature dishes. People view artwork from local artists and bid on pieces during the art auction. The facility also houses the Aerospace Museum, which displays aircraft from different eras of flight.

North Sacramento houses many types of restaurants, most of which can be found along Truxel Road or Northgate Boulevard. An upscale breakfast at The Waffle Experience makes the perfect start to a weekend morning. The incorporation of waffles into each dish creates a twist on traditional favorites, such as eggs benedict served atop an apple waffle. The Farmer and Dell, a signature dish, features country fried steak, eggs and gravy piled onto a cracked pepper waffle. Be sure to arrive early on Sundays, because the restaurant fills up quickly.

To satisfy a craving for Thai food, head to Thai Spoon for avocado curry or drunken noodles. Fried roti topped with coconut ice cream makes a sweet ending to the meal, and vegetarians enjoy many meatless options on the menu. The restaurant has a loyal following of lunch customers who take advantage of specials on weekdays.

To enjoy fine dining in North Sacramento, reserve a table overlooking the scenic American River at Pearl on the River, an upscale seafood restaurant. Many people consider the clam chowder to be the best in the area, and customers also rave about the smoked salmon pizza. An extensive drink menu and elegant decor make the restaurant a popular spot for special occasion dinners.

Nightlife options consist mainly of a few bars. Locals go to Cheers Sports Bar to hang out with friends and watch the game on one of the televisions. Patrons also play darts or billiards while enjoying one of the many beers on tap. Although no night clubs exist in North Sacramento, a short drive to downtown yields many options for clubs and bars.

Many people use cars to get around the neighborhood, and businesses usually provide free parking. Bike lanes on most roads make cycling through the neighborhood a popular option, and residents also use the wide sidewalks for walking. Sacramento Regional Transit operates several bus routes through the neighborhood. Uber services the area, and residents can call a taxi company to arrange a cab ride.

Interstate 880 and State Route 99 run through the neighborhood, making it easy to get out of town. Residents can also take a bus ride to the Amtrak station located downtown. As one of the busiest Amtrak locations in the state, this station allows riders to access major cities, including Seattle, Denver and the Bay area.

Several natural areas in North Sacramento provide opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Discovery Park runs along the edge of the American River, and people enjoy relaxing on the banks and launching boats or jet skis into the water. Basketball courts and an archery range provide recreational opportunities. Bicyclists frequent the park to use the 32 miles of bike trails. Picnic shelters make the area a popular spot for birthday parties and gatherings. The park serves as a venue for the California Brewers Festival where craft brewers serve samples of their beers. Aftershock Festival, a large music festival that features many bands, also takes place annually in the park. Using the park does not cost, but there is a $5 fee for parking.

Residents take their dogs to North Natomas Regional Park to let them exercise. Children can play on the playground or cool off in the water spray area. The park also houses an amphitheater that regularly hosts movie screenings. Hansen Ranch Park Site has little in the way of amenities, but the open natural spaces attract nature lovers who explore the wilderness. The Audobon Society takes trips through the park for a chance to see heron and egret rookeries in the spring.

Residents of North Sacramento enjoy a cost of living 7 percent lower than the Sacramento average. The median monthly rent on a one-bedroom residence runs around $936, and gas prices remain 7 percent higher than the national average. Expect to pay around $6 for a pint of beer at a local pub. Taking a Sacramento Regional Transit bus from North Sacramento to downtown costs $2.50.

North Sacramento provides ample shopping opportunities, with more high-value stores than boutiques. The adjacent shopping complexes of Natomas Marketplace and Sacramento Gateway contain Walmart, Target and Best Buy. Locals shop for groceries at Safeway, Raley's and Food Maxx. The weekly farmers market in the Target parking lot features local produce, flowers and live music.

Prepare to bike through Sacramento by picking up a helmet or footwear at Natomas bike shop. Locals also stop in to ask for biking advice from the staff or to get bike repairs done. Monthly specials offer deep discounts on merchandise, attracting many customers as well.

To shop at a boutique, drive across the American River into Midtown and visit Rire. Because the staff handpicks merchandise from small-scale designers, the tops and dresses sold here have a unique and distinctive style lacking from large chain retailers. Accessories, such as scarves or handmade jewelry, provide the finishing touches to any outfit.