Sacramento, the capital of California, should definitely be considered when it comes to shopping. While your mind may go straight to the likes of Tinsel Town or Beverly Hills for west coast splurging, Sactown has its own artisanal, down-to-earth style to reel you in.
On the hunt for a unique Gold Rush-inspired souvenir to memorialize your trip? Looking to treat yourself to the perfect, designer handbag? Want to see what all the ‘Farm-to-Fork’ fuss is about at Sacramento’s famous farmers markets? Here, not knowing what you’ll find is the best part of the shopping experience.
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Old Sacramento Waterfront
A historic shopping center off the east bank of the Sacramento River
- History
- Shoppers
Old Sacramento Waterfront is a 28-acre district boasting over 125 attractions. Located in downtown Sacramento on the east side of the Sacramento River, it is notable because it is a National Historic Landmark and State Historic Park due to its connections to the Gold Rush. Shoppers will notice the historic atmosphere that has stayed intact over time.
The range of shopping options is vast, including chic clothing boutiques; gift shops; western-themed general stores and trading posts; jewelers; and specialty imported goods from Mexico, Africa, Italy, and Peru. Salons and restaurants in the district offer shoppers a respite after perusing all Old Sacramento Waterfront has to offer.
Location: 1014 2nd St #200, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
Phone: +1 916- 970-5226
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Folsom Boulevard
Anything goes at this well-known flea market
- Budget
- Food
- Shoppers
As the name states, Folsom Boulevard Flea Market is located on Folsom Boulevard in East Sacramento. This weekend flea market is an assembly of the eclectic. Since 1963, vendors and shoppers have congregated here to exchange all kinds of treasures imaginable.
The space is big enough to hold 450 vendors, and there is never a guarantee what you will find–perhaps a beloved antique, hand-crafted furniture, or homemade preserve. The mystery is what makes Folsom Boulevard Flea Market fun. There is no admission fee, so it’s even more worth it to stop by and peruse.
Location: 8521 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95826, USA
Open: Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 4 pm
Phone: +1 916-383-0880
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Sacramento Central Farmers’ Market
Locally grown produce for a reasonable price
- Budget
- Food
- Shoppers
Sacramento Central Farmers Market is a large, open-air Sunday market offering California’s finest in fresh food. Talking to the farmers who grew the food is a major perk of shopping at a market like this one. The majority of the vendors sell California-grown fruits and vegetables, but some sell snacks, pastries, or homemade crafts. Locals recommend arriving early to get the best pick of produce or stay late and snag the end-of-day deals.
The market is conveniently located off the I-80 business loop–known locally as the Capital City Freeway or Cap City Freeway–with plenty of street parking nearby.
Location: 1689 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95815, USA
Open: Sunday from 8 am to noon
Phone: +1 916-688-0100
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The Ice Blocks
Sacramento’s artsiest shopping experience
- Food
- Luxury
- Shoppers
Shoppers looking for a trendy, upscale experience will be delighted by the stores at Ice Blocks–a new-comer to the area that opened in 2019. The shopping center consists of three blocks of indoor stores split up between buildings dubbed “Ice Shops,” “Ice House,” and “Ice Shed.” Located in the Warehouse District in Midtown on historic R Street, visitors can expect to find familiar department brands alongside artisanal goods and boutiques.
Come for the shopping, stay for the gourmet food and drinks and modern art installations, including murals, statues, and pop-up art shows.
Location: 1715 R St, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA
Open: Daily from 6 am to 8 pm
Phone: +1 916-638-2400
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Sundays Asian Farmers Market
This farmers market draws in crowds year-round
- Budget
- Food
- Shoppers
Sacramento is known as the nation’s Farm-to-Fork capital, so it’s no surprise that farmers markets are a popular weekend outing. The Asian Farmers Market is one that is easy to get to– conveniently located downtown off of Broadway Street.
It’s a smaller market, only open on Sunday mornings, but packs in plenty of vendors selling vegetables, fruit, and fish that are traditional in Asian cuisine at reasonable prices. This is the place to load up on Napa cabbage, bok choy, long beans, Thai basil, sugar cane, nigauri (a variety of melon), and other hard-to-find produce.
Location: 431 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818, USA
Open: Sunday from 8 am to noon
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Arden Fair
Arden Fair proves shopping malls are making a comeback
- Shoppers
Arden Fair is not the shopping mall you remember strolling with friends as a teenager. Instead, Arden Fair, located in northern Sacramento has a lively atmosphere.
It contains a lot of what you’d expect: dependable department stores, the smell of warm cinnamon rolls to guide your way, and specialty stores selling calendars and the like. It also plays host to the unexpected: art exhibits, Instagrammable installations, live entertainment, and free kid-friendly events every month.
Location: 1689 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95815, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday from 11 am – 7 pm
Phone: +1 916-920-1167
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Downtown Commons (DOCO)
A centralized hub for shopping and nightlife
- Nightlife
- Shoppers
Located on K Street in Downtown Sacramento, Downtown Commons affords visitors a trendy open-air shopping experience with convenience you can only get in a bigger city. Though the selection of stores is smaller, it feels more curated with only a couple of department stores, clothing boutiques (including stores that cater to men and to children), and a luxury salon.
Beyond shopping, visitors of DOCO can easily enjoy Sacramento nightlife without leaving the area. The district has bars in prime locations, a movie theater, and is flanked by Golden 1 Center where local NBA team, Sacramento Kings, play.
Location: 405 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
Open: Daily from 11 am to 8 pm
Phone: +1 916-237-8124
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Delta Shores
A true one-stop shopping center
- Shoppers
Located in south Sacramento, Delta Shores is a large shopping center outside of the city center. The easiest way to get there is by car (parking is a cinch), but it is also possible to get there by bus or by light rail combined with a 20-minute walk.
Delta Shores is relatively new, opening in 2018, and yet still expanding. Shoppers will find all their familiar favorites here (department stores, specialty brands, fast food, a movie theater) and then some in a clean, well-maintained space that is easy to maneuver.
Location: 8270 Delta Shores Cir S, Sacramento, CA 95832, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 9 pm
Phone: +1 916-853-1540
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Westfield Galleria at Roseville
Westfield Galleria gives you permission to splurge
- Families
- Shoppers
Only a short drive northeast of Sacramento is Westfield Galleria in Roseville, California. This shopping mall is well-organized and bursting with top brands selling clothes, jewelry, home goods, kids toys, and more. If you’re searching for the best designer items, Westfield Galleria at Roseville is home to many luxury, name-brand storefronts, as well.
Beyond shopping: the shopping center hosts themed events year-round and special art exhibits from time to time. Families with young kids can also enjoy the Westfield Playspace. The on-site movie theater is another popular attraction.
Location: 1151 Galleria Blvd, Roseville, CA 95678, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Phone: +1 916-787-2000
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Folsom Premium Outlets
No buyer’s remorse here
- Budget
- Shoppers
Bargain hunters looking for the latest styles won’t want to miss a trip to the Folsom Premium Outlets, 20 miles northeast of Sacramento. From athletic apparel to brand name accessories and shoes, these storefronts offer the same items you love, but often at a deeply discounted price and usually a season behind.
Folsom Premium Outlets is a self-contained outdoor mall that is big enough to keep you entertained for most of the day, but not so big that you must drive to reach all the shops. Unlike other outlet malls, this one is out of the way of high-traffic areas and tends to be less crowded, making it a more enjoyable and less chaotic shopping experience for travelers passing through.
Location: 13000 Folsom Blvd, Folsom, CA 95630, USA
Open: Daily from 11 am to 7 pm
Phone: +1 916-985-0312
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