Sacramento may not be as internationally famous as San Francisco or Los Angeles, but it has quietly grown into a foodie haven. Thanks to its Farm-to-Fork reputation, the city offers fresh, locally sourced ingredients that shine in its diverse culinary scene. We particularly love tours that combine history, art, and cuisine, like the Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour — a perfect way to learn about California’s capital while indulging in delicious bites. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or just someone who appreciates good food, Sacramento’s food tours serve up a genuine taste of the city’s flavor and character.
What makes Sacramento especially appealing for food tours is its combination of historic districts, lively neighborhoods, and innovative eateries. You’ll walk past murals, explore historic streets, and sample dishes from cafes that emphasize local ingredients. These tours are practical, engaging, and offer a great way to get around while discovering the city’s unique culinary culture.
Quick Overview
Our list features seven of the best food tours in Sacramento, each with a distinct focus. Some highlight historic districts, like the Sutter District, offering a blend of history and food in a small-group setting. Others, such as the Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour, focus on art, murals, and eclectic eateries. For those interested in a more extensive exploration of Midtown, the Sacramento: Discover Midtown provides an immersive experience with farm-fresh bites and stories from local chefs. The tours vary from 2.5 to 3.5 hours, with prices around $98 to $125 per person, making them accessible and full of local flavor.
Now, let’s look at each experience in detail to help you decide which fits your interests and schedule best.
1. Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour
At number 1, the Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour stands out for its perfect mix of history and local cuisine. Priced at $98 per person, it lasts about three hours and takes you down Sacramento’s original main street. Here, you’ll learn about the city’s past from the 1800s while tasting local favorites and artisanal treats at several eateries. The guide shares stories about Sacramento’s architecture, art murals, and the city’s cultural renaissance.
What makes this tour unique is the focus on Sacramento’s evolution and how its food scene reflects its history. Reviews highlight guides like Dawnie, who combines storytelling with a friendly approach. Visitors rave about the personalized experience and the opportunity to sample vegetarian options if desired. This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts who want a taste of local culture alongside their bites.
Bottom line: This tour offers a balanced look at Sacramento’s past and present through food, making it perfect for those interested in storytelling and local flavor.
2. Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour
Number 2 is the Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour, a 3.5-hour walk through one of Sacramento’s most colorful districts. For $98, you’ll explore murals, galleries, and architecture while stopping at several eateries for tastings. The guide shares insights on the artistic history of Midtown and its diverse culinary scene.
The tour’s highlights include tasting locally made sausage, seasonal salads, stir fry noodles, and sweets, along with craft beers. Guests appreciate the leisurely pace and the chance to see street art by renowned artists. It’s perfect if you love combining visual art with culinary delights. Reviewers value the informative commentary and the chance to connect with the city’s creative heartbeat.
Bottom line: This tour excels at blending art and food, ideal for those who want a more multi-sensory experience of Sacramento’s trendy neighborhood.
3. Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour
Number 3, the Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour, offers a focused exploration of Midtown’s farm-to-fork scene over three hours. For $125, you’ll taste dishes like Banh Mi tacos, Louisiana gumbo, and caramel macarons, while your guide shares behind-the-scenes stories of the chefs and local inspirations.
This tour’s strength is its intimate, walkable format, with stops at carefully selected eateries. Guests enjoy learning about the local ingredients and culinary traditions that make Sacramento special. The tour is well-suited for those who appreciate small-group experiences and want to taste authentic dishes. Reviewers note the guide’s knowledgeable narration and the variety of flavors.
Bottom line: If you want an up-close and personal look at Midtown’s food scene with a focus on local ingredients, this tour delivers.
4. Sacramento Sutter District History and Food Walking Tour
Number 4, the Sacramento Sutter District History and Food Walking Tour, combines historical insights with tasting sessions in Sacramento’s most popular neighborhood. Limited to just 14 people, this three-hour tour costs $98 per person and focuses on the Sutter District, named after Sutter’s Fort. Your guide introduces you to notable landmarks and off-the-beaten-path eateries.
What makes this tour stand out is its small group size, allowing for more personalized stories and interactions. You’ll sample dishes like organic coffee, pork spring rolls, and chocolate cookies, while learning about Sacramento’s development from the Gold Rush days. Reviewers praise the depth of historical knowledge and the delicious food.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a personalized experience mixing Sacramento’s history with delicious local bites.
5. Sacramento: Historical Old Town and Food Walking Tour
Number 5 on our list is the Sacramento: Historical Old Town and Food Walking Tour. For $115 and about two and a half hours, you explore the Old Sacramento Waterfront, a district that harks back to the Gold Rush era, with cobbled streets and historic buildings.
This tour combines sightseeing and sampling local delicacies. Visitors learn about the fires, floods, and growth that shaped Sacramento. The guide’s storytelling brings the district to life, making history engaging while you taste regional favorites. It’s perfect for those who enjoy shorter, immersive experiences in a historic setting.
Bottom line: A great choice for history-minded travelers wanting to sample local foods in a nostalgic atmosphere.
6. Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour
The Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour offers a two-and-a-half-hour journey through the Gold Rush-era district. For $115, you’ll learn about the city’s history of fires, floods, and growth while enjoying tasty treats at key locations.
The tour’s strength is the historic setting combined with delicious sampling. Visitors rave about the storytelling and the generous food portions. You’ll visit some of the best spots in Old Sacramento, including the California State Railroad Museum. It’s best suited for those interested in history and food in tandem without a long commitment.
Bottom line: Perfect for history and food lovers who want a comprehensive taste of Old Sacramento in a manageable timeframe.
7. Sacramento: Discover Midtown – Delicious Walking Food Tour
Number 7, the Sacramento: Discover Midtown, is a newer, highly-rated experience. Costing $125 for about three hours, it takes you through Midtown’s streets to taste farm-fresh bites and learn about its art and culture. You’ll meet chefs, explore street art, and sip craft cocktails or mocktails.
This tour is ideal if you want a more immersive experience of Midtown’s creative scene, with stories behind the food and colorful street murals. Reviewers highlight the insider insights and the variety of flavors and drinks. It’s best suited for travelers who want to explore local culture, art, and cuisine all in one.
Bottom line: If you’re after a deep dive into Midtown’s food and art, this tour provides a well-rounded experience.
$125 per person
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Sacramento
When selecting your perfect food tour, consider your interests and priorities. If history is your thing, the Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour or the Old Sacramento tours offer compelling stories along with bites. For lovers of art and murals, the Midtown Arts and Food Tour or the Discover Midtown provide colorful street art and local flavor.
Budget-wise, tours range from $98 to $125, with durations from 2.5 to 3.5 hours. For those wanting a more intimate experience, the Sutter District Tour limits groups to 14 people, adding a personal touch.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability. Consider how much walking you’re comfortable with — most tours are about three hours — and whether you want a deep dive into specific neighborhoods or a broader city overview.
Final thoughts
Sacramento’s food tours offer a wonderful window into the city’s flavors, history, and art. Whether you prefer exploring historic districts, marveling at murals, or savoring farm-fresh bites, there’s an option for you. For a comprehensive experience, the Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour and the Discover Midtown stand out as excellent choices. Book early, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare to discover Sacramento’s culinary soul.