|
See photos & get details---an Interstate 5 Road Trip Planner to adventure! Updated February 14, 2007. Related info--- HOME :: Latest News :: Interstate 5 Road Maps :: Interstate 5 Road Trip Planner :: Sacramento Area Outlet Malls :: Northern California Outlet Mall Index Interstate 5 Road Trip Planner--I-5, California's "Highway through History"History buffs love visiting Old Sacramento
Here's an Interstate 5 Road Trip Planner, in case you might be driving to the Los Angeles theme parks from Western Canada, Washington, Oregon or northern California. Let me point out, though, that there are actually TWO freeways running parallel down through central California. There's I-5, as you know...and the other is California Hwy. 99. It's a fine road, too, and if you leave I-5 to view some of Central California's attractions, you'll perhaps find yourself taking CA 99 for a stretch.If you've been driving south along I-5 from afar, by the time you reach Sacramento, you might be ready for a break! A major family attraction in this city is the Old Sacramento area, in which a number of the city's original buildings have been gussied-up for a shopping/dining/office area. For a not-so-common diversion, you can take a sight-seeing tour out on the Sacramento River aboard the "Spirit of Sacramento." If you also decide to tour the California State Railroad Museum, you'll find exhibits, a film, and a number of restored train cars to explore. Though I haven't been to this particular railroad museum, I recently took my grandkids to a similar one in Golden, Colorado. They enjoyed it even more than I did, racing from train to train, and feeling the compulsion to board every single one of them! So, yes, I'd say this would indeed be a good activity for "getting the wiggles out" after a long drive. Best of all--kids under 17 get in free! If you stop to visit Old Sacramento, then you're also near the California State Capitol Building, you might want to take the family on a self-guided tour. This is one of the USA's lovliest, mosts stately Capitol building, and it's centered in a green, park-like setting featuring shrubs and plants from around the world. And, who knows? Maybe you'll get to see "The Governator" on your visit! (Isn't it SO fitting that California's governor is an actor? And, as you know, Arnold S. ISN'T the first actor to land this lofty role!) Interstate 5 Road Trip Planner -- Gold Country!
Do you have time for a side trip on your way to Los Angeles? If so, Sacramento is the gateway to California's "Gold Rush Country," where relics of the state's mining history are ever-present.On the left, you see a photo of Columbia State Park, which showcases authentic old-west buildings and is, in effect, a walk-through museum of the California gold rush days. And yet, even though buildings have been restored to their 1850's Gold Rush appearance, this town isn't totally a museum, either. Columbia's population shrank considerably after the Gold Rush, yet it never totally became a ghost town, either. People have really been living here since the "olden days!" Columbia State Historic Park is great for families, because this is one "museum" where the kids won't have to tip-toe and keep hush-hush quiet. This old-fashioned town is all about exploring--just what kids always love to do! For further information about making a sidetrip to this interesting settlement, use the following link to visit the
Columbia State Historic Park official website.
Why isn't this called "Sutter's Historic Park" then? Well, James Marshall was hired by Mr. Sutter to build a lumber mill here...and during the process of doing just that, HE was the person to first spot the gold---and NOT Sutter himself! Would you like to pay a visit to this historis spot where gold was discovered...and started the huge western migration which followed? If so, you might be interested in the visitor's info you can find at the
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park official website.
Interstate 5 Road Trip Planner -- Incomparable Yosemite National Park
Central California is even more well-known for its natural scenic beauty than it is for its Gold Rush history. Here, you'll find the VERY, VERY popular Yosemite National Park, famous for its lush greenery, towering and distinctive mountains (like Half Dome), and tall, flowing water falls.To get to Yosemite, you'll have to detour off of I-5, so if you're in a hurry this trip, you might not be able to spare the time. But one day...sooner or later...you'll surely make your way to Yosemite, one of the high points of our National Park system. Camping is a highlight here...but, remember that in the summer months, camping is a VERY popular thing to do at Yosemite. Luckily, if you know in advance, you can make reservations through the Park Service. You may use the following link to learn more Park Service info for planning your Yosemite sidetrip at the
Yosemite National Park official website.
Interstate 5 Road Trip Planner -- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
If you'd like to see the famous National Parks of Sequoia and Kings Canyon, now's your chance! On your road trip down I-5, you'll pass closer to Sequoia National Park than you will on any other US Interstate Highway. True...once again you'll have to detour off the freeway. But you'll be rewarded by glimpsing the largest trees in the world!(I'll mention that there's actually 2 kinds of "large." The redwoods of northern California are the world's TALLEST trees. The giant sequoias of central California are the most MASSIVE because of their greater girth. Because sequoia trees are so big around, they contain more wood than the taller California redwoods.) Be sure to take a short hike out to see some of these trees. In person, you'll get a greater sense of their true size than when you're simply riding by in the car. In fact, you'll be awed by their size! As always, the National Park Service has interesting exhibits and informative tidbits in the visitor's centers at both Sequoia National Park AND Kings Canyon National Park. In addition, you can enjoy campfire talks by a naturalist, go fishing, or even take a horse trip through the back country. Camping is also available in this beautiful area. For more info on visiting these awesome national parks, use the following link to view the
The Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park official website.
(Information about these two national parks can be found together on this one website.) Quickly add this page to your Social Bookmarks:
Backwards Links: Back HOME... ...Back to "USA Road Trip"... ...Back to the top of "Interstate 5 Road Trip Planner: (THIS page)... Select a different I-5 Road Trip page: Interstate 5 Road Maps :: Sacramento Area Outlet Malls :: Northern California Outlet Mall Index
Tense? Running around in circles? Isn't it time that you planned a vacation?! (Let this site help!)
|
As you check out these photos, it's easy to see that these are no theme park re-creations here! You'll be immersed in the real thing. Will these echos of the past really interest the kiddies in your clan? Maybe not, but kids are always ready to get out, stretch, and keep their eyes out for something interesting. They just might see a paddle-wheeler on the river here...or a train chugging by. Why? Because 2 of Old Sacramento's family attractions happen to be the "Spirit of Sacramento" historic river boat and the California State Railroad Museum...and BOTH are activities which kids enjoy.
The Discovery Museum History Center is also in Old Sacramento, and though I haven't been in this museum personally, it seems to offer something for the whole family. For history buffs, plenty of juicy tidbits about the past can be found, while kids should enjoy the "hands-on" exhibits. This museum is run by the folks at the child-pleasing Discovery Museum Science and Space center, so they have the experience and know-how to "do it right."
Also in Gold Rush Country you'll find the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (in Coloma.) There is a replica of the now-famous Sutter's Mill here, along with a museum of artifacts from the mill site.
On the other hand, if this trip finds you with time to spare, Yosemite National Park can provide you with outdoor adventure and educational fun. Fill your brain with interesting info at the park's visitor's center, then fill your heart with wonder as you hike the woodsy trails. At Yosemite, you can enjoy a short walk with the kids---or backpack for days! Other Yosemite activities include fishing (license required), ranger-led walks, tram tours, horseback tours, and bicycle rentals.
