Sacramento's tourist areas are usually safe, including Old Sacramento and most of downtown. Common sense should prevent most problems—be aware of your surroundings and use good judgment at all times. The downtown theater district and the area around the Capitol are frequented by panhandlers but are otherwise safe. Use extra caution at night, especially when walking on the K Street mall.
If you are unsure about the safety of a neighborhood, check with your hotel concierge or at the front desk before venturing there, especially at night.
Dos & Don'ts
Don't smoke in public buildings: California has stringent no-smoking laws, and smokers will be hard-pressed to find a place to light up. Smoking is not permitted inside any building, within 20 ft/6 m of the entrance to any building, or in any public place—outdoors or not.
Do take quarters if you are going to drive downtown. Most streets are metered, and parking enforcement is aggressive, particularly in Old Sacramento.
Do wear comfortable walking shoes and take a light sweater for cooler evenings—even during the summer.
