7 Fantastic Food Tours In Sacramento

Sacramento isn’t just California’s capital; it’s a city that takes food seriously. Its reputation as the Farm-to-Fork Capital means you’ll find local ingredients woven into every dish and a lively eating scene reflected in its diverse neighborhoods. Unlike cookie-cutter food tours, Sacramento offers experiences that highlight its history, art, and local flavors — all served up with a side of storytelling. Whether you’re into historic architecture, vibrant murals, or sampling farm-fresh bites, this guide covers the 7 best food tours in Sacramento, each with its own unique twist.

In this list, you’ll find options that explore downtown’s historic streets, the colorful murals of Midtown, and the old-time charm of Old Sacramento. Some tours focus on local history, while others emphasize art, architecture, and culinary craftsmanship. We’ve included tours with excellent reviews, great value, and experiences that stand out for their authenticity. Whether you’re after a quick taste or a leisurely exploration, our guide will help you pick the perfect food adventure in Sacramento.

Quick Overview

Sacramento’s food scene shines through a variety of walking tours. Some, like the Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour, combine history with bites from local eateries. Others focus on Midtown’s street art and craft beer at Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour. For a more intimate experience, the Sacramento Sutter District History and Food Walking Tour offers small-group tastings. Finally, tours in Old Sacramento, like the Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour, transport you back to the Gold Rush era while sampling classic bites. Each provides a distinct look at Sacramento’s culinary and cultural roots.

1. Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour

Starting with the Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour, this 3-hour walk dives into Sacramento’s past while sampling local favorites. You’ll stroll down the city’s original main street, hearing stories from the 1800s that shaped its character. The tour includes stops at eateries that source ingredients locally, offering small bites and artisanal treats, making it a feast for both your eyes and your palate.

What makes this tour stand out is its combination of history and food with a knowledgeable guide who shares stories about Sacramento’s architecture, art scene, and cultural evolution. Expect to visit around five different spots, with vegetarian options available, and sample everything from small bites to locally made products. The reviews praise Dawnie’s wealth of knowledge and her friendly approach, with many calling it an “incredible experience.”

Bottom line: If you want a well-rounded introduction to Sacramento’s historical streets and food culture, this tour offers excellent value at $98 per person. It’s perfect for history buffs and food lovers who enjoy stories as much as bites.

2. Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour

Next up is the Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour, a 3.5-hour exploration of this lively district. This tour focuses on the area’s colorful murals, galleries, and architecture. You’ll learn about Midtown’s artistic vibe while stopping into some of its favorite eateries for tastings that include locally made sausage, seasonal salads, stir-fry noodles, and sweet treats. Light drinks such as craft beer are also on offer.

What makes this tour particularly engaging is its focus on art and culinary craftsmanship. Your guide shares insights into Midtown’s street art and its role in shaping the neighborhood’s identity. Guests love the leisurely pace and the opportunity to connect with local chefs and shop owners. The reviews emphasize the quality of food and the depth of cultural insight, with many recommending it highly.

Bottom line: If you’re interested in combining visual art, local history, and delicious bites, this tour offers a well-balanced experience for around $98.

3. Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour

For a more intimate exploration of Midtown, the Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour provides a 3-hour journey through the district’s best local eats. This tour includes stops where you might try a Banh Mi taco, Louisiana-style gumbo, or a salty caramel macaron ice cream sandwich. Your guide will share insider knowledge about the dishes and the artists behind Midtown’s murals, making it a multi-sensory experience.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on individual dishes and local street art, with a chance to see murals created by internationally recognized artists. Guests rave about the guide’s knowledge and the variety of flavors offered. It’s ideal for those wanting a cultural and culinary snapshot of Sacramento in a shorter time frame.

Bottom line: If tasting diverse dishes while soaking in Midtown’s artistic vibe sounds appealing, this tour delivers a memorable experience for $125 per person.

4. Sacramento Sutter District History and Food Walking Tour

At number 4 on our list, the Sacramento Sutter District History and Food Walking Tour offers a small-group experience limited to 14 people. This tour explores Sutter’s Fort, the starting point of Sacramento’s growth, through tree-lined streets and local eateries. You’ll taste dishes like pork spring rolls, organic coffee, and chocolate cookies, all while learning about the district’s development and history.

What makes this tour stand out is its small-group intimacy and its balance of history and food. The guide’s extensive knowledge of the district’s past and the food scene ensures a personalized experience. Guests appreciate the generous tastings and the chance to explore off-the-beaten-path eateries. The reviews highlight the interesting history and delicious food, with one noting that the guide “shared lots of historical info and local restaurant tips.”

Bottom line: Perfect for history enthusiasts who want a more personalized exploration, this tour delivers a great mix of local history and authentic bites at $98 per person.

5. Sacramento: Historical Old Town and Food Walking Tour

This Historical Old Town and Food Walking Tour offers a 2.5-hour dive into Sacramento’s Gold Rush past. Walking through the Old Sacramento Waterfront district, you’ll visit historic buildings, sample local foods, and hear stories about fires, floods, and the city’s early days. The focus is on local delicacies and historic sights, making it ideal for those interested in California’s early days.

Guests praise the guide’s knowledge and the fun foods they sample along the way, such as specialty treats in a district that feels like a step back in time. With a rating of 4.8/5, it’s a shorter but rich experience that combines history with taste.

Bottom line: If your interest is history with a side of food, this tour at $115 provides a fun, quick immersion into Sacramento’s Gold Rush era.

6. Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour

The Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour is a 2.5-hour tour that takes you through the cobbled streets and wooden sidewalks of Old Sacramento. The tour emphasizes fire, flood, and gold rush stories while sampling some of the district’s best foods. You’ll visit about five eateries, tasting items like organic coffee, pork spring rolls, and chocolate cookies.

What makes this tour appealing is its historic setting combined with generous tastings and its small-group format. Many reviewers mention the guide’s storytelling ability, making the experience both educational and fun. The tour ends with full bellies and a deeper appreciation of Sacramento’s early history.

Bottom line: For those interested in Gold Rush history and local eats, this $115 tour offers a well-rounded afternoon in Old Sacramento.

7. Sacramento: Discover Midtown – Delicious Walking Food Tour

Topping off the list is the Sacramento: Discover Midtown, a 3-hour walk through Midtown’s art, food, and culture. The tour features tastings of 5-6 farm-fresh bites, visits to hidden gems, and stories about the local food scene. You’ll sample regional flavors, sip craft cocktails or mocktails, and admire street art by renowned artists.

What makes this experience stand out is its focus on insider stories and the opportunity to meet chefs and shop owners. The reviews are brief but enthusiastic, with one simply saying, “Loved it!” The tour is suitable for those who want a comprehensive taste of Midtown’s culinary and artistic life.

Bottom line: For a well-rounded, engaging walk that combines food and art at $125, this tour is an excellent choice for those with limited time but a broad curiosity.

How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Sacramento

Picking the best tour depends on your interests and schedule. If you love history and small-group intimacy, the Sacramento Sutter District Tour is a strong pick. For art lovers and those wanting a more visual experience, the Midtown Arts and Food Tour offers murals and galleries along with tastings. Budget-conscious travelers should consider the Old Sacramento tours for their compact, informative format.

Think about your time availability—most tours are around 3 hours, but Old Sacramento’s shorter options are great for a quick exploration. If you’re interested in local ingredients and farm-fresh flavors, the Discover Midtown tour offers a good balance of food, art, and insider stories. And if history is your priority, the Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour combines food with vivid storytelling about Sacramento’s past.

Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure spots on these popular experiences.

Final Thoughts

Sacramento’s food tours showcase the city’s culinary diversity, historic charm, and artistic flair. Whether you prefer the history-rich streets of Old Sacramento, the colorful murals of Midtown, or the historic Sutter District, there’s a tour that fits your style and schedule. For a comprehensive experience, combining a walking tour with local tastings is the best way to understand what makes Sacramento special.

For first-timers, the Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour and the Discover Midtown are excellent starting points. More specialized trips like the Sutter District are perfect if you enjoy a smaller, more tailored experience. Whatever your choice, booking early guarantees a spot in these popular culinary adventures, ensuring a memorable taste of Sacramento.