ACCOMMODATIONS STAY AWHILE

SACRAMENTO’S BEST PLACES TO STAY

For a list of all Sacramento-area hotels, please visit our online accommodations directory at visitsacramento.com/hotels

DOWNTOWN/OLD SACRAMENTO WATERFRONT

AMBER HOUSE INN OF MIDTOWN, 1315 22nd St. 95816; (916) 444-8085; amberhouse.com

AMERICA’S BEST VALUE INN, 430 16th St. 95814; (916) 444-3670; abvidowntownsacramento.com

BEST WESTERN SANDMAN MOTEL, 236 Jibboom St. 95811; (916) 443-6515; bestwestern.com/prop-05240

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT–SACRAMENTO MIDTOWN, 4422 Y St. 95817; (916) 445-6800; marriott.com/saccy

DELTA KING HOTEL, 1000 Front St. 95814; (800)825-5464, (916) 444-5464; deltaking.com

ECONO LODGE DOWNTOWN, 711 16th St. 95814; (916) 443-6631; choicehotels.com/california/sacramento/econo-lodge-hotels

EMBASSY SUITES SACRAMENTO HOTEL, 100 Capitol Mall 95814; (916) 326-5000; sacramento.embassysuites.com

FORT SUTTER HOTEL, 1308 28th St. 95814; (916) 603-2301; fortsutterhotel.com

HAMPTON INN & SUITES AT CSUS, 1875 65th St. 95819; (916) 451-1135; hilton.com/en/hotels/sacsuhx-hampton-suites-sacramento-at-csus

HOLIDAY INN SACRAMENTO DOWNTOWN–ARENA, 300 J St. 95814; (916) 446-0100; holidayinnsacramento.com

HYATT CENTRIC DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO, 1122 7th St. 95814; (916) 371-7000; hyattcentricdowntownsacramento.com

HYATT REGENCY SACRAMENTO, 1209 L St. 95814; (916) 443-1234; sacramento.regency.hyatt.com

INN OFF CAPITOL PARK, 1530 N St. 95814; (916) 447-8100; innoffcapitolpark.com

KIMPTON SAWYER HOTEL, 500 J St. 95814; (916) 545-7100; sawyerhotel.com

LA QUINTA, 200 Jibboom St. 95811; (916) 448-8100; lq.com

QUALITY INN, 818 15th St. 95814; (916) 444-3980; qualityinn.com/hotel/ca505

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT SACRAMENTO DOWNTOWN AT CAPITOL PARK, 1121 15th St. 95814; (916) 443-0500; marriott.com/sacdt

SHERATON GRAND SACRAMENTO, 1230 J St. 95814; (916) 447-1700; sheraton.com/sacramento

SURESTAY PLUS HOTEL BY BEST WESTERN, 350 Bercut Dr. 95811; (916) 497-0955; heritagehotelgroup.com/sacramento-ca-hotel

VAGABOND EXECUTIVE INN–OLD TOWN, 909 Third St. 95814; (916) 446-1481; vagabondinn-sacramento-old-town-hotel.com

THE CITIZEN HOTEL, 926 J St. 95814; (916) 447-2700; citizenhotel.com

THE EXCHANGE SACRAMENTO CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON, 1006 Fourth St., 95814; (916) 931-3300; the exchangesacramento.com

THE WESTIN SACRAMENTO, 4800 Riverside Blvd. 95822; (916) 443-8400; westinsacramento.com

MOTEL 6, 623 16th St. 95814; (916) 476-4499; wyndhamhotels.lcom/travelodge

NATOMAS/AIRPORT

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT SACRAMENTO AIRPORT NATOMAS, 2101 River Plaza Dr. 95833; (916) 922-1120; marriott.com/sacch

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES SACRAMENTO AIRPORT NATOMAS, 2730 El Centro Rd. 95833; (916) 923-7472; marriott.com/sacwn 8

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON SACRAMENTO AIRPORT, 4900 Duckhorn Dr. 95834; (916) 263-9000; fourpointssacramentoairport.com

HILTON GARDEN INN SACRAMENTO/SOUTH NATOMAS, 2540 Venture Oaks Wy. 95833; (916) 568-5400; sacramento.hgi.com

HOMEWOOD SUITES SACRAMENTO AIRPORT/NATOMAS, 3001 Advantage Wy. 95834; (916) 263-9510; sacramentoairport.homewoodsuites.com

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT SACRAMENTO AIRPORT NATOMAS, 2618 Gateway Oaks Dr. 95833; (916) 649-1300; marriott.com/hotels/travel/sacsn-residence-inn-sacramento-airport-natomas

SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT, 2555 Venture Oaks Wy. 95833; (916) 925-2280; marriott.com/sacsh 10

TOWNEPLACE SUITES AIRPORT/NATOMAS, 4090 East Commerce Wy. 95834; (916) 419-8811; marriott.com/hotels/travel/sacta-towneplace-suites-sacramento-airport-natomas 6

WYNDHAM GARDEN SACRAMENTO AIRPORT, 2298 Terracina Dr. 95834; (916) 419-2222; wyndhamsac.com

POINT WEST MARKETPLACE/HIGHWAY 80

ARDEN STAR HOTEL, 1413 Howe Ave. 95825; (916) 999-1233; ardenstarhotel.com

CAL EXPO RV PARK, 1600 Exposition Blvd. 95815; (916) 263-3187; calexpo.com

COMFORT INN & SUITES, 21 Howe Ave. 95826; (916) 379-0400; comfortinnsacramento.com

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT, CAL EXPO, 1782 Tribute Rd. 95815; (916) 929-7900; marriott.com/hotels/travel/sacce-courtyard-sacramento-cal-expo

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON SACRAMENTO, 2001 Point West Wy. 95815; (916) 929-8855; doubletreesacramento.com

FAIRFIELD INN BY MARRIOTT SACRAMENTO CAL EXPO, 1780 Tribute Rd. 95815; (916) 920-5300; marriott.com/sacxp

HAMPTON INN & SUITES, 2230 Auburn Blvd. 95821; (916) 927-2222; sacramentoauburnblvd.hamptoninn.com

HOTEL MED PARK, SACRAMENTO, 2356 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817; (916) 455-4000; choicehotels.com/california/sacramento/ascend-hotels/

LARKSPUR LANDING, 555 Howe Ave. 95825; (916) 646-1212; larkspurlanding.com/sacramento

LIONS GATE HOTEL, 3410 Westover St. 95652; (916) 643-6222; lionsgatehotel.com

RODEWAY INN, 25 Howe Ave. 95826; (916) 386-8408; choicehotels.com/california/sacramento/rodeway-inn-hotels/cah72

TOWNEPLACE SUITES SACRAMENTO CAL EXPO, 1784 Tribute Rd. 95815; (916) 920-5400; marriott.com/saccx

WYNDHAM SACRAMENTO, 5321 Date Ave. 95841; (916) 338-5800; wyndhamhotels.com/wyndham/sacramento-california/wyndham-sacramento/overview

Greater Sacramento Area

CACHE CREEK CASINO RESORT, 14455 Highway 16, Brooks, CA 95606; 800-992-8686; cachecreek.com

JACKSON RANCHERIA CASINO RESORT, 12222 New York Ranch Rd. Jackson 95642; (800) 822-WINN; jacksoncasino.com

LA QUINTA INN & SUITES, 11131 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova; (888) 312-2399; wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/rancho-cordova-california/la-quinta-rancho-cordova-sacramento

SACRAMENTO MARRIOTT RANCHO CORDOVA, 11211 Point East Dr., Rancho Cordova; (916) 638-1100; marriott.com/hotels/travel/sacmc-sacramento-marriott-rancho-cordova

SPRINGHILL SUITES, 3455 Reed Ave., West Sacramento 95605; (916) 873-8222; marriott.com/hotels/travel/sacsw-springhill-suites-west-sacramento

THE MURIETA INN AND SPA, 7337 Murieta Dr. Rancho Murieta 95683; (916) 345-3900; themurietainn.com

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By Marybeth Bizjak

In California’s capital city, you and your young ones don’t have to settle for chicken nuggets.

Dine and Dream well while you discover your own adventure in Amador County

In downtown Plymouth Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2008 www.restauranttaste.com

16 comfortable rooms in Sierra Foothills Wine Country www.hotelrest.net

Pub grub and four modern guest rooms at the Volcano Union Pub + Inn in downtown Volcano www.volcanounion.com ids love pizza, and the capital city has more than its fair share of great places serving top-notch pies. One of the best is Zelda’s in midtown, where you can get Chicago-style deep-dish pizza brimming with zesty sauce and molten cheese. The old-school atmosphere is a kick; the kids will enjoy the dim ambience, year-round Christmas lights and sturdy wooden booths. Start with a kid-friendly appetizer such as spicy chicken wings or garlic cheese bread, and sneak in a few nutrients with a self-serve bowl of salad (lettuce, tomatoes and onions) big enough for the whole family. The pizzas take at least 30 minutes to prepare, which can be a problem for fidgety youngsters, but here’s a pro tip: Call ahead to order, and your pizza (and table) will be waiting for you when you arrive. 1415 21st St.; (916) 447-1400; zeldasgourmetpizza.com

As America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, Sacramento has no shortage of excellent restaurants. In fact, in the past few years, the world-famous Michelin Guide has bestowed coveted stars on local two eateries, The Kitchen and Localis. But if you’re visiting with kids in tow, you probably have no plans to take them to either of those places. Don’t worry; we have you covered with the following list of spots where you and the kids can get a great meal.

But your pickiest little eaters will be satisfied with the Margherita (tomato and cheese) or the American (pepperoni). The menu also offers a handful of pastas (including a $10 kid’s pasta) and appetizers, such as a beef-and-pork meatball with tomato sauce. Youngster-approved desserts include an ice cream sandwich (made with vanilla ice cream from nearby Vic’s ice cream parlor), chocolate chip cookie and chocolate pudding.

2711 Riverside Blvd.; (916) 4438929; masullopizza.com

With its heavy reliance on rice and noodle dishes, Thai is always a popular choice for children. One of the best places in town for Thai food is The Coconut on T near Southside Park. Your young ones will go crazy for the appetizers, which include crispy pot stickers, fried chicken wings and cheese wontons. For your main course, order several dishes for the table: maybe drunken noodles, Thai fried rice and avocado yellow curry. Everyone will eat their fill and may even have room for a traditional Thai dessert such as fried banana or mango sticky rice with coconut ice cream. 1110 T St.; (916) 8224665; coconutont.com

For a more modern take on pizza, head to Masullo, a handsome pizzeria in the Land Park neighborhood. Here, a wood-burning oven quickly turns out delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas: thin crusted, blistered and charred from the blazing-hot oven. The pizzas come with interesting names and intriguing toppings, such as the Mustapha (mozzarella, prosciutto and arugula) and the Tova (a vegan pie with cremini mushrooms and hemp seed).

Burgers are another kid fave, and they (and you) won’t be disappointed with Burgers and Brew ers .

Street Corridor, this pubby eatburgers made from Niman Ranch mi burger, a bacon and jalapeño burger and a chili cheeseburger. some curly fries or a big plate of hot menu

Located on downtown’s R Street Corridor, this pubby eatery serves up tasty half-pound burgers made from Niman Ranch beef. You have many burger options here, including a pastrami burger, a bacon and jalapeño burger and a chili cheeseburger. Supplement your order with some curly fries or a big plate of onion rings. If that’s too much food for your littles, a separate kids menu features a smaller burger, along with grilled cheese, chicken tenders and a hot dog. Mom and Dad will enjoy the lengthy and nicely curated menu of beers, ales, stouts and other brews, both locally sourced and from around the world. 1409 R St.; (916) 442-0900; burgersnbrew.com

Just across the street from The Coconut is Betty Wine Bar. A wine bar, you say? For kids? Hear me out. Owner Colleen Fleming once ran an uberpopular wine bar in Napa that attracted a late-night crowd of hipsters. But after she had her first child, she decided to move to Sacramento and open a place that would appeal to parents like her. Her second child was just 1 month old when Betty opened late last year, and it has been exceedingly popular with the stroller set. At lunch, the order-at-the-counter menu focuses on a handful of deli-style sandwiches and salads. In the afternoon, the menu shifts to a list of snacky items, such as cheese and charcuterie boards and a trio of nibbles—olives, kettle chips and roasted nuts— that will keep your kids happy. Out back, there’s a lovely patio with picnic tables where children and dogs can make themselves at home. Inside, the wine bar shares space with a bottle shop that carries interesting, affordable wines from around the world. Best of all, there’s no restaurant markup; just pay the retail price plus a $10 corkage fee and you can sip your wine in peace. 1103 T St.; (916) 898-2116; betty-wine.com

If barbecue is your thing, check out Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse. Located in the city’s Southside Park neighborhood, it’s a casual eatery where you place your order at the counter, then find a seat in the spacious indoor dining area or one of the two sprawling outdoor patios furnished with picnic tables and benches. At one end of the restaurant, a giant indoor smoker handles all the meats: beef brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, turkey, hot links and chicken. At the other end, high-quality beer is made on-site inside a large, glass-walled room filled with gleaming stainless-steel tanks. The fun menu includes brisket tacos, mac ’n’ cheese and poblano cheddar grits, along with burgers, sandwiches and salads. Kids can order one item from the smoker and one side for just $8. 1322 V St.; (916) 706-3741; urbanrootsbrewing.com

You don’t have to be a kid to love Punch Bowl Social—but it doesn’t hurt, either. Located in DOCO next to Golden 1 Center, this restaurant (part of a national chain) is a fun lover’s paradise, with bowling lanes, arcade machines, pingpong, shuffleboard, foosball and a giant Jenga. While the kids play, you can indulge in a tasty craft cocktail. Once you tear your young ones away from the fun and games, they’ll fuel up on such tasty fare as cauliflower nachos, chicken ’n’ waffles and cocoa-dusted carnitas tacos. After you all eat, challenge the kids to a karaoke sing-off for a little friendly family competition. Then, hit up nearby Häagen-Dazs for a scoop of ice cream or Estelle’s Bakery & Patisserie for a fruit tart or a slice of cake. 500 J St.; (916) 925-5610; punchbowlsocial.com

Kids go nuts for ramen, that intoxicating combination of warming broth and slippery noodles. Sacramento has plenty of great ramen houses to choose from.

If you’re downtown, try Kodaiko

Ramen & Bar, located in a below-ground space on K Street. One of its owners is Billy

Ngo, the brilliant chef behind Kru, the city’s top sushi restaurant. At Kodaiko, the made-fromscratch broths are rich and intensely flavored. You can order additions to your ramen that include ajitama (a softcooked egg), seasoned tofu and chicken chashu. A separate kids menu offers a child-sized portion of ramen, along with chicken karaage, marinated chicken bowl and egg salad sando on fluffy white bread with a side of rice. 718 K St.; (916) 4268863; kodaikoramen.com

While you’re playing tourist in Sacramento, you really ought to stop for a meal at Tower Cafe.

It’s a local institution, as much loved as nearby Fairytale Town and the Sacramento Zoo. Located on Broadway, it’s next door to Tower Theatre, a movie palace from the late 1930s that still shows first-run films, mostly foreign and indie. At Tower Cafe, you order from a lengthy, wide-ranging menu of global cuisine, from all-American burgers to Thai green curry, Jamaican jerk chicken, Florentine ravioli and more. For children under 10, a simple kids menu includes a quesadilla, a burrito and linguine with butter and cheese. The indoor dining room is decorated with colorful artifacts and artworks from around the world, while the patio out front is filled with lush plantings and the soft tinklings of a water fountain. Weekend brunch here is a hot ticket; you’ll have to line up for the chance to eat Tower’s famous blueberry cornmeal pancakes. 1518 Broadway; (916) 4410222; towercafe.com

If you or a member of your family has a gluten sensitivity, you must eat at Sibling by Pushkin’s, a midtown restaurant that is 100% gluten free. It’s a beautiful, modern restaurant that doesn’t give off “healthy for you” vibes. Open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, Sibling offers an all-day brunch menu that includes breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salads and “bowls” such as quinoa with cured salmon. There’s also a separate vegan menu that features dishes like scrambled tofu, mushroom po’ boy and vegan Cobb salad. All the bread products are made from the company’s proprietary flour blend, a mixture of sorghum, rice and tapioca flours plus potato starch that doesn’t become coarse or gummy like other gluten-free flours. It’s allowed Sibling to attract a healthy following of mainstream customers, not just people who avoid gluten. Sibling’s owners operate two other GF businesses nearby: Pushkin’s Bakery and Babes Ice Cream & Donuts. 1813 Capitol Ave.; (916) 823-5520; siblingsacramento.com

The Firehouse is one of the most elegant—and historic—restaurants in Sacramento. Located on the Old Sacramento Waterfront, it’s housed in an 1853 redbrick firehouse and has operated as a restaurant since 1960. This is white-tablecloth dining at its finest. But that doesn’t mean kids won’t enjoy it, too. Here, they can practice their best manners while enjoying well-prepared classic cuisine and old-school service in swanky surroundings. Prices are steep, to be sure. To help you with the sticker shock, there’s a “Young Patrons” menu that offers a cheeseburger, grilled chicken, pappardelle Alfredo, oven-roasted salmon and fillet of beef, with nothing costing more than $18. In nice weather, ask for a table out in the courtyard, widely considered one of the most charming alfresco dining spots in town. End your meal with a special treat for the kids: a visit to one of Old Sac’s old-fashioned candy stores, where they can select their own sweets from huge barrels overflowing with just about every kind of candy they can imagine. 1112 Second St.; (916) 442-4772; firehouseoldsac.com