Alleys


Old Sacramento is a living museum and its cobblestone alleys are its veins. The narrow passageways between stately old buildings downtown present myriad opportunities for exploration and excursions. As a result, a number of walking tours have been organized around these fascinating urban subroutes, some of them offered for free and others requiring fees.

For example, the Sacramento County Historical Society has published a series of "Self-Guided Historic Sites Walking Tour" brochures, with maps and instructions for finding hidden treasures. The "K Street" tour, in particular, is an exploration of "Sunken Alleys, Raised Streets and Hollow Sidewalks," providing a glimpse into Sacramento's rich past.

The business known as Stand Up Comedy Productions has a more novel way to explore the city's old cobblestone passageways on a Segway. The group offers four different "Hysterical Walks & Rides," including a "Walk of the Dead" ghost tour that takes participants through the shadowy, darkened back alleys of the old downtown area at night. The cost is $20 per person.

Undisturbed by renewal and renovation, the old alleys may provide a glimpse of the city as it appeared to 19th century gold prospectors. Attractions to seek out while exploring the passageways include the 1841 B.F. Hastings Building, at Second and J streets, and the "1849 Scene" on the west side of the alley between I and J Streets, which is commonly known as one of Sacramento's most historic areas.

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