Shadows, Scandals, & Secrets of Old Town Sacramento Ghost Tours
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 217 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Shadows, Scandals, & Secrets of Old Town Sacramento Ghost Tours worth booking?
Shadows, Scandals, & Secrets of Old Town Sacramento Ghost Tours is a 1-hour experience in Sacramento, United States, from $26 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 217 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (217)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $26 per person
One of the earliest towns to be founded in California was Sacramento during the Gold Rush. Old Sac is committed to restoring historical structures so that we can think back on the past. People from all over the world rel
What you get
About this experience
One of the earliest towns to be founded in California was Sacramento during the Gold Rush. Old Sac is committed to restoring historical structures so that we can think back on the past. People from all over the world relocated to Sacramento with the hope of getting wealthy. But a number of tragedies, including floods, fires, and a troubled history, cast a shadow on those dreams. We will visit haunted trains, boats, and tunnels throughout our tour. Discover what lurks below the city's streets. Learn about the disasters that took place in the region during the early days of rail travel. Meet two businessmen that created this city during the Gold Rush and learn about a young child whose heart-warming story has touched people's hearts all around Sacramento. Our exclusive Sacramento Ghosts tour covers all of this and more.
What's included
Included
- Thoroughly researched and accurate history
- Professional and courteous guide
- Authentic local ghost stories
Not included
- Food and drink
- Transportation
What you'll see and do
The Delta King is the first stop on our itinerary. She is a riverboat that has been transformed into a restaurant and hotel. Her interesting past comprises multiple moves and bankruptcy. The Delta King has reportedly been visited by three different ghosts.
10 minutes here
California State Railroad Museum
Our next stop is the California State Railroad Museum. The museum was built by railroad enthusiasts in 1937. The museum contains 21 complete railroad cars, linked to exploitation and death, with the ghosts said to be appeased by something called the Hungry Ghost Festival.
10 minutes here
Sacramento History Museum
We're actually going to this museum next! The only museum devoted to Sacramento history is the Sacramento History Museum, which debuted in 1985. It is a rather straightforward museum that mostly focuses on the development and gold rush of Sacramento. The museum houses the belongings of May, a young girl who unfortunately perished from encephalitis.
10 minutes here
One of the oldest theatres in California, this location is said to be haunted by one of its former directors.
10 minutes here
Once the town's post office, the man for whom this location is named lived an interesting and tragic life.
10 minutes here
River City Saloon
This building once served as the city's hospital, and many of its tragedies are linked to the cholera epidemic that claimed countless lives in the 19th century.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sacramento
All tours meet at Waterfront Park, 1240 Sacramento Riverbike Trail on Front St, between K ST and L St., next to the restroom. Your guide will be wearing a US Ghost Adventures shirt and carrying a lantern. Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
All tours meet at Waterfront Park, 1240 Sacramento Riverbike Trail on Front St, between K ST and L St., next to the restroom. Your guide will be wearing a US Ghost Adventures shirt and carrying a lantern. Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Sacramento Ghosts
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 217 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
217 verified traveler reviews for Shadows, Scandals, & Secrets of Old Town Sacramento Ghost Tours. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Interesting details on early Sacramento
Short walk some interesting information but presentation was like a carnival barker. There There were only two of us but the guide walked very fast ahead of us instead of walking with us Also at the end he essentially begged for a tip… never had this happen before
via Viator
It was a quick tour and...
It was a quick tour and very informative but it did not have any dressed up characters as the guides nor was it overly exciting. But it was a great walk thru the old town and the guide was informative .
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your thoughtful feedback, Sherrese. We're glad you enjoyed exploring Old Sacramento and found your guide informative. We understand, though, that you were hoping for a more theatrical and exciting experience with costumed characters. We appreciate you sharing what could have made the tour more memorable for you. Please email your booking ID to guestrelations@usghostadventures.com, and we'll share your feedback with our managers so they can review your experience and work toward a resolution.
via Viator
Very disappointed- no refund offered.
Terrible directions on finding meeting location. No one was available to take my call to help (first call I was disconnected, next call went to voice mail). By the time I heard back (by text), there was no information on how to catch up with the tour. I would not recommend this tour company.
Response from the operator: Hello, Susan! We appreciate you bringing this to our attention. We understand how disappointing it must have been to miss the tour after having trouble locating the meeting point and being unable to reach someone for immediate assistance. We want our guests to feel supported from the moment they arrive, and we take your concerns about the communication seriously. Please email your booking ID to guestrelations@usghostadventures.com, and we'll pass your feedback along to our management team so they can review what happened and work toward a resolution.
via Tripadvisor
Fun time!
Such a fun time! Our tour guide had great stories that made for unique & new way to see old town sac!
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for joining us, Daisy! We’re so glad you enjoyed the stories and got to see Old Sacramento from a whole new perspective. There’s nothing like a few ghost stories to make familiar streets feel a little different! We hope to welcome you back again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Hauntingly good time
Ethan was very knowledgeable and knew his stuffs for sure! I was amazed by the history I did not know as a local. I thought the experience was going to be more interactive with each building or location we visited. The price was a little high considering and we did the extended tour! Had fun though!
Response from the operator: Hi Shay, thank you for sharing your experience! We're so glad Ethan's knowledge helped you discover new pieces of local history and that you still had a fun time on the extended tour. We also appreciate your feedback about the level of interaction and pricing, and we'll be sure to share your comments with our team as we continue improving the experience.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $26 to $36
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 76
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Shadows, Scandals, & Secrets of Old Town Sacramento Ghost Tours: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sacramento.
How much does Shadows, Scandals, & Secrets of Old Town Sacramento Ghost Tours cost?
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Prices start at $26 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sacramento usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Shadows, Scandals, & Secrets of Old Town Sacramento Ghost Tours take?
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Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sacramento is not rushed.
Is Shadows, Scandals, & Secrets of Old Town Sacramento Ghost Tours worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 217 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sacramento, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Shadows, Scandals, & Secrets of Old Town Sacramento Ghost Tours?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Shadows, Scandals, & Secrets of Old Town Sacramento Ghost Tours suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Shadows, Scandals, & Secrets of Old Town Sacramento Ghost Tours?
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Around 76 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sacramento can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sacramento and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Shadows, Scandals, & Secrets of Old Town Sacramento Ghost Tours start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sacramento within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sacramento?
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Sacramento pairs Old Sacramento and Capitol history walks with river kayaking, farm-to-fork food tours and day trips into the Sierra foothills and Napa. On Outty we rank every Sacramento experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 60 Minute Adventures - The Escape Game at The Galleria, Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour, Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip on Middle Fork from Auburn (Class 3-4). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sacramento?
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March to May and September to November, before triple-digit summer heat. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sacramento?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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