Drake's: The Barn

More than a hundred cars from the very first ones to now, and on some days you can go for a ride in one. It's a warehouse, so dress for the weather outside.

A big art museum that actually plans for kids: Tot Land downstairs is for play, books and making things, and there are loaner strollers at the door. Do the galleries first and save Tot Land for the reward.

An old-fashioned burger and soft-serve stand from 1963, still family run, for burgers, shakes and floats.

The easy pick for Old Sacramento: every room has its own bedroom door (bedtime solved), and you're across the street from the boardwalks.

Kitchen suites across the river from Old Sacramento and near the River Cats' ballpark, close enough to walk over the bridge for dinner.

A café in a garden yard under old fruit trees, with picnic tables, Adirondack chairs and room for kids to wander. It's a short walk over the Tower Bridge from Old Sacramento.