Activity Old Sacramento Waterfront
Countdown on the Cobblestones
An activity in Old Sacramento Waterfront, free to visit and worth about 4 hours. Best time to go: Dec 31, 5 to 10 p.m.
Why go
Old Sacramento's free New Year's Eve party, with bands and DJs on K and Front streets and a 9 p.m. fireworks and light show.
It is one of 8 curated places we feature in Old Sacramento Waterfront, alongside 3 sights, 2 places to eat and 1 outdoor spot. 6 more of our picks sit within about half a mile in a straight line, so it pairs easily with Old Sacramento State Historic Park and The Firehouse Restaurant. Set aside about 4 hours here; it works best as the anchor of a day rather than a quick stop.
- Type
- Activity · Nightlife
- Neighborhood
- Old Sacramento
- Price
- Free
- Time needed
- 4 hr
- Best time
- Dec 31, 5 to 10 p.m.
Nearby
The 6 closest curated picks in Old Sacramento Waterfront, measured as straight-line distance.
- 1Old Sacramento State Historic Park
Blocks of Gold Rush-era brick buildings, wooden boardwalks and shops along the river, strung with lights for the holidays.
Sight · 0.0 mi straight-line - 2The Firehouse Restaurant
A special-night restaurant in an 1853 firehouse in Old Sacramento, with a courtyard and a long wine list.
Food · 0.1 mi straight-line - 3California State Railroad Museum
Restored locomotives and rail cars in a big hall at the north end of Old Sac, including a sleeper car you can walk through.
Sight · 0.1 mi straight-line - 4Delta King
A 1927 paddlewheel riverboat moored on the Old Sacramento waterfront, now a hotel with a restaurant and bar on board.
Stay · 0.2 mi straight-line - 5River Walk Park
A riverside path in West Sacramento with a straight-on view of Tower Bridge and the Old Sacramento waterfront.
Outdoors · 0.3 mi straight-line - 6Tower Bridge
The gold 1935 vertical-lift bridge over the Sacramento River, lit at night and open to walk across to West Sacramento.
Sight · 0.3 mi straight-line
On these curated routes
Countdown on the Cobblestones is a stop on our Sacramento New Year's Eve route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.
More to do in Old Sacramento Waterfront
Countdown on the Cobblestones is our only activity pick in Old Sacramento Waterfront; here is what else we recommend there. See the full Old Sacramento Waterfront guide.
When to go
Average daily highs in Old Sacramento Waterfront run from 57°F in December to 98°F in July; December is usually the wettest month. For Countdown on the Cobblestones itself, we suggest: Dec 31, 5 to 10 p.m.
Modelled monthly averages for Old Sacramento Waterfront from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Full Old Sacramento Waterfront weather by month.
Getting there
Map links open a live search for Countdown on the Cobblestones, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.
- Coordinates
- 38.58278, -121.50333
- Destination
- Old Sacramento Waterfront, California
- Website
- oldsacramento.com
Countdown on the Cobblestones: quick answers
How much time do you need at Countdown on the Cobblestones?
Plan on about 4 hours at Countdown on the Cobblestones. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.
When is the best time to visit Countdown on the Cobblestones?
Our pick: Dec 31, 5 to 10 p.m. Insider tip: There is only one countdown, at 9 p.m.; arrive by 8 to stand near the Holiday Tree.
Is Countdown on the Cobblestones free?
Yes, we list Countdown on the Cobblestones as free to visit. Check the official website before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.
Which TripsCircle routes include Countdown on the Cobblestones?
Countdown on the Cobblestones appears on Sacramento New Year's Eve, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.
Add Countdown on the Cobblestones to your crew's plan
Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Old Sacramento Waterfront.
Plan Old Sacramento Waterfront
- Old Sacramento Waterfront travel guide 8 places
- Best time to visit Old Sacramento Waterfront weather by month
Lists & regions
Also in Old Sacramento Waterfront
Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.