When you ask where to shop in Sacramento, surprisingly many people don't know.

Unlike San Francisco, there isn't a neighborhood filled with luxury stores, so it might seem a bit dull at first.

I also wondered, "Where do people shop here?" but once you live here, you realize there are plenty of options. Ultimately, it comes down to what you know.

If you're looking for a proper indoor shopping mall, Arden Fair Mall is the first place to mention.

Located on Arden Way, it's considered the most representative large mall in Sacramento.

It features department stores like Macy's and JCPenney, as well as familiar brands like Zara, H&M, and Victoria's Secret.

There's also an Apple Store, so many people visit specifically for iPhones or Macs.

With a food court and restaurants, it's a nice place to spend a few hours, especially on hot summer days.

If you're looking for a different vibe, there's Downtown Commons, usually referred to as DOCO, in downtown.

It's right next to the Golden 1 Center, so it gets very crowded on basketball game days.

Rather than a traditional mall, it's more of an outdoor complex that mixes restaurants, a movie theater, shops, and entertainment.

You can stroll down K Street to soak in the downtown Sacramento atmosphere.

For those who love outlets, many people go to Folsom Premium Outlets.

You need to drive east from Sacramento to Folsom, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

You can find brands like Coach, Nike, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors at discounted prices, making it a great weekend outing.

In fact, the place I visit more often than these malls is Costco. There are several Costcos in Sacramento and the surrounding areas, and it's convenient to access from Natomas, Elk Grove, and Roseville.

Walmart and Target are also plentiful, so you won't have any trouble finding everyday items.

Trader Joe's and Whole Foods Market are available for those looking for organic foods or unique ingredients.

However, the shopping experience I find most enjoyable in Sacramento is the Farmers Market. Sacramento is not just claiming to be a Farm-to-Fork city for no reason. The surrounding agricultural areas produce a wide variety of fruits and vegetables depending on the season.

Farmers Markets are held in various neighborhoods, including downtown and Midtown, where you can buy vegetables, fruits, flowers, bread, and local products brought by farmers.

Especially on weekend mornings, taking a stroll around the Farmers Market with a cup of coffee can be surprisingly fun. You don't have to buy anything. Just looking at peaches, buying some tomatoes, and picking up a bouquet of flowers can easily take up an hour.

If you're expecting glamorous shopping like in LA or SF, Sacramento might feel a bit lacking. However, you can find everything you need for daily life, enjoy outlets, and have easy access to farmers markets. Shopping in Sacramento is more about convenience than extravagance.