17 minute read
Recreation: Fun—Outdoors and In
Fun—Outdoors and In
Take advantage of the region’s great weather and many recreational opportunities.
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With two major rivers—the Sacramento and the American—convening near downtown, two lakes east of town (Natoma and Folsom), and plenty of parks and trails, the great outdoors beckons here year-round. Winters are mild, springs burst forth with an incredible biodiversity of plant and animal life, and even the hottest summer days are refreshed by cool evening breezes coming off the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. In autumn, Sacramentans relish not only the harvest in this rich agricultural area but the changing colors of the city’s famously thick canopy of trees. So grab your gear, and discover why so many love living here. Parks The region is blessed with parks—223 parks and parkways in the city alone—generously shaded by elms, oaks, redwoods and more. Whether you want to meet up with friends for a walk, get in a run or get the kids to a playground, check out these favorites. Capitol Park 10th, 15th, N and L streets
Surrounding the state Capitol, this 40-acre oasis spanning 12 city blocks boasts a World Peace Rose Garden, 150 buildings, memorials, monuments and points of interest, and more than 200 species of trees, some well over a century old. You’ll see Capitol staffers briskly walking the outer 1.1-mile path on weekdays, and tourists and wedding parties snapping photos on the Capitol’s west steps on weekends.
McKinley Park Alhambra and McKinley boulevards, H and 33rd streets
With more than 32 acres, this park in stately, residential East Sacramento contains a 1920s-era library, community center and pool, rose garden, duck pond, garden and arts center, tennis courts, basketball court, community-designed playground and 1-mile perimeter running track. A major underground water vault project wrapped up in fall 2021, restoring the sports fields with new sod and additional trees and replacing aging picnic areas and restrooms with new ones.
Southside Park T, Sixth and Eighth streets
The site of numerous annual festivals, this 20-acre urban park has an amphitheater, pond with fishing piers, ¾-mile running track, basketball courts, tennis courts, swimming complex, and an expansive and engaging playground, much of which is sensory-rich and accessible, with handrails and ramps.
William Land Park Riverside and Freeport boulevards, 11th and 13th avenues, Sutterville Road
Surrounded by grand older homes in the lovely, leafy Land Park neighborhood, this 166-acre park has it all: sports fields, duck ponds, a playground with summer play pool and nine-hole public golf course. The park also claims three top attractions for families: the Sacramento Zoo; Fairytale Town, a storybook-themed park for young children; and Funderland, an old-school amusement park featuring a carousel, roller coaster, mini train and other rides for families with young children.
Folsom City Lions Park 403 Stafford St., Folsom, (916) 461-6601, folsom.ca.us
Although outside Sacramento city limits, this Folsom park’s many features make it well worth a mention: sports fields, library, art gallery, city hall and community center, two playgrounds and trails to the river, not to mention a rare 12-inch gauge railroad offering 10-minute open-car rides and the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, home to a variety of animals unable to be released back into the wild.
skate parks, off-leash dog parks, spray parks and nearly two dozen parks with community gardens. For a map of the city’s parks and their many amenities, visit cityofsacramento.org/ parksandrec/parks. Aerial Adventure Parks Quarry Park Adventures 5373 Pacific St., Rocklin, (916) 824-1680, quarrypark.com
Built within and atop a 60-foot-deep, 160-year-old granite quarry, this 5.5-acre family adventure park is filled with zip lines, ropes courses, free falls, climbing walls, a via ferrata, a rappelling station, paddle boats, a waterfall, a “kids kove” for younger children, picnic areas and observation decks.
Tree Top Sac Heritage Oaks Park 1300 Lake Washington Blvd., West Sacramento, (916) 8931596, treetopsac.com
This Kletterwald USA adventure park features high-ropes obstacle courses with hanging bridges, ladders, slacklines and ziplines amid a grove of heritage valley oaks.
Aquatic Centers and Waterparks Staying cool in a pool is essential here come summer, when temps can often surpass the century mark. Elk Grove Aquatics Center District 56, 9701 Big Horn Blvd., Elk Grove, (916) 405-5600, district56elkgrove.com/aquatics
Complex with 50-meter competition-size pool, 25-yard instruction pool, and zero-entry rec pool with spray features, lazy river and two slides. Memorial Day–Labor Day; lap/fitness swim year-round.
Golfland Sunsplash 1893 Taylor Road, Roseville, (916) 784-1273, golfland.com/roseville
Waterpark’s attractions include 11 thrill slides and coasters, lazy river, 84-footwide wave pool, in-pool play area for younger kids and cabanas. May–September. (Golfland’s two 18-hole miniature golf courses, arcade, bumper cars, race cars and laser tag open year-round.)
Manor Pool Slide Hill Park, 1525 Tulip Lane, Davis, (530) 758-2000, cityofdavis.org
Complex includes a large lap pool, diving pool, water slide, beach-entry pool and sprayground. Memorial Day–Labor Day; lap/fitness swim year-round. North Natomas Aquatic Complex 2601 New Market Drive, Natomas, cityofsacramento.org
Opened in April 2022: a 50-meter competition-size pool, 25-yard rec pool, two spiral slides, zero-entry splash pool with play structures and cabanas. Adjacent to new community center. Memorial Day–Labor Day, weekends through October; 10-month lap/fitness swim season.
Roseville Aquatics Complex 3051 Woodcreek Oaks Blvd., Roseville, (916) 774-5262, roseville.ca.us/aquatics
Multipool complex includes competition-size pool, shallow rec pool, water slide and kids’ water play areas. Memorial Day–Labor Day; lap/fitness swim year-round.
Steve Miklos Aquatic Center 1200 Riley St., Folsom, (916) 4616640, folsom.ca.us
Multipool complex offers rec swimming, slides, in-pool obstacle course and water play area. Memorial Day–Labor Day; lap/ fitness swim year-round.
Wackford Aquatic Complex 9014 Bruceville Road, Elk Grove, (916) 405-5600, yourcsd.com
Multipool complex features wading pool with splash playground, zero-entry pool with water play attractions, competition-size pool with slide, diving boards and inflatable obstacle course. Memorial Day–Labor Day; lap/fitness swim year-round.
Wake Island Waterpark 7633 Locust Road, Pleasant Grove, (916) 655-3900, wakeislandwaterpark.com
Eighty-acre waterpark offers cable wakeboarding, floating obstacle courses, zipline, hamster wheels, paddleboards, sandy beaches and a grill. May–September (April–October for wakeboarding).
West Sacramento Recreation Center Aquatics 2801 Jefferson Blvd., West Sacramento, (916) 617-4770, cityofwestsacramento.org
Multipool complex includes a zero-entry pool, current channel, slides and in-pool play areas. June–August; lap/fitness swim year-round.
Nature Areas With Walking Trails Cosumnes River Preserve 13501 Franklin Blvd., Galt, (916) 684-2816, cosumnes.org
In the floodplains and riparian habitat along the Cosumnes River south of Sacramento, this 50,000-acre preserve is home to more than 250 bird species, among other flora and fauna. Bring binoculars and hike the 4 miles of trails (including a 1-mile universally accessible trail and half-mile ADA-accessible boardwalk trail) to spy Swainson’s hawks, tundra swans, sandhill cranes, and other native and migratory birds that winter here, a critical stop along the Pacific Flyway.
Effie Yeaw Nature Center Ancil Hoffman Park, 2850 San Lorenzo Way (off Tarshes Drive), Carmichael, (916) 876-4918, sacnaturecenter.net
Walk the handful of trails through this 100-acre riparian and oak woodland nature preserve next to the American River to experience what this region once looked like in much of the valley. Visit a replica Nisenan Maidu village, spot jack rabbits, wild turkey, hawks and deer, and stop by the small, kid-friendly museum and store.
The Preserve District56, 8230 Civic Center Drive, Elk Grove, (916) 6273747, district56elkgrove.com/ thepreserve
Explore this network of trails, wetlands overlooks, grassland meadows and oak woodlands, part of Elk Grove’s amenity-rich District56 (home to The Center events venue, Avenue of the Arts concourse and Elk Grove Aquatics Center). Opened in fall 2021, the 28-acre oasis also features a fitness court, inclusive play equipment, picnic areas and sculpture.
UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden 448 La Rue Road, UC Davis campus, Davis, (530) 752-4880, arboretum.ucdavis.edu
Meander along a paved 3.5-mile loop path through this historic 100-acre living museum, where more than 20 demonstration gardens feature plants native to California and places around the globe with similar dry-summer climates. You also can hit the public trails at nearby Putah Creek Riparian Reserve, a rare stream and grassland ecosystem.
Walking Tours Local Roots Food Tours (800) 407-8918, localrootsfoodtours.com
Experience the city from a culinary perspective with walking and dining tours of specific neighborhoods, such as Downtown Historical, R Street, Sutter District and Midtown Arts.
Sacramento History Museum Walking Tours 101 I St., Old Sacramento, (916) 808-7059, sachistorymuseum.org
The museum puts on historical guided walking tours with such themes as Old Sacramento Underground, Gold Fever! and Old City Cemetery Paranormal Investigations.
Take a walking tour of various tree-rich neighborhoods with local tree experts, or visit the nonprofit’s website to download self-guided tree tours of several area parks and sites.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the jewel of the region is the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, commonly known as the American River Bike Trail—though runners, walkers and hikers utilize it as much as cyclists. This nationally recognized trail starts at Discovery Park (at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers north of downtown) and wends its way through the bucolic American River Parkway, paralleling the American River for 32 miles to Beals Point at Folsom Lake. With trail and river access points and adjacent parks all along the way, it is especially popular on weekends.
Folsom Trails
Folsom is not just an endpoint to the American River Bike Trail, but a bike- and hike-friendly city itself, with more than 50 miles of paved trails for recreational use. A few to try: Humbug-Willow Creek Trail, Folsom Rail Trail, Oak Parkway Trail and Johnny Cash Trail. For an easy nature hike, visit Hinkle Creek Nature Area in Lew Howard Memorial Park. For a map of hiking and cycling routes in Folsom, go to folsom.ca.us or Friends of Folsom Parkways’ website: enjoyfolsomtrails.org.
Lake Natoma Loop Trail, Folsom
This 11.3-mile paved bike and pedestrian trail (with dirt offshoots for runners, walkers and mountain bikers) follows he shoreline, offering lake views and access points.
Miners Ravine Trail, Roseville
A nature-filled haven for wildlife in this bustling suburb, the 8-mile paved bike and pedestrian trail runs along Dry Creek from Old Roseville under Interstate 80 and past residential neighborhoods to Sierra College Boulevard.
Hidden Falls Regional Park, Auburn/Lincoln
Among the 30 miles of trails in this 1,200acre park used for hiking, biking, running and horseback riding is a popular 3-mile stretch that takes you alongside creeks, through wooded areas and by interpretive panels to a 30-foot waterfall outfitted with two observation decks. Online
parking reservations are required for weekends and holidays. placer.ca.gov/ hiddenfalls
Rivers Sacramento got its start near the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers, which have shaped the region in innumerable ways: geographically, agriculturally, economically, culturally. Experience the River City by getting out on a river and having some fun! Cruise the Sacramento River
Departing from Old Sacramento Waterfront, City Cruises by Hornblower offers one- to 1 1/2-hour cruises with views of the river and city skyline. Choose from local history- or holiday- theme excursions or a cocktail-themed cruises for the 21 and older crowd. cityexperiences.com/sacramento
River City Queen runs several themed outings and private charters from Old Sacramento Waterfront. rivercityqueen.com
Sac Brew Boat, a pedal-powered chartered party boat, takes guests on river jaunts from Old Sacramento Waterfront. sacbrewboat.com
Sacramento Jetboat Excursions
revs up your river experience with 30 minutes of speed, spray, spins and sights. From Old Sacramento Waterfront. sacramentojetboats.com Raft the Lower American River
Rent a raft (or kayak, tube or paddleboard) for a self-guided trip down the American River. The Class I–II river is popular with DIYers, and young folks out for a good time. Embark near Sunrise Bridge, float to River Bend Park, then return by shuttle. Contact American River Raft Rentals (raftrentals.com) or River Rat Raft & Bike (river-rat.com).
Whitewater Raft the American River Upper Forks
In the foothills east of Sacramento, the upper American River’s three forks— South, Middle and North—are the top whitewater rafting destination in California, offering varying levels of difficulty (Class II–IV) and excitement. But don’t go it alone unless you’re an experienced rafter. Visit californiawhitewater.com for a list of outfitters and tours.
Explore the Delta
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which feeds valley rivers into the San Francisco Bay, encompasses more than 1,000 miles of waterways. Explore the sloughs, islands, marinas and historic Delta towns up close by canoe, kayak, ski boat, wakeboard, paddleboard, houseboat or personal watercraft. For rentals, see deltaboating.com. To learn more about this unique estuarine environment, where fresh water meets salty seawater, stop in at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. ebparks.org/parks/ big-break Windsurf and Kiteboard in the Delta
Rio Vista and Sherman Island, about an hour’s drive southwest of Sacramento in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, are an international mecca for windsurfing and kiteboarding, thanks to superb water and wind conditions. Learn more at rvwa-siko.org and deltawindsports.com.
Lakes Folsom Lake
About 25 miles northeast of Sacramento, this drought-sensitive reservoir on the American River (created by Folsom Dam in 1955) attracts boaters, sailors, water skiers, personal watercrafters, paddleboarders, fishers, swimmers, beachgoers and picnickers to its waters and 75 miles of shoreline. The surrounding Folsom Lake State Recreation Area includes nearly 100 miles of trails for hiking, trail running, horseback riding and mountain biking. On the lake’s western side is a campground at Beals Point; on the eastern side is Folsom Lake Marina at Browns Ravine.
Lake Natoma
Downriver from Folsom Lake is slender Lake Natoma, created by Nimbus Dam and part of the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The 5-mile-long lake flanks the city of Folsom and offers picturesque scenery for paddleboarders, kayakers and college crew teams rowing on its calm surface. (Motorized watercraft have a 5-mph speed limit.) Among several boat launch sites is Sacramento State Aquatic Center, which provides instruction and equipment for rowing, sailing, paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking to the public. Another attraction is Nimbus Fish Hatchery, which raises Chinook salmon and steelhead for release into the river. Learn about the working hatchery at the visitor center (open daily) and watch fish ascend a fish ladder through several large outdoor windows, November–March. You also can visit an adjacent rainbow trout hatchery.
Sacramento State Aquatic Center 1901 Hazel Ave., Gold River, (916) 278-2842, sacstateaquaticcenter.com Nimbus Fish Hatchery 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River, (916) 358-2884, wildlife.ca.gov/ fishing/hatcheries/nimbus Golf These public golf courses showcase the valley’s natural terrain, albeit sculpted and well-watered. Ancil Hoffman Golf Course 6700 Tarshes Drive, Carmichael, (916) 482-3813, golfancilhoffman. com
Beautiful 18-hole course along the American River Parkway designed by William Bell in 1965.
Sacramento, (916) 808-2020, bartleycavanaugh.com
Designed by Perry Dye in 1995, an 18hole championship course close to the Sacramento River.
Bing Maloney Golf Complex 6801 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, (916) 808-2283, bingmaloney. com
Championship 18-hole and express nine-hole courses plus a covered, night-lighted driving range.
Cherry Island Golf Course 2360 Elverta Road, Elverta, (916) 991-7293, golfcherryisland.com
Championship 18-hole course designed by Robert Muir Graves plus a dawn-todusk driving range.
Affordable, 18-hole public course plus a lighted driving range.
Empire Ranch Golf Club 1620 E. Natoma St., Folsom, (916) 817-8100, empireranchgolfclub.com
This lush “country club quality” course designed by Brad Bell offers 18 holes of links/park land-style golf plus a driving range.
Haggin Oaks Golf Complex 3645 Fulton Ave., Sacramento, (916) 808-2515, hagginoaks.com
Two 18-hole championship courses (Alister MacKenzie and Arcade Creek) plus a lighted, 100-stall, Toptracer-equipped driving range, nine-hole putting course, player performance studio and huge golf shop.
Mather Golf Course 4103 Zinfandel Drive, Mather, (916) 364-4354, playmather.com
Championship 18-hole course on a former Air Force base is designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
Teal Bend Golf Course 7200 Garden Highway, Sacramento, (916) 922-5209, tealbendgolf.com
Brad Bell-designed 18-hole championship course adjacent to the Sacramento River with 250 acres of wetlands and native trees, a grass driving range and putting greens.
WildHawk Golf Club 7713 Vineyard Road, Sacramento, (916) 688-4653, wildhawkgolf.com Wildhorse Golf Club 2323 Rockwell Drive, Davis, (530) 753-4900, wildhorsegolfclub.com
Voted “best public course in Yolo County,” the tightly manicured 18-hole, Jeff Brauer-designed course frames holes with trees, ponds, bunkers and Covell Creek.
William Land Golf Course 1701 Sutterville Road, Sacramento, (916) 808-1207, williamlandgc.com
Popular nine-hole course in leafy William Land Park is the city’s oldest course, built in 1924.
Indoor Climbing Want a change of pace from outdoor pursuits? Go climb the walls! The Boulder Field 8425 Belvedere Ave., Suite 100, Sacramento, (916) 329-8994, theboulderfield.com
Indoor gym offers 10,000 square feet of bouldering space, training and fitness areas, family climbing area and yoga studio in an open layout with workspaces, cafe and shop.
Granite Arch Climbing Center 11335-G Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova, (916) 852-7625, granitearch.com
More than 20,000 square feet of indoor, realistic wall space plus a members-only outdoor boulder park.
Rocknasium 720 Olive Drive, Suite S, Davis, (530) 757-2902, rocknasium. com
Community climbing gym since 1992 with 5,500-plus square feet of vertical terrain plus pole dance classes.
Sacramento Pipeworks 116 N. 16th St., Sacramento, (916) 341-0100, touchstoneclimbing. com/pipeworks
Cavernous gym with 14,000 square feet of climbing terrain, 8,000 square feet of bouldering, 40-foot-high lead wall, CrossFit area, full gym, yoga and fitness classes, and pro shop. A training destination for Nor Cal climbers.
More Indoor Fun Sure, Sacramento’s got skating rinks, bowling allies and trampoline parks, but be sure to check out these spots for that rare rainy day. Flatstick Pub DOCO 630 K St., Suite 120, Sacramento, (916) 872-0772, tipsyputt.com
With local craft beers on tap, duffleboard tabletop golf games and 18 holes of mini golf, putting has never been this fun. 21 and older after 5 p.m.
iFly Indoor Skydiving 118 Harding Blvd., Roseville, (916) 836-4359, iflyworld.com/ sacramento
Kids 3 to 103 (with some health and safety restrictions) experience the thrill of indoor skydiving thanks to wind-tunnel technology.
Punch Bowl Social DOCO 500 J St., Suite 100, Sacramento, (916) 925-5610, punchbowlsocial.com/location/ sacramento
Enjoy fun and games—bowling, billiards, ping pong, foosball, darts, karaoke, more—plus food and drink in a modern 25,000-square-foot space.
Topgolf 1700 Freedom Way, Roseville, (916) 200-1002, topgolf.com/us/ roseville
Imagine your favorite sports bar opening directly onto the driving range of your dreams. For all skill levels. Families welcome.
Urban Air Adventure Park 1700 Arden Way, Sacramento, (916) 930-6822, urbanair.com
Treat the kids to indoor trampolines, climbing walls, ropes and obstacle courses, tubes playground, slam dunk zone, tumble track, bumper cars and an aerial sky rider coaster.
Casinos With several tribal gaming casinos in the area, you don’t have to travel far to try your luck. Cache Creek Casino Resort 14455 Highway 16, Brooks, (530) 796-3118, cachecreek.com
Cache Creek boasts 659 rooms and suites plus a conference space, concert space, two pools and 11 restaurants, complementing its casino, day spa and 18-hole golf course.
Near the Sutter Buttes, this casino offers 1,200 slots, bingo and table games, four dining options, weekend entertainment and River Valley Lodge for overnight guests.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain 3317 Forty Mile Road, Wheatland, (833) 337-3473, hardrockhotelsacramento.com
Opened next to Toyota Amphitheatre in 2019, this casino resort has 1,600 slots and table games, hotel with outdoor pool, multiple dining options and Hard Rock Live, a 2,500-seat concert venue that features A-list entertainers.
Harrah’s Northern California 4640 Coal Mine Road, Ione, (866) 915-0777, caesars.com/ harrahs-northern-california
The casino has 850 slots, 20 gaming tables and several dining options, and partners with hotels and inns in Jackson and Sutter Creek for overnight guests.
Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort 12222 New York Ranch Road, Jackson, (800) 822-9466, jacksoncasino.com
Patrons at this 24-hour casino have access to 1,700 slots and video machines, 32 gaming tables, 86-room hotel, pool and spa, RV park, three restaurants and a concert venue.
Red Hawk Casino 1 Red Hawk Parkway, Placerville, (888) 573-3495, redhawkcasino. com
The 24-hour casino has more than 2,500 slots, dozens of table games and six restaurants, with the Apex opening soon: a five-story, 150-room hotel with outdoor pool, fitness center, bowling alley, karting track, arcade, golf simulator, sports bar and grill.
Sky River Casino 1 Sky River Parkway, Elk Grove, (916) 866-0200, skyriver.com
Opened in August 2022, Sacramento County’s first tribal casino has a 100,000-square-foot gaming floor with 2,000 slots and 80 table games, plus 17 bars and restaurants.
Thunder Valley Casino Resort 1200 Athens Ave., Lincoln, (916) 408-7777, thundervalleyresort. com
This 24-hour, four-diamond-rated casino resort has 270,000 square feet of gaming space with 3,500 slots and video machines, 100 table games, live poker and bingo rooms, 18 restaurants and bars, a 408-room luxury hotel, outdoor pool, day spa and banquet hall. Coming soon: The Venue at Thunder Valley, a 4,500-seat entertainment space.
