Things to Do in Sacramento. Activities, Experiences, Adventures

Outdoor Adventures

Sacramento's outdoor spaces offer various activities.

Trails & Water Sports

Hiking and Trekking Routes

American River Parkway (Easy): Paved, multi-use trail spanning over 32 miles. Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail: Longer routes for sustained exercise. Nearby State Parks (Moderate): Dirt trails for hiking and mountain biking with elevation changes.

Water Sports and Activities

Kayaking and Paddleboarding: On Sacramento River and American River. Rentals available. River Rafting/Floating: Popular on American River in summer (Nimbus Dam to River Bend Park). Boating: Sacramento River marinas offer rentals.

Adventure Sports & Adrenaline

Sacramento is not a main destination for extreme sports directly within city limits. Whitewater rafting on the South Fork of the American River or rock climbing near Lake Tahoe are accessible day trips.

Wildlife & Cycling

Wildlife Encounters and Safaris: Sacramento Zoo (William Land Park) houses over 500 animals.
Effie Yeaw Nature Center: Birdwatching and local wildlife viewing.
Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge: Significant for birdwatching, especially migratory birds.
Cycling Routes & Mountain Biking: American River Parkway (road cycling/casual rides). City Bike Lanes for urban cycling. Trails around Folsom Lake and Auburn State Recreation Area for mountain biking.

Fishing Opportunities

Sacramento River: Known for salmon and steelhead fishing.
American River: Popular for trout fishing.
Local lakes and ponds also offer recreational fishing.
Check California fishing regulations for licenses and seasons.

Golf Courses

Several public and private golf courses are in and around Sacramento.
Bing Maloney Golf Course: Popular municipal course.
Ancil Hoffman Golf Course: Scenic course along the American River.
Consider booking tee times in advance, especially on weekends.

Urban Parks

Capitol Park: 40-acre park around the State Capitol, ideal for strolling.
William Land Park: Large urban park with attractions and green space.
McKinley Park: In East Sacramento, features rose garden and duck pond.
These parks offer peaceful escapes within the city.

Safety Advisory

When enjoying outdoor activities, stay aware of your surroundings, carry water, and check weather conditions, especially during summer heat.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Sacramento's culture through various hands-on and observational experiences.

Workshops and Classes

Art studios, community centers, and cultural organizations offer workshops.
These include painting, pottery, music lessons, or dance classes.
Check local event listings or community calendars for available programs.
A way to connect with local artists and learn new skills.

Cultural Performances

Crest Theatre

Historic movie palace now hosting concerts, comedy shows, and film screenings.

SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center

Hosts touring Broadway shows, national artists, Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera.

B Street Theatre

Professional regional theater company producing a range of plays.

Community Tourism

Participate in local farmers markets. Buying directly from local producers supports the community. Support independent shops in Midtown.

Language Learning

Language schools exist for residents. For travelers, translation apps or phrasebooks are more useful for quick interactions.

Cultural Festivals

Farm-to-Fork Festival (Sept): Major culinary celebration. Wide Open Walls (Aug/Sept): Mural festival. Gold Rush Days (Labor Day): 1850s town transformation.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities for relaxation and well-being in Sacramento and its surroundings.

Spa & Wellness

Numerous spas and wellness centers throughout Sacramento.
Found within upscale hotel properties.
These offer massages, facials, and other body treatments.
Some hotels have pool access; public pools are seasonal.

Therapy & Retreats

Hot Springs & Natural Therapy

No natural hot springs directly in Sacramento. They are available in Northern California (e.g., Sierra Hot Springs) but require a drive.

Yoga & Meditation

Various yoga studios offer drop-in classes for visitors. Full retreats are more common in rural areas outside the city.

Traditional Healing Practices

Limited and generally found through specialized practitioners rather than widely available tourist offerings.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

Ace of Spades, Harlow's Restaurant & Nightclub, Golden 1 Center, Crest Theatre host various musical acts.

Theater & Performance Spaces

SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, B Street Theatre, Sacramento Theatre Company offer diverse productions.

Nightclubs & Dancing

Various clubs in Downtown and Midtown offer DJ sets and dancing, catering to different music tastes.

Shopping & Markets

Sacramento displays diverse shopping experiences, from farmers markets to unique boutiques.

Traditional Markets

Sacramento Certified Farmers' Markets: Multiple locations for fresh local produce, artisanal foods, crafts.
A way to experience local life and support producers.
Denio's Farmers Market & Swap Meet (Roseville): Large outdoor market with produce, new goods, flea market items.
Prioritize ethical shopping practices by supporting local, sustainably focused businesses.

Artisan & Luxury Shopping

Artisan Workshops and Crafts

Explore small boutiques in Midtown for locally made jewelry, art, and crafts. Independent artists showcase work.

Luxury and Boutique Shopping

DOCO (Downtown Commons): National retailers, upscale boutiques. The Arden Fair Mall: Traditional indoor mall. Midtown: Independent boutiques for unique clothing, home goods, gifts.

Souvenir Recommendations

Gold Rush items from Old Sacramento. California State Capitol memorabilia. Farm-to-fork gourmet food products (honey, olive oil, local wine). Craft beer from local breweries. Books about California history.

Bar Districts

Midtown: Many bars, pubs, craft breweries along K and L Streets.
Great for a pub crawl, with many establishments walkable.
DOCO: Upscale bars and lounges near Golden 1 Center, popular before/after events.
Old Sacramento: Historic saloons and themed bars offer unique atmosphere.

Late-Night Entertainment

Restaurants and bars generally close between 10 PM and 2 AM.
Some diners or fast-food spots remain open later for late-night food.
Check specific venue websites for their closing times.
Consider a show or concert for extended evening activity.

Shipping & Customs

For international shipping of purchases, check with retailer or major carrier (USPS, FedEx, UPS).
Stay aware of your home country's customs regulations and duty-free allowances.
This helps avoid unexpected fees upon arrival.
Keep receipts for all purchases.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

Support Local Businesses

Choose shops and vendors that are locally owned.
Look for products emphasizing sustainable practices.
Prioritize local sourcing for food and artisan goods.

Consider Fair Trade

Look for fair trade certifications where applicable.
This supports fair wages and working conditions.
Your purchases can have a positive global impact.

Shopping Tip

For unique local finds, explore the independent boutiques in Midtown. Farmers' markets offer fresh produce and handcrafted items directly from local makers.

Things to Do in Sacramento