Fun Things To Do In And Around Sacramento
Sacramento is an exciting place to live. Our claim to fame is we are two hours from everything - San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, the Gold Country, the Wine Country, snow skiing, and scuba diving.
But we have our own jewels right here. Downtown Sac is bursting with eclectic shops, theaters, museums and an historic old town along the banks of the Sacramento River. Hiking, biking, boating, basketball, baseball and soccer fill our leisure time.
Take a look at some of our best including Fun Things To Do, Recreation, Museums, and Day Trips.
FUN THINGS TO DO
100 acres of beautiful gardens and walking trails adjoining UC Davis
Contemporary productions and modern classics, in a small stage setting.
With animals, rodeo, jugglers, deep fried twinkies and of course the HYPNOTIST!
1000 miles of waterways to explore, between Sacramento and San Francisco Bay
Environmental and cultural education with miles of walking trails on the American River Parkway.
For live theater under the stars in the Fair Oaks Amphitheatre
A kids play paradise based on classic fairy tales and nursery rhymes.
Every July the rodeo comes to town, complete with a spectacular fireworks display.
This charming zoo is just the right size.
Children’s amusement rides located in William Land Park
Stretch your neck before you go - the screen is BIG
Since the 1950s we have been enjoying live theater under the circus tent.
The salmon climbing the fish ladder as they return twice a year to lay their eggs is breathtaking.
This is beautiful to explore, with magnificent headstones from the gold rush era.
They’re our Triple A affiliates of the San Francisco Giants
Held every Memorial Day Weekend in Old Sac, with Jazz, Blues, Latin, Zydego, & more.
Lions, tigers, and bears - Oh My! In William Land Park
Every November you can watch thousands of sandhill cranes land for the evening in Elk Grove.
They bill themselves as Hysterical History specialists.
This is so fun - a tiny live theater on the main historic street of Folsom.
CULTURAL EVENTS AND MUSEUMS
Aerospace Museum of California
Civilian and military aircraft, with fighters, trainers, transports and bi-planes. It’s all here.
Downtown at 26th and K
California’s history and culture, including California’s Remarkable Women
The history of cars and California culture - over 150 or them.
A leading California Art museum since 1885
Discovery Museum Science & Space Center
Full of interactive displays and exhibits.
Governor’s Mansion Historic State Park
Beautiful Victorian, built in 1877, now a park museum.
Leland Stanford Mansion Museum
This 19,000 sf Victorian mansion has had a $22M restoration - it’s stunning.
Mondavi Center for Performing Arts
World class music and arts performances at this state of the art center at UC Davis
Lots of big metal machines from our railroad history. Really fascinating and visual.
The site of our state government, the capitol is very cool, with a good museum,
beautiful grounds, a Veteran’s memorial, and trees from around the world.
For Sacramento’s History - in Old Sacramento
Central to Sacramento’s history and the history of the Gold Rush - from the 1800’s. Very cool.
Everything from the yearly Nutcracker to the classics.
Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra
The beautiful concerts they produce are fabulous.
This sounds great - every July
Sacramento’s largest park, with Fairytale Town, the Zoo and lots more.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Boating, fishing, hiking, white water rafting, swimming, kayaking - there is so much to do.
Biking -Bike Trail along the American River
Biking in a natural setting is unsurpassed in Sacramento.
California International Marathon - CIM
World class runners converge in December, through the streets from Folsom to Old Sac
Climbing - Granite Arch, Sacramento Pipeworks, and Davis’s Rocknasium
These will prepare you for the real stuff in the Sierras and Yosemite.
Sailing, kayaking, canoeing, crew - it’s all available at the Aquatic Center on Lake Natoma
Swimming, boating, sailing, horseback riding - a beautiful lake with beaches and a marina
Organizes sailing races and regattas on Folsom Lake, and offers youth sailing instruction
Here are 44 golf courses within 45 minutes of Sacramento - we have great golf weather
Our 32 mile bike trail along the American River could not be a better place to hike.
Love our Sacramento Kings NBA team
Strap on your helmet have a blast racing on 3 indoor go cart tracks. It’s a blast.
Soccer - Sacramento Republic FC
They came on with a bang their first season here
The American River provides terrific rafting
DAY TRIPS from Sacramento
The beautiful homes and landscapes are famous
The former penitentiary is now a fascinating day trip tour
41 wineries in the Sierra foothill gold country
50 ranches growing and creating every type of apple concoction imaginable
Aquarium of the Bay - San Francisco
20,000 marine animals and 300 feet of tunnels in San Francisco Bay
Auburn offers tremendous hiking in the two converging river canyons.
90 miles of unbelievable coastline through redwoods, rugged cliffs and beaches.
1.5 hours from Sacramento are giant sequoia redwood trees and 5 mile walking trail
I was shocked by how awesome my first cave tour was. Don’t miss out.
Exploratorium, San Francisco
Explore science, art and human perception in a fun zaney way.
There are 60 hikes to choose from within 60 miles of Sacramento
Just two hours away, with snow skiing, summer vacationing, hiking and a jewel of a lake
Whether wine tasting, biking, shopping, or enjoying the scenery, Napa is awesome.
1.5 hours away in Vallejo are thrill rides, animal encounters and entertainment.
Whisks you 2,000 vertical feet to the top of Squaw Valley where you can ice skate or enjoy the view.
Jaw droppingly spectacular, and about 4 hours from Sacramento - you can do it in a day.
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