Enjoy the Outdoors With These 7 Activities in the Sacramento Area
August 5, 2020

Enjoy the Outdoors With These 7 Activities in the Sacramento Area

With its abundant sunshine, diverse terrain and proximity to so many lakes and rivers, the greater Sacramento area is an absolute haven for outdoor enthusiasts, especially in the summertime. Whether you’re into hiking, swimming or biking, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get outside and take advantage of everything the Sacramento region has to offer. There’s something for everyone here, from avid outdoorspeople to newbies. So take your pick from the following activities for outdoor lovers near the greater Sacramento area. 

 

Rafting & Tubing

Tubing and Rafting in Sacramento, CA

Sacramento is home to not one — but two — iconic rivers. That means there are plenty of places to go river rafting and tubing, whether it’s on the American River, the Sacramento River, or any of the other rivers meandering through the region. Go on a self-guided relaxing tube float down the American River, or opt for a guided rafting trip with American River Raft Rentals or River Rat Raft & Bike. Or book a trip with Whitewater Adventures for a unique and fun-filled experience traveling along the Upper Cache Creek.

Get all of the details about these fun river trips (plus a few other suggestions) on our guide to tubing and rafting in the Sacramento area!

 

Hiking

Northern California is filled with a robust network of hiking trails, from easy hikes along paved trails to some more challenging mountaintop summits. It’s only right to experience the area’s immense natural beauty and get a breath of fresh air by embarking on a hike, no matter your fitness level. Stay in the neighborhood with a walk along the renowned Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, which runs parallel to the American River from Folsom to Old Sacramento, with several access points at parks along the way.

If you’re looking for a more intense hike, you might consider Mount Tallac Trail in South Lake Tahoe. Taking you to the top of the region’s tallest peak, the 9,735-foot-tall Mt. Tallac, this strenuous trail may not be for beginners but it does offer some of the best views in the region. Along the way and from the top, you’ll encounter breathtaking views of Desolation Wilderness and Lake Tahoe itself.

Looking for more hikes in the area? Check out some of our favorite hikes within 3 hours of Sacramento!

 

Golfing

Sierra View Golf Course

Photo courtesy of Bryan Patrick via Sierra View Golf Course

Northern California is a paradise for golfers, as the region’s diverse terrain provides a wide range of course conditions for new and experienced golfers alike. There are a number of renowned courses in the Sacramento area providing a unique combination of woodlands, sand bunkers and water features that are perfect for polishing up your game. Some of the most pristine courses include Sierra View Golf Course in Roseville, North Ridge Country Club in Fair Oaks, Teal Bend along the Sacramento River in Natomas, and William Land Golf Course in the heart of Land Park.

Looking for more places to practice your golf game? Here are the top ten golf courses in the Sacramento area.

 

Biking

Biking in Sacramento

Sacramento is a haven for bicyclists, whether you live in the heart of the city or in surrounding communities. In fact, there are plenty of neighborhoods in Sacramento with impressive Bike Scores, as the city of Sacramento has recently made a dramatic effort to become more bike-friendly, including added bike lanes, educational initiatives, helpful resources, and improved biking infrastructure.

If you’re looking for an urban destination for biking, you might consider steering your wheels towards Davis, considered one of the nation’s most bike-friendly cities, as it offers more than 100 miles of bike paths and lanes. If you’re looking for more natural surroundings on your bike ride, hop on Granite Bay Trail, the Four-Mile Loop, or the Sacramento River Parkway.

Need more ideas? Explore the best paved bike trails in and around Sacramento. 

Stand Up Paddleboarding

FLOW Stand Up Paddleboarding Sacramento, CA

Photo courtesy of FLOW

Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the most popular water sports out there. If you’re looking for a local resource for all your stand up paddleboarding needs, look no further than FLOW. Flow Stand Up Paddle offers a variety of rentals, including boards, life jackets, paddles, and other gear. Plus, you can learn the sport under expert guidance with FLOW’s classes, including private lessons and SUP yoga! Head to FLOW to discover the allure of this challenging yet rewarding sport.

 

Swimming

Swimming in Sacramento, CA

Let’s face it — Sacramento can sure heat up during the summer. You may be searching for ways to cool off, while still enjoying the beautiful sunshine and natural beauty of the area. There are a number of popular swimming holes in the Sacramento area, including the Nimbus Dam Recreation Area on Lake Natoma near Folsom, and of course, several access points on the American River. Some of the best swimming areas along the river include River Bend Park, William B. Pond Recreation Area, Watt Avenue Access Park, and Ancil Hoffman Park.

If you’re looking for other ways to keep cool, there are also plenty of swimming holes less than two hours from Sacramento!

 

Camping

Camping Near Sacramento

Camping is one of the best ways to experience the great outdoors. In fact, you can use a campground as your home base as you enjoy any combination of the above-mentioned activities! Thankfully, Northern California has no shortage of campgrounds. Whether you’re looking for a tree-filled campground up in the Sierras or a wide-open setting with views of the Pacific Ocean, there are plenty of nearby places to pitch your tent.

Fallen Leaf Lake Campground is arguably one of the best places to camp in the South Lake Tahoe area. Just a short walk from several campsites lies Fallen Leaf Lake, an exceptional place to swim, fish, kayak or paddle. If you’re looking for a coastal getaway, check out Half Moon Bay State Beach, which has several campgrounds. 

Still looking for a place to pitch your tent? Take a look at these incredible campgrounds within 2 hours of Sacramento.

Category Davis, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Neighborhood Guides, Roseville, Sacramento

Elizabeth Penney

Elizabeth Penney is a content writer for Lyon Real Estate and the Lyon Local blog. A Sacramento native with a marketing background, she shares her insider knowledge on restaurants, attractions and outdoor activities throughout the greater Sacramento area and beyond.