The Best Things to Do in Rancho Cordova
October 1, 2021

The Best Things to Do in Rancho Cordova

With its family-friendly neighborhoods, vibrant community events and sense of civic pride, Rancho Cordova truly is an All-American City. In fact, the National Civic League named it a finalist for the All-American City Award (twice!) for its work promoting health equity, housing homeless veterans, and mentoring high school students.

Located in eastern Sacramento County, Rancho Cordova attracts residents with its abundance of amenities, including neighborhood parks, outdoor recreation and numerous family-friendly attractions, not to mention craft breweries and events. Following are some of our favorite things to do in and around Rancho Cordova.

 

 

Spend the Day with the Family

Sacramento Children’s Museum. Photo courtesy Visit Rancho Cordova.

Rancho Cordova is home to dozens of parks and playgrounds where the kiddos can let off some steam, and mom and dad can kick back and relax. Speaking of steam, Hagan Community Park is home to the Sacramento Valley Live Steamers, which operates a pint-sized steam-powered train and has seasonal runs like the Pumpkin Patch Express and Santa Train. Come summer, the kids can cool off at the White Rock Splash Park or explore science, art and make-believe at the hand-on Sacramento Children’s Museum.

 

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Explore Nature

Photo courtesy Vince Migliore via Flickr

Those who enjoy the outdoors will find themselves at home in Rancho Cordova. It’s just minutes from the American River. The Sunrise Recreation Area has boat ramps and is a popular spot for fishing, horseback riding and nature walks, plus it provides access to the American River Bike Trail. River Bend Park also has river access, hiking trails and picnic spots. Just up the road from Rancho Cordova is the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, with a visitor’s center and areas for viewing juvenile trout and spawning salmon – plus amazing river views.

 

Photo courtesy Jason Hollinger via Flickr

Rancho Cordova is also close to Deer Creek Hills Preserve, which has more than 4,000 acres of rolling grasslands, oak woodlands and creeks. It is popular among bird watchers and animal lovers, as it’s home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals and reptiles. It even hosts guided walks and family campouts.

 

Learn About Your Food

Photo courtesy Soil Born Farms

Soil Born Farms is another of Rancho Cordova’s natural treasures, both for kids and adults alike. Not only does the organic farm sell its fruits and veggies at its farm stand, it also educates the public about agriculture, home gardening and cooking. Rancho Cordova also has several farmers’ markets, including one at Sunrise Station on Saturdays from 8 a.m.–12 p.m., and one at the V.A. Medical Center on Wednesdays from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

 

Have an Action-Packed Adventure

Photo courtesy Visit Rancho Cordova

It may be family-centric, but Rancho Cordova is no boring suburb! It’s ideal for those who need a little adventure in their lives. Nearby is one of the most popular put-in spots for rafting, kayaking and tubing. You can even get a group of friends together and rent a raft from American River Raft Rentals. There’s also easy access to the American River Bike Trail, which stretches from Old Sacramento to Folsom. If getting vertical is more your speed, check out Granite Arch Climbing Center, a giant rock climbing gym with an outdoor climbing park.

 

Photo courtesy Spidertrax Off-Road via Flickr

Rancho Cordova is also close to the Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area, where you can explore miles of groomed trails on your ATV or motorbike. There’s a separate kids’ track, go-kart track and an area for buggies and 4x4s, complete with mud and gravel pits.

Sample Craft Brews

Photo courtesy Fort Rock Brewing

Rancho Cordova is home to a half-dozen craft breweries, many located within the newly designated Barrel District. Bring the kids, bring the dogs, play a game of bocce or corn hole, and relax with a craft brew (or two). But the area isn’t limited to beer; there is also a mead winery and two distilleries, including J.J. Pfister Distilling, which produces craft spirits.

 

Attend a Community Event

Photo courtesy California Capital Airshow

Rancho Cordova is all about community, and there are numerous events held throughout the year for kids and adults alike. One of the largest is the California Capital Airshow, one of the largest displays of aviation acrobatics in the nation! Other annual events include the Fourth of July Festival & Parade and the Cordova Community Christmas Tree Lighting. There are also plenty of smaller events throughout the year, such as art exhibits and music at the Mills Station Art and Culture Center, outdoor movie nights, food truck meetups and much more!

 

Come Home to Rancho Cordova

Rancho Cordova, CA

With its strong sense of community, outdoor activities and family-friendly vibe, Rancho Cordova is a true all-American City. If you’re looking to establish roots here, there are many options, from quaint townhomes to modest homes in established neighborhoods to new construction. Start your search for homes for sale in Rancho Cordova today!

 

Category Neighborhood Guides

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.