How to Spend a Day in Fair Oaks

With its shady canopy, proximity to outdoor recreation, and great shops and restaurants, the charming village of Fair Oaks makes for a pleasant day out. Just a half  hour east of downtown Sacramento, area is aptly named, with quaint, established neighborhoods canopied by leafy oak trees. Its historic downtown core is made up of intimate cafés, indie shops and cozy restaurants. At its heart is leafy Fair Oaks Village Park, home to a flock of wild (but friendly!) chickens and roosters. There are plenty of things to do in this neck of the woods, and following are a few of our favorites.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Fair Oaks is located right along the American River, meaning the great outdoors is literally in your backyard! Lake Natoma offers a plethora of recreational opportunities, including stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, fishing and swimming. The north side of the lake has miles of hiking and biking trails, while the American River Bike Trail is right over the scenic Fair Oaks Bridge, which is one of the best paved bike trails in the Sacramento area. Fair Oaks is also a hop, skip & a jump from the Sunrise Recreation Area, a popular spot with a boat launch, fishing and equestrian trails.

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Grab a Bite to Eat

Photo courtesy Shangri-la

All that outdoor activity means you’ve probably worked up quite an appetite. Luckily, Fair Oaks has its share of great restaurants where you can unwind with a delicous meal. One of our favorites is Shangri-la, a Palm Springs-themed paradise serving modern American cuisine and fun cocktails. They have a killer outdoor patio (dog-friendly!) with firepits and bocce ball, plus live music. Other options in Fair Oaks include the longstanding Sunflower Drive-In, which serves vegetarian fast food like nut burgers and tacos; Dad’s Kitchen, known for its stick-to-your-ribs comfort food like burgers and mac & cheese; and Mikuni, with modern, inventive sushi rolls and creative cocktails.

Go Shopping

Photo courtesy The Treasured Home

You can shop till you drop in Fair Oaks too. Fair Oaks Village is an enclave of unique shops. You can pick up artisanal, organic self-care products like lotions and scrubs at Botanica Village Apothecary, French-themed antiques at French in the Village, and vintage home décor at Bungalow Style Living. At The Treasured Home, you can find anything you need to beautify your space, from custom-painted furniture to décor and kitchen goods, as well as clothing and jewelry. They also host crafting workshops where you can learn to paint flower pots and furniture.

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Meet the Locals

Photo courtesy Fair Oaks Chicken Festival

Fair Oaks is a close-knit community that has a small-town vibe. They host various events throughout the year, including movie nights, farmers’ markets, outdoor concerts, and comedy nights. Their signature event is the annual Fair Oaks Chicken Festival, held each September, which pays homage to the feathered residents who run afoul in Fair Oaks Village Park. The event features a cluck ‘n’ crow contest, a cornhole competition, live music, and food and drink vendors.

Make Yourself at Home

With beautiful scenery, established neighborhoods and a small-town vibe, its no wonder so many people want to establish roots in Fair Oaks. The area offers a variety of homes for sale, from character-filled farmhouses to roomy ranch homes and stylish contemporary homes. Essentially, there is a style and price point to fit nearly every lifestyle.