The American River Parkway runs more than 30 miles from Old Sacramento to Folsom Dam, with only a few street crossings. On any given day, you will find cyclists, runners, hikers, and horses along the mostly asphalt trail. Pedestrian bridges lead off to small towns along the route.
The trail is rated as "easy," although beginner cyclists and children might struggle with the hills on the last three miles leading up to Folsom Lake.
- Group Bike Rides
- Hiking
- Outdoor park
The Auburn State Recreation Area surrounds 40 miles of the North and Middle Forks of the American River and serves over 900,000 visitors a year.
- Fishing
- Horse Riding
- Mountain Biking and Hiking
- Multiple Sports Activities
- Outdoor park
Granite Arch is California's largest indoor rock climbing center with over 20,000 square feet of wall area. It is located approximately 25 minutes east of the Sacramento city center. Day passes are available, as well as equipment rental.
- Climbing Indoor/Outdoor
This spa has garnered "best spa and massage" by readers of Sacramento magazine. We like that travelers can book a quick 35-minute rub down. The facility spans over 3,000 square fee and a variety of services are offered. It's not uber "plush", but it is reliable and not overly expensive.
- Spa/massage
Located 15 miles west of Sacramento in Davis, Rocknasium boasts 8,000 square feet of climbable terrain inside a 3,600 square foot facility. Climbing varies widely in difficulty. An adult day pass with equipment rental is $25. Kids can climb for a discounted rate.
- Climbing Indoor/Outdoor
The American River's south fork, which runs from Folsom Lake to outside Coloma, has long been a destination for whitewater rafters and kayakers.
- Kayaking
- Miscellaneous Fun
- Mountain Biking and Hiking
- Multiple Sports Activities
If you have time for a day trip or can spend an extra night near Sacramento, consider making the 2 hour drive to South Lake Tahoe. Depending on the season you'll find various water or winter activities to choose from (e.g., boating, jet-skiing, snow skiing at Heavenly Resort, etc.).
- Multiple Sports Activities