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Midway between San Francisco and the Sierra Nevada mountains is Sacramento, the historic capital of northern California, United States. Developed during the region’s brief but dynamic time of transformation from farmlands to boom towns, this great place combines a modern metropolis with a living time capsule of the Gold Rush era. The region surrounding this historic town — the Gold Country — is its bucolic counterpart, offering many fun activities, and historic and natural attractions worthy of some day trips outside the city of Sacramento.
Enjoy The Parks On Your Road Trip
Sacramento is filled with many city parks for kids to enjoy. Bertha Henschel Park is one of the best places to start. This 2.5-acre park includes a wading pool, an adventure play area, an area for tiny tots, as well as a soccer field, and two basketball courts for older kids.
Picnic areas and restrooms round out the park’s facilities. McKinley Park sits on 32 acres including large 1.5 acres of rose gardens along with a swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic area, and a playground for young kids.
Hiking And Biking In The Warmer Months
Hike or bike the Sacramento waterfront loop trail to catch some of the historic buildings and views of the lake. The 3.5-mile trail is easy, has little elevation, and is kid friendly. Head out to Sacramento Northern bike trail, which follows the Northern Railroad from old neighborhoods through new suburbs and scenic farmlands.
The trail is 16 miles round trip with little elevation and is suitable for older kids due to the length. Take a break at Discovery Park along the route and enjoy a family picnic.
City Attractions And The Best Things To Do
Head over to the California Military Museum on the main street, which retraces California’s military history. Kids might enjoy the California State Railroad Museum, which is a celebration of Sacramento’s railway history with large locomotives and passenger cars to view. The Sacramento Children’s Museum offers many educational exhibits for kids to learn and explore.
The Discovery Museum has many hands-on exhibits teaching history from centuries past. Visit the Sacramento Zoo with many exotic and endangered species of animals. The Zoo park includes a train ride and playground for the younger set.
Where To Eat In The Capital City On Your Great Day Trip
Sacramento has many vegetarian and ethnic restaurants offering healthy eats for your family. Take a trip to the Sacramento Food Co-op and pick up healthy, organic produce, meats, and cheeses along with freshly baked bread for a picnic lunch.
Kids can design their sandwiches with their favorite ingredients and watch them being prepared, and select from fresh juice and smoothies. The co-op offers many classes in its learning center; once a month, the demo and class are designed for kids—including recipes with favorite, healthy, kid-pleasing ingredients.
Theme Parks And Outdoor Activities
Sacramento offers several theme parks in the city and outlying areas. For some fun and active hours, head to Fairytale Town where kids of all ages can keep busy. The park features several colorful play sets allowing kids to act out their favorite fairy tale characters, stirring up their imagination and creativity. There are also slides and play equipment throughout the park.
The park offers special events, theater performances, and educational presentations throughout the year. Young kids can water the plants in small gardens found in the park.
Discover California’s Gold At Sutter’s Mill Just A Short Drive Away
Pioneer John Sutter’s namesake sawmill on the south fork of the American River is well known as the place where gold was first discovered in California. Today, Sutter’s land in the Coloma Valley, about 40 miles east of Sacramento, is a State Historic Park named for James Marshall, the man who made the momentous discovery in 1848.
The park features the Gold Discovery Museum, a visitor center, and a replica of the original mill, as well as 20 original buildings. Visitors can take guided walking tours, learn how to pan for gold, and hike on oak-shaded trails overlooking the scenic river canyon.
On the second Saturday of every month, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park hosts Living History Days, during which docents in period garb conduct demonstrations of nostalgic activities like Dutch oven cooking, candle dipping, and rope making.
A Whitewater Thrill Ride Is The Perfect Place To Have Some Fun
The American, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, and Merced rivers that crisscross the foothills of the beautiful Sierra Nevada east of Sacramento are the prime destination for whitewater rafting in California. The South Fork of the American River, easily within a day’s trip’s distance of Sacramento, has stretches ideal for families, nature lovers, beginners, and those who prefer a more sedate adventure.
The North Fork of the American River is suited to experienced thrill-seekers, offering some of the most challenging whitewater rapids in California. Dozens of whitewater tour operators offer half- and one-day excursions in the region. Notable among them is O.A.R.S., named “Best River and Sea Outfitter on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure magazine.
A Taste Of El Dorado Wine Country For The Best Day Trips from Sacramento
More than 200 wineries dot the countryside surrounding Sacramento is comprised of five distinct wine regions making it perfect for day trips. Oenophiles and casual wine drinkers enjoy exploring the vineyards of El Dorado County, where wine-tasting rooms at approximately 50 wineries welcome visitors to sample their various wines.
Some offer guided tours of their facilities. Learn about the rich history of viticulture in the region, which developed concurrently with the Gold Rush, making El Dorado County one of California’s largest wine producers by 1870.
Visit Folsom
Folsom is best known for its notorious prison, but the town’s location on the American River Parkway and proximity to two lakes make it a surprisingly attractive destination, in particular for outdoor recreation. Hire bikes and explore a section of the 32-mile American River Bike Trail, go horseback riding on lakeside trails, or fish for trout, catfish, bass, and kokanee salmon.
This inland destination even offers opportunities for scuba diving in Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma. On dry land, visit the Folsom History Museum and learn about Johnny Cash’s famous live performance for its prisoners. Folsom Zoo and Sanctuary, located in Folsom City Park, is a top attraction for families, as is the miniature, steam-powered Folsom Valley Railway next to the zoo.
Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Sacramento
On your visit to Sacramento, California, you will find many activities indoors and outdoors to keep children busy, healthy, and active. Whether you choose to head for museums designed for kids of all ages, parks for outdoor romping or water activities, historic sites for the history buffs, art galleries or to hit the hiking and mountain biking trails, your day trips from Sacramento will be filled with tiring activities to ensure a good night’s sleep.
