The Best Things to Do in Sacramento in the Spring

It’s almost springtime in Sacramento!

Now that you’ve got your home’s springtime decor covered, it’s time to step outside and enjoy the city of Sacramento during this beautiful season. There truly is so much to do in the Sacramento area during the spring, and we want to make sure you are aware of these things so you can take advantage of them before it’s too late!

Follow along with our simple SPRING acronym that outlines the best things to do in Sacramento this spring. And let us know what activities you like to do in the area each year; we’re always open to expanding our list!

Sip on Some Fine Wine

It’s no secret that Sacramento is surrounded by incredible wineries, and as a result, some of the finest wines in the country. It’s tempting to go on with business as usual and forget to take advantage of this luxury right at your fingertips. Instead, you should make it a point to try some new bottles at home this spring, visit a winery on a sunny afternoon, or grab a glass of wine on an outdoor patio at a local restaurant.

We mentioned several wineries that would make wonderful date destinations in Sacramento, and we stand by those for any and all occasions. Apple Hill doesn’t only focus on apples; in fact, they host seven wineries on their enormous plot of land just east of Placerville. Take the hour-long drive to this charming and action-packed farming metropolis and sample wines from some of the best wineries in the area.

(From left to right: Boeger Winery, Lava Cap Winery, ParaVi Vinyards)

However, we have a few other favorites that are a bit closer to the heart of Sacramento, if you’re not feeling up to the commute to Apple Hill.

Miner’s Leap Winery is a family-owned boutique winery in Clarksburg with a variety of special wines produced with the finest grapes and in small lots. If you like what you see — and taste — during your visit, you can take the leap to become a Wine Club member at Miner’s Leap!

Revolution Wines is truly something special. They are, in fact, Sacramento’s only fully operational urban winery. Their location on the southeast corner of the Winn Park neighborhood, is where all the magic happens — from crushing, fermenting to bottling grapes they receive from local vineyards, to serving high-quality bistro food to pair with their wines.

Escape from city living to the countryside oasis of Scribner Bend Vineyards, located along the Sacramento River. Visit their tasting room inside a 100-year-old renovated barn Friday through Sunday between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Participate in Annual Community Events

Each spring, Sacramento hosts some fun community events that we look forward to year after year. Maybe you consider yourself a loyal participant at these events or maybe you’ve never heard of some of them! Whatever you do, make it a point to check these events out this spring to bring your Sacramento experience to the next level.

(From left to right: Sacramento Beer and Chili Festival, River City Marketplace, Bicycle Film Festival and Sacramento Music Festival)

There are so many annual events happening this spring, but a few of our favorites include…

• Sacramento Beer and Chili Festival: April 16, 2016
• Sacramento Earth Day: April 24, 2016
• River City Marketplace: Second Saturdays Starting May 14, 2016
• Bicycle Film Festival: May 9, 2016
• West Coast Invitational: May 21, 2016
• Sacramento County Fair: May 26–30, 2016
• Sacramento Music Festival: May 27–30, 2016

Refresh Your Home With Goods From Local Boutiques

Spring is the most common time to do some deep cleaning in your home, kickstart the gardening season, and tackle some of those DIY home projects or renovations you’ve been putting off for months. So why not update your home’s interior with some home goods from local boutiques in the Sacramento area?

(Via Urban 57)

We are particularly fond of Haus Home Decor and Gifts for their specialty home items brought in from exclusive and top-of-the-line companies. We also love Casa Bella Galleria because of their ability to combine impeccable design and accessible prices; plus, we are so inspired by the looks displayed in their showroom. Urban 57 has a collection of modern furniture with a vintage twist. Whatever you’re looking for in the home department, you’re bound to find it at Urban 57 — from furniture, flooring, and home decor to rugs, bedding, and baby furniture.

Indulge at Local Eateries

On a list of springtime activities, it’s only right to mention some local restaurants with patios perfect for basking in the California sunshine. We happen to think that when you couple any activity with food, it makes it that much better!

Since Sacramento is America’s farm-to-fork capital, there is no shortage of quality restaurants in the area featuring menus packed with farm-fresh, local ingredients. So consider a visit to one of our favorite Sacramento restaurants with picture-perfect patio setups.

(From left to right: Pearl on the River, Mulvaney’s B&L and The Red Rabbit Kitchen and Bar)

As its name suggests, Pearl on the River overlooks the Sacramento River. This beautiful view is worth a visit this spring!

For a fine dining experience, unwind on the outdoor patio at The Red Rabbit Kitchen and Bar in Midtown Sacramento.

The outdoor seating at Mulvaney’s B&L is filled with lots of plantlife, ample shade for some of those warmer days, and lots of happy people enjoying their company — and food!

Navigate the Streets of Old Sacramento

Maybe you find yourself only visiting Old Sacramento when visitors come into town. However, you have to admit that each time you visit, you wish you made the trip more often. Sometimes that happens when you live in a larger city with lots to do; you might get swept up in your routine, traveling from home to work to kids’ sports practices and then back home again (or whatever your life stage’s “routine” looks like). Now that the sun is out, you have no more excuses! It’s time to visit Old Sacramento and experience your city from a new perspective.

(From top to bottom: Sacramento Excursion Train and Sacramento Underground Tour)

Speaking of tourists, it’s never a bad idea to play tourist in your own city, by going on an Old Sacramento Underground Tour or a ghost tour, visiting the Sacramento History Museum, or hopping on board the Sacramento Excursion Train for a peaceful ride along the Sacramento River.

Whatever you do within this 28-acre National Historic Landmark District, you’ll be glad you took the time to visit this area soaked in history, personality and charm.

Get Outside

Above all, we recommend getting outside as much as possible. Springtime means warm sunshine, longer days, green grass and blooming flowers. So it’s best that you take advantage of those qualities this year! There are several ways in which you can explore the great outdoors in the Sacramento area.

Take a trip to one of the gorgeous parks in the Sacramento area. Some of our favorite springtime picnic destinations include McKinley Park, William Land Park and Fremont Park. These all happen to make wonderful places to let the kids run around and get out some energy on a sunny day!

(From left to right: McKinley Park, William Land Park, Guy West Bridge to Goethe Park and Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail)

Take a hike! …Seriously. Take an afternoon during a weekend this spring to hike the 5-mile loop through Hidden Falls Trails, keep things simple with the riverside 2-mile loop from Guy West Bridge to Goethe Park or take your dog for a walk at some point along the 62.7-mile Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail at one of its many entrances.

Happy Spring!

Now get outside and enjoy these springtime activities. And as mentioned, let us know what we missed so we might add it to our list!