19 Things to Do in Sacramento in the Spring

Happy Spring! This is one of our favorite seasons, as it is filled with new growth, warmer temperatures, longer days, and lots of sunshine. Not to mention, the year-long beauty of the Sacramento area is even more magnificent this time of year.

Maximize this beautiful season with one (or several!) of these must-do activities in the Sacramento area. From peaceful garden strolls to rooftop bars and outdoor concerts to baseball games, there’s something for everyone on this list.

Visit a Nearby Winery

There’s nothing quite like sipping on a glass of rosé on an outdoor patio in the spring. Or better yet, visit one of the many urban wineries near Sacramento, located in the heart of the city or just outside of town. You can even take your springtime wine adventure to the next level by going on a day trip to Napa Valley, home to some of the world’s finest wineries.

Take a Hike

With mild temperatures, clear skies, and lots of sunshine, there’s no better time to explore the area by foot. Take a look at some of the best hikes within 3 miles of Sacramento, from short and sweet dog-friendly loops to more challenging climbs offering endless views.

See a Concert in the Park

Photo Courtesy of Jaafar Mirlohi, Downtown Sacramento Partnership

Each May, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership hosts their Concerts in the Park series, which goes all the way through July. Each Friday night, Cesar Chavez Plaza comes to life with music from local and national touring artists, food, drinks, and DJs between sets. This free outdoor music festival is a great way to celebrate spring and party all the way into the summer!

Stroll Through East Sacramento

Take an afternoon stroll through one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the region. East Sacramento is home to the Fab Forties enclave, an upscale area between J and M Streets, running from 38th all the way to 49th Street. Here, you’ll find immaculate homes representing some of the most charming styles, including Mediterranean, colonial revival, craftsman, and Tudor. Admire some of the area’s most gorgeous gardens at the East Sacramento Garden Tour each spring!

Visit Daffodil Hill

Make a day trip to Daffodil Hill, nestled in Volcano, just east of Sutter Creek. This family ranch attracts visitors from around the world each spring, usually from mid-March through the first weeks of April. Admire the thousands of daffodil blooms amidst a beautiful rural setting, plus an original 1880s barn, pine trees, wagon wheels, Gold Rush-era mining equipment, farm animals, and more. Call 209-296-7048 to make sure Daffodil Hill is open the day you plan to visit!

Go to the Sacramento County Fair

Celebrate the unofficial transition from spring to summer at the Sacramento County Fair on Memorial Day weekend. This annual fair is a patriotic and action-packed multi-day festival of fun, featuring carnival rides, livestock shows, delicious food and drinks, endless entertainment, and much more.

Practice Yoga (For Free!)

All spring long, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor yoga classes happening throughout the Sacramento area. In fact, many of them are free! Learn more about Free Yoga Sacramento, an online resource providing an updated list of the many free and donation-based yoga and meditation classes in the Sacramento area.

Admire the Lupine Fields at Folsom Lake

Here’s another opportunity to admire a gorgeous floral display in the region. Near Folsom Lake, you can see an overwhelming field covered in Douglas’ Lupine, a blue-ish purple flower natively found in California, Nevada and eastern Oregon. Park at Beek’s Bight and head east to encounter this gorgeous natural phenomenon!

Dine Al Fresco

Photo Courtesy of Paragary’s

Spring is the perfect time to soak up the sunshine on an airy outdoor patio in the city. One of our favorite outdoor patios is Paragary’s in Midtown. You’ll forget you’re smack dab in the city as you’re transcended to a lush and inviting oasis with waterfalls, 60-year-old olive trees, and a large fireplace. Take the experience to the next level by checking out some of our favorite happy hour menus offered on a patio!

See a River Cats Game

This obvious springtime activity simply must be mentioned! Check out the River Cats’ schedule and catch a home game when you can. Opt for cheaper tickets by sitting on the grass area (Home Run Hill) so you can spend your saved money on popcorn, hot dogs, and beer.

Track Down a Food Truck

The mobile food world is on the rise in Sacramento, and SactoMoFo is leading the way — on wheels, of course. This food truck organization is responsible for many of the food trucks parked at your favorite events, popular areas, and other happenings in the area. Take a look at their calendar to see where you can find a food truck — or an entire fleet — in the near future!

Pedal Along the American River Parkway

The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, also known as the American River Bike Trail, is a renowned trail hugging the banks of the American River. It runs for 32 miles between Discovery Park in Old Sacramento and Folsom Lake’s southwestern banks at Beal’s Point. With several access points along the way, there are various stretches of this paved multi-use trail you can travel on by foot, bike, or even skates! Check out a few more amazing bike trails around Sacramento.

Visit William Land Park

Situated in the Land Park neighborhood, William Land Park is an action-packed destination for kids — and kids at heart. This 166.5-acre developed park is home to the Sacramento Zoo, Fairytale Town, Funderland, and even a golf course. You could spend an entire day at William Land Park, considered one of the most prominent parks in the city!

Go to a Rooftop Bar

See the city from a fresh perspective at Revival at the Sawyer, a relatively new rooftop bar situated atop The Sawyer hotel in the heart of DOCO. This sleek indoor-outdoor lounge is the perfect place to relax with a drink or small bite while you take in views of the surrounding cityscape.

Stroll Through a Farmers’ Market

While the region has plenty of year-round markets (yes, that even means during the dead of winter!), spring is one of the best seasons for farmers’ market trips. Check out all of the many farmers’ markets operating on a weekly basis throughout the region. No matter what community you live in, you’re likely to find a market near you!

Try a New Brewery

There’s nothing like a cold, refreshing beer on a warm spring day. Check out some of the best breweries in Sacramento and visit one you haven’t tried yet! Many of them offer outdoor seating, which means you can take advantage of all the sun we enjoy in Sacramento.

Spruce Up Your Garden

After admiring the many floral displays in the city, take some time to spruce up your own garden at home. Plant Foundry is an excellent resource for everything you might need in the garden department — including plants, flowers, pots, seeds, gardening supplies, outdoor decor, and much more. You can also take a Class at Soil Born Farms to delve into a specific gardening subject, such as propagation, composting, beekeeping, and more.

Visit the ICE Blocks in Midtown

Have you checked out the new ICE Blocks development in Midtown? This vibrant mixed-use retail/residential complex is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and various businesses. A while back, we took a look inside Beast + Bounty and introduced Mendocino Farms, two of the many excellent restaurants at the ICE Blocks.

Attend an Open House

This home is for sale here

You may have heard — spring is one of the best times to buy and sell a home. It’s a natural time for transition and moving, whether it’s to a different city or just down the street. Take a look at the many upcoming open houses in the Sacramento area if you’re actively searching for a home.

Happy Spring!

What springtime activities are a must for you? Let us know in the comments below!