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A Day in the Park: Sacramento’s Green Spaces
With more than 1 million trees within the city limits, it’s no wonder Sacramento is called the City of Trees. In fact, Sacramento prides itself on its urban forests, with numerous parks and green spaces to enjoy.
But it’s not just the city of Sacramento that cherishes its outdoor spaces. The entire region is chock-full of scenic outdoor spaces, including community parks, nature preserves, and state recreational areas. Here, you can enjoy nature at its best or participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, paddling, or swimming.
Late spring and early summer are ideal times to enjoy the many green spaces in the greater Sacramento region. Trees are full and lush, flowers are blooming, and the temperatures are mild enough to enjoy an afternoon in the sun.
So, if you’re looking to enjoy a day outdoors, the following is a list of the best parks and green spaces in the greater Sacramento region.
Community Parks in the Sacramento Region
This leafy park in East Sacramento is a good bet for anyone who needs a dose of nature. The large pond is home to ducks and turtles, and the nearby playground is popular for families. There are extensive picnic areas, a tennis court, and a public swimming pool to keep cool on toasty Sacramento afternoons. One of the highlights is its historic rose garden, which is in full bloom this time of year.
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Built around a former granite quarry, this park in Rocklin is now a community hub, hosting concerts and events throughout the year. There’s a playground, shaded picnic area, and a tranquil pond as well. They have a great lineup of live music throughout summer, and it’s home to Quarry Park Adventures, which has rock climbing and zip lining.
Interested in Gold Rush history? This park in Placerville is also home to Gold Bug Mine, a 19th-century historical landmark that offers guided tours. There’s also a museum, blacksmith shop, stamp mill and gem panning. Afterwards, relax under the trees, enjoy a picnic, or explore the area on shaded walking trails.
This vibrant park in Davis is perhaps best known for its popular Saturday-morning farmers’ market. But it also has plenty of other draws as well, including a playground, shaded picnic areas, public art installations, and a community garden. In addition to the farmers’ market, it also hosts live music in the summer.
Located in the Land Park area of Sacramento, this expansive green space truly has something for everyone. For starters, there’s a public golf course. There’s also a fishing pond, a playground for the little ones, and running trails. But its star attractions are the Sacramento Zoo and Fairytale Town, which have been welcoming families for more than 65 years!
Located on the South Fork of the American River near Lotus, this park is great for water lovers! There is easy access for kayaking, tubing, boating, swimming and fishing. Plus, there’s a large open-air pavilion and plenty of shaded picnic areas. You can even stroll the many tree-canopied walking trails and take in the riverside scenery.
Bridgeway Lakes Community Park
This might not be the biggest park in the region, but it’s one of the best spots around to cool off during summer. It’s home to an artificial lake, which is a great spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. For the little ones, there’s even a colorful splash pad. Lakeside trails are popular for walking and jogging.
If it’s nature you’re after, you’ll find it at this expansive park in Carmichael. Located on the banks of the American River, the park has miles of walking trails through the oak habitat, making it popular for birding and wildlife spotting. It’s also home to the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, which has educational programs for kids.
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This family-friendly park in El Dorado Hills is a great place to spend a sunny day. For starters, it has a large playground with climbing structures and swings. There are also many options for sports, including basketball courts, soccer fields, and walking trails. Planning on getting the family together for a cookout? Barbecue grills and picnic tables round out the amenities.
Regional Parks in Sacramento
American River Bike Trail
The jewel of Sacramento — the American River Parkway — stretches for more than 30 miles from Old Sacramento to Folsom. Although it’s best known for its paved, multi-use trail, it also has numerous spots along the way for picnicking, fishing, and horseback riding. There are also boat launches, swimming beaches, and picnic facilities.
This regional park in Auburn is an extensive network of hiking, biking and equestrian trails that wind through oak woodlands and rolling hillsides. In the spring, the park’s namesake falls are the main draw, as is the calm swimming hole at the bottom. Other trails dip into the oak-studded landscapes, offering views of the creek and foothills beyond.
Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park
More than 12 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking wind through the rolling grasslands of this regional park in Pilot Hill. Oak groves, picnic areas, and secluded coves along the South Fork of the American River provide tranquil resting spots. There are even remnants of an old movie set to explore.
Located along the banks of Cache Creek in Yolo County, this rustic park offers scenic spots for outdoor recreation. There are three separate areas, each of which provides opportunities for different adventures: camping, kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, rafting, and more! It’s a low-key spot to enjoy the oak woodlands, native grasslands, abundant wildlife, and access to rugged hiking trails.
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Located in Elverta, this regional park is awash in rural charm. Plus, it has a little something for everyone. There are walking trails, picnic areas, a play structure and a fishing pond. But perhaps most notable is that it is home to a working ranch and equestrian center, making it popular for school field trips. In addition, a community garden and food forest are in development.
This large community park in Roseville has all the amenities one would expect from a suburban green space: sports field, a skate park, a playground, and picnic areas. But it also offers a glimpse into the past, when the Native American people called this area home. There’s the Maidu Museum and Historic Site, where you can spot petroglyphs and grinding stones.
State Recreation Areas Near Sacramento
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Have visions of spending summer on the water? There’s no better place to do it than Folsom Lake! There are numerous access points, including Granite Bay, Folsom, El Dorado Hills and more. Boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and paddling are just a few of the activities you can do here. If you prefer to stay on land, you can hike, bike, or horseback ride along the many lakeside trails.
The Auburn State Recreation Area stretches along the North and Middle Forks of the American River. This rugged park is known for its towering canyons, dramatic river views, and outdoor adventure, which includes hiking, biking, boating, and paddling. There are miles and miles of trails here, and you can even pan for gold in some spots!
Nature Preserves Near Sacramento
Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
This natural refuge, located in Elk Grove, provides a crucial habitat for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway. A visit here means you’re likely to see herons, egrets, birds of prey, even river otters and turtles. They offer guided tours as well.
Cosumnes River Preserve
This tranquil preserve in Galt is a mélange of wetlands, riparian forests, and oak woodlands. It provides natural habitat to more than 250 bird species, including sandhill cranes and waterfowl. You can kayak through its peaceful waters, take a guided tour, or simply bring your binoculars to watch birds and other wildlife in their natural environment.
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Traylor Ranch Nature Reserve & Bird Sanctuary
Located in Penryn, this nature reserve and sanctuary is a peaceful open space dedicated to wildlife preservation. There are numerous walking trails meandering through oak woodlands and native grasslands, making it the ideal spot for birdwatching and animal viewing. In spring, the area is awash in colorful wildflowers.
Managed by U.C. Davis, this natural area is a protected area along Putah Creek. It supports all types of wildlife, such as beavers, turtles, otters, native fish species, and birds such as hawks. This natural space is open for public recreation such as kayaking, fishing, swimming, boating and hiking along its creek-side paths.
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With the California Local blog, Windermere Signature Properties strives to deliver the most valuable information to both home buyers and sellers while highlighting our favorite local gems that make Sacramento the best place to live in California.
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