Summertime in Sactown, “and the living is easy” – as the song goes! There is no better time of year in the capital region, and we all look forward to hot weather, cool nights, family vacations, playing outdoors, and plenty of holiday barbecues by the pool.
But too often, we have grand plans to make this coming summer the best ever by seeing and doing so much, only to look up and it’s already October.
So we wanted to help you get organized, motivated, and just plain excited about this summer - from the first day, June 20, until the last day, September 22 - with our list of 50 top things to do in the region!
Have fun – and remember to invite us to that poolside barbecue!
1. Cool off in the river! One of the best resources Sacramento has to offer is its rivers, and with not only the Sacramento but American River waiting for you to swim, float, kayak, paddle board and boat, there's never a shortage of wet and wild fun!
2. Eppies Great Race on July 15 is one of Sacramento’s great summer traditions, with thousands of spectators cheering on triathletes and teams as they run (5.82 miles), cycle (12.5 miles), and kayak (6.10 miles) along the American River Parkway. Your support is always appreciated, as Eppies Great Race benefits Therapeutic Recreation Services, a Sacramento County program for people with special needs and developmental disabilities.
3. To kick off the summer the right way, visit the Placer County Fair June 22-25 in Roseville for four days of family fun! Go to http://www.placercountyfair.org for scheduled events and more information.
4. Pack up the car and head through the foothills up into the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains for hiking, camping, fishing – and much cooler temps!
5. A fast growing summer tradition is to kick it with the whole family at a Sacramento Republic FC soccer match where you can root enthusiastically for the home team to win another championship and hardcore supporters can even join up with the Tower Brigade Battalion.
6. If you want to play sports instead of just watch them, join one of the many summertime softball or baseball leagues in Sacramento, flag football, outdoor basketball and ultimate Frisbee rec leagues. Or you can get really serious about your fun in the Sacramento WAKA Kickball league! Find out more at https://www.kickball.com/sacramento
7. Every June in East Sacramento, Pops in the Park brings bands, beer, and neighbors and visitors together for four Saturday night events. To check out the next Pops in the Park schedule and more information, go to: http://eastsacpopsinthepark.com
8. If you’re a fan of fast cars and hotrods, Placer County hosts a bunch of car and shows and races all summer. You can check out the whole list and schedule here: http://www.visitplacer.com/car-shows-placer-county.aspx
9. Take your dog for a walk around your midtown on a beautiful day, or for more exercise (for you and the dog!) head to one of Sacramento’s great dog parks, like Sutter’s Landing Dog Park, Partner Park Dog Park, or Lynn-Robbie Off-Leash Dog Park.
10. There are even a good number of dog-friendly cafes, bars and restaurant patios these days, so you can do a “Pup” Crawl to Oak Park Brewing Company, Der Biergarten, Temple Coffee, Cafe Capricho, and more dog-friendly establishments.
11. Of course, summer is the best time to stroll around Old Town in Sacramento, stopping for a big brunch on the riverside, taking in the shops, bars, cafes, museums, and other Old West attractions, especially during holidays and the many Old Sac festivals.
12. While you're in Old Town, come aboard the legendary Delta King. It may be permanently docked in Old Sacramento these days, but you can still enjoy the Pilothouse restaurant, a murder mystery dinner show at Suspects, stay overnight in one of the ship's staterooms, or just have a drink with friends on the top deck lounge. Go to www.deltaking.com for more information.
13. Wine lovers don’t have to go all the way to Napa for the perfect day of tasting, since the Auburn Wine Trail (or the Ale Trail ) are only about 2o minutes away, and the hills of Amador County are also dotted with great wineries.
14. Feel like hitting the links? Sacramento has more than a dozen spectacular public golf courses, and Sierra View, Serrano, and Rancho Murieta are a few of the award-winning private courses.
15. If you're a lover of the outdoors and want some fresh air and exercise this summer, spend the day hiking on one of the Sacramento region's almost limitless hiking trails. From beginners that want a twenty-minute stroll on a paved path to avid sportsperson who want to backpack far into the mountains, there's something for everyone! http://www.everytrail.com/best/hiking-sacramento-california
16. Hot August Nights come to Reno, Nevada for a couple weeks every August, bringing the largest nostalgic car show in the world, as well as music, drinks, amazing food (try the barbecue!), and fun crowds. https://hotaugustnights.net
17. Jump around! Jump around! If you run into a rainy day (or an 110 degree day), take the kids to BounceU in Roseville (https://www.bounceu.com/roseville-ca/) or Sky Zone in Sacramento (https://www.skyzone.com/sacramento) for some high-flying fun.
18. Fun weekends start the moment you get out of work on Friday, as a short drive (or walk) downtown to Cesar Chavez Plaza will kick off the weekend with Concerts in the Park every Friday until July 29. Check out the lineup of bands at http://godowntownsac.com/events/signature-events/concerts-in-the-park/
19. The opus of every summer is the 4th of July holiday, and Independence Day is a great time in Sacramento. Line up early to catch the parades that go through the River Park or Arden Park neighborhoods, but the 4th festivities in East Sacramento are second-to-none.
20. We can't forget about the Sacramento State Fair – a staple of summers in Northern California! For about two weeks every July, you can check out the rides, amazing bands, displays and shows, nightly fireworks, and of course plenty of creatively fried foods. For information on this year's State Fair and band lineup, go to http://www.castatefair.org/home/
21. Pack a picnic basket and relax on the beach at Discovery Park.
22. Or spend the day playing on the shores and in the water at gorgeous Folsom Lake.
23. Instead of always going out to find summer entertainment, apply for a permit to close off your street and throw a neighborhood block party! https://hotaugustnights.net
24. After work or on a “Sunday Funday,” call up some friends and meet at Swabbies on the River for music, a few cold ones, river views, great fish tacos, and a great sunset.
25. Are you a big fan of craft brews? Grab some friends and visit a few microbreweries and tasting rooms in Sacramento and Placer County. The beer scene is growing like wildfire in the region, so you have plenty of great brews to sip! (Just remember to get a designated driver.)
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Look for part two with the next 25 fun things to do in Sacramento and Placer County this summer!
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