Now don’t get me wrong, Sacramento during the summer is HOT. I need to warn you that the average temperatures range from 90°–110°. You need to be prepared when the heat slaps you in the face; stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and a hat, and stay in the shade as much as possible.

Hopefully, I haven’t scared you from visiting Sacramento during the summer. The heat doesn’t stop people from partaking in outdoor activities, exploring the city’s art and restaurant scene, or going to a River Cats game.

Most people just go out really early in the morning or as the sun sets to avoid the heat.

I’ve lived in Sacramento for more than 20 years, and I know all the exciting summer activities and happenings.

Let me help you plan a kickass time with these summer activities in Sacramento!

Note: Not all of these are specifically in the city of Sacramento. But they are all in the vicinity or in the Sacramento Metropolitan Area (with the exception of Lake Tahoe, one of the most popular getaways for Sacramentans).

Disclaimer: This post uses affiliate links, which means I make a commission if you book through this post. If you do decide to book using my links, thank you so much for your support!

Summer Activities in Sacramento

1. River cruise down the Sacramento River

Consider going down the Sacramento River on a 60–90 minute cruise where you can relax and catch a glimpse of the Tower Bridge and the Ziggurat pyramid building in West Sacramento. I recommend going on an evening cruise since you can watch the sunset with that gorgeous golden hour glow. Order a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) or two for the ultimate relaxation!

All river cruises start and end in Old Sacramento by the docking area.

Sacramento River Cruises

• Alive After Five Cocktail River Cruise
• Rock the Yacht Cocktail Cruise (21+ only)
• Sacramento: River Cruise with Narrated History
• Sights and Sips Cruise
• Private Sunday River Cruise with Custom Stops

2. Take a dip in Folsom Lake

With how brutal Sacramento summers can get, Folsom Lake provides extra relief from the heat. Folsom Lake is almost 40 minutes away from Sacramento, and is the perfect spot for swimming, boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. There are over 19,000 acres of water and 75 miles of shoreline!

Just be sure to bring an umbrella or a tent because there is no shade by the water!

The most popular area in Folsom Lake is through the Granite Bay entrance, which also has picnic benches and barbeque pits under the shade.

Beal’s Point is another popular spot in Folsom Lake, and it also has an overnight campground and access to a 32-mile bike trail from the American River to Old Sacramento.

Both Granite Bay access and Beal’s Point have a snack bar with beach rental equipment, which includes paddleboards, kayaks, shade canopies, and rafts.

It costs $12 to enter Granite Bay access and Beal’s Point.

If you want to camp overnight in Beal’s Point, it’s $33 for peak season and $58 for the RV campgrounds.

3. Paddle and Kayak at Lake Natoma

Lake Natoma is a small lake in Gold River that is also a part of the larger Folsom Lake. The Sacramento State Aquatic Center is a recreation facility where the rowing teams from the university have their practices.

You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes from the Sac State Aquatic Center. Click here to learn more information about the rental pricing.

Sac State Aquatic Center also has classes for sailing, paddling, rowing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and jetskiing!

4. Attend the California State Fair

No list of summer activities in Sacramento is complete without attending the California State Fair at least once. It’s held in July for two weeks.

Going to the fair is quite the classic American summer experience, from gorging on the deep-fried foods and funnel cake to going on janky rides. While my husband Cecilio does not like rides, sometimes I drag him to the go on the Ferris wheel or the Skyride, a gondola where you can capture aerial views of the fair.

I recommend going on the Skyride during sunset, especially as the rides light up. It’s stunning!

And of course, you’ve got to visit the animals. Fairs are about agriculture, after all. You can see the goats, sheep, and cows inside the Tractor Supply Co. Big Barn who are competing for a prize at the Livestock Awards Ceremony. Or you can also visit the petting zoo and pay extra to feed them pellets on a cone. The animals in the petting zoo are goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys, llamas, wallabies, ducks, and chickens.

5. Watch a River Cats game

Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, it’s still fun to watch the Sacramento River Cats, our Minor League Baseball team.

The River Cats play in Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, right next to the Tower Bridge (which connects West Sacramento and Downtown Sacramento).

Like most baseball stadiums, Sutter Health Park has some pretty good food. Their garlic fries are honestly much better than the ones at San Francisco’s Oracle Park (where the Giants play, and where garlic fries are a specialty). The fries are smaller and crunchier with more parmesan cheese and garlic topped over them.

They also have refreshing wine slushies, which again, Oracle Park doesn’t have! (I don’t really drink beer so I’d rather have the wine slushie).

You might end up seeing Dinger, the River Cats mascot, walking around, interacting, and taking photos with his fans. Don’t forget to snap a shot with him if you see him!

On some days, when the game is almost over, there will be a fireworks show over the Tower Bridge lit up at night. It’s pretty epic to see!

Another bonus? Starting in 2025, the Oakland A’s will be playing in Sutter Health Park for about 3 seasons before they move to Las Vegas. But there’s a chance that they might make Sutter Health Park their permanent home!

6. Support local artists on Second Saturday

Second Saturday is a classic Sacramento summer activity that takes place from May to October every 2nd Saturday of the month in Midtown. All day, there are art walks, mural walks, gallery popups, art markets, and live music featuring local up-and-coming artists and their fantastic works.

Sacramento is one of the most artsy cities in the US, and Midtown is the hub of arts and culture in the city. Second Saturday celebrates Sacramento’s robust art scene.

In addition, there are so many food trucks and Midtown restaurants that offer food and drink specials, and block parties from participating clubs and clubs from 4–8 pm. Then, as the night goes on after 10 pm, there are afterparties hosted by different bars and venues showcasing performances, comedy, dance, and other immersive art experiences.

7. Visit the Midtown Farmers Market on Saturday mornings

While the Midtown Farmers Market is open all year round from 8 am to 1 pm, summer is the best time to visit. The weather is bright and gorgeous (although still scorching hot), and there are so many vendors selling the freshest produce in season like berries, melons, tomatoes, and other vegetables.

Sacramento is known as the Farm-to-Fork capital, with our restaurant and agricultural scene on the rise. Living in the California Central Valley, we are surrounded by farms with rich soil, making it perfect for sourcing produce and supporting local farmers. Plus, the produce tastes much better than buying it at the store!

But that’s not all that the Midtown Farmers Market has to offer; there are tents lined up with small businesses selling arts and crafts, dog bandanas and treats, and clothes. There are also food trucks and stalls selling Belgian waffles, pupusas, fresh bread, honey, juice, and other goods.

The Midtown Farmers Market also has live music and cornhole, making it an extra lively place to be on a Saturday morning!

I suggest parking by Pachamama, one of Sacramento’s best coffee shops, ordering an iced oat latte, and walking down the street to the farmers market!

8. Take a scenic train ride

Taking a train ride gives you a chance to see Sacramento from a different angle, with views of the river and the countryside.

There are two train ride excursions in Sacramento:

• You can book tickets for a train ride excursion from the California Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento overlooking the river; you can either go coach or first class. First class rides provide larger seats, snacks, and refreshments.
• You can take in views of the Yolo County Countryside by riding on the River Fox Train, which starts and ends in West Sacramento. Included in this excursion are drinks like beer, wine, canned cocktails, and mimosas.

9. Celebrate love at the Pride March & Festival

Pride Month is in June, so there’s no better way than to kick off summer in Sacramento than celebrating love alongside the LGBTQ+ residents. Sure, our parade may not be as large as San Francisco’s but the community is tight and mighty.

The march (parade) is free to attend and starts from Southside Park and ends in the State Capitol. You can follow along the performers, marchers, and floats all the way to the Capitol, where the festival is held.

The festival does cost money to get in for a single day or for the whole weekend. Click here to get more information on pricing.

I’ve been to the festival when I worked at the California State Fair and we had a booth there. It’s pretty lively with lots of music, food drinks, and drinks flowing!

Sacramento Pride March & Festival will take place on June 14 and 15, 2025.

Learn more about Sac Pride!

10. Attend Concerts in the Park

One of the other lively summer activities in Sacramento includes attending Concerts in the Park, a free music festival every Friday at Cesar Chavez Plaza in Downtown, from 5–9 pm.

Concerts in the Park only last from the beginning of May to the end of July. The weekly lineup features local artists and DJs.

The drinks are flowing, there are food trucks for when you’re hungry. There are also afterparties after 9 pm hosted by participating bars where you can get 20% off anything you order if you show your 21+ wristband from Concerts in the Park.

11. Hike the Lake Clementine Trail

The Lake Clementine Trail is located in Auburn under the Foresthill Bridge, about 40 minutes northeast of Sacramento. The trail is on the North Fork of the American River, is only 1.9 miles long each way, and takes about 2 hours to complete. The elevation gain is gradual, and once you’re at the end of the trail, you’re met with gorgeous views of the waterfall.

There are shady areas along the trails, making it more bearable during the summer.

Since the trail is a part of the Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA), it costs $10 to enter the park.

12. Learn to whitewater raft or wakeboard

In Sacramento, we have access to the great outdoors at our fingertips. This also includes water activities like whitewater rafting, wakeboarding, tubing, and kneeboarding.

If you’ve never tried any of these things, there are private lessons you can take. They aren’t the cheapest, but your instructor will guide you and ensure you’re safe and comfortable. They will also provide the equipment!

Most of these water activities take place in the Sacramento River and the American River in Auburn.

Water activity lessons

• Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip on Middle Fork from Auburn (Class 3–4)
• South Fork Half-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip from Lotus (Class 2–3)
• Wakeboard, Wakesurf, or Kneeboard Private Half-Day Adventure
• South Fork American River – PM Gorge Rafting Trip (Class 2–3)
• Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip on South Fork from Lotus (Class 2–3)
• Wakeboard, Wakesurf, or Kneeboard Full-Day
• South Fork American River Rafting Express Trip
• Old Sacramento Boat Tubing Fun Day Full Rental

13. Learn to rock climb

I’ve always wanted to learn to rock climb, but have never gotten around to it. Also, I’ve never been able to do it with Cecilio because he’s dislocated his shoulder too many times. But I guess I can try it by myself someday.

If you’ve always wanted to learn to rock climb but never have done so (or just have done it in a rock climbing gym), now is your chance to take a beginner’s private class in Auburn.

Your instructor will help you learn about safety, the basic techniques, and how to belay. All rock climbing guides are certified by the American Mountaineering Guide’s Association, so you are in good hands. They will also provide your climbing harness, helmet, and shoes.

Learn to rock climb today!

14. Chase sunflowers in Yolo County

Yolo County (which consists of the cities of Woodland, Davis, Winters, and West Sacramento) is known for its rich agriculture, making it perfect for flower fields.

When summertime rolls around, Sacramentans flock to Woodland to take gorgeous, Instagram-worthy shots of the sunflower fields during sunset.

This self-guided audio tour takes you to some of these sunflower and lavender fields, wineries, and scenic roads in the countryside. It’s flexible and it gives you a taste of Sacramento Valley’s food, wine, and agricultural scene.

15. Ride the Brew Bike

Sacramento has a growing beer scene, and the Brew Bike proves that. On the Brew Bike, you mingle with other people on the 2-hour tour, pedaling while you sip some beer, wine, and cider. During your tour, your driver/guide will take you to some of Sacramento’s most popular bars and pubs where you can sample delicious bites and craft beer.

Drinks are not included in the price and you will need to pay out of pocket if you want to order some.

Check availability for Brew Bike!

16. Watch a drive-in movie at night

If you’re looking for another summer activity in Sacramento where you won’t melt, consider watching a movie at West Wind Sacramento Drive-In! The earliest show time for most movies is 9:15 pm.

You can also order food and drink from their concessions, like popcorn, candy, ice cream, hot dogs, beer, and cocktails.

So roll your seats back, relax, and enjoy the show!

17. Cool off at Golfland Sunsplash

Sunsplash is a family-friendly water park in Roseville, a large suburb 30 minutes away from Sacramento. There are so many different waterslides, a giant wave pool, and a lazy river called the Bermuda Triangle.

In addition to the water activities, Sunsplash also has a mini golf course, laser tag, arcades, go-karts, and bumper cars.

Food options include Subwave (a play on the sandwich chain Subway, as Subwave also sells sandwiches), pizza, and ice cream.

I’ve been to Sunsplash before, but when Cecilio and I have kids, I definitely want to take them there to beat the heat!

18. Plan a getaway to Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is the ultimate playground for Sacramentans, as it’s only less than two hours away.

While Lake Tahoe is more known for its winter activities like skiing and snowboarding, it’s still a popular getaway during the summer, especially for Sacramento residents who want to beat the heat and swim in the fresh, alpine water.

There are so many activities you can do in Lake Tahoe, like sunbathing by the beaches, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, hiking, parasailing, biking, and going on sunset cruises.

I HIGHLY recommend visiting Sand Harbor Beach (located on the Nevada side of Tahoe) for paddling, kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling. The water is crystal clear and fresh, and it reminds me SO much of the beaches in Hawaii (without having to shell thousands of dollars on flights and hotels to go there).

I also recommend Commons Beach in Tahoe City (on the California side); in addition to the water activities, there are some shops, cafes, and restaurants in Tahoe City…it’s a pretty cute town! Truckee River also runs through Tahoe City, which is a popular spot for tubing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping up the best summer activities in Sacramento

Summer in Sacramento brings forth cooler nights, days at the river and lake, and memorable outdoor adventures! If this is your first time visiting California’s capital city, I recommend exploring Old Sacramento and going on a 90-minute river cruise with cocktails as the Delta breeze kisses your cheeks.

If you’re a big-time foodie, I can’t recommend going to the State Fair enough to try all the deep-fried goods (and the funnel cake). Or you can try something unique and ride the 15-seat Brew Bike which you stop at local pubs to try craft beer and delicious bites.

And of course, all of your summer activities in Sacramento must include hiking in the foothills, and taking a nice, cool dip in Folsom Lake or Lake Tahoe.

Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, I hope this guide inspires you to make the most of your summers in Sacramento. And don’t forget to stay cool and hydrated!

The 2024 California State Fair runs from July 12–28.

Buy tickets now!

Disclaimer: This post uses affiliate links, which means I make a commission if you book through this post. If you do decide to book using my links, thank you so much for your support!

California State Fair 2024: Know Before You Go

Location

Cal Expo
1600 Exposition Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815

Hours

• Monday—Thursday: 11 AM—10 PM
• Friday—Saturday: 10 AM—10 PM

Parking

Parking is $15, and the parking lot wraps around Cal Expo. If you don’t want to pay for parking and are willing to walk a few blocks away, you can park in Arden Fair Mall or Point West Plaza (which has Olive Garden, Kohl’s, and David’s Bridal).

Admission

• General (Adult): $16
• Senior (62 and better): $12
• Youth (5—12): $10
• Children 4 and under: Free
• Unlimited Ride Wristband: $37–$42
• Carnival Tickets: $1/per ticket
• Carnival Fast Pass: $10–$15
• Unlimited Ride Wristbands:
  • Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: $39
  • Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays: $44

Carnival tickets and fast passes are only available to purchase inside the fairgrounds (not available to purchase online).

The fair also has packages that include daily admission, family fun packs, and season passes. Don’t delay, book your tickets today!

Admissions to the fair do not include access to the daily concerts (but you can watch them from far away on the lawn for free. You just won’t be able to go in the stage).

Other things you need to know

• As of 2022, the California State Fair implemented a clear bag policy, and it must be no larger than 12″x12″x12″. If you need to bring a solid colored bag, the maximum size is 5″x8″. I suggest getting a clear fanny pack so that you can move your arms freely and your shoulder isn’t restricted from a purse strap. This is the fanny pack I bought, and I was able to store everything I needed. It’s always good to have since most stadiums and entertainment centers now require you to bring a clear bag.
• It gets insanely hot. July in Sacramento is brutal (for that, they should move the fair to the fall). When Cecilio and I go, it was in the high 80s–low 90s, but on other days it was hot as 100°+. Stay cool by drinking lots of water and staying in the shade (there are lots of shady areas). The seating area in the food court has a little roof that sprays mist, which helps a little (every little bit helps!). Don’t forget to wear sunscreen too!

California State Fair 2024: Things to do

Eat your heart out to some traditional carnival staples

Now, I hope you literally don’t eat your heart out if you do have a heart problem, since some of the foods here miiiiighttttt not be best for it. But it’s a once-a-year thing, so treat yourself (and be cautious if you do have heart disease and high blood pressure).

You can’t go wrong with turkey legs and corndogs. I’m not a fan of either, so I get curly, cheesy bacon fries. They are super delicious!

You can’t forget dessert too. Sometimes Cecilio and I usually get deep-fried Oreos and deep-fried cookie dough, and sometimes we share funnel cake.

This is going to sound random, but I also love the tacos from Pepe’s. Oriental Cuisine Express (which is basically like Panda Express) has a delicious orange chicken bowl with chow mein. Not exactly what you have in mind when it comes to fair food, but it’s yummy nonetheless!

Pet and feed some baby farm animals

This is usually for kids, but I believe you are never too old to be around cute farm animals. The petting zoo is filled with goats, sheep, cows, pigs, ducks, and llamas. They even have wallabies! Admission is $5 per person, and you can feed the animals with a cone full of pellets for another $5 (or 2 for $8). Cecilio and I go to the petting zoo all the time to feed these little babies!

Just make sure to wash your hands before and after coming inside. And be prepared for that stench of animal manure!

Scope out the livestock animals inside the barn

Right next to the petting zoo is the Tractor Supply Co. Big Barn, where livestock barn animals and their producers are competing for a prize during the Livestock Awards Ceremony. This is to show the public the work it takes to raise these animals, and showcase the best of the best livestock in California. The cows are there everyday, while the sheep and goats take turns on certain days.

Stroll around the garden

Right next to the Tractor Supply Big Barn lies the garden, filled with flowers, fruits, and vegetables just waiting to be harvested. It’s pretty indicative of Sacramento’s “Farm-to-Fork” culture.

It’s also educational, since you learn about the 70+ crops. You also learn more water-saving tips. Since the garden is sponsored by California Department of Water Resources; because when are we not in a drought?

Sample award-winning goods

The local olive oils, jams, honey and cheeses are to die for; why not get a taste of them in one of the many booths? Agriculture is strong in California, and we have tasting samples to prove it.

Marvel at the other art installations

You can’t really see it (but I tried to capture it in different angles), but this installation is the silhouette of California, showing where different crops are grown in each region.

For example, Santa Clara County is known for producing garlic because that is where the city Gilroy is in, known for the now-defunct Gilroy Garlic Festival.

And of course, you can’t miss Sacramento’s Farm-To-Fork waterfront (so many people are peeved with how they changed it from “City of Trees” to “Farm-To-Fork”). You also might see a mass of avocados in San Diego County, with how close it is to Mexico.

Cool off with a wine slushie

Walk over to Save Mart Wine Garden to order a wine slushie, which come in different flavors. This is also where the California State Fair’s Wine Competition is held, and where you can also sample different vinos. There are so many seating areas and designated phone charging stations. Surround yourself with lush plants while you sip on a refreshing slushie to take a break before your next activity.

Enjoy views from the sky ride

Most people I talked to say they aren’t a huge fan of the rides. I like some of them, but if I had only one ride to choose from, I would recommend the sky ride. It’s slow so you won’t get nauseous (especially after all the eating and drinking), and you get stunning aerial views of the fair. I recommend going right before the sun sets to get that beautiful golden hour and when the booths start turning on their lights!

Catch a concert

There are many concerts going on in the California State Fair, but the main artists perform on Golden 1 Stage. Artists such as Chaka Khan and The Guess Who have taken the stage in 2022, and Ashanti in 2023. When we went, Journey Revisited performed so we got to hear some classics like “Lights”, “Don’t Stop Believin’”, and “Open Arms”.

The concerts are free with the $14 General Admission ticket, but depending on who’s performing, you can pay $15—$25 for reserved or ADA seating.

Even if you don’t attend the concerts, you can still hear them perform as you are walking around the fairgrounds.

Dance and take a photo with Poppy

If you happen to find the Poppy, the official California State Fair mascot, do not hesitate to take a photo with him! He can be found walking around the fairgrounds with an employee, on different rides, and take photos with so many people. He brings a smile to everyone’s face, young and old.

Every year, we celebrate Poppy’s birthday by inviting other local mascots (like Dinger from Sacramento River Cats) and they all do a dance number on the PG&E Center Stage. We usually have cupcakes afterwards too!

Come celebrate Poppy’s birthday on Tuesday, July 23, 20224 at the PG&E Center Stage.

Candy Maze Selfie Experience

I’ll admit that this isn’t my favorite activity, but the 14 photo stops are pretty cute and quirky and make for great Instagram shots. You walk through a maze of candy that you can purchase, with the photo stops in between. I didn’t put them on my Instagram because I was already a sweaty mess from walking around earlier.

Visit the California Cannabis Exhibit

In 2022, the California State Fair introduced the Cannabis Exhibit, which features cannabis farmers and cultivators all over the state. More than 300 entries were submitted to the competition, and 60 of those entries won trophies and medals. There are also live plants growing in the exhibit from a farm in Sonoma County.

You then walk through life-sized graphics teaching you about the history of cannabis, and the anatomy of the plant, and showing you where the farms are located.

The point of this exhibit is to showcase the farmers who work hard in cultivating the plant and to destigmatize the use of cannabis, especially since it has been legalized for recreational use in California since 2016 (and for medical use since 1996).

You can also shop for CBD and THC-infused things such as skincare, drops, tea, and edibles.

There is even a bar from Lehua Brands offering CBD slushies and seltzers. I ordered the mango slushie and it was delicious; I actually liked it a lot more than the wine slushie! It made me relaxed for sure

Attend the Best of California Brewfest

While I’m not really into beer, I can’t deny that Sacramento (and California in general) has a robust beer scene. So people who love a crafted IPA or stout are going to enjoy the Best of California Brewfest, which takes place on Friday, July 19, 2024.

Guests can enjoy the best hops that beer experts carefully tasted and selected for five days in June. Every year, there are over 900 entries of craft beer, waiting to be featured in this annual event!

Admission to the Best of California Brewfest is not included with your fair tickets. Below is the pricing:

• General Admission: $45
• VIP: $55

You can also purchase a designated driver for $20. Stay safe!

Ways to save money on the California State Fair

Yes, I have to admit that the fair is very expensive (and that is a common complaint among fairgoers, even when I was an intern). But there are ways to save:

SMUD Giving Mondays

By bringing 3 non-perishable food items to the far before 3 pm on one of the Mondays, you will receive free admission AND help support the Elk Grove Food Bank. Win-win, that’s for sure!

Tuesday Kids Free Day and $2 Rides for All

On Tuesdays, those who are ages 12 or under get FREE admission! On any other day, youth ages 5—12 admission is $10. If you are bringing a group of children, you can save big on this one. And rides are only $2 for all fairgoers, no matter what age.

Military, Veteran and First Responder Appreciation Day

Veterans and active members of the military or first responders (including police, firefighters, and EMT) get free admission upon showing proof of ID on July 21 (2023 date is TBA). Thank you for your service!

Senior Savings Friday

Instead of paying $12 for Senior admissions, going to the fair on a Friday, you pay $10. This is for those ages 62 and better

Frequently Asked Questions

Be sure to bookmark, pin, and save this post for the 2024 and 2025 California State Fair!

This post gives you a comprehensive list of the best things to do, see, and eat for the California State Fair and beyond.

Whether you’re there for the food, the rides, or the performances, the State Fair has so much entertainment to offer while educating the public about California’s strong agriculture!