Sacramento Parks and Gardens

(Sacramento, California - CA, USA)

When people think of Sacramento they usually think of gold, but the city is also famed for its abundance of green areas, parks, natural gardens and collection of lakes and rivers that are dotted around the countryside and throughout the city. The American River Parkway and Discovery Park both run along the American River and through Sacramento city, offering miles of trails, plentiful fishing and numerous areas suitable for relaxing by the water.

The Folsom State Park is a little out of town and a great summer destination, while McKinley Park has some of the best facilities in the country.

American River Parkway

Address: American River, Sacramento, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 916 875 6961
The American River Parkway is a series of parks that run along the banks of the American River in Sacramento. There are lots of activities available in the parks including miles of beautiful trails for walking, hiking, cycling or horseback riding. Water-based activities that are popular in the summertime at the American River Parkway include fishing and boating, as well as a number of water sports. Restrooms and picnic areas are also available for use.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

McKinley Park

Address: 601 Alhambra Boulevard, Sacramento, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 916 277 6060
McKinley Park is a quality city park to the east of downtown Sacramento that is loaded with amenities and recreational activities for all ages. Among the full range of facilities here are a swimming pool, tennis courts, a basketball court, baseball and softball diamonds, a playground and a public library. Also of special interest is the beautiful rose garden.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Discovery Park

Address: Discovery Park Drive, Red Bluff, Sacramento, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 916 875 6336
Located to the northwest of downtown where the Sacramento and American rivers meet, Discovery Park is similar to American River Parkway and both parks eventually merge into each other. There is fishing, boating, horseback riding and many other recreational activities available here. There are also plenty of covered areas where visitors can picnic, while concerts and sports events are also frequently held here.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, charge for vehicles and boats

Folsom State Park

Address: 7806 Folsom Auburn Road, Sacramento, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 916 989 7275
Lying northeast of Sacramento and accessible by highway 50 and Folsom Boulevard, the Folsom State Park is a stunning manmade lake with lots of pretty beaches and ample opportunity to sample the water and take part in numerous water-based activities. Finding a secluded little alcove is easy enough as the lake covers 18,000 acres / 7,285 hectares and there are even scuba dive rental shops located here. There is also a cycle path that runs from Old Sacramento to Folsom State Park via Sacramento County parks.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, charge for vehicles