Summer is here and it's the ideal time to venture out and discover the charms of Sacramento. Whether you're a visitor enjoying a summer getaway or a local seeking fresh experiences, we've compiled a list of 15 fun summer activities just for you.



1. HEAD TO THE California STATE Fair

This summer will be filled with excitement and adrenaline at the California State Fair located in Sacramento. Not only are there rides, the interactive petting zoo, and carnival games, but there is so much food! This year, the Fair kicks off on July 12. Get tickets here.



2. Go to Folsom Lake

Nothing is better than taking a cool dip during a hot summer’s day, which is what Folsom Lake is perfect for! This treasure is perfect for all sorts of activities, such as Wake surfing, swimming, paddle boarding, and relaxing. There are various entry points, and some allow jet-skiing. On shore are provided benches and the perfect shaded areas to prop up some chairs and grub! Get more info here.

3. Visit a Local Farmer’s Market

As Sacramento is known to be the state's farm-to-fork capital, it's no wonder our farmer’s markets are top notch. Farmers markets in Midtown, Folsom, Roseville and all over the area have become our areas best go-tos spots during weekends in the summer. Most are filled with a variety of pop up shops, farm-fresh produce, food, honey, and more! Check out the list of markets on our Instagram!

4. GO RIVER-RAFTING

Whether you want to go full speed with white-water rafting or simply relax in one of our area's cool bodies of water, there is plenty to choose from this summer. Not only are there lakes and rivers but there are also companies who offer whitewater rafting, such as the American River Outpost.

5. Attend a Rivercats Game

Few things compare to the exhilaration of a thrilling sports match. Catch the Sacramento River Cats in action at Sutter Health Park. Tuesdays are extra special with the fantastic "Toyota Family Value Tuesday" deal offering $2 hot dogs and ice cream treats. We cannot mention a RiverCats game in the summer without giving a shout out to its Fireworks Saturdays events. More Info here.



6. Go on a Cruise around Sacramento

Sacramento is easy on the eye with so many gorgeous sights in and around its rivers. There are a variety of cruise’s that circulate around the Sacramento area, for example, a romantic cruise for you and your partner, a history based cruise to learn about the culture, and there is even a Sunday brunch cruise to enjoy with your friends! Not only can these cruise’s be a great date, history class, or food station, but they can also be a great place to relax. For more information visit: Sacramento Cruises, Boat Rides & Sightseeing Tours.



7. Check Out a Movie at the Drive-IN

Although the days are hot, the nights are perfect and cool in Sacramento, which is why spending a night at a drive-in movie theatre can be quite charming. Not only is it a perfect way to watch a movie but it’s a great way to add a new loving memory to the collection. The one and only drive in movie theater in the area is brought to you by West Wind Digital Drive In Cinemas. Here's a lineup of what will be screening this summer.

8. Visit Midtown

Presented by Sutter Health, Second Saturdays in Midtown is a hub of fun activities including live music, art galleries, dancing, entertainment, and so much more. Grab your friends and family and enjoy Sacramento’s Second Saturday events! Click here to explore Midtown.

9. Attend a Concert at the Toyota Amphitheater

Concerts are great and especially on a summer’s day, making the Toyota Ampitheater one of the best places to go to for a concert. Not only does the arena seat almost 19,000 people, but it also hosts some of the top musicians such as Iron Maiden, No Doubt, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers! To get a better look visit: Toyota Amphitheater Tickets.

10. Snap pics with Sunflowers in Yolo County

Nothing is better than the perfect summer picture, and if you’re into flowers and the beautiful Earth we live on then you will love the sunflowers in Yolo County. However, beauty isn’t the only great thing about these flowers, they smell fantastic! Fun fact: California farmers grow about 70,000 acres of sunflower annually, mostly in the Sacramento Valley, for hybrid seed stock. Nearly 95 percent of the sunflower seeds grown in Yolo County are sent around the world to be planted for oil and travel as far away as Russia and Argentina. Find out more.

11. Jam Out at the Sacramento Music Festival

Jamming out at the Sacramento Music Festival is by far one of the best ways to end your summer. Not only is there food, wine, craft beer, and concerts, but it is free! Located at the Capital Mall on Friday September 22 and Saturday September 23rd. Visit Sacramento Events for more info!

12. head to the California Automobile Museum

The California Automobile Museum showcases 150 cars from 1885 to the present. Talk about Back to the Future! During the summer, drive-ins are even provided from the museum, along with Sunday Drives on the third Sunday of every month. Learn more on its website.

13. Go to Fairytale Town

This specific area is aimed for the families with children. Fairytale Town is one of the best places to spend quality time with your children and partner with year-round small carnival rides, food and fun. For one night throughout the summer (in June, July and August) you can set up camp with your family and enjoy the theater performances, bedtime stories, and in the morning, the continental breakfast! Get info.

14. VISIT THE Sacramento Zoo

Another great way to spend time with the family is buy visiting the Sacramento Zoo. Stay one night at the zoo and spend your night with bedtime stories, snacks, night time walks, and animal meet and greets. Get tickets.

15. hop on a Jump Bike

One of the best ways to travel around Sacramento without having to really do anything is get a Jump bike. There are electric bikes and scooters around downtown which help provide a fun and memorable form of transportation, and they help save you gas money. These electric devices can be rented by your phone.



We hope this list of the top 15 summer activities in Sacramento inspires you to explore and enjoy all the city has to offer. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or family-friendly fun, Sacramento has something for everyone.

If you're considering relocating, The Sherri Patterson Team is here to help you discover the perfect neighborhood and make your move seamless. We’d love to give you a tour of the area and show you why Sacramento is a fantastic place to call home. Happy exploring!