Sacramento’s Wild Side: Bites, Bluffs and Big Rapids

Enjoy the Highlights of California’s Capital and then Hit the River

Sacramento might not be the first place that comes to mind when you plan a ‘weekend adventure.’ But it just so happens that California’s capital city—known for its Gold Rush history, farm-to-fork food scene, and government buildings—is also home to a 48,000 acre playground: the American River Parkway. Whether you’re flying in or road-tripping, here’s how to make the most of a mildly adventurous river-based weekend getaway in Sacramento, culminating with an unforgettable rafting trip on the South Fork of the American River.

Sample Itinerary for a Rafting Weekend in Sacramento

• Friday: Check In and Start Exploring
• Saturday: Coffee, Markets, Hikes and Happy Hour
• Sunday: Grab Breakfast and Raft the South Fork of the American River

Meet the American River

First of all, let’s get acquainted. The three forks of the American River flow down from the Sierra Nevada—the North, Middle, and South—and eventually converge as the Lower American River, a 23-mile section between Folsom Lake and downtown Sacramento. 

The Lower American River is a peaceful, slow-moving section that runs right through Sacramento, offering sandy beaches, scenic bluffs, and wildlife like herons, otters, and salmon. It’s ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, trail running, or just lounging on the shore.

The upper forks of the American River are famous for whitewater rafting. The South Fork of the American, nearest to Sacramento, is packed with splashy, heart-pounding Class III rapids and enough adrenaline to power your weekend.

Friday – Get Settled and Start Exploring

Drop Your Bags

Touch down in Sacramento (or roll in via car) and check into your weekend digs. For a boutique hotel, The Citizen Hotel downtown has a historic yet stylish vibe. Alternatively, The Fort Sutter Hotel offers modern comfort and easy access to Midtown’s buzzing food scene.

Stretch Your Legs: River Walk or Mural Stroll

Once settled, it’s time to get near (or jump into) the river! Head to Paradise Beach, where the sand is deep and fluffy and the river runs slowly. Catch the warm sunset glow, throw down a blanket on the sandy banks, or simply stroll a couple of miles along the bluff trails. Located in the River Park neighborhood a couple of miles from downtown, this dreamy spot is perfect for a pre-dinner dose of nature. (Adventure 3A in Mildly Scenic.). 

Prefer to stay in town? Try the self-guided mural walk through Sacramento’s Wide Open Walls. This city-wide art festival has turned Sacramento into an outdoor gallery, with stunning large-scale murals by artists from around the world. Grab a map, pick your favorites, and soak in the creativity.

Happy Hour, Sacramento Style

Spend the evening sampling Sacramento’s booming craft beer scene at the local neighborhood favorite SacYard TapHouse. This hip and welcoming outdoor beer garden is great for catching live music and playing cornhole under the misters. Hot Tip: If you want to keep it low-key, the food truck has a great burger and fries.

Dinner: Sample the Finest

For a memorable and mouthwatering meal don’t miss the opportunity to dine at Canon, one of Sacramento’s top-rated restaurants. Their shareable plates and craft cocktails are the perfect way to lean into the Farm-to-Fork mentality of seasonal and locally-sourced plates. The chicken drumsticks in urfa chile sauce are one of the best bites in all of Sacramento.

Saturday: Coffee, Markets, Hikes, and Bookstores

Fuel Up: Coffee and Farmers Market Stroll

Start your morning with a cup of coffee from Temple Coffee Roasters or Pachamama Coffee, both local favorites known for their meticulously sourced beans and excellent brews. Stroll with coffee in hand through the Midtown Farmers Market, one of the largest in California, where you can pick up fresh produce alongside local artwork or artisanal dog treats, and graze through the many food trucks.

Hit the Trail: Hike the American River Parkway

While the air is still cool, leave Midtown and head to Sunrise Recreation Area for the loop downriver to El Manto (Adventure 15D in Mildly Scenic), just 20 minutes outside of the city. This leisurely (or mildly ambitious) hike along the American River Parkway is wide and flat—ideal for walking or running side-by-side. Head downriver two miles along a wide dirt trail until you reach the stunning views from El Manto’s clay banks. Continue your adventure on foot by crossing the iconic Fair Oaks Bridge above which sits the Fair Oaks Bluff, arguably the best view along the river. 

If you’ve got a little more walk in you, wander another half-mile into charming Fair Oaks Village for a famous nut-burger and shake at Sunflower Drive In. Hot Tip: See if you can spot any of the free-range chickens that have been a quirky and celebrated part of Fair Oaks for decades.

Bookstores, Boutiques, and Vintage Treasure Hunts

By now, it’s time to explore some of Sacramento’s many independent bookstores in and around Midtown and East Sacramento – they are the cornerstones of Sacramento’s urban scene and curators of a vibe you don’t want to miss. Beers Books is one of the oldest and largest used bookstores in all of Northern California and has been a Sacramento staple since 1936. East Village Bookshop is a charming bookstore nestled in the heart of the tree-lined streets of East Sacramento and always has a freezer full of fresh popsicles. 

Variations: Pick up a unique and sassy gift from Strapping, or a vintage gem from Superbum or The Bus Stop.

Dinner: Barbecue Bliss

For a warm, outdoor vibe, head to Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse, a local favorite known for its house-brewed craft beer and mouthwatering barbecue. The brisket and mac & cheese are must-tries, and the laid-back atmosphere is well worth the visit.

Variation: For a locally-sourced vegetarian option, check out Mother, a beloved plant-based restaurant known for its creative and flavorful dishes.

Sunday: The Grand Finale – Whitewater Rafting with OARS

Morning: Drive to the OARS American River Outpost

Wake up early, grab a breakfast sandwich and a coffee from the cozy and inviting atmosphere of Old Soul Co. nestled inside a charming historic building. The OARS American River Rafting Outpost in Lotus is about an hour’s drive from Sacramento, making it the perfect day-trip destination.

Rafting on the South Fork of the American River

Arrive at the OARS Outpost by 10:30 a.m. for an unforgettable day of whitewater rafting. This full-day trip takes you through exhilarating Class III rapids, offering just the right balance of adventure and fun for beginners and seasoned rafters alike. Expect breathtaking canyon views, thrilling American River rapids like Troublemaker and Satan’s Cesspool, and plenty of time to swim and relax in calmer sections of the river. A riverside lunch is included, allowing you to refuel while soaking in the scenic beauty. It’s the perfect way to end your weekend on a (mildly wild) high note.

4-5 PM: Return to Civilization (Reluctantly)

After an epic day on the water, return to the outpost to dry off, swap stories, and consider when you can do this all over again. From here, head back to Sacramento for one last meal or hit the road for your next adventure.

---

Quick and Dirty Packing List

• For Rafting: Quick-dry clothes, river shoes, sunscreen, hat, and a dry change of clothes.
• For Hiking: Sturdy shoes, hydration pack, and a copy of Mildly Scenic: A Trail Guide to Sacramento’s Lower American River.
• For Everything Else: Sunglasses, a hat for Sacramento’s sunny streets, and a reusable tote bag for market goodies.

Sacramento might not be the first place that comes to mind for an adventure-packed weekend, but with a little planning (and a lot of paddling), it delivers big time. See you on the river!