When people think about Sacramento, they often think about the city, the food, the farmers markets, the neighborhoods, or maybe the fact that we’re just a few hours from San Francisco.
But one of the things we’ve come to love most about living here is something you don’t always hear talked about enough:
The access to the outdoors.
Sacramento County is truly a gem.
You can be in Elk Grove one minute and, within a short drive, find yourself next to a beautiful river, walking a trail, riding your bike, exploring a lake, camping under the stars, or spending the day surrounded by nature.
And for our family, that has become such a big part of why we love calling Elk Grove home.
We Discovered This Pretty Quickly
When we moved to Elk Grove in 2020, we didn’t fully realize just how much outdoor access we had around us.
It didn’t take long for us to start exploring.
Over the years, we’ve visited different rivers, camped near lakes, taken day trips, discovered walking and biking trails, and found a few favorite spots that we keep coming back to.
The Yuba River quickly became one of our favorites.
There’s something about getting out of the city, finding a beautiful stretch of water, and spending the day outside that makes you feel like you’ve completely escaped — even though you’re really not that far from home.
We’ve also spent time camping around Bucks Lake, which has become another favorite for our family. There’s something special about slowing down, getting the kids outside, and letting them explore without an agenda.
And then there’s the American River, which is perfect when you want that outdoor escape without committing to a full weekend away. It’s one of those places where you can easily turn an ordinary day into an adventure.
Our Labor Day River Day
This Labor Day was another reminder of just how lucky we are to have all of this so close.
Our village wanted to hang out by the river and float from one spot to another. Since Cashy was still fighting a little bug, we decided to hang back and wait for everyone.
While Cashy took a nap, I sat in the water for a bit and just took it all in.
The water was clean, cool, crisp, and refreshing.
I watched people floating down the river, paddle boarders making their way through the water, and boats passing by.
And I remember thinking:
“Wow… this is literally in our backyard.”
Just about 30 minutes from Elk Grove, we had this beautiful river right in front of us.
The kids played, explored, and enjoyed the water. They weren’t asking for screens or looking for something to do. They were just outside being kids.
And honestly, those are the moments I’ve come to appreciate the most.
Something for Everyone
What I love about the outdoor lifestyle here is that you don’t have to be an extreme adventurer to enjoy it.
Want an easy afternoon?
There are walking trails, bike trails, parks, lakes, and family-friendly river spots.
Want something a little more adventurous?
You can find longer river routes, kayaking, paddle boarding, camping, hiking, and even areas with whitewater rapids for those who really want to get their adrenaline going.
And if you want to make a bigger adventure out of it, you’re also within driving distance of some incredible destinations, including Lake Tahoe, additional lakes and reservoirs, and countless campgrounds throughout Northern California.
You really can choose your own adventure.
This Is One of the Things We Love About Sacramento
When we talk about why we chose Elk Grove and why we continue to love living in the Sacramento area, it isn’t just about the house we live in.
It’s about the lifestyle outside of the house, too.
It’s being able to take the kids to a river on a weekend.
It’s finding a new trail for a family bike ride.
It’s camping near a lake.
It’s taking a spontaneous day trip to the American River.
It’s knowing that when you need a break from the everyday routine, nature isn’t hours away.
It’s close.
That accessibility is something we didn’t fully appreciate when we first moved here in 2020. But after years of exploring the area, it has become one of the things we’re most grateful for.
Sacramento County really does have a little bit of everything.
City life. Suburban communities. Parks. Rivers. Trails. Lakes. Mountains. Camping. Adventure.
And whether your ideal weekend involves a peaceful walk, a family bike ride, floating down a river, camping under the stars, or chasing whitewater rapids…
There’s a place for you here.
And maybe that’s one of the reasons Sacramento feels less like a place we moved to and more like a place we’ve truly made home.