Rancho Cordova California
The Fair Oaks Bridge crosses over the American River
Riding historic trails on horseback
Cycling the scenic trails along the American River Parkway
Getting ready to row Lake Natoma at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center
The verdant landscapes of Hagan Community Park
The welcoming exterior of the Sacramento Children’s Museum
Sampling local beers at Movement Brewing Co. in the Barrel District, the heart of the city’s craft beverage scene
The Mills Station Arts & Culture Center, a community art exhibit space and event center known to locals as “The MACC”
Indoor rock climbing at Granite Arch Climbing Center
- Major Airports:
- Sacramento International (SMF)
- San Francisco International (SFO)
- States:
- California
Outdoor adventures and unique exploration in the heart of Northern California
Water & Outdoor Recreation
Rancho Cordova’s temperate weather and abundant waterways make the area a hotspot for California adventures. When the weather warms in the spring, walk or bike the nature trails that line Hagan Community Park for picturesque riverfront views. Nearby on the American River Parkway, you’ll find plenty of access points for fishing, swimming and kayaking in some of the most scenic spots of the American River. Summer is the perfect time for watersports. Head to the Sacramento State Aquatic Center at Lake Natoma and rent a stand-up paddleboard, sailboat or kayak to enjoy a day on the water – you can even sign up for classes to learn how to row, wakeboard and more. During late fall, the Nimbus Fish Hatchery hosts their salmon run—an annual event where you can marvel at Chinook salmon as they swim up the American River to spawn. Learn more about these fascinating creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit in the hatchery's visitors center.
Local Charms
Art, community and history meet at the Mills Station Arts & Culture Center, where events range from from art exhibits and musical concerts to live performances and art classes. Tap into the environment at Soil Born Farms, a sprawling organic farm and educational center that seeks to connect people to food through urban agriculture. They offer a number of community classes where you can sharpen skills such as gardening and cooking. If you’re looking to put those cooking skills to good use, make a stop at KP International Market. This community staple carries food items from over 40 different countries, from China and Korea to Russia and Poland. Nearby in the Barrel District, a collection of five breweries, two distilleries, a wine tasting room, a hard kombucha taproom and a meadery shows off the region’s flair for crafting creative and refreshing libations.
Family Fun
Whether traveling alone or with the entire family, Rancho Cordova offers a range of family-friendly entertainment. Adventurous travelers can’t miss Granite Arch Climbing Center, where a massive indoor bouldering room as well as an outdoor boulder park offer a wide variety of climbing experiences for all ability levels. In nearby Fair Oaks, enjoy serene horseback riding with Shadow Glen Riding Stables. Uncover the region’s gold mining history and spot local critters – like wild turkeys and jackrabbits – along hectares of scenic trails. Hands-on exploration is encouraged at Sacramento Children’s Museum, a learning center with interactive exhibits that inspire kids – and kids at heart – to learn about science, music, art and more through exploration and play. Back in town, sign up for a drawing, painting or crafting class at Heart Craft Studio.
Fun Fact
Rancho Cordova residents speak over 90 languages, making it one of the most culturally diverse municipalities in the USA.
Photo: Visit Rancho Cordova
While it was only officially incorporated as a city in 2003, Rancho Cordova’s roots run deep: It was founded during the gold rush of the 1800s and later became an important stop along the USA’s first transcontinental railroad.
Photo: Visit Rancho Cordova
Rancho Cordova is steeped in rich aviation history and is home to Mather Air Force Base, which has hosted the popular California Capital Airshow since 2004.
Photo: Visit Rancho Cordova