Outdoor Activities
Your Gold Country Adventure Awaits
When you bring your sense of discovery to Rancho Cordova, you’ll find a region ripe for memorable experiences. Let’s start with the American River, a gem offering family-friendly rafting, kayaking, fabulous fishing holes, and riparian riches ideal for birding and salmon sightings.
Upriver, you’ll find Lake Natoma and the Sacramento State Aquatic Center. The center offers miles of flatwater famous for rowing, but also ideal for stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), sailing, and kayaking. Rancho Cordova is located right in the middle. The waterway is lined by the American River Parkway Bike Trail, a stunning 32-mile paved bike trail that cyclists of all ages and abilities absolutely love.
Venture out a bit farther and you’ll find prime Gold Country exploration. Historic sites such as the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park and antiquing and gallery hopping in nearby towns like Sutter Creek and Volcano are a short drive away! World-class wine tasting in the nearby Sierra Foothills wine regions of El Dorado and Amador County, where old vine Zinfandels reign, are just up the road. Other varietals, such as Barbera, wow as well.
Of course, Rancho Cordova is also California’s unofficial Sports Tournament Capital. City sports parks are well suited for outdoor tournaments, and the aforementioned Lake Natoma is nationally known for its smooth waters. Those with a need for speed can throttle up the excitement at the Prairie City State Vehicle Recreation Area where top motocross events take place annually, but amateurs take to the tracks every day. Team-friendly accommodations and restaurants make Rancho Cordova a top choice for amateur and professional tournaments alike.
Whether traveling on a family vacation or adding a day to your corporate trip, find out how our warm hospitality, outstanding selection of accommodations, and easy access to major highways makes Rancho Cordova Northern California’s discovery zone. Find exclusive deals, events, and more. There are so many things to do in Rancho Cordova!
Find Your Golden Hour in Rancho Cordova
![A group of six female mermaids lay on the side of the pool at California Mermaid Convention, tails flipped up, elbows tucked under their chin, and smiling joyfully at the camera.](https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/67565685_10221021489514057_430458076424830976_o.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=f93bb2d73010d690eacbd0c2b255f8c9 320w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/67565685_10221021489514057_430458076424830976_o.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=26289c520aa65d79575d05befea64ced 540w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/67565685_10221021489514057_430458076424830976_o.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=6cd60e78c6e1bfc284834889c5d2bf75 607w)
Five Kid-Friendly Activities in Rancho Cordova, CA
Rancho Cordova is the perfect place to let kids be kids! There's an adventure behind every corner.
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36 Hours in the California Gold Country: Why Rancho Cordova Is the Weekend Getaway You Didn’t Know You Needed
In the heart of Northern California, Rancho Cordova hosts a wealth of attractions for a fun and relaxing weekend getaway.
![Dog poses in front of a brewery sign](https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/lil_bunches_of_tofu-Instagram-2644-ig-2547852145597406690.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=55735871abe42b2d0c516f0029ad36f3 320w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/lil_bunches_of_tofu-Instagram-2644-ig-2547852145597406690.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=71474bca21282fa869f16289ad40d8a0 540w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/lil_bunches_of_tofu-Instagram-2644-ig-2547852145597406690.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=db4525616efe9eda30e616829e2914c6 768w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/lil_bunches_of_tofu-Instagram-2644-ig-2547852145597406690.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=145053d005ea0a2aa9a0451821b00bed 1024w, https://rancho-cordova.imgix.net/images/lil_bunches_of_tofu-Instagram-2644-ig-2547852145597406690.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=3b2e83d42b51447efc0ec564d22dfde7 1080w)
Best Trivia Nights and Pub Events in Rancho Cordova, CA
If you love trivia, you'll love the Barrel District! Laugh, brainstorm, and win bragging rights with friends as you visit…