THINGS TO DO IN FOLSOM, CALIFORNIA
JUL 2016
Folsom, California is a wonderful city for permanent residents and wandering visitors alike as there is so much to do in this charming community — both inside its buildings and out in the sunshine!
With so much at your fingertips, it may be overwhelming to narrow down your visit (or wide-open Saturday, if you’re a resident) to include only the best of its amenities and activities. Let us help with that process by pointing you in the direction of a few of our favorite Folsom must-dos!
GET A CUP OF COFFEE
Wherever your adventures take you the rest of your day, make sure you start off on the right foot with a cup of coffee from Cooper’s Coffee House. This family-owned specialty shop serves up some of the finest coffee and espresso drinks made with ingredients of the highest quality. Pair your caffeinated drink of choice with a breakfast food item or a rich dessert item!
Photos courtesy of Cooper’s Coffee House
VISIT THE ZOO
A visit to the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is a must-do for families in Folsom. Get up close and personal with their wide variety of animals, grab a bite to eat, and hop on board the amazing zoo train.
Admission prices are extremely reasonable, and zoo members always get in for free! Keep in mind that the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is closed on Mondays, and is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday throughout the summer and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. between September and May.
GET OUTSIDE
One of the best ways to take advantage of this area and its natural beauty is by doing something outside. Your body will thank you too, as the release of endorphins will make you feel uplifted and refreshed!
Take in the beauty of Folsom Lake at the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, where you can go hiking, biking, running, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, water-skiing and boating.
Lake Natoma is a long, skinny lake running between Natoma Dam at the south end and Folsom Dam at the northern tip. You can do nearly any activity at Lake Natoma, including biking, camping, hiking, water sports, boating, fishing, horseback riding and picnicking.
In addition to water-related activities during the spring and summer, you can enjoy year-round activity at any of Folsom’s many parks and trails. In fact, nearly every home in Folsom is within a half-mile radius of a park. The Folsom Kids’ Play Park (or Castle Park) is a popular destination for families, providing a castle-like playground for kids of all ages to explore!
The Folsom Aquatic Center is another go-to activity for families in the area, offering lots of pools, slides and other water amenities at their year-round multi-use aquatic facility.
GRAB A DRINK + A BITE TO EAT
After all this walking, swimming and (presumably) laughing, you’re sure to be hungry and thirsty! Grab a bite to eat and a drink at one of our favorite restaurants in Folsom.
Manderes offers wonderful hearty American fare, but is perhaps best known for their great drink selection. Get a craft beer or a refreshing glass of wine and relax at the award-winning Manderes.
Chicago Fire is bringing the tastes of authentic Chicago-style pizza to their various locations throughout the Greater Sacramento Area. Step inside their inviting and casual Folsom restaurant to experience first-hand what guests are raving about.
Back Wine Bar & Bistro is a dreamy destination to enjoy a glass of wine, cocktail or craft beer — particularly on their bistro-esque outdoor patio with a gorgeous view. Grab a small plate, salad or entree off their dinner menu, complemented by any of their distinguished drink options. This place should not be missed, as it was nominated for Best New Restaurant, Best Folsom Restaurant and Best Wine Bar 7 years in a row!
LO (Land Ocean) Restaurant has one of the most renowned menu collections around, featuring a wonderful selection of starters, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and perhaps what they’re most known for — land and ocean dishes. Maximize your time in Folsom by drinking a local wine off their Folsom wine list!
EXPERIENCE HISTORY AT THE FOLSOM PRISON MUSEUM
This may sound like an interesting activity, but bear with us. Folsom is known all around the world (perhaps thanks to Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues”) for its famous prison.
Folsom State Prison opened in 1880, making it one of the first maximum-security prisons in the country and the second-oldest prison in the state. Learn about this fascinating historic entity with a visit to theFolsom Prison Museum, open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., costing just $2 per person.
BE LOCAL
If you’re a recent resident or a visitor just passing through, one of your main goals is often to “do as the locals do”.
Shopping at the Historic Folsom Farmers’ Market is the epitome of all things local. This wonderful farmers’ market is open year-round near the historic Railroad Turntable and Public Plaza in historic Folsom. Mingle with over 40 farmer and vendors selling locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables, freshly made baked goods, and fresh eggs and dairy items!
Photos courtesy of Historic Folsom Farmers’ Market
Speaking of the Folsom Historic District, this is an extremely popular hub for activity in the area. In fact, it is known by locals as the Heart of Folsom. The district formed in the 1850s when gold prospectors, settlers and the Pony Express rode through the center of town. Today, the area is home to over 80 distinctive shops, restaurants and businesses, while still retaining its historic charm. The historic district is also the main location for several community events, festivals and holiday gatherings for the community.
The Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College is another well-known destination for residents to attend theatre, concerts and dance performances. This impressive modern building seems to always have something going on!
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
After all this sightseeing and Folsom-admiring, you may be tempted to maintain a more permanent stay in this charming city. And you’d be in good company, as Folsom was recently named the #1 California city for families to put down roots in by WalletHub. You’ll find established homes on tree-lined streets and smart homes constructed with the latest technology — and everything in between.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT FOLSOM?
From local establishments to beautiful natural areas, there is so much to love about this California City.
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