Measuring only 4 square blocks, McKinley Park has kept much of its natural charm and unbelievable setting over the years…making it a place that everyone can enjoy throughout the day.
McKinley Park is a haven for sports enthusiasts and during the spring and summer months you can always find a game of some sort going on here at the park. There are baseball fields, a soccer field, tennis courts, and horseshoe pits – all of which can be taken advantage of during the warm weather months in Sacramento. The park is also perfect for that afternoon picnic or barbecue.
The mile long trail circling park is perfect for that morning jog or afternoon stroll. There are also several smaller walking trails that wind through the park, giving you plenty of options if you’re looking for something active to do. If exercise isn’t what you had in mind, then you should take a tour of their beautiful rose garden.
Located on H Street, near 33rd, the rose garden in McKinley Park was created in 1928. This lush 1.5 acre garden contains over 1,000 rose bushes, rose trees, and blooming annuals. The rose garden is available for rent and has been a local favorite for weddings and other social events.
With over 275 acres of mature trees and grasslands, Discovery Park offers a plethora of activities for you to enjoy. Whether you're looking to have a picnic, go horseback riding, or just a leisurely stroll through the park - there is much to be found and "discovered" in Discovery Park.
Highly regarded as one of the best boat launches in Sacramento, many people spend the day fishing or just hanging out while taking in the beautiful scenery of the city. There is even an archery range for those who are into camp style sports. Picnic spots are plentiful, and on just about any day of the week you can see tons of families and couples enjoying a picnic beneath a shady tree.
If you’re looking for something a little more active, bring your bike and take a ride along the 32-mile Jedediah Smith Bike Trail which circles the park. Alternatively, you can enjoy a hike or walk on several smaller trails nestled throughout the park.
During the summer, take in one of their free summer concerts that attract not only local bands but some pretty famous ones as well. There is a total diversity of local acts that make their way to the park to entertain the hundreds of people that come out for a real taste of Sacramento.
Discovered over 100 years ago, millions of people have made this park a place where they can meet and greet, have lunch, enjoy the sun, and catch great fish. If you haven’t visited this park then it is time to get out there and join them. You’ll be glad you did!
Getting There
Discovery Park is relatively easy to find. Take the Richards Blvd exit from the I-5 and then head westbound till you reach the South entrance of the park.
Open year round from sunrise to sunset, Paradise Beach is a wonderful recreational area located in Sacramento, California. With beautiful scenic views, a gorgeous sandy beach, and plenty of California wildlife, Paradise Beach is a wonderful way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Some of the most popular activities at Paradise Beach include swimming and Skimboarding. You’ll enjoy spending a day skimboarding at Paradise Beach as the cove makes the perfect location for working on your skimboarding skills. In fact, Paradise Beach is so popular for its skimboarding that it is the location for the annual Skimfest competition. The first Skimfest took place at Paradise Beach Park in 1998.
Things To Do
Paradise Beach is part of the American River Parkway and is in close proximity to Glenn Hill Park. At Paradise Beach, sand dunes and coves make swimming fun however it is strongly urged that swimmers use caution due to the topography of the coves. Fishing is a popular sport that takes place at the beach as well.
If you would rather swim in a supervised environment, you might prefer to swim at the pool located at Glenn Hill Park, however many people enjoy the beauty and freshness of the pure California waters of Paradise Beach.
There is no fee to enter the park and there are no alcoholic beverages allowed on the premises. However, there are parking fees every day of the year, so make certain that you bring enough money to cover parking. Also, be sure to obey all rules and regulations that pertain to the park to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience.
Location
Paradise Beach is located at the intersection of Carlson Drive and Sandburg Drive. You can reach the park by taking U.S. 50 to Howe Ave. From the off ramp and heading north, take a left on Fair Oaks Blvd. Carlson Drive will be on your right.
Nestled in the heart of Sacramento, the American River Parkway has been referred to as Sacramento’s Jewel. The parkway enjoys more than five million visitors each year and is one of the most beautiful wildlife preserves and recreation areas throughout California.
With over 5,000 acres, American River Parkway reminds those who are caught in the bustle of urban life, the beauty and majesty of nature’s finest exhibits.
Features
The American River Parkway is enormous and there are numerous parks and recreational facilities that comprise the Parkway. Stretching nearly endlessly for twenty-three miles, the smaller parks and boat ramps provide for numerous additional activities. The smaller parks that make up the American River Parkway are: the Ancil Hoffman Park, the Discovery Park, the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Goethe Park, Howe Avenue, Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, Paradise Beach, Rossmoor Bar, Sailor Bar, Sarah Court, Upper and Lower Sunrise Recreation Areas, Waterton and S.A.R.A. Accesses, Watt Avenue, and William B. Pond. With the vast variety of parks and boating docks to choose from, the American River Parkway offers splendid scenic views and recreational fun.
Things To Do
At the American River Parkway you can enjoy the breathtaking views of wildlife and enjoy the beauty of California’s natural habitats. Flora and fauna abound, and there are plenty of paved trails that are perfect for hiking and exploring. There are also many picnic sites available, making the parks a great place to enjoy a special get together or birthday occasion. There are many opportunities for those who enjoy fishing and the boat ramps make easy access to enjoy the great American River. The American River is renowned for its White Water rafting. The Ancil Hoffman Park also features an award winning golf course.
Admission
Each park within the parkway has its own features as well as different admission policies and fees. However, the best alternative is to purchase an annual Park Passport for $40.00 (for vehicle) and receive free access to all of the parks. They also have low income park passes so that everyone may enjoy the beauty of the parks, regardless of income.
Measuring only 4 square blocks, McKinley Park has kept much of its natural charm and unbelievable setting over the years…making it a place that everyone can enjoy throughout the day.
Open year round from sunrise to sunset, 
Nestled in the heart of Sacramento, the American River Parkway has been referred to as Sacramento’s Jewel. The parkway enjoys more than five million visitors each year and is one of the most beautiful wildlife preserves and recreation areas throughout California.