Looking for a weekend getaway on the water? Sacramento’s lakes and its renowned American River offer ample opportunity for rest or recreation. Here are our five top things to do on the water this summer in the Sacramento area.

RIVER RAFTING

A lazy day rafting down the American River is just what you need for a chill, but adventurous weekend. Not to be confused with whitewater rapid rafting (more about that later), calm rafting will allow you to float from historic Folsom to Sacramento, stopping at riverbank beaches or islands on the way. Check out American River Rentals in Rancho Cordova for self-guided river floats on beginner stretches.

Photo by Marco López on Unsplash

STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING

Next on our list is SUP or stand-up paddleboarding. If you’ve ever driven over the acclaimed Rainbow Bridge in Old Folsom, you most likely have spotted dozens of lake-goers making their way through Lake Natoma right beneath the overpass. Stand up paddleboarding is a great water activity for beginners and there are several places in the area to rent them if you don’t have your own. Check out SUP California in Folsom or the Sac State Aquatic Center in Gold River for rentals.

Photo by Jackalope West on Unsplash

WHITEWATER RAFTING

Take a raft on the wild side (of the Lower American River) with an immersive whitewater rafting tour. Sunscreen, an ice chest, food, and drinks should be a part of your adventure as you go through a 16-mile stretch through the lush river canyon, featuring Class III to IV+ rapids. If you go far enough, you will make it to the infamous Tunnel Chute rapid which courses through a 90-foot rock tunnel.

Several rafting companies offer guided one-day and multi-day trips down the Middle Fork in the summer. Meanwhile, experienced river runners with their own rafts or whitewater kayaks can take private trips down this dam-controlled stretch. Visit this site for more places to rent tubes or to reserve a tour.

Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash

KAYAKING

Pick a lake in the Sacramento area — any lake — and you’ll most likely be able to enjoy kayaking. Whether you go solo or with a friend, kayaking will offer you time to take in the lush landscape and wildlife of the area. Even if you’ve never gone before or if you’re a seasoned kayaker, the summer begs for you to indulge in this activity this year. It’s quite common to spot egrets, ducks, herons, osprey, or even eagles while kayaking lakes in the area. Check out our favorite lakes here.

GO FISHING

Both lakes and the American River are known for being some of California’s premier fisheries. Opportunities for year-round fly fishing on the Lower American River are available. Migrating steelhead, American shad, striped bass, and Chinook salmon all come through at different times of the year. In the summer, expect to catch yourself some trout.