If you’re avoiding exploring the city for fear of spending too much money, I don’t blame you: staying active in the community, can get pricey. This list will help as it suggests many free and inexpensive things to do in the state’s capital.
Yoga
Free
“Free Yoga Sacramento is dedicated to providing a list of the free and donation-based yoga and meditation classes in the Sacramento area.” You can check their website and find out where and when they are taking place. Here’s the list. Confirm all date’s and times by phone and consider making a donation to keep the website up.
Visit the Crocker Art Museum
$8-$15
The Crocker Art Museum’s art collection is diverse in the way that there is always something for everyone: They have 18+ after hours party with live performances as well as something for “Kids & Family”. Tickets cost only $15 for the adults, $10 for the seniors, $10 for college students and $8 for youth (ages 6 to 17)
Have a Beer at a Local Brewery
$8-$10
Northern California (Napa Valley) might be known more for its famous wine. But it certainly isn’t lagging in the beer department either. There are plenty of breweries across the greater Sacramento area. No matter where you live, you can find a local brewery within a 15 minutes drive of you. (Don’t quote me on that one). Here are a few:
Davis/Dixon area: Ruhrstaller Farm, Super Owl, Sudwerk, Dunloe, Three Mile Brewing Company
West Sacramento: Jackrabbit Brewing, Bike Dog Brewing
Downtown/Midtown/East Sacramento: Urban Roots, Device Brewing Co, Alaro Craft Brewery
Elk Grove: Dust Bowl, Flatland, Tilted mash, Waterman
Oak Park: Oak Park Brewing, Sac City Brews Neighborhood, High Water Brewing
Auburn: Moonraker, Rebellion, Crooked Lane, Pistol Pete’s.
Fair Oaks: Fair Oaks Brew Pub
Rocklin: Moksa Brewing
Get Outside at Lake Natoma
Free
Only 19 miles east of downtown Sacramento, Lake Natoma offers plenty of recreational activities to the outdoor enthusiasts. It was created by Nimbus Dam across the American River. It is usually open 7 days per week and offers great fishing and boating, hiking, biking and picnicking opportunities for the outdoor enthusiasts. There is paid parking but you may also park outside if you can find a parking spot.
Visit Nimbus Fish Hatchery
Free
Located just outside of Lake Natoma, on Nimbus Dam, Nimbus Hatchery is where department of fish & Wildlife, raises Chinook salmon and steelhead for release to the American River. It has a Visitor Center which offers “educational activities for children and adults of all ages”. The salmon run occurs in fall, with hatchery operations taking place from the beginning of November through mid-December. The steelhead trout run occurs in winter, with hatchery operations taking place from January through February.” They have ” A Visitor’s Guide to the Nimbus Fish Hatchery” which may be downloaded from their website. Days and hours of operation plus a whole lot more great information is in there.
Stroll Through UC Davis Arboretum
Free
“The Arboretum and Public Garden includes the historic Arboretum — a 100-plus acre campus and regional amenity comprised of demonstration gardens and scientific collections — the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve — a rare stream and grassland ecosystem managed for teaching, research, wildlife and habitat protection — and the rest of our 5300-acre campus.” Parking is $15/day and it’s free on the weekends and holidays. Dogs are allowed if on leash. What to expect? It’s better to visit their website or their Facebook and Instagram to get a better feel for it.
Visit Jensen Botanical Garden
Free
If you are a nature lover and you enjoyed visiting UC Davis Arboretum, then you would want to visit Jensen Botanical Garden in Carmichael, too. “The 3 1/2 Acre garden was founded in 1958 by Charles C. Jensen. After his retirement as a produce buyer.”
Shop for Fresh Produce at a Local Farmers’ Market
$0 to a $1000
California produces nearly half of U.S.-grown fruits, nuts and vegetables. And most of that is happening in Central Valley, which is Sacramento’s backyard. That means there is a strong Farmer’s Market Culture in Sacramento. And what a better way to spend your money at your local farmer’s market? No matter what part of town you live in, there is going to be one near you. Remember that some of them will charge you for parking. Here are a few Denio’s Farmers Market and Swap Meet, El Dorado Certified Farmers’ Markets. Land Park Farmers’ Market, Elk Grove Farmers’ Market, Carmichael Park, Placer County Farmers’ Markets.
Pick Fruits at a Local U-Pick Farm
Varies
One of the things to love about Sacramento, is having all the U-Pick Farms around you. I’ve done a separate blog on that topic before and here’s a link to that. Make sure you contact them as this is a very seasonal activity. Also, lots of your neighbors, will have fruits available that they might not consume. Sacramentans are very friendly. You can just knock on the door and ask if you can pick some. Also, if you join community groups on Facebook, you can always ask if anybody has anything to give away for free or for a small charge. Fruits you can often get in this way would be tomatoes, zucchini, lemons, oranges, tangerines, persimmons and cherries. Since homeowners now can have up to two hens in their backyard, you can even find neighbors who might have some extras for sale. Lot’s of chicken groups on facebook too, where you can ask for fresh eggs.
Tour the Jelly Belly Factory
$7 adults $3 children
Located in Fairfield, 45 miles south west of Sacramento, you get a 1/4 mile self guided tour of the factory at your own pace, browse their Jelly Bean Art Gallery, shop the Jelly Belly Candy Store, dine at the Jelly Belly Cafe and more. The factory operates Monday-Friday and it’s recommended to tour the factory during those days if one wishes to see the whole plant in action. On the weekends and holidays, they only offer video tours.
Get Some Coffee
Varying
One of the best ways to have a good time is to have a good cup of coffee with a friend. Or just by yourself. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of great coffeeshops in Sacramento. Particularly in the downtown/midtown/east Sacramento area, where you can go for a walk under the mature trees, afterwards. Here are some of the favorites coffeeshops in that area: Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters, Scorpio Coffee, Mast Coffee, Temple Coffee, The Mill, Insight Coffee Roasters, Milka Coffee Roasters, Camellia Coffee Roasters.
Visit Old Sacramento State Historic Park
Free
Did you know that”With over 50 historic buildings, Old Sacramento has more buildings of historic value in its 296 acres than any area of similar size in the West“? It was called “a National Historic Landmark” in 1965 by The National Park Service. While there, take note of these historic buildings: 1849 Eagle Theater; the 1853 B. F. Hastings Building, once home to the California Supreme Court; and the 1855 Big Four Building.
Tour Local Art Galleries at the 2nd Saturday Art Walk
Free
What is “2nd Saturday Art Walk“? “On the 2nd Saturday of every month, Sacramento galleries and local businesses host an open house evening from roughly 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM or later. Enjoy the art exhibits, local artists, food and wine, live music, street fairs and special events at this year-round monthly event.”
Go IceSkating at Skatetown in Roseville
General Admission $14 Skate Rental $4
I know, it was supposed to be about things to do under $10. But I had to squeeze ice skating in there. It’s such a fun activity yet seems like it’s forgotten. I haven’t been on ice since 1984. I loved it as a kid and then as a teen. Anyways, that’s another fun activity if you are looking for something different. They have public skating sessions M-Sat 3-5. Friday & Saturday also 7-9.
Tour the State Capitol Building
Free
Chances are you have not been to the Capitol yet. Well, here is a reminder that it’s here, it’s free and open to the public M-F 9-5. Closed on the weekends and most holidays. Public tours of up to ten people are given on the hour from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and last about 90 minutes.
Explore Capitol Park
Free
Capitol Park is a 40 acre monumental park surrounding the Capitol Building. The memorials and monuments include: A Civil War Memorial Grove, The California Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The California Veterans Memorial, The Firefighters Memorial, The Peace Officers Memorial. At the Rose Garden, you will see “650 roses in over 140 varieties of colors and fragrances.”
Visit Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area
Free
Yolo Bypass is a haven for all kind of wildlife and it’s not too far: right outside of Sacramento, before you reach Davis. You can take your binoculars and/or your camera and come back with some amazing wildlife photos to show your family and friends. They have a Bat Talk & Walks event where one can learn a lot about bats. It does cost $15 for adults and $5 for youth 6-17 and it only goes till the end of September.
Take Kids Fishing (Under 14 Only) For Free
Free
Sawmill Pond Picnic Area is in South Lake Tahoe and it’s a KIDS ONLY fishing spot. Adults can help them but they can’t fish themselves. Can’t get any better than that. Here is a link to the place. The pond is located one mile south of South Lake Tahoe along Lake Tahoe Boulevard. Restrooms and picnic tables are available in the summer. Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted.
I want to also share Tahoe Trout Farm. I’m not aware of the cost but seems like a great place to spend some time with the little ones. Here’s their website and a youtube video to tell you more about it.
Join a Gym (Planet Fitness is only $10)
Why not join a gym for $10?
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.” And for $10 a month? Why not? Here is a link to Planet Fitness’s page where you can enter your zip code and find the nearest club near you.
