Discovery Park is where the American and Sacramento Rivers meet. This 302-acre park features a 32-mile bike trail, ball fields, picnic sites, fishing, and boat launches.
It’s also one of many parks and boat launching points on The American River Parkway that curate unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors from around the world. Read on to find out more.
What to See and Do
Located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, Discovery Park is spread across 302 acres. The place is a favorite spot for bike trails, picnic areas, and awesome fishing spots. Kids will love the softball ground and archery range.
The zoo is reworking its exhibits for a more natural look that will allow visitors to experience the animals in their habitats. Some of the latest changes include replacing iron bars with moats and introducing new trees to the landscape.
The daybreak star Indian cultural center in Discovery Park incorporates traditional Northwest Native architecture. The museum is open to the public for free, but donations are welcome. The California State Capitol is another must-see in Sacramento. The imposing dome and domed ceiling are sure to impress you.
Boating
Crisscrossed by waterways, Sacramento offers year-round outdoor beauty and exploration. The city’s famous American River Parkway winds 23 miles through town, curating a wealth of urban green space and recreational opportunities for all types of adventurers.
At the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers lies Discovery Park, a 302-acre swatch of scenic greenery that provides the perfect spot for recreation on the water. Boaters can launch from the large dock to explore both rivers and bicycle riders can set out on the smooth 32-mile Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail. Adults and kids can play softball or hone their skills at the archery range, and anglers enjoy excellent fishing on both the Sacramento and American Rivers.
Discovery Park is also a popular venue for concerts and events, including the annual Monster Energy Aftershock music festival. Secure your tickets for upcoming shows with Ticketmaster today. A great place to also visit is California State Capitol Park.
Picnicking
Sacramento’s regional parks offer year-round outdoor beauty and exploration. Discovery Park is a quick drive – or warm-up jog – from Kimpton Sawyer and serves as the city’s best trail access for hikers, runners, and cyclists.
This 302-acre park sits at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers. Recreational boaters love to explore both rivers from one of the area’s top boat launch sites while bicycle riders can take on the 32-mile Jedediah Smith Bike Trail.
Kids and teens enjoy the massive playground set, a beach area, and group picnic shelters while adults can play softball or hit the archery range. Please note that alcohol is not allowed on park property.
Camping
Located at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers, Discovery Park offers a variety of outdoor activities. Boating is available on the river, a group picnic area can be reserved and there’s even an archery range.
During the fall, rock and heavy metal music fans flock to Discovery Park for the Aftershock festival. The venue has a history of hosting concerts and festivals all year round and is known as a top spot for live music.
The 301-acre swath of greenspace is just a short drive – or warm-up jog – from Kimpton Sawyer, making it easy to pencil in casual exercise and outdoor relaxation during your stay in Sacramento. The park is also home to the start of the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, where a variety of stop-off points curate the route for runners, bikers, and walkers.
Getting There
The best time to visit Discovery Park in Sacramento CA is in spring or fall when the weather is cooler and the crowds are smaller. This is also a great time for boating, swimming, and hiking.
Getting to Discovery Park is easy with a variety of public transit options available. Moovit makes it simple to get detailed, real-time transit information for all your options.
If you decide to drive, GoldenSky has a limited amount of paid parking available for fans in designated areas near the park. Bike parking is available and encouraged. Across Jibboom Street from the entrance, you’ll find a bike valet sponsored by Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates.
We encourage all visitors to Discovery Park to use public transportation if at all possible. The Moovit app is the easiest way to plan your trip and find all the routes, stops, and schedules on one simple map. Discover more interesting articles.
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