Discovery Park: Sacramento's Riverfront Oasis
Explore Sacramento's natural beauty at Discovery Park: hiking, biking, boating, and more at the confluence of two mighty rivers.
Discovery Park, a sprawling 302-acre park in Sacramento, California, sits at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers. Established in the 1950s, it offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, from boating and fishing to biking and hiking, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
A brief summary to Discovery Park
- 1600 Garden Hwy, Sacramento, American River Parkway, California, 95833, US
- +1916-875-6961
- Visit website
- Monday 6 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-8 pm
- Thursday 6 am-8 pm
- Friday 6 am-8 pm
- Saturday 6 am-8 pm
- Sunday 6 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Bring your bike and explore the 32-mile Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, which starts at Discovery Park and follows the American River.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy the park's scenic views and designated picnic areas.
- Check the park's event calendar for concerts, festivals, and other community activities.
- Be aware that Discovery Park is designed to flood during the winter months.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown Sacramento, take Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) bus line 11, 86, or 88 to Discovery Park. The bus ride takes approximately 26 minutes and costs $3. Check the SacRT website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes.
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Walking
From downtown Sacramento, Discovery Park is approximately a 2.7-mile walk. Head north on 8th Street, then turn left onto Garden Highway. Follow Garden Highway west to the park entrance. The walk takes about 51 minutes.
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Driving
From downtown Sacramento, take I-5 North to the Richards Boulevard exit. Head west on Richards Boulevard, then turn right onto Garden Highway. Follow Garden Highway to the park entrance. Parking at Discovery Park costs $7 per vehicle. Parking fees are collected year-round.
Discover more about Discovery Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nisipowinan Village California Historical Landmark No. 900
0.4 km
Discover Nisipowinan Village, a captivating historical landmark in Sacramento that reveals the rich Native American heritage of California.
I Street Bridge
2.2 km
Discover the I Street Bridge in West Sacramento, a stunning landmark offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the city's vibrant culture.
Big Four Building
2.3 km
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Sacramento's Original Street Level
2.4 km
Explore Sacramento's Original Street Level, a historical landmark that showcases the rich heritage and stories of California's vibrant capital city.
Old Sacramento (California Historical Landmark 812)
2.5 km
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Old Folsom Powerhouse Sacramento Station A (California Historical Landmark #633-2)
2.5 km
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Site of China Slough (California Historical Landmark No. 594)
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Site of the Sam Brannan House
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B. F. Hastings Bank Building
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Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot
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Site of Home of Newton Booth (California Historical Landmark No. 596)
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Sacramento Visitor Center
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Site of Orleans Hotel (California Historical Landmark No. 608)
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Lady Adams Building (California Historical Landmark No. 603)
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Sacramento County Courthouse (Sacramento Historic Landmark)
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Unmissable attractions to see
SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity
1.4 km
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California State Railroad Museum
2.3 km
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Underground Tours
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Sacramento History Museum
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Old Sacramento State Historic Park
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River City Saloon
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Scavenger Hunt Walking Tours - Old Sacramento
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Pony Express Statue
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River Walk Park
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Wells Fargo Museums
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Old Sacramento Waterfront
2.6 km
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What Cheer House
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O'Mally's Irish Pub
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Waterfront Park
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Waterfront Wheel
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Essential places to dine
The Pilothouse Restaurant at the Delta King
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Honey and The Trapcat
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Bear & Crown British Pub
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Fanny Ann's Saloon
2.6 km
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La Terraza
2.6 km
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Railroad Fish & Chips
2.6 km
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ReUnion Kitchen & Bar
2.6 km
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The Firehouse Restaurant
2.7 km
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Rio City Cafe
2.7 km
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Yard House
2.7 km
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Echo & Rig
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Joe's Crab Shack
2.7 km
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Sauced BBQ & Spirits
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Foundation Restaurant & Bar
2.9 km
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Koja Kitchen Sacramento
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Visions of Eden
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Cali Way
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Sacramento Shop - Atrium 916
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Evangeline's
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Mea Vita
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Garden of Enchantment
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Old Sac Shirts & Gifts
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Kolores
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Old Sacramento Trading Post
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Blu Nile Art
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Pregame Vintage
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Capitol Books & Gifts
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Vintage YSJ
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Trove Gift-Same-Day
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The Constellation Marketplace
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Last Stop Saloon
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The Other Office
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Brannan Manor Restaurant & Spirits
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Vega's
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Sean Finnegan's Pub
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The Back Door
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Revival
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Chambers Room
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Fizz Champagne & Bubbles Bar
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Malt & Mash | Irish Pub
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Ten Ten Room
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Dive Bar
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Smic's Bar Sacramento
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The Rooftop
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The Grand
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