Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Yuba City, CA

Yuba City is a quaint city of approximately 65,000 residents located in the Sacramento Valley area of Sutter County. The city is recognized for its pleasant climate, picturesque natural landscapes—including the Sutter Buttes Mountain Range and Feather River—and its combination of urban conveniences and rural appeal.

Yuba City boasts numerous parks, recreational facilities, dining establishments, and shopping destinations, including the Yuba Sutter Marketplace and Feather Down Shopping Center. Many of these attractions are found in the historic downtown area.

The city’s advantageous location provides convenient access to Sacramento, situated just 40 miles to the south.

A variety of festivals and events occur throughout the year in Yuba City, featuring the Sikh Parade, California Swan Festival, California Beer and Wine Festival, Cinco de Mayo Celebration, and the Yuba-Sutter Greek Food & Wine Festival.

Below are 15 premier activities and attractions in and around Yuba City, California.

1. Explore the Sutter County Museum

Established in 1975, the Sutter County Museum has been dedicated to collecting, preserving, and presenting the history of the region to both residents and visitors.

On-site, the museum features over 15,000 artifacts displayed across various exhibits that emphasize the history and culture of the indigenous Nisenan Maidu people, early pioneers, and contemporary inhabitants who influence the area.

Additionally, there are exhibits focusing on the geology of the Sutter Buttes and the region’s agricultural legacy.

2. Relax at Ellis Lake

Ellis Lake, a man-made lake located in nearby Marysville, serves as a favored gathering place for residents and visitors during pleasant weather. It is encompassed by Ellis Lake Park, which features various amenities and recreational activities.

Visitors can enjoy pedal boating or fishing from the shore or a boat. A bridge connects the mainland to Gazebo Island and North Ellis Lake Island.

The park also includes tennis courts and a fountain that boasts a vibrant light display, illuminating the lake in a myriad of colors after dusk.

Annual events hosted in the park include the Youth Fishing Derby and the Great American Regatta.

3. Experience Cool Hand Luke’s

Cool Hand Luke’s offers a welcoming atmosphere, exceptional cuisine, and outstanding service. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Old West ambiance while enjoying a unique dining experience courtesy of the friendly staff.

The diverse menu accommodates a variety of tastes, featuring appetizers, salads, sandwiches, seafood options, and main dishes such as chicken fried steak, tombstone chicken pasta, fire-roasted chicken, and throwdown ribs.

To conclude your meal, consider a delightful dessert or one of their signature cocktails. An extensive selection of beer and wine is also provided, with happy hour available daily.

4. Discover The Sutter Buttes

Visiting the Sutter Buttes near Yuba City means exploring the smallest mountain range globally. Formed over a million years ago from eroded lava domes, this unique mountain range was once home to significant religious sites for the indigenous Maidu and Wintun tribes.

Today, it attracts many visitors, with guided nature walks offered in a 200-acre area by the Middle Mountain Foundation and Sutter County Historical Society.

5. Enjoy Gauche Aquatic Park

On warm days, Gauche Aquatic Park provides excellent facilities and activities for families.

The park features modern water slides and several swimming pools, including a large competitive pool suitable for ten laps. Water fitness classes are available, with lap swim sessions throughout the day.

Additional amenities include horseshoe pits, climbing boulders, playgrounds, a concession area, and locker facilities.

6. Tour the Bok Kai Temple

Bok Kai Temple is a religious establishment that venerates the deity responsible for irrigation and flood management. Originally constructed in 1854, the temple was relocated to its present site in 1880 and subsequently restored to its original condition in the late 1940s.

The stunning architecture captivates visitors, while the interior features a central altar adorned with exquisite statues of Chinese deities. Today, the temple is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors may arrange tours in advance through the temple caretaker. The temple hosts various events throughout the year, including the Bok Kai Festival.

7. Taste Local Craft Beer at Sutter Buttes Brewing

Since its inception in 2011, Sutter Buttes Brewing has created distinctive and flavorful brews to cater to visitors from near and far. This microbrewery in Yuba City offers a wide range of craft beers, including Watertower IPA, Annie’s Almond Brown Ale, Riley’s Red, and Floodwater Pale Ale.

A gastropub is also featured on-site, serving enticing food that pairs perfectly with the beverages. Menu options include pizza, burgers, and fish and chips.

8. Golf at Plumas Lake Golf & Country Club

For nearly a century, Plumas Lake Golf & Country Club has been regarded as a hidden treasure within the Sacramento Valley. This renowned public golf course has been recognized as one of the top 100 courses nationally on multiple occasions.

The course comprises 18 holes, featuring numerous mature oak trees and small greens. For those looking to enhance their skills, a driving range, putting green, chipping green, and practice hole are available. Golf lessons are offered, and a pro shop is conveniently located on-site.

When you feel hungry, visit the Plumas Lake Grill for a wide variety of tasty food options.

9. Challenge Yourself at NorCal Escape Co.

NorCal Escape Co. presents a selection of unique escape room experiences in Yuba City.

For those unfamiliar with escape room games, the objective is to liberate yourself from a locked space before the time expires. Typically, participants have approximately one hour to collaborate, solve puzzles, and discover clues essential for escape.

Several themed rooms are available, such as the Fox Tail Saloon, Escape Truck, and Condemned.

10. Visit Sicilia Vineyards

Nestled in the foothills of the world’s smallest mountain range, Sicilia Vineyards cultivates high-quality grapes suitable for winemaking.

As the first commercial vineyard established in the city, it spans five acres and features numerous Italian varietals, including Teroldego, Coda di Volpe, Fiano, Greco, and Primitivo.

11. Indoor Fun at Millennium Family Entertainment Center

Often regarded as the area’s premier family attraction, Millennium Family Entertainment Center in Yuba City offers various entertaining facilities for individuals of all ages.

On-site attractions include an arcade, a laser tag arena, bumper cars, a climbing wall, and an elaborate children’s play area.

12. Learn About Falcons at West Coast Falconry

Falcons are remarkable birds of prey, and at West Coast Falconry, visitors can gain insight into their biology and behavior. Guided tours of the facility showcase these magnificent birds engaging in an ancient hunting tradition.

Additionally, participants may enroll in falconry classes led by knowledgeable, experienced falconers, catering to both novice and seasoned enthusiasts.

13. Unwind at Heads Together Salon and Day Spa

Travel can be tiring and stressful; thus, a great way to rejuvenate is to relax at a salon where skilled professionals can help you unwind.

At Heads Together Salon and Day Spa, patrons can select from a range of soothing treatments, including massages, pedicures, manicures, and facials.

14. Explore the Museum of the Forgotten Warriors

The Museum of the Forgotten Warriors is dedicated to honoring the valor of soldiers and veterans from various conflicts.

This museum showcases an extensive array of artifacts, photographs, and documents, with over 46,000 items on display, including tanks, cannons, helicopters, uniforms, equipment, a Korean War-era jeep, and antique rifles from the Civil War era.

15. Dine at Midtown Grill

At Midtown Grill in Yuba City, patrons will enjoy a delightful meal within a relaxed setting. All dishes are prepared using the finest quality ingredients available, including certified Angus beef.