Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Folsom, CA

Folsom is a city with a population of approximately 73,000, located in Sacramento County. Despite its considerable population, the city boasts numerous natural areas that allow residents and visitors to retreat from urban life and enjoy nature.

Folsom is home to over 300 acres of well-maintained green spaces and nearly 40 miles of biking trails. Additionally, there are a variety of hiking trails available.

The city is renowned for its stunning bridges. Folsom features a diverse array of restaurants and coffee shops, as well as several shopping locations, including Paddadio Shopping Center and Folsom Faire Shopping Center.

Throughout the year, Folsom hosts numerous festivals and events, such as the Go Medieval at the Renaissance Faire, Tap Folsom, Hot Jazz Jubilee, Folsomfest, and the Folsom Gourd & Arts Festival.

Below are 15 exceptional activities to partake in while in and around Folsom, California.

1. Learn About Local History at the Folsom Historical Museum

Situated in downtown Folsom, the Folsom Historical Museum invites visitors to discover the city’s extensive history and vibrant culture.

As you navigate through the museum, you will encounter exhibits that highlight the city’s evolution from its early settlement to its modern development. These displays showcase numerous artifacts, including items from the Gold Rush, the indigenous people of the region, and historical mining camps. The museum also hosts several events throughout the year.

2. Spend the Day Outdoors at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

Exploring the extensive 19,000 acres of parkland within the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area could easily take an entire day or more. Fortunately, two campgrounds are available on-site, allowing visitors to extend their exploration of this picturesque area.

Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this park offers endless opportunities for exploration. There are two lakes: Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma.

Folsom Lake provides stunning vistas and serves as an excellent location for fishing, notably for perch, bass, and catfish. In contrast, Natoma Lake has a paved bike trail encircling it, making it perfect for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing.

The Granite Bay area features a supervised day-use zone, housing a popular sandy swimming beach, Beal’s Point, and a canteen.

Additional activities available in the park include hiking along 95 miles of trails, such as the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, and enjoying a picnic at one of the various picnic areas throughout the park.

3. Enjoy a Magical Dining Experience at Mystique Dining

Upon entering Mystique Dining in Folsom, guests are welcomed by a butler who escorts them into an elegantly adorned and intimate dining area, ready to indulge in an evening of exquisite dining coupled with world-class entertainment.

The gourmet five-course dinner features an appetizer, a choice of soup or salad, and a palate cleanser. Patrons can select from prime rib, Cornish hen, vegetarian lasagna, or macaroni and cheese for their entree.

After the meal, a magical performance commences, providing 45 minutes of captivating entertainment by some of the world’s most talented magicians.

4. Visit the Animals at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary

Since its inception in 1963, the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary has provided care for animals that are unable to return to the wild. It began with a single bear cub and has expanded to accommodate various species including coyotes, prairie dogs, mountain lions, bobcats, wolves, and eagles.

Although it carries the name of a zoo, it functions more as a sanctuary where these animals are nurtured in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat.

Additional facilities include a playground, butterfly garden, gift shop, and Fisher’s Bistro, which serves snacks, beverages, and light meals. Guided tours are also available.

5. Find Some Great Deals at the Folsom Premium Outlets

Whether you are looking for items for your home or searching for the perfect gift for a friend, the Folsom Premium Outlets offer a plethora of options; you are likely to discover excellent deals on leading brands.

This open-air shopping center features 80 stores, providing a wide array of products including clothing, accessories, home goods, and sporting equipment. Notable stores include Michael Kors, Banana Republic, and Adidas.

In addition, there is a variety of dining options available, such as Taco Bell and Kristen’s Coffee Corner.

6. Learn About Prison Life at the Folsom Prison Museum

You may be familiar with Folsom Prison, likely thanks to the iconic Johnny Cash song “Folsom Prison Blues,” which he famously performed within its walls.

Visitors can now explore the Folsom Prison Museum, located on the premises of the prison.

During your visit to this intriguing museum, you will gain insights into the architectural design of the facility, its historical significance, and the unique and often unsettling experiences that guards faced while on duty.

As you tour the exhibits, you will encounter items such as photographs, contraband seized from inmates, newspaper articles about daring escape attempts, weapons crafted by prisoners, and an intricate Ferris wheel model constructed from toothpicks by an inmate.

7. Catch a Show at the Harris Center

Make sure to verify the events scheduled at the Harris Center in Folsom. This impressive 80,000 square-foot venue hosts a range of world-class entertainment, including concerts, musicals, theatrical performances, and dance shows.

Since its opening in 2011, this prominent arts venue has attracted both local and national artists, becoming a leading platform for the area’s cultural expression.

8. Get a Taste of Japanese Culture at Gekkeikan Sake

For over two millennia, Sake has played a significant role in Japanese culture. Today, visitors to Folsom can sample traditional Sake at Gekkeikan Sake. This brewery offers tours that allow guests to learn about the production of this historic beverage.

While on the tour, you will pass through a beautifully designed Japanese garden and koi pond. Following the tour, visitors have the opportunity to taste locally-produced Sake along with some snacks in the tasting room. A gift shop is also available on-site.

9. Visit the Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park

At the Folsom Powerhouse State Park, visitors have the opportunity to explore a powerhouse constructed in 1895, which is one of the earliest hydroelectric facilities in the nation.

Currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, guided tours reveal its historical and operational significance. The facility remains remarkably well-preserved, resembling its appearance from the late 1800s.

10. Enjoy a Meal of Authentic Italian Fare at Visconti’s Ristorante

Visconti’s Ristorante is a beloved dining establishment in Folsom. For those seeking high-quality, thoughtfully prepared Italian cuisine, this is the ideal choice. This family-owned restaurant features a diverse menu of southern Italian dishes inspired by recipes passed down through generations.

Guests can unwind in a cozy ambiance, accompanied by the soothing sounds of traditional Italian music while attentive staff prepare your meal.

The menu boasts a variety of offerings, including appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, pasta dishes, pizzas, calzones, desserts, and much more, all crafted with the freshest ingredients available. After the meal, consider enjoying a glass of wine or a cocktail to enhance your dining experience.

11. Take a Ride on the Folsom Valley Railway

The Folsom Valley Railway features one of the few miniature-scale, steam-powered replicas in the country and holds the distinction of being the only 12-inch gauge railway remaining in the nation, offering a unique ride opportunity for visitors.

Guests can board one of the miniature engines and partake in a ten-minute excursion around a five-mile loop. The railway hosts various events throughout the year, enhancing the experience for visitors.

12. Try Local Craft Beer at Red Bus Brewing Company

Red Bus Brewing Company is the sole brewery in Folsom, offering visitors a distinctive learning and tasting experience. During a tour of the brewery, you will witness the creative processes behind their unique beers and gain exclusive access to the full recipes of their concoctions.

The distinctive tasting room, designed with a 1968 Volkswagen Bus theme, provides an inviting atmosphere for sampling a diverse selection of modern and traditional craft beers brewed on-site.

13. Hike the Johnny Cash Trail

The Johnny Cash Trail is a distinctive hiking path in Folsom that provides an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in nature while experiencing the legacy of one of America’s most celebrated musical icons.

This 2.5-mile trail designed for walking and biking traverses past Folsom Prison and connects to the Folsom Lake Trail. Along the path, you will encounter two aesthetically pleasing bridges and displays commemorating Johnny Cash’s career and his significance to Folsom.

The trail features eight art installations, including two bronze guitar pick monuments and a Greystone Chapel showcasing letters he received from inmates after his unforgettable performances at Folsom Prison.

14. Cool Off at the Folsom Aquatic Center

On hot days in Folsom, the ideal location for recreation is the Folsom Aquatic Center. Visitors will find a selection of water attractions suitable for all ages, including a water playground, water slides, a lap pool, and an activity pool.