The flowers are in full bloom over at the World Peace Rose Garden in the Capitol Park. Throughout the garden, you can find Inspirational Messages of Peace on placards. The main attraction, however, is the incredible abundance and variety of roses throughout the garden. Be sure to check out the heart-shaped pavilion. Don't wait too long to make a visit to the garden, the roses are currently in full bloom!

Ok, so while this isn't technically in Sacramento, it's a short drive (see below for directions) to Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, and well worth the short commute. Whether you're a bird watcher, nature lover, or adventure seeker, there's a lot to see in this park. We did the auto tour this time, but there are several walking trails located through the area that are each a couple mile loops. 

The park is open from sunrise to sunset. 

Directions from Sacramento: take the first exit (County Road 32A, East Chiles Road). Turn right at the end of the off-ramp and go under the freeway. Turn left onto the levee and enter the Wildlife Area on the left.

Sacramentans have it pretty good with the paved American River Bike Trail. The trail stretches 32 miles- from just north of downtown Sacramento to Folsom with plenty to see along the way. While we haven't quite made it all the way to Folsom, the scenery- with open meadows and beaches- is unbeatable. The trail is multi-use, so you'll see numerous professional bikers, joggers, and families taking advantage of the peaceful trail and gorgeous days here in Sacramento. 

There's plenty more to discover, so expect future posts on this trail.

Capitol Park is a 40-acre park making up the grounds of the California State Capitol. A number of paths cut through this park, lined by over 200 trees from throughout the world. A variety of gardens are in the park, the most famous of which is the World Peace Rose Garden, and features 650 roses. The roses were not in bloom when we visited but we heard that the garden should be in full bloom by April.


Capitol Park is also home to a number of memorials and monuments including a statue of Spanish missionary Father Junipero Serra, The California Veterans Memorial, and the California Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial. The Civil War Memorial Grove was created in 1897 with saplings from famous Civil War battlefields. 


There are lots of benches and shaded areas making Capitol Park a great place to have a weekday lunch or to take a relaxing stroll on the weekends, when it is usually less crowded. On most weekends, you'll likely see photographers taking pictures of newlyweds and families. You can find more information about the park here: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=495

Tucked across the river from Old Sacramento is the River Walk Park. River Walk Park offers stunning views of Old Sacramento, Downtown Sacramento, and marvelous shots of the Tower Bridge.  We will definitely visit this park again in the spring! For more information on the park, please visit http://www.cityofwestsacramento.org/city/depts/pcs/rentals.asp

North Natomas Regional Park boasts of many amenities including a walking/bike trail, dog park, lake,  baseball fields, and a shaded picnic area and playground.  Included on the playground is a water spray area for those hot, summer days! Check out the City of Sacramento's webpage description of the park, or see for yourself! 

Less than a five-minute drive from the "Fab '40s" is McKinley Park. McKinley Park offers numerous amenities including tennis courts, a playground area, various sports fields, a jogging trail and restrooms. For more information, visit the City of Sacramento's McKinley Park webpage.