Things To Do
in Folsom
Folsom is a vibrant city located in Northern California, known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Home to the famous Folsom Lake, the city offers a picturesque setting for water activities such as boating and fishing. Folsom is also rich in history, with attractions like the Folsom Prison Museum showcasing its storied past.
The city boasts a thriving community with diverse dining options, shopping centers, and cultural events for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $90 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $7
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $60 - $120
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area with a refreshing hike along the scenic trails. Enjoy the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
After lunch, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the waters of Folsom Lake. Spend the afternoon soaking in the sun and enjoying the tranquility of nature.
Wrap up your day with a relaxing picnic by the lake. Watch the sunset reflect off the water for a picturesque end to your adventure.
Begin your day at the Folsom History Museum to uncover the rich heritage of the area. Explore exhibits that showcase Folsom's role in the Gold Rush.
Stroll through Historic Folsom and enjoy the charming shops and cafes. Grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants with outdoor seating.
End your exploration with a ghost tour of Historic Folsom. Learn about the local legends while enjoying the atmospheric surroundings.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural surroundings, including Folsom Lake and nearby foothills.
- Strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Access to great outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, and water sports.
- Well-rated schools and educational institutions in the area.
- Close proximity to Sacramento, providing easy access to urban amenities.
- High cost of living, particularly in housing.
- Traffic congestion during peak hours, especially on main routes.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities.
- Summers can be extremely hot, leading to discomfort for some residents.
- Potential for wildfires in surrounding areas, especially during dry seasons.
Best Activities in Folsom
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy hiking, boating, and picnicking at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. There are also opportunities for fishing and camping.
Explore the beautiful scenery of Folsom and the American River on a bike ride along the American River Bike Trail.
Visit the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary and see a variety of rescued animals while supporting wildlife conservation.
Tours
Uncover the best of Folsom with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Folsom
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Provides picturesque views of the American River and the historic Folsom Powerhouse.
Features charming historic buildings and provides great photo opportunities.
Food in Folsom
Folsom Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spicy and savory chili featuring local ingredients, often served with cornbread. Best enjoyed at Sutter Street Steakhouse.
Must-Try!
Freshly caught and expertly prepared trout, a local favorite, can be savored at Sutter Street Grill.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Folsom better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A hub of fresh produce, artisanal snacks, and handmade goods. Open seasonally on Saturdays at Historic Folsom.
This vibrant street food spot offers an array of authentic Mexican street tacos and flavorful salsas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Folsom, it's important to be mindful of personal space and not invade someone's personal bubble, especially with strangers.
When dining out or using services, it's customary to leave a tip of 15-20% of the total bill to show appreciation for good service.
Being on time is valued in Folsom, so it's important to be punctual for appointments and social gatherings.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Folsom with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Folsom
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Folsom, United States, especially in the service industry such as restaurants, bars, and hotels. It is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill for good service.
Payment in Folsom, United States is primarily undertaken through cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Contactless payment options are increasingly popular, and most businesses accept major credit cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Folsom.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and water sports.
Warm to hot weather, ideal for water activities at Folsom Lake, and various events and festivals taking place in the area.
Mild temperatures, fall foliage, and harvest festivals offering a variety of local produce and goods.
Cool temperatures, occasional rain, and festive holiday events and lights in the Folsom historic district.
Folsom at Night
Hiking in Folsom
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast recreational area with numerous trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, offering stunning views of the lake and the Sierra foothills.
A scenic canyon featuring several hiking trails along the American River, offering beautiful river views and opportunities for wildlife observation.
A long-distance trail that meanders through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, with sections accessible from Folsom and providing scenic views and diverse vegetation.
A picturesque trail around Lake Natomas that provides opportunities for walking, jogging, and cycling with beautiful lake views.
A less-traveled trail near Folsom that offers a peaceful hiking experience through natural landscapes, perfect for those seeking solitude.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Folsom through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Folsom by plane.
Located approximately 30 miles southwest of Folsom, this airport serves as the primary international gateway for the Sacramento area.
Situated about 100 miles west of Folsom, this airport is one of the largest in the United States and offers numerous international flights.
About 90 miles west of Folsom, this airport serves the San Francisco Bay Area and provides a variety of international routes.
Located roughly 110 miles east of Folsom, this major hub connects to many international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Folsom, comprising a majority of the population.
A significant portion of the population, with a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds.
A growing demographic group within the community.
A smaller but important demographic group in Folsom.
Reflecting the diversity within familial and individual backgrounds.
A small but notable demographic group representing Indigenous cultures.
A very small demographic group within the Folsom community.
The Soul of Folsom
Discover the essence of Folsom through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in Folsom, played both recreationally and competitively, with numerous local leagues and school teams.
Widely enjoyed by youth and adults, Folsom has various clubs and organizes leagues for soccer enthusiasts.
With many parks and trails, running events and marathon training groups are common in Folsom.
Growing in popularity among youth, with various teams and leagues available for players of different ages.
Folsom offers several biking trails, making cycling a favored activity both for leisure and competitive sports.
Tennis courts are available in many parks, and the sport is popular among residents of all ages.
Softball leagues are very popular, with many community teams and tournaments held throughout the year.
Folsom features several golf courses, attracting both casual and serious golfers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Folsom.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Numerous restaurants in Folsom offer diverse vegetarian and vegan menus, including Freshmex Express and Sutter Street Taproom.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can enjoy safe dining at places like Chicago Fire and Mylapore.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Folsom with these cultural adventures.
