When I first visited Sacramento, I didn’t immediately think of it as a cycling city. Yet, the moment I mounted my bike and pedaled along the riverfront, weaving through tree-lined streets and quiet neighborhoods, I realized how perfectly this city is designed for two wheels. Sacramento is flat, sunny most of the year, and surprisingly scenic for a state capital. Every ride offers a mix of urban exploration, historical discovery, and moments of pure nature.
Over multiple trips, I’ve mapped out my favorite cycling routes, each with its own flavor: riverside serenity, historic downtown charm, or suburban tranquility. Whether you’re a casual rider or an experienced cyclist, Sacramento offers routes that are safe, accessible, and filled with rewarding stops along the way. In this article, I’ll take you through my personal experiences on three of my top Sacramento cycling routes, share practical tips, and suggest platforms for booking everything from accommodations to rental bikes and dining spots.
Route 1: Sacramento Riverfront Loop
Starting Point: Old Sacramento Waterfront, 2nd Street & J Street
Distance: ~8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
The first time I pedaled along the Sacramento Riverfront Loop, I felt like I had discovered a hidden vein of the city. Starting at Old Sacramento, I passed historic warehouses and cobblestone streets before hitting the levee paths along the river. The ride is flat, smooth, and ideal for first-time visitors who want a mix of urban energy and natural scenery.
Along the way, I stopped at several landmarks:
- Tower Bridge: The golden vertical lift bridge is iconic and perfect for photos. I often pause here to watch boats drift beneath while enjoying the breeze off the water.
- Sutter’s Landing Regional Park: A quiet spot where I took a break and watched kayakers glide across the river.
- McKinley Park: A local favorite with wide bike paths, shaded picnic areas, and vibrant flower gardens.
Practical Tips:
- I prefer starting early in the morning to avoid both foot traffic and weekend crowds.
- Bring water and light snacks; there are cafés in Old Sacramento if you need a refuel.
- Most of the path is shared with pedestrians, so I always ride at a moderate pace and signal when passing.
Booking Essentials:
If you don’t have your own bike, I’ve rented from Sacramento Bike Rentals, which offers hourly and daily options. For accommodations nearby, Booking.com and Hotels.com have great options in Old Sacramento, putting you within walking distance of the waterfront. After the ride, I usually grab lunch at Mayahuel, a Mexican restaurant I discovered just a block away, reserving through OpenTable.
Route 2: American River Parkway Trail
Starting Point: Discovery Park, 15th Avenue & Garden Highway
Distance: ~32 miles one-way (I usually do a round trip of 64 miles in segments)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, depending on distance
This route is a must for anyone who wants a more immersive cycling experience in Sacramento. The American River Parkway Trail stretches over 32 miles along the river, offering some of the most scenic views in the region. I remember my first long ride here: the smell of fresh water, the gentle rustling of oak trees, and the occasional deer crossing the trail—it felt like a nature escape without leaving the city.
Key stops along this trail include:
- Discovery Park: A perfect starting point with bike racks, restrooms, and access to the Sacramento River. I like to take a few minutes to warm up and snap photos of the river before heading out.
- Garfield Park: A shaded area with benches; I once met a family feeding ducks and ended up joining for a few laughs.
- Nimbus Dam and Lake Natoma: A favorite endpoint for those who want to extend the ride. The dam provides dramatic views, and I often stop for a picnic here.
Practical Tips:
- I always wear padded cycling shorts and bring a repair kit—32 miles can be long if you hit a flat tire.
- Helmets are required by law in California for riders under 18, but I strongly recommend them for adults as well.
- Early mornings are less crowded and cooler; late afternoons give you golden hour light for photos.
Booking Essentials:
If I stay near the Parkway Trail, I usually choose suburban hotels or short-term rentals on Airbnb or Expedia. For food, nearby spots like Thai Basil or Curry Paradise are perfect post-ride. I also use Viator to book guided cycling tours along sections of the trail if I want more context about local wildlife and historical points.
Route 3: Midtown & Downtown Cultural Ride
Starting Point: R Street Corridor, Midtown Sacramento
Distance: ~10 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Sometimes, my cycling isn’t just about nature—it’s about urban exploration. The Midtown & Downtown Cultural Ride combines art, history, and vibrant neighborhoods with bike-friendly streets. I often start at the R Street Corridor, where old warehouses have been converted into art galleries and studios.
Along this route, I explore:
- Crocker Art Museum: I lock my bike outside and spend an hour admiring California Impressionist paintings before heading out again.
- Capitol Park: The beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the California State Capitol are perfect for a break, and I often stop to snap photos of the monuments.
- K Street Corridor: Shops, cafés, and street art line this path. I’ve found myself sampling ice cream at local parlors or taking a short detour to try coffee at Insight Coffee Roasters.
Practical Tips:
- Midtown streets are busier during rush hour, so I schedule rides mid-morning or late afternoon.
- Pedestrian traffic can be heavy near parks and museums, so I keep a slow pace in crowded areas.
- Some streets have bike lanes, but in areas without, I ride defensively and follow traffic rules.
Booking Essentials:
Accommodations in Midtown are convenient; I’ve had good experiences booking through Hotels.com and Booking.com, both of which often have family-friendly or boutique options. For lunch or dinner after the ride, I reserve through OpenTable, especially on weekends when the Midtown scene is bustling.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Cycling in Sacramento is rewarding, but I’ve learned a few key lessons over multiple trips:
- Plan Your Route in Advance: Even though Sacramento is flat and easy to navigate, knowing where your stops are—cafés, restrooms, or scenic points—makes rides more enjoyable.
- Bring Hydration & Snacks: Trails can be long and sometimes remote; I always carry water and energy bars.
- Layer Clothing: Sacramento’s mornings can be cool, but afternoons heat up quickly. I usually wear a light jacket over a breathable jersey.
- Use Bike-Friendly Maps: The City of Sacramento website offers bike route maps, which I pair with Google Maps for live navigation.
- Check Rental Options: If you don’t bring your own bike, Sacramento Bike Rentals and Spoke Bicycle Cafe have reliable options for daily or hourly rentals.
- Safety Gear: Helmets, lights, and reflective vests are essential, especially for early morning or evening rides.
- Time Your Rides: Weekdays tend to be less crowded on both river trails and urban streets.
- Mix Routes: Combining urban and natural rides provides variety—one day I might do the Riverfront Loop, the next the American River Parkway.
- Rest & Refuel: Plan meals at landmarks or nearby restaurants. For example, stopping at Mayahuel or Thai Basil gives a cultural reward alongside physical recovery.
- Engage with Locals: Sacramento cyclists are friendly; I’ve often discovered hidden shortcuts, local cafés, or art installations by chatting with them along the trail.
Booking Platforms I Use
Planning trips in Sacramento, I rely on several U.S.-based platforms to streamline the experience:
- Flights: Google Flights and Skyscanner are my go-to for cheap tickets into Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
- Accommodations: Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia for hotel or apartment rentals near cycling routes.
- Restaurants: OpenTable is invaluable for reserving spots in popular dining areas after a long ride.
- Tours & Activities: Viator and GetYourGuide help pre-book guided cycling tours, museum tickets, or riverboat excursions.
- Bike Rentals: Local shops often allow online reservations, but platforms like Yelp can also list rental options with user reviews.
By combining these platforms, I’ve been able to plan trips that balance cycling adventures, sightseeing, and culinary stops with minimal stress.
Memorable Experiences on Sacramento Bikes
I still recall a late afternoon when I combined the Riverfront Loop with a stop at the Crocker Art Museum. The warm sunlight reflected off the river while the city’s skyline glowed softly in the distance. My children, riding on a tandem or in child seats, laughed and pointed out boats and birds, while I pedaled alongside, feeling a mix of satisfaction and calm.
Another ride along the American River Parkway, near Nimbus Dam, reminded me of why Sacramento is such a hidden gem for cyclists. Trails are shaded, wildlife appears almost like a reward for pedaling hard stretches, and the occasional park bench lets you pause and savor the scenery.
Even short rides downtown have their magic. Locking my bike outside the California State Capitol or along J Street, wandering art galleries, and returning to the bike—it’s a seamless way to blend urban culture with active exploration.
Sacramento, in my experience, is a city best explored at a pace that lets you notice the details: the curve of a historic bridge, the pattern of brick streets, the reflections on a river in late afternoon. Cycling is the perfect way to do that. Each route offers a balance of exercise, beauty, and discovery. With careful planning, the right gear, and a willingness to explore, first-time visitors can experience Sacramento as I have: vibrant, welcoming, and endlessly bikeable.
