Sacramento’s summer heat calls for cool relief, and the capital city delivers with an array of splash-worthy destinations. From the American River access at Discovery Park to the family-friendly pools at Christine Thompson and Fruitridge Aquatic Centers, beating the Valley heat has never been easier.
Beyond the city limits, local favorites like Roseville’s Golfland Sunsplash and Woodland’s Velocity Island Park offer unique water adventures. Wake Island Waterpark and the Elk Grove Aquatics Center round out the region’s premier water recreation spots.
Dive into Sac’s best water spots below!
Featured Water Activities in Sacramento
- Golfland Sunsplash (Roseville)
- Velocity Island Park (Woodland)
- Discovery Park
- Wake Island Waterpark (Pleasant Grove)
- Elk Grove Aquatics Center (Elk Grove)
- Sutter's Landing
- West Sacramento Aquatic Center (West Sacramento)
- Christine Thompson Aquatic Center
- Fruitridge Aquatic Center
Boating in Sacramento
Discovery Park
What to Expect
Confluence of Sacramento and American rivers
Description
Discovery Park is a 302-acre recreational area located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers. It offers excellent opportunities for boating, kayaking, and canoeing. The park features a well-known boat launch, making it ideal for exploring both rivers. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, cycling on the 32-mile Jedediah Smith Bike Trail, and picnicking amidst scenic views. An archery range and softball fields are available for sports enthusiasts. The park's diverse activities and stunning river views make it a standout destination for water-based recreation.
Where: Sacramento | More Info: Discovery Park
Sutter's Landing
What to Expect
Gateway to American River Parkway
Description
Sutter's Landing Regional Park offers a serene setting along the American River, ideal for water-based recreation like kayaking and paddleboarding. It serves as a gateway to the 31.5-mile American River Parkway, providing access to trails and scenic river views. The park features diverse wildlife habitats and offers various recreational activities such as cycling, walking, and birdwatching.
Where: Sacramento | More Info: Sutter's Landing
Swimming in Sacramento
Christine Thompson Aquatic Center
What to Expect
Community pool with spray area
Description
Christine Thompson Aquatic Center offers lap swimming and recreational pool activities. It features a pool, spray area, and is part of a community center with a gym and playground. The center is suitable for water-based recreation, providing a venue for swimming activities.
Where: Sacramento | More Info: Christine Thompson Aquatic Center
Elk Grove Aquatics Center (Elk Grove)
What to Expect
50-meter competition pool
Description
Elk Grove Aquatics Center offers a comprehensive aquatic experience with a 50-meter competition pool, a 25-yard instructional pool, and a recreational pool featuring a lazy river and two water slides. The facility includes interactive water play features and provides opportunities for competitive aquatics, instruction, and family recreation. It is well-suited for water-based recreation with its diverse pool options and amenities.
Where: Elk Grove | More Info: Elk Grove Aquatics Center
Fruitridge Aquatic Center
What to Expect
Community-focused aquatic programs
Description
Fruitridge Aquatic Center offers a variety of water-based activities, making it a popular spot for swimming and aquatic programs. It is part of the Southgate Recreation and Park District and provides a welcoming environment for community engagement and recreation.
Where: Sacramento | More Info: Fruitridge Aquatic Center
Golfland Sunsplash (Roseville)
What to Expect
Zoomerang Water Coaster
Description
Golfland Sunsplash is a premier water park in Roseville, featuring over 30 rides and attractions. It combines a water park with an amusement park, offering unique water slides like the Zoomerang water coaster and the TornadoWAVE. The park is known for its diverse range of thrill rides, family-friendly attractions, and late operating hours. Golfland Sunsplash is particularly noted for its innovative water rides, making it a standout destination for water-based recreation.
Where: Roseville | More Info: Golfland Sunsplash
West Sacramento Aquatic Center (West Sacramento)
What to Expect
Lazy river and waterslide
Description
The West Sacramento Recreation Center's aquatic center features a competition pool and a family play pool with a lazy river and waterslide. It offers a variety of water-based activities, making it an ideal spot for both competitive and recreational swimming. The facility is part of a larger recreation center that includes a fitness center, childcare services, and sports fields. Features like the lazy river and waterslide provide fun for families, while the competition pool caters to more serious swimmers. It is particularly well-suited for water-based recreation due to its diverse pool offerings.
Where: West Sacramento | More Info: West Sacramento Aquatic Center
Water Sports in Sacramento
Velocity Island Park (Woodland)
What to Expect
Full-size wakeboarding cable
Description
Velocity Island Park offers a diverse range of water-based activities, including a wakeboard park, an Aqua Park with a 25,000 square-foot inflatable obstacle course, and paddleboarding. The park features a 400-foot sand beach, a restaurant and bar, and hosts various events like beach bonfires and live music. It is well-suited for family outings and water sports enthusiasts. Features a full-size cable for wakeboarding and a variety of recreational activities.
Where: Woodland | More Info: Velocity Island Park
Wake Island Waterpark (Pleasant Grove)
What to Expect
North America's largest floating Aqua Park
Description
Wake Island Waterpark is the largest waterpark resort on the West Coast, offering a variety of water-based activities. It features a cable wakeboard park, a massive floating Aqua Park with slides and obstacles, and a Ninja Race Course for competitive fun. Visitors can also enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, and relaxing on sandy beaches. The park is equipped with rentals for various water sports equipment.
Where: Pleasant Grove | More Info: Wake Island Waterpark
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