9 Interesting Things to Do in Folsom, CA
- September 18, 2023
- 3:19 pm
Folsom may be famous for the Johnny Cash song, but there’s so much more to this city than that. Situated along the Sacramento River, Folsom is home to beautiful weather, amazing views, delicious food, and plenty of nature.
In fact, there’s something for everyone here in this city, and you’ll never get bored of exploring. Below is our list of the nine most interesting things to do in Folsom — and believe us, the list doesn’t stop at nine!
1. Visit Sutter Street
Sutter Street is considered the heart of Folsom as it’s the city’s historic district that’s reminiscent of the 1850s when gold prospectors and riders of the Pony Express ran the streets. Here you’ll find plenty of modern businesses, including retail shops, restaurants, and theaters, with the facade of historic storefronts.
If you want to learn more about Folsom’s history, you can check out the Folsom History Museum right at the center of Sutter Street, or you can tune in for various events and more. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon with a friend or on a solo adventure.
Location: Starting at 915 Sutter St #110, Folsom, CA 95630
2. See a Live Performance at the Harris Center
The Harris Center is home to three stages in which three different acts take place simultaneously. It’s a very famous performing arts venue showcasing everything from plays to ballets and much more.
The Harris Center was specifically built to provide a special venue catering to the arts and to celebrate life and cultural traditions. Any event you come to see here will be well worth the time and money spent!
Location: 10 College Pkwy, Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: (916) 608-6888
3. Enjoy the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary
The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is a zoo you’ll feel good about visiting. The sanctuary was first created in 1963 when the old Folsom City Zoo adopted a displaced bear cub. Ever since, it has become a safe and nurturing environment for non-releasable animals.
Here you’ll find tigers, macaws, monkeys, prairie dogs, and several other amenities, including food, playgrounds, and a butterfly grove. You can also sign up for classes and programs here, as well as Zookeeper Camps, if you’re interested in learning more about wildlife and the efforts put forth to save it.
Location: 403 Stafford St, Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: (916) 461-6629
4. Check Out the Folsom Prison Museum
Whether you’re interested in “touristy” things or not, you won’t want to skip the Folsom State Prison Museum. The Folsom Prison museum is situated on the actual grounds of Folsom prison (which is still very much active), and it exhibits the interesting history of the Folsom corrections officers who have worked there since the 1880s.
Also known as “The Big House Prison Museum”, you’ll find that there’s quite a collection of contraband items, fatal accident accounts, artifacts, photographs, article clippings, and a detailed Ferris wheel that was made by an inmate out of toothpicks. It’s macabre but fascinating!
Location: 312 3rd St, Represa, CA 95671
Phone: (916) 985-2561
5. Explore the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
If you’re a lover of nature, you’ll want to spend all of your time at the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. This location surrounds a large portion of Folsom Lake right in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and there are tons of adventures to be had here.
From kayaking to hiking to horseback riding, it’s a great place for the whole family to enjoy any time of the year. It’s also full of breathtaking views!
Location: 7755 Folsom-Auburn Rd, Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: (916) 988-0205
6. Embark on a Scavenger Hunt
If you’re looking for something more interactive, you’ll likely enjoy the Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour. The scavenger hunt leads you on a one-of-a-kind informative tour of historic Folsom, leading you through the historic Railroad Museum, Pony Express Terminus, and all the way through Leidesdorf Plaza.
You and your group or assigned team will have 16 puzzles and challenges to solve along the way during this 90-minute tour. Best of all, it only costs $49 for a team of two to six people!
Location: 905 Leidesdorff St, Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: (916) 587-2923
7. Try Some Sake at Gekkeikan Sake
The original Gekkeikan Sake was founded in 1637 in Fushimi by Jiemon Okura. The second Gekkeikan Sake brewery was opened right here in Folsom, carrying on Okura’s traditions.
Here you can tour the state-of-the-art brewery, which includes a beautiful Japanese garden and koi pond. After the tour, head to the tasting room for some sake and unique snacks. You can also find plenty of unique things to take home, from saki sets to Japanese dolls.
Location: 1136 Sibley St, Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: (916) 293-7040
8. Get Wild at the Folsom Pro Rodeo
The Folsom Pro Rodeo has been a community tradition for almost 60 years now. It’s a patriotic event that begins on the Fourth of July weekend, and it’s jam-packed with non-stop rodeo action, including mutton busting, two-step dancing, fireworks, and much more.
You’ll also get the opportunity to witness the rodeo skills of the Flying Cowboys, Painted Ladies Drill Team, Rodeo Clown Matt Merrit, and Folsom Diesel Works Saloon Under the Stars. It’s a once-a-year kind of event that’s fun for the whole family.
Location: 403 Stafford St, Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: (916) 985-5555
9. Grab a Treat at Karen’s Bakery
Dessert is always a good idea, especially after a long day of adventuring. Karen’s Bakery is located in historic Folsom and is the place to go for that sweet treat each and every time, as the menu changes often due to the use of seasonal ingredients.
Regardless of when you go, there will be a wide variety of high-quality baked goods, as well as a breakfast and lunch menu with specialty sandwiches!
Location: 705 Gold Lake Drive, Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: (916) 985-2665
Your Local Remodeler in Folsom
No matter how big or small, you’ll always find something interesting and fun to do in Folsom. If you’re thinking about having home renovations done anytime soon, you may want to start a list of your own, as you’ll want to be out of the house and away from all the noise.
Call the experts at JC Construction for your home renovation needs today!