Here Comes The Sun | Style Magazine (2024)

Inflate your floatie, slap on some sunscreen, and grab a fruity beverage from the cooler. We’re going…well, everywhere! We scoured the region for the best in unique, fun, and unexpected summer activities for you and the family to try this summer—from yoga on paddleboards to hamster wheels on water, plus roller skating, whitewater rafting, and so much more.

Do you think you’ve got what it takes to do warrior pose on a stand-up paddleboard? Learn how to nama-stay above the water (hint: engage your core muscles!) with an SUP yoga adventure courtesy of Spotted Dog Yoga—all while taking in the beautiful surroundings of Folsom Lake and other local waterways. Oh, don’t worry: You’ll be tethered to a line so there’s no danger of floating away from the group. Participants can rent equipment or bring their own board; classes run June 6-August 10.spotteddogyoga.com/sup-yoga-adventures

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path this summer, try a unique hike through the Donner Pass Train Tunnels in Truckee: not only historic and visually fascinating, but they come with the bonus of being a cool respite in the summer months. The tunnels are disconnected and spread apart; folks (doable for families and fun for groups) commonly start at tunnel six, and hike through the series of historic tunnels, roughly five miles out and back (two to three hours duration). Bring a headlamp or flashlight to navigate the darkest sections and to help avoid tripping on rocks and debris! (Not recommended for little ones afraid of the dark.)tahoetrailguide.com/hiking-the-historic-donner-pass-train-tunnels-in-truckee-ca

What if you could see what’s going on under the crystal-clear Tahoe water while kayaking? What if you could see underwater at night with LED lights? Clearly Tahoe offers guided clear kayak tours of South Lake Tahoe (try saying that three times fast) during daytime, dusk, and at night (their LED stargazing night tours, with LED clear kayaks, truly make the most of those beautiful Tahoe summer nights). In the paraphrased words of Sebastian the crab, you’ll see it’s better down where it’s wetter!clearlytahoe.com

When I was little, I engaged my core muscles by mowing knee-high grass with a push-mower. Kids today get to work their core with “actually fun” activities, like the ones at Wake Island Water Park: the West Coast’s largest waterpark resort that happens to be located in Placer County. Put your kid inside their giant inflatable floating hamster wheel and watch the magic happen! (Someone needs to figure out how to hook this up to a generator: voila, summer power outages are a thing of the past). When they’re done, point them toward the floating ninja course, ziplines, and more!wakeislandwaterpark.com

Nothing typifies a Sacramento summer more than rafting down the American River, soaking up the sun while riding through the sublime forest scenery while the water rushes by. With Lotus-based business Tributary Whitewater, you can pair your rapid-filled ride with wine tasting, yoga, or art during their multi-day specialty trips that come inclusive of meals, private guides, accommodations at a private campground, and more. We have our eyes on the upcoming “Art on the American River” (August 3-4) and “Yoga & Rafting Retreat” (September 20-22) experiences.whitewatertours.com

Nostalgic parents can now recreate the Go-Go’s “Vacation” music video using their own children as guinea pigs, thanks to Family Ski Night. Bring your crew—up to four—to the Sacramento State Aquatic Center for a night of wakeboarding, waterskiing, and/or kneeboarding (personal instruction is provided by staff)—and the nice folks at the aquatic center will do the driving for you! Openings are available after 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.sacstateaquaticcenter.com/post/family-ski-night

Saddle up and experience the gorgeous scenery of Granite Bay and Folsom Lake on horseback with a two-hour guided trail ride (reservations required) with Boarding on the Lake. Perch yourself atop one of their professionally trained horses and mosey up Mooney Ridge, through the forest, and along Folsom Lake’s trails and shores. No experience? No problem. They’ll match a horse to fit your level and give you a quick riding tutorial.boardingonthelake.com/trail-rides-

In honor of National Great Outdoors Month, Placer Land Trust (PLT) is encouraging the community to “get outdoors” with their Preserve Passport Program. From now through June 30, visit any of PLT’s 21 public, super scenic preserves or join a docent-led hike, then take a photo of the PLT sign or your experience, write a sentence about your favorite part, and email it to [emailprotected] for your chance to win prizes like fruit trees from Fowler Nurseries and gifts cards to Trader Joe's and Barnes & Noble!placerlandtrust.org/passport

Your dream of riding the rails could come true this summer pedaling a two-seater, motor-assisted railbike through the Yolo countryside with River Fox Railbikes. Bring a friend or family member and pedal the 100-year-old train tracks along the Sacramento River and Yolo farmland; spot some of the local wildlife and take in the picturesque scenery, all while atop a unique bicycle built for two! The route is 10 miles round-trip and takes approximately one hour; suitable for a variety of fitness levels.riverfoxtrain.com/experiences/railbikes

(Bubba voice) “You got your peach preserves, peach cobbler, peach crisp, peach melba, peach pie, grilled peaches, peach cake, peach jam, peach ice cream, peach sorbet, pickled peaches, poached peaches, stewed peaches...” Yes, folks, it’s time for the annual Peach Festival in Historic Folsom on August 4 at 10 a.m. Festivity planning is still underway, but rest assured there’ll be tasty peach treats from local peach purveyors, contests, and games, plus plenty of peach-centric boozy beverages.historicfolsom.org/2024/08/04/182999/peachfest-in-the-plaza

Resplendent purple and blue fields of lavender and blueberries adorn the foothills and that can only mean one thing: it’s officially summer and time for Apple Hill Growers’ Lavender Blue Harvest Days, running June 22-23 and June 29-30. Start with Bluestone Meadow (home of the original Lavender Festival) for a trip through their lavender labyrinth and more, then visit other Apple Hill farms for u-pick experiences, lavender and blueberry treats, crafts, artisan products, and lots of fun activities.applehill.com/event/lavender-blue-harvest-days/2024-06-22

Does summer find you desperate to don your satin shorts and knee-high socks and live out your Beyonce “Blow” music video fantasies; or do you just have De La Soul’s “A Rollerskating Jam Named ‘Saturdays’” playing in your head on a loop? Well, the Adult Skate Party at Sunrise Rollerland (hosted by 2Raw Roller Skate Club) is the scratch for your summer roller skating itch! Get a group of friends and come through every second Saturday this summer.2rawsk8rs.com

Looking for stand-up paddleboarding fun? From July 25-28, die-hard SUPers and spectators will convene on the shores of Lake Natoma for the annual Paddle Splash Water Festival, organized by NorCal SUP Groms. There are multiple-distance races to choose from (including two, five, and eight mile courses) plus a first-timer race, kids’ short course, SUP yoga, board demos, clinics, and plenty of fun shore-bound giveaways and activities for the landlubbers! This year’s festival also features world champion paddleboarder, Seychelle, who will be racing and conducting paddle clinics and a seminar about mindfulness.paddlesignup.com/paddlesplash

There’s beer in them thar hills! The annual El Dorado Hills Brewfest will be pouring this summer on September 14 at the Serrano Visitors Center (Village Green). Belly up to over 40 breweries and cideries (yes, it’s a word) and even a few wineries to sample the region’s best varieties of the amber nectar. There’ll also be plenty of live music, food trucks, giveaways, and more.eldoradohillsbrewfest.org

Speaking of beer, there’s literally no excuse for going thirsty in Rancho Cordova. Did you know that the Rancho Cordova Barrel District contains six breweries, two distilleries, a wine tasting room, a meadery, and a kombucha brewery? (Of course you did, that’s why you’re weaving ever-so slightly.) In addition to libations aplenty, you’ll find plenty of pub events to enjoy, too: nothing like a little friendly competition! From cornhole and comedy nights to trivia, music bingo, and more, the fun can be found at Movement Brewing, LogOff Brewing, J.J. Pfister Distilling, Fort Rock Brewing, Drink Eezy, and Shorebirds Brewing.barreldistrict.com

Looking to escape the heat with a good arthouse or indie film this summer? Sacramento’s Dreamland Cinema is a 23-seat “microcinema” located in the basem*nt of a 19th century Victorian house in midtown, and their specialty is best in cult, independent, international, and arthouse cinema. They opened in 2022, and their monthly film calendars are a thrill in and of themselves. It’s also home to the Sacramento Midnight Film Festival and the only place you’ll find a film-nerd’s dream-list of directors like Peter Weir, Andrei Tarkovsky, Claire Denis, Brian De Palma, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, John Cassavetes, Juliet Berto, and David Lynch.thedreamlandcinema.com

Get to know your neighbors this summer by joining a community sports league! Xoso Sport & Social League offers options aplenty in select Sacramento neighborhoods. In Rancho Cordova, for example, you can sign up for 6v6 beginners’ volleyball or Sunday soccer; in Rocklin, you can sign up for Sunday kickball or Sunday softball. There’s also ongoing pickleball, flag football leagues, and much more—literally something for everyone!xososports.com

Introverts and indoor kids, we’ve got your back. One of the newest trends in social gatherings is the Silent Book Club. Bring whatever reading material you want to the meeting space to silent read during the designated reading time; and then chat about literally anything before and after. It’s something like an “introvert happy hour” but maybe more specifically a cool, casual way to meet other people in your area who love reading too, but without the strict rules of a traditional book club. The concept was born in San Francisco and has grown all over the world. There are currently local chapters (nope, not a pun, not at all!) in Rocklin and Roseville.silentbook.club

Rock out in The Backyard this summer! Not your backyard, but THE Backyard, Sacramento’s newest concert venue, located at Cal Expo behind Rock & Brews and officially plugging in their amps on July 11. The venue holds 3,500 and promises to become the coolest spot this summer. The fun starts with emo/punk extravaganza Sad Summer Festival; on August 9, legends Los Lobos hit the stage with Los Lonely Boys; and on August 23, Michael Franti & Spearhead bring their unique mix of grooves and good times.nederlanderconcerts.com/events/thebackyardsac

Much like a dog, I’m a rewards-based exerciser: I need treats for completing any form of exercise including my morning walk. That’s why a foodie hike has my interest. El Dorado County Visitors Authority recommends a few different ones, like Monte Vista Trail and El Dorado Saloon & Grill: start with a three-mile loop on the Monte Vista Trail in El Dorado Hills where you can soak in spectacular views of the South Fork of the American River curving toward Folsom Lake, and of Folsom Lake proper. With enough elevation changes to get your heart rate going (and work up an appetite), you’ll want to then cool your heels at El Dorado Saloon & Grill. Post up on their patio under the spreading oak tree and chow down on some delicious food (potato skins, tater tots, tacos, and burgers, oh my!)visit-eldorado.com/el-dorado-county-foodie-hikes-part-ii

A summer hike is always best when it’s in the shade: no sense in giving yourself heatstroke. That’s why next to sunscreen, a forest canopy is the best protection. With this in mind, check out the Cascade Canal Trail: a lush, 8.5-mile forest walk just east of Nevada City that’ll take roughly three hours to complete. Almost completely shaded, the trail itself is well-maintained, wide, and flat. Bring your dog, bring the kids, or go solo—it’s a beautifully serene walk, and the sound of water and distant waterfalls only adds to the peaceful vibes. Want to make a night or weekend of it? Inn Town Campground is a five-minute drive from the trailhead and offers gorgeous grounds and glorious glamping tents with hot showers, a pool, communal kitchen, and weekend movies under the stars.bylt.org/trail/cascade-canal-trail, inntowncampground.com

Stay in the lap of laid-back luxury this summer at Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, a sparkling new all-suite stay on the South side that’s sited steps away from Heavenly Village. Indulge in delicious dining options, unwind at the spa, sip frozen co*cktails poolside, and experience the relaxed island oasis. Weekly events include live music, happy hours, movie nights, and more. Grab a margarita (because when in Margaritaville) and toast to summer in Tahoe!margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-resort-lake-tahoe

If the words “Trader Vic’s” and the sound of a ukulele define your summer and/or lifestyle, get into the spirit of aloha with a two-hour ride on the River Fox Tiki Train, departing the first Friday of every month (through September 6) at 7 p.m. Bust out your best vintage Hawaiian shirt or kaftan, pop a hibiscus flower in your hair, and settle in to sip on a mai tai and enjoy a teriyaki bowl while listening to the strains of delightful live mele music by Ho’okipa.riverfoxtrain.com/experiences/tiki-train

by Sharon Penny
Paddleboard photo courtesy of Spotted Dog Yoga. Donner Pass train tunnel photo by Steve Woo @travelwoo.Yoga & Rafting Retreat photo by Kirstyn Carroll. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.Preserve Passport Program photo by DJ Glisson II. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.Peach Festival photo by Menka Belgal. Adult Skate Party photo by Josias Stevens. Other photo courtesy of its respective company or organization.EDH Brewfest photo by Charm Photography. Paddle Splash Water Festival photo by Patrick Alteri. Other photo courtesy of its respective company or organization.Photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.