Sacramento and its surrounding region have so much to offer, including restaurants that pride themselves on farm-to-fork cuisine to a variety of outdoor recreation spots to family-friendly events. Here’s a glimpse of what you and your family can expect should you decide to call Northern California your home:


Sacramento at a Glance

Play Video: Sacramento at a glance



Places to live in and near Sacramento

Fall in Sacramento's William Land Park

Known as the City of Trees, Sacramento has an abundance of beautiful, old trees that adorn its streets and parks, such as William Land Park. However, there are many other suburbs located just outside city limits that are great places to raise a family and enjoy a smaller community feel. Here are several communities and cities in and near Sacramento to find housing:

Saramento Farm to Fork sign on Tower Bridge

America's Farm-to-Fork Capital

With its proximity to local farms, Sacramento is at the forefront of fresh, seasonal cuisine sourced right from the city’s backyard.

See how UC Davis Health is pioneering farm-to-fork in health care

Things to do across Northern California

Just a couple hours outside Sacramento, you can find a variety of activities and places to visit. Located in the heart of Northern California, Sacramento is situated between the Pacific Ocean and its beautiful beaches to the west, and the picturesque Sierra Nevada foothills and mountain range to the east. Here's a snapshot of places to explore:


Sunset at Folsom Lake

Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma

Located about 25 miles east of Sacramento, people from around the region flock to these two lakes in the summer. Folsom Lake, a hot spot for camping, boating and enjoying nature, feeds into Lake Natoma, which is home to the Sacramento State Aquatic Center and a perfect place for kayaking and paddle boarding.


American River Bike Trail

River Recreation and the American River Bike Trail

Snaking through the Sacramento region, you'll find the American River and the Sacramento River, great for year-round recreation. Millions of cyclists, joggers and walkers enjoy exploring miles and miles of interconnected American River bike trails, like the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail.


Wine tasting in Napa

Wine Country

It’s no secret that Northern California is home to some great wineries. Popular and unique tasting rooms can be found within just a couple hours of Sacramento, including in Amador County, El Dorado County, Placer County, Lodi, Napa Valley, and Sonoma County.


Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe

Take a 2-hour drive up Highway 50 or Interstate 80 and land at the world-famous Lake Tahoe. Winter months bring plenty of options for skiers and snowboarders, while summer months are perfect for soaking up the sun on this crystal-clear alpine lake.


San Francisco skyline

San Francisco

The City by the Bay is about 2 hours west of Sacramento and has so much to explore. Check out the many museums and parks or catch a baseball game at Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants.


Yosemite Natioanl Park

Yosemite National Park

Less than 3 hours to the southeast of Sacramento is one of America’s most pristine national parks. Climb Half Dome, walk through the giant sequoias or feel the mist of the park’s many waterfalls.

Why Choose UC Davis?

Year after year, UC Davis continues to show why it’s one of the nation’s leading public universities and a top research institution.

Learn more about UC Davis and what makes us so unique as a top academic health system

Saramento Farm to Fork sign on Tower Bridge