Living in Sacramento
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:
Play Video: Sacramento at a glance
Exploring Sacramento
Arts and Entertainment
Places to live in and near Sacramento
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:
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:
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.
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 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
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
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 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
