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    American River

    4.5 (25 reviews)

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    GENO T 87 U-HILLS
    Froggymc Y.

    wonderful place to shred bmx back in the day sadly the jumps are long gone to the best of my knowledge all it takes is one kid to get hurt and or one karen to complain and all good things shall come to an end longe live the legend of the u-hills bmx action nor cal shredders

    The stork I've chased all over the river lol
    Diana H.

    Came here ever since I was little for swimming, fishing and boating. It is now my place of solitude and I can enjoy nature while taking photos of their beautiful wildlife! It's peaceful and quiet also.

    Sarah S.

    Entered theough River Bend Park, which has a $5 entrance fee and walked all along the trails closer to the river. SO many wild turkeys, deer, birds, blooming flowers and fantastic scenery! Absolutely beautiful whether you want to head out for a bike ride, walk or picnic!

    May 3, 2014
    Tiffany K.

    I think it's hilarious that I'm the Duchess of the American River. Sounds like some Game of Thrones title. However I suspect after this review goes up, I won't be Duchess for long. Anyway, I grew up on this river. Back in the day (I'm dating myself now) I would get on my bike, meet up with friends, ride the bike trail, explore the river, skim some rocks and cruise back home in time for dinner. (Then again I read an article about how the Gen X set was the most "neglected" generation in recent history which is why they over compensate with helicopter parenting - but I digress...) I usually go rafting once a year, I own a six-man raft, and I grew up rafting down this river. Believe it or not, it used to be just families. Now anything goes. Yes, I even witnessed a guy with Mardi Gras beads who got women to flash him. My favorite areas are close to the old Fair Oaks bridge. You know, the one off of Bridge Street where no one is allowed to park anymore? The same bridge where they filmed scenes from The Stuntman featuring Peter O'Toole - yes I saw him in person - and Black Dog with Patrick Swayze. If you want to launch a raft, you can hoof it from Bridge Street to the boat launch across the bridge. You have to be in good shape though and have a lot of people to help. This way you won't have to pay the launch fee! Some excellent trails that go alongside the river are at Bannister Park. Take the horse trail and get lost. Eventually all trails lead to the American River. Fall is a beautiful time of year to watch the running of the salmon. Don't know why they "run" -- easier to say that instead of "swimming upstream" I suppose. And then in winter through early spring, the river smells pretty fishy from those that didn't make it to the hatchery. The American River runs colder in the summer ironically due to the snowmelt that gets released. Just watch out for areas notorious for undertow. Generally speaking, I haven't heard of anyone drowning by the old bridge. And I don't care if your friends do it, don't jump from the footbridge! It's not worth severing a vertebrae.

    Entrance
    Kristina I.

    We came out here for a floating day recently and the best part was the fact that there isn't too many places that offer a clean enough river to safely float in. The water is pretty cold right now, but not overloaded with mercury and the rapids are not incredibly strong. The front entrance offers park passes that are yearly- I suggest getting those if you come to the parks a lot. Plus you are supporting the Sacramento area with the funds. For a day pass is about $8.00 and for boats $13.00, getting a pass is worth it. Inside, there is plenty of parking and many launch areas for boats and or rafts. Warning* there are a lot of bikers on the bike trails- they move fast and they don't stop, be aware of being them in danger as well as yourself. Always look before walking ahead. There overall experience is so much fun! There is a place ahead that rents rafts to you- and once the raft reaches Howe Ave, the ending... a shuttle brings you back up. We just took 2 cars, that is suggested if you don't want to have to walk to far with all your stuff. One car was parked at Sarah's Court entrance and the other at the Sunrise entrance. It worked out perfectly. I suggest having this summer experience. Lots of kids and lots of dogs* definitely family friendly.

    Briaunna G.

    The fam had so much fun here for 4th of July weekend! It was big lit. We coming back in August to do it all again

    Stormy afternoon but still warm!
    Olivia C.

    Had the greatest time on the river! Very relaxing you can swim down it, float on tubes, or load onto a huge float! The water is consistently frigid. RESPONSIBLE drinking is allowed but not on holidays. Pros: super chill, great for all ages, lots of places to stop and relax Cons: always cold, prepare and be responsible

    Ready to tube!
    Miya T.

    Great summer spot to hang out with friends and of course, river tube! Definitely make your way here early, we got to the river around 10am on a Saturday morning and it was already ridiculously crowded. There is a place to rent tubes, but purchasing our own tubes beforehand saved us a lot of time. You can find decently priced 2 person tubes with an attached cooler at Sports Authority or Big 5. You can park for free outside of the park, but the walk to the river is a bit far. It's definitely worth paying the $3 to park in the parking lot right by the launch point. Especially, when it gets to a whopping 100 deg out, I would not want to make that 15 min trek in that kind of heat, but I am quite fragile, you may have a lot tougher skin, literally! According to the girls I was with (who frequent that area), the amount of police patrolling the park has greatly increased over the last few years. They were pretty thorough about checking everyone's things (alcohol is not permitted on the river), but as long as you didn't have any bottles or obvious beer cans, they let us take into the river what we had with us (multiple snacks and other beverages). DO NOT forget to bring a paddle or two with you, we were ill prepared and had to muscle our way out of certain "dead spots" in the river that we got caught in. It was tiring, a little annoying and definitely killed my relaxing vibe! There is a portion of the river that adds a little thrill to the lazy floating though. You'll know when you hit these baby rapids, and just make sure you hold on to your loose items. On that note, I was very glad that I bought a dry bag. I got mine from Big 5 for $19.99, it had more than enough room to hold 2 wallets, 2 cell phones, extra change of clothes and then some. There are different areas to stop during your floating adventures. We watched as people beached themselves on certain shores, sun bathed and had a great time. Apparently, there's a popular "island" called Gilligan's island, where people usually get off, but that particular day the island was roped off. I was also told that there would be food vendors along these stop off points, but that too was a let down, there were no vendors anywhere! Thank goodness for soggy PBJ sandwiches or else I would've been starving lol. Without making any stops along the river, it took about 3 hours to float to the end. Very fun and relaxing. A more than awesome way to hang out with friends on a warm summer day. Some people went all out and had giant party floats that held 10+ people! We saw quite a few bachelorette parties and the expected bro fest. Overall, a great experience and can't wait to do it again!

    Beer float!
    Felicia W.

    Beer floats are a Sacramento tradition, and the American River is he place to float! Launch at Sunrise and get off at River Bend and get ready for a party on the water. You can bring as much booze as you can float, so long as its not in glass containers. Water is best in July and August. Be sure to launch around noon and then you can take your time with your float. Along the river you will find hundreds of party-goers, tons of inflatable watercraft, and a few rope swings. During the summer it's a party every weekend, so grab a few friends, a tube, some beer, and join in on the fun!!

    Group pic
    Lina H.

    Loved, loved my entire experience at water rafting. It was my first time and I got to share that with my family so it was even better. The weather was perfect and the drive up there was not bad at all. Parking is a little crazy and for us first timers it can be a little frustrating but none of that took away from all the fun. I would definitely recommend it to anyone from any age group and we will be doing more rafting soon. :)

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    Ask the Community - American River

    Are dogs allowed?

    Hey ! So not sure if they’re allowed officially but did see one guy with his dog on his kayak !

    How does this work? You park and float down the river for a few hours? How do you get back to where you started so you can get back to the car? I have been trying to figure this out.

    There's two ways, one way is you can rent the raft at the place. They blow it up for you, you ride it down, and they pick you up at Howe Ave. access stop. Their shuttle brings you back.… Read more

    View All 6 Questions

    Review Highlights - American River

    The bike trail is great if your a cyclist.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Sacramento River Cruise

    Sacramento River Cruise

    5.0
    (54 reviews)
    26.8 km

    This was a wonderful cruise. I was worried that it might be too hot because the temperature was 86…read moreand I don't do well with heat. However, cruising on the water in a covered boat was very comfortable., Captain Emil is the best! He was very knowledgeable about the local vineyards and served generous pours of local wines. He only pours wines you can't get in stores and buys from small wineries that aren't usually open to the general public. The charcuterie platter was very generous- more than the 4 of us could eat. He offered additional pours of other wines or the opportunity to 'revisit' the wines we liked. All in all a wonderful experience and we plan to make this an annual event!

    I couldn't recommend this place enough! I was visiting my family in the bay and decided to do this…read moreriver cruise and I'm sooo glad we did. Captain Emil was amazing and kept us entertained! You have options of either drinking beer or wine and our captain is very generous so if you ever want to revisit a drink, just let him know. We got to play our own music and it was all great vibes all around. The star was the charcuterie board and everything about it was delicious! It paired well with the wine selection. We requested to have it 30 mins earlier and he was able to accommodate our request. Definitely listen to the captain's instructions and make sure to arrive on time to get the most out of your experience. If you're ever in the Sacramento area, definitely add this to your itinerary! What a great family/friends bonding!

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    Beautiful view
    Beautiful view
    Sacramento River Cruise
    Sacramento River Cruise

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    City Cruises

    City Cruises

    3.7
    (152 reviews)
    16.1 km
    $$$

    My family and I were very excited to attend the 1-hour Sacramento Historical River Tour and learn…read moremore about Old Sacramento. Unfortunately, our experience was extremely disappointing due to poor communication, lack of signage, and unprofessional customer service. We followed the instructions exactly as stated in the confirmation email and arrived at 1206 L Street, next to Joe's Crab Shack, as instructed. The email stated we were to be at the dock by 10:45 AM for the 11:00 AM tour, and we arrived at 10:40 AM along with several other guests. No staff members were present at the dock, and there was no one available to check anyone in. We waited until around 11:10 AM, during which time multiple customers double-checked their emails and confirmed we were all at the correct location. One guest even called the company to inform them that several customers were waiting with no staff present. At approximately 11:10 AM, the woman working the ticket stand arrived for her shift. At that point, we were told that a different location had supposedly been included in the purchase email. However, all of us had the same instructions, and the address we were given also matches what appears on Google Maps and Apple Maps. There were no signs, no arrows, and no posted instructions anywhere explaining how to access the dock or where the boat was actually boarding. When my partner and I spoke with the woman at the ticket counter, the situation became even more frustrating. She was argumentative and immediately blamed customers, insisting we had not read the email correctly. She refused to review the email we showed her and would not take accountability for the incorrect or unclear instructions. Instead of acknowledging the confusion or offering assistance, she spoke to customers in a rude and dismissive manner. We were explicitly given two options: 1. Move our experience to a later time 2. Receive a refund Because we had other commitments and did not have the time or patience to go back and forth arguing over money, we requested the refund. However, it became unclear whether the employee had the authority or knowledge to issue refunds. The interaction turned into repeated back and forth, and rather than continuing to argue, we disengaged. We were then told we would be partially compensated for only one ticket, despite having purchased three tickets. No explanation was provided as to why only one ticket would be refunded, and the employee stated that there was no way to leave a note or documentation regarding this promise. Because nothing was documented, we have little confidence that this compensation will actually occur. What made this experience even worse is that the boat left without any staff coming to locate the guests who were waiting at the dock. Some customers eventually figured out where the boat was docked, but by then it had already departed, leaving no opportunity to participate. Overall, we wasted our time traveling to the location, waiting well past the scheduled departure, and attempting to resolve an issue that was not caused by the customers. Mistakes happen. That is understandable. What is not acceptable is: * Incorrect or unclear instructions * No signage directing guests * Staff arriving late for check-in * Offering a refund without the ability or willingness to issue one * Promising compensation without documentation * Poor, dismissive customer service This was a terrible first impression for us and several other first-time guests. While we will attempt the tour again to see if the experience itself redeems the company, I am not optimistic based on how this situation was handled. The company needs to update their emails, provide clear signage, ensure staff arrive on time, and properly train ticket counter employees on customer service, accountability, and refund procedures, especially when errors originate within the company.

    Got a Groupon deal for Rock the Yacht Cruise which is a 1.5 hour tour of Sacramento views in the…read moreevening. Weather was perfect for a date night. It did get bit too chilly so I will recommend to bring a sweater if you plan on sitting outside. There are indoor and outdoor seatings. Inside the yacht, music was playing and you can dance the night away. There wasn't much food options. There is a bar and they do offer alcohols. Overall, it was a cool experience.

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    Inside seating
    Inside seating
    City Cruises
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    Lake Berryessa Boat & Jet Ski Rentals

    Lake Berryessa Boat & Jet Ski Rentals

    4.3
    (350 reviews)
    79.1 km

    We love Marty and his crew!! They really take the time to…read moremake sure that we were happy and would enjoy our day on the lake. They made sure we had everything we needed and really made us feel special. They are easy to use as they make it easy to book, register, and get onto the lake - way better than any other place to rent boats! Josh and Jeremy were GREAT! We highly recommend and will definitely be returning next summer!!!!

    *Great & Amazing Experience, I will come again sometime*…read more This was my first time choosing to rent from this company. I was worried that I had to rent a U-Haul pickup truck to tow their equipment. No Worries!! After making a reservation online, you show up on time. Time is important, it was quite a drive and I was 30 minutes late to my reservation. It was all good, I made it on time to enjoy the jet skis! Upon arrival, a person will brief you everything. Once completed, you follow the person towing your rental to the launch gate. Parking is $20, cash only! From there, you will enjoy your rental! Despite my experience, I did ran through a problem during my rental. I followed their rules and yet I got a warning light. Called the phone number they have given me, luckily I was with a buddy. They sent guys out to tow the jet ski, thank you! After we got back, no problems or damages were found on both jet skis. Small issue was oil overfill during the time the jet ski went through maintenance. It was understandable but I was given $25 for my next rental and refund back. We've taken it with care and hope someday to return to have fun!! S/O to the staff, thank you once again :)

    Photos
    Lake Berryessa Boat & Jet Ski Rentals
    Cruising
    Cruising
    Lake Berryessa Boat & Jet Ski Rentals

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    Sacramento State Aquatic Center

    Sacramento State Aquatic Center

    4.1
    (233 reviews)
    9.9 km

    I came to this lake hoping to catch fish, but instead I caught feelings for Jesse. Every time he…read moredrove by in that little work cart, the sun somehow got brighter and the birds started chirping louder. I asked him where the restroom was and he pointed silently like some kind of mysterious lake guardian. Haven't been the same since. My wife says I need to stop talking about him at dinner. The lake itself was nice too I guess...

    Heaven for watersport lovers!!…read more This is the nicest and biggest aquatic rental facility in the Sacramento area. Parking: $10 if you don't rent their equipment, with plenty of spaces in the complex. Otherwise, you can park for "free" at the State Park area if you have the Golden Poppy Annual Pass ($125). The park also has plenty of picnic tables and a small beach area for sunbathing. Restrooms: Women's (5 stalls), Men's (5 stalls), plus 2 unisex restrooms. There are plenty of rental options, including single/tandem kayaks, SUP boards, and canoes. If you are in a group, all renters must sign in at the same time because the rental period starts once you sign in. They also have CREW and CANOE clubs! All rentals must be returned by 8 PM or you may be fined. No cycling or weight training on the premises, but there is a basketball court on the side. All life jackets, equipment, and docks were clean and in good condition. The payment line moves quickly. If possible, print the waiver at home to save time. You also need to create an account on their website before they can place your order; otherwise, you'll need to create one on the spot when purchasing tickets. After purchasing, you leave your driver's license and car key with them. There is a 15-minute courtesy buffer deducted from your total rental time for walking to the dock, restroom breaks, setup, etc. Service: friendly and efficient. If you change your mind: for example, from a SUP board to a kayak: they simply call the front desk and let you switch at the dock. Lake Natoma is perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding because it starts wide and gradually narrows. The current is almost nonexistent until around 4 PM. It's about 2 miles to the small island near Willow Creek Recreation Area, which makes a perfect scenic picnic spot.

    Photos
    SAFETY FIRST!  All Renters and students must wear a properly fitted Life Jacket!
    SAFETY FIRST! All Renters and students must wear a properly fitted Life Jacket!
    Sacramento State Aquatic Center
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    Mello Marine

    Mello Marine

    4.2
    (66 reviews)
    17.3 km

    Every once in a while I have interactions and experiences that make me want to highlight and share…read morebusinesses that I feel go above and beyond taking care of their customer. I felt this way about Mello so I wanted to share my experience in this review and hope others give them a chance and come away feeling the same way I did. I stumbled upon this place during my search for a used wake surf boat. They were listing a used Calabria boat that I went to go check out. We were greeted by the owner Sally and we got to talking about wake surf boats in general. She spent about 30-45 min with us talking about her history, wake surf boats and telling us about the Centurion boats that she sells. Since I had never owned a wake surf boat before she gave us some really good info and insight into what makes a good surf boat and why Centurion was one of the top manufacturers. We left knowing we had to do more research which I did. Fast forward a year later, I ended up getting a used centurion wake surf boat. My point is I would have never thought about a Centurion boat until speaking with Sally, and we really appreciated her time and knowledge on the subject. We certainly don't have new boat money but we never felt dismissed or judged or made to feel less important because we weren't there looking at new boats. We also never felt like Sally was pushing us to Centurion or a specific direction. She was certainly highlighting why she felt the Centurion boats were the best, but I did my own research and eventually came to the same conclusion. I felt like the Centurion boats were high quality builds and they were the ones that started the whole wake surf boat build. I just recently dropped off my boat to Mello Marine to have them service it and add some features to it. It's not the closest shop (2 hrs away) but it's the one I felt most comfortable with and trusted. I first spoke with Luke who was great and helpful on the phone and I have since been dealing with Ricky. Everyone I have encountered at Mello Marine has been great, helpful, courteous, and professional. I have been genuinely impressed and pleased in all my interactions with this family run operation. So far, I have had great experiences with this shop and I have no doubt it will continue. I like to say Sally brought us back to Mello. Ricky made sure we're staying with Mello. To all the good people at Mello, keep up the good work and thank you!

    I have made several attempts to call Mello Marine. Messages were left, emails were sent and…read morereceived ZERO response. Several people recommended going to the location in Easy Bay for service because of the same experience they are receiving from Mello Marine. I am only speaking on behalf of the service department ONLY.

    Photos
    Mello Marine
    2024 Ri230
    2024 Ri230
    Mello Marine

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    American River - lakes - Updated June 2026

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