Blake Walsh

17 Best Things to Do in Arden-Arcade, CA

  • Published 2023/04/29

Sacramento County, California, is home to the census-designated place (CDP) Arden-Arcade.

The Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville Combined Statistical Area includes this CDP as one of its immediate localities.

The property was initially part of a Mexican land grant deeded to John Sutter; Sutter negotiated the Rancho del Paso grant with the Mexican governor.

Most likely, the name “Arden” derives from the fact that Rancho proprietor and developer Orlando Robertson was initially from Arden Hills, Minnesota.

Meanwhile, “Arcade” came from the term “arcade,” formed by the limbs of a row of shade-providing native oak trees.

Read on to discover the best things to do in Arden-Arcade, California.

Book Tee Time at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex

There are two championship courses at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex.

It also has a premier instruction facility with over 15 golf pros and ten junior, senior, group, and private programs.

Then it also has an illuminated driving range with more than 100 stalls, five practice greens, and two bunkers.

Golfers may improve their game using the facility’s Toptracer Range technology.

Because of its high volume of customers, the driving range is open until midnight from April to October.

The Arcade Creek layout is adaptable and suitable for novice golfers.

Golfers can pick between nine and 18 holes on this course.

There’s also a three-hole academy site for adaptive golf programs like the First Tee, the Special Olympics, and others.

Also, check out the pro shop at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, the country’s most extensive and well-stocked pro shop.

The on-site MacKenzie’s Sports Bar and Grille is a fantastic location for any gathering.

Mackenzie’s is a local favorite among sports lovers because of its wide selection of over 15 beers on tap and ten flat-screen TVs.

Go Hiking at Del Paso Regional Park

Are you looking for a park that can accommodate everyone in the family?

The intersection of Interstate 80, State Route 80, and the Auburn Boulevard offramp is home to Del Paso Regional Park, a vast, underrated green space.

You may see birds like yellow-billed magpies and others in the rich riparian environment along Arcade Creek.

It also features a boat launch, a playground, baseball fields with lights, and a picnic area.

It also has a variety of hiking, equestrian, and running routes.

Del Paso Regional Park is an excellent spot for physical activity while enjoying family time.

Play with Your Kids at Arcade Creek Park

This 12-acre park feels right out of the woods, thanks to its location between Arcade Creek and Verde Cruz Creek.

Arcade Creek Park features a golf course, open space, and a playing field.

This park, with its towering Oak and Eucalyptus trees, is a welcome sight amid a suburban neighborhood.

This park has a basketball court, a playground, a bathroom, and open grass fields for playing on.

There is a small space with four picnic tables accessible in the eucalyptus grove, all positioned under the trees.

It also has updated solar park lighting, new walkways, a gated off-leash dog park, and a shade structure.

Arcade Creek Park is where the Jo Smith Nature Trail officially begins.

Play a Friendly Game at Country Club Lanes

If you’re looking for a place to bond with your family or friends, visit Country Club Bowling.

The smaller ones may enjoy bumper bowling and ramps, and the older kids can play the ever-popular Laser Tag.

Take a break and have a delicious meal from our café, where you can enjoy the highest quality ingredients in dishes like the Angus beef burger and the Super Strike Nachos.

The on-site Candlerock pub has 26 draft beers, darts, and billiards.

In addition, Country Club Lanes have two fantastic arcades.

Play popular video games like “Jurassic World” and “Mario Kart.”

Catch the Latest Movies at Century Arden 14 and XD

You can kill time at the movies when you have nothing to do in Arden-Arcade.

Immerse yourself in the film like never before and witness the action unfold at Century Arden 14 and XD.

Every seat is a sensory overload thanks to the massive wall-to-wall screens, the surround sound, and the ultra-comfortable entertainment setting.

Century Arden 14 and XD includes one auditorium renovated and upgraded to provide an exceptional digital cinema experience.

It also features brand-new, ultra-comfortable seating, a bespoke JBL sound system with crystal-clear digital sound, and more.

Shop for Organic Products at Sprouts Farmers Market

Sprouts Farmers Market is the supermarket that makes a healthy lifestyle accessible and cheap.

Fresh, natural, and organic goods and items are available at unbelievable rates in this colorful local grocery store.

It also has an inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional farmers’ market.

See mountains of vibrant, fresh produce, bins of healthy grains, nuts, sweets, and fully stocked deli, meat, and fish sections, along with freshly prepared burgers and sausages.

Its wide, low-profile aisles contain thousands of natural, organic, and gluten-free grocery items, freshly baked products, tasty and straightforward ready-to-eat meals, gourmet cheeses, reasonably priced vitamins and supplements, and more.

Whether passing through or visiting Arden-Arcade, have a pit stop at Sprouts Farmers Market.

Solve Mysteries at Enchambered Escape Room Sacramento

Are you craving excitement?

You and your group must work together to solve baffling puzzles and uncover hidden mysteries in Enchambered Escape Room Sacramento.

To escape, you have one hour to locate all clues, crack the codes, and complete the mind-boggling riddles.

In the live-action escape games, groups of three to twelve players will experience confinement in various mysterious and demanding settings.

It’s possible that solving the room’s puzzles and riddles will need a light scavenger hunt and the discovery of concealed things.

Fans of suspense and horror will appreciate the darker tones of some of Enchambered Escape Room Sacramento’s rooms.

An adult must accompany players younger than 16.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Arden-Arcade’s convenient location allows you to explore other fantastic regional attractions.

Enjoy the best things to do nearby in less than 30 minutes from downtown Arden-Arcade.

Try Retail Therapy at Arden Fair

Front view of Arden Fair

Coolcaesar at the English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While in Sacramento, California, visit the Arden Fair for some fantastic shopping.

This mall, 11 minutes from Arden-Arcade, is close to the Cal Expo fairgrounds and several hotels.

The mall has both big-name and independent stores, some of which are even locally owned.

Lego shop at Arden Fair

wiredforlego from Portland, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You may also discover pop-up shops there.

On some days, you can join a group that walks the mall before the businesses open to get some exercise and a sneak peek at what you could find that day.

Arden Fair is a must-see for any international traveler who wants to see American mall culture and shop at some of the most recognizable American companies.

Enjoy the William B. Pond Picnic Facilities

Located in Carmichael, California, seven minutes from Arden-Arcade, is William B. Pond Picnic Facilities, a section of the American River Parkway.

Several parks are along the river, but this one is one of the oldest and most used.

Enjoy the American River, a boardwalk, and an observation platform in this well-kept park.

The big, artificial pond is accessible to disabled fishermen thanks to a ramp and fishing pier designed just for them.

William B. Pond Picnic Facilities’ paved walking routes gradually slope so that all parkgoers can easily experience the park’s natural beauty.

Place Your Bets at Capitol Casino

The 17,000-square-foot Capitol Casino lies in the heart of Sacramento.

Located 16 minutes from Arden-Arcade, Capitol Cafe and Restaurant, a casino eatery, offers American standards and Asian and European specialties.

Because of California’s restrictions on private casinos, Capitol Casino does not provide slot machines.

The casino has a no-smoking policy as well.

The Sacramento-based firm has been around since 1980, giving them more than 25 years of expertise in the casino business.

Bond with the Family at Scandia Fun Center

Scandia Fun Center, 13 minutes from Arden-Arcade, is an excellent place for families to have a good time in Sacramento.

There are bumper boats, a go-kart track, and arcade games.

Two wonderfully planted miniature golf courses with a Nordic theme are also available.

Among the many gushing rivers, winding streams, and plunging waterfalls, over 12,000 blooms are produced every year.

It also has batting cages featuring soft, medium, or hard pitch modes.

The Scandia Grill and Olga’s Kitchen are two options for Scandia Fun Center’s visitors who are feeling hungry.

Celebrate the California State Fair

Top view of the California State Fair

ZikG / Shutterstock.com

For almost 150 years, Californians have celebrated the state’s agricultural bounty at the California State Fair.

It occurs at Cal Expo in Sacramento, an 11-minute drive from Arden-Arcade.

The fair is a 17-day celebration of California‘s agriculture, industry, and multiculturalism.

Check out various delicious Californian cuisine and this traditional fair’s prize-winning sheep, bunnies, and handicrafts.

Arcade games at California State Fair

ZikG / Shutterstock.com

The California State Fair is the biggest tasting of California’s award-winning wines and a popular summer trip because of its abundance of entertainment, intriguing exhibits, and popular livestock displays.

Those interested in seeing live performances can research upcoming acts.

Maroon 5, ZZ Top, TLC, and Los Lonely Boys have all graced earlier lineups.

Free concerts usually follow an opportunity to mingle with the performers and snap some photos for a nominal fee.

Events like the statewide youth mariachi competition and gospel choir concerts give even less well-known artists a chance to shine.

Kids enjoying at California State Fair

Chris Allan / Shutterstock.com

Observe Wildlife at Effie Yeaw Nature Center

A 13 minute-travel from Arden-Arcade takes you to Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael.

Located in a 100-acre oak woodland along the American River Parkway, it’s a haven for animals despite its proximity to a major city.

The Nature Area is in the California state guide as a “Watchable Wildlife” location due to its quality of wildlife observation.

Bring your binoculars and check out the local fauna in stunning detail; you never know what you could find.

Ancil Hoffman Park and the surrounding nature preserve are home to many animal species.

Explore the river and ponds to spot songbirds, raptors, ducks, other birds, and other wildlife such as squirrels, rabbits, coyotes, deer, wild turkeys, snakes, owls, hawks, woodpeckers, and more.

Over 1.6 million people have visited Effie Yeaw Nature Center within 40 years to join events and enjoy a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Meditate at Jensen Botanical Garden

The Jensen Botanical Garden in Carmichael, 15 minutes from Arden-Arcade, is a lovely park ideal for a stroll and meditation.

In 1958, Charles C. Jensen established the 3.5-acre garden.

He stopped buying groceries once he retired.

The Jensens uprooted their lives and relocated to Carmichael from Oakland.

They drove to Oakland frequently to bring back truckloads of plants and trees.

Existing on the land were oak trees, coastal redwoods, and blackberry bushes.

Slowly but surely, he began clearing the field and planting the numerous Oakland transplants they brought with them.

When he passed away, concerned locals banded together to create the Charles C. Jensen Botanical Garden, Inc Committee to ensure the garden’s continued existence.

If you want to rest and take a quick bite, you may use the picnic tables and benches.

Take photographs, walk the dog, play with your kids, and try other fun activities!

The visually challenged can enjoy the area’s Nature Path for the Blind.

You can also walk the trail yourself.

The visually impaired and people with physical limitations can benefit from the walkway by touching the distinct textures and enjoying the unique aromas of the many plants.

Stroll along Old Sacramento Waterfront

Old Sacramento Waterfront on a sunny day

Sundry Photography / Shutterstock.com

The Old Sacramento Waterfront in Sacramento, 18 minutes from Arden-Arcade, is a State Historic Park and National Historic Landmark District.

It has an area of 28 acres that honors the history of California‘s early days during the Gold Rush of 1849.

The district lies in the vicinity of the scenic Sacramento River.

During the California Gold Rush and the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, this area flourished into a hub of commerce, culture, and travel.

Dozens of Gold Rush-era structures have been restored or reconstructed along the Old Sacramento Waterfront.

The wooden walkways, horse-drawn carriages, and historical reenactors transport visitors back to the nineteenth century.

Enjoy a weekend of excitement by taking the train to the Old Sacramento Waterfront, where you can walk to adjacent hotels.

Learn about Marine Life at SeaQuest Folsom

Lush forests, barren deserts, and unique aquatic life come together in SeaQuest Folsom in Folsom, California, 26 minutes from Arden-Arcade.

Visitors will experience the thrill of a journey as they make their way from an Icelandic fishing village to the Great Wall of China and onto the Amazon River.

Hand-feeding stingrays, sharks, birds, and tropical animals are just a few opportunities for guests to get up close and personal with the creatures and learn about their habitats.

More courageous visitors may enjoy snorkeling with reef sharks, stingrays, and hundreds of tropical fish in the renowned 36,000-gallon display.

You may also walk through an aviary to get up and personal with exotic birds.

Bring Your Little Ones to Fairytale Town

Entrance to Fairytale Town

Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

Fairytale Town, a 20-minute drive from Arden-Arcade, has provided children and their families a fun and secure environment for the past 60 years.

Fairytale Town is an outdoor children’s museum and playground that brings fairytales and nursery rhymes to life across three and a half acres.

Since its opening in 1959 in William Land Park in Sacramento, Fairytale Town has charmed millions of visitors and encouraged their use of language.

View of the Fairytale Town

Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

With more than 25 bright and colorful play sets spread out around the grounds, kids can act out their favorite stories, explore their imaginations, and exercise on the many kid-friendly slides around the park.

Mr. McGregor’s Garden is home to a hospitable zoo of creatures from the pages of beloved children’s books, including Peter Rabbit and the sheep Mary brought to class one day.

Hundreds of thousands of people come to enjoy the many holiday and cultural celebrations, theatrical performances, and educational activities throughout the year.

Final Thoughts

There are many things to do in Arden-Arcade, California, ranging from outdoor activities like golfing, bicycling, and kayaking to cultural attractions.

In addition to its proximity to San Francisco, the CDP offers a variety of activities, including nightlife, dining, retail, and parks.

Whether searching for relaxation or excitement, use this guide to the best things to do in Arden-Arcade, California!

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