Sacramento’s mild winters open up four trail systems that are better in the cool months than any other time of year — from the American River Parkway to flooded oak forests at Cosumnes.
Thousands of sandhill cranes begin arriving at the Cosumnes River Preserve each fall — 30 miles south of Sacramento, free to visit, and open now. A guided tour on October 10th has limited spots; registration opens September 26.
The 28th Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival runs November 6–8, 2026, in downtown Lodi — a 35-minute drive from Sacramento. Free admission, guided wildlife tours, and a free bonus stop at Cosumnes River Preserve.
