Sacramento River Delta Day Trip

With hundreds of miles of navigable waterways, the Sacramento River Delta, also known as the California Delta, provides many outdoor exploration opportunities, including boating, bird watching, camping, and more.

The Sacramento Delta is a great day trip for those living in the Sacramento area and can also be a fun weekend adventure for those in the San Francisco Bay Area. There are hundreds of things that you can do at the Delta so this article will provide an overview of some of the biggest draws.

Sacramento Delta Driving Loop

Driving Loop – If you want to have a driving loop of the major historical areas in the Delta, this route is a great way to see the sites. The starting point is Rio Vista. From there, head north and make a large clockwise loop—plan on spending an entire day exploring all of the attractions on this route.

Rio Vista California

Rio Vista was founded in 1858 and was a popular stopover point for mariners and miners traveling between San Francisco and Sacramento. Nearby, Rio Vista Ferry – free takes you back and forth to Ryer Island. J-Mac Ferry – the free ferry that takes you across Steamboat Slough.

Grand Island  Mansion

Grand Island Mansion is a beautiful spot for lunch on the Sacramento River Delta, once the largest private home in the area. It is four stories tall with over 50 rooms. A mansion is a trendy place for weddings at 13415 Grand Island Rd Walnut Grove, California.

Courtland California

Courtland a cute little town with a museum and historical society. An excellent place to get out of the car and take a short stroll.  Courtland holds an annual Pear Fair, which draws visitors from all over the Sacramento region. The fair’s highlight includes choosing a Pear Fair Queen and a fun little parade. Courtland is located about 17 miles from Sacramento.

Locke California

Locke came to be in 1915. It is a town that the Chinese built for the Chinese population of workers after many were displaced due to a fire in nearby Walnut Grove. In August of 1970, Locke was added to the National Registry of Historic Places due to its unique status as the only town in the United States that the Chinese built for the Chinese.

Isleton California

Isleton is a great place to stop for lunch on your road trip.

Fishing attracts a large number of anglers to the delta region. Species in the Delta area include bluegill, several types of bass and catfish, and shad. Salmon and sturgeon Steelhead have a run through the Delta, and tasty crawdads are also a favorite.

Camping – With over 50 campgrounds and RV parks in the Sacramento River Delta area, having a nature-based weekend at the Delta is easy. There is a mix of public and private camping areas; most of their camping sites are right along the waterway. Many private resorts have boat launch facilities. Some parts also offer boat-in camping, which can be a great way to get away from it all.

Brannan Island also has day-use options, including windsurfing, picnicking, shade structures, and restrooms. Franks Tract State Recreation Area is located southeast of Brannan Island and is primarily used by anglers and waterfowl hunters.

Bird Watching – The numerous waterways and various habitats make the Sacramento River Delta a paradise for bird watching. The Delta is part of the Great Pacific Flyway, which attracts birds migrating from Alaska to Mexico. This provides an excellent opportunity to see resident birds of the area and migrating species.

Sacramento River Cruise

Several vendors offer cruises on the Sacramento River. This can be a great way to see the river if you want to get out on the water with a guide and a fun atmosphere. Most cruises have a naturalist or guide on board who will point out the sites, wildlife, and historical importance of things you pass.

For a unique experience aboard an old paddlewheel boat, you may want to head to Sacramento and visit the Delta King. Constructed in Scotland in 1920, the Delta King used to carry passengers from San Francisco into the Delta. The boat is now docked along Sacramento’s Old Town waterfront and features a restaurant, theater, and lodging options.

Wine Tasting – You may not expect a wine scene in the Delta, but the little town of Clarksburg is home to a few tasting rooms that make for a fun stop during your Delta visit. Clarksburg is located about 15 miles south of Sacramento and is home to Galeria do Vinho, Scribner Bend Vineyards, and Bogle Vineyards.

Getting to the Sacramento River Delta

The Sacramento River Delta is located in Northern California and got its name from its triangle shape, with Sacramento, Stockton, and Pittsburgh forming the corners of the triangle.

So, there you go; a little taste of the many offerings in the Sacramento Delta. We encourage you to take a day trip to explore. You may be so charmed that you want to come back for a whole weekend getaway.

More Sacramento Day Trip Ideas