There are so many wonderful things to do in Fair Oaks, California! Whether you are a local or a tourist, you’ll love seeing this small town through new eyes as you explore all that it has to offer.
If you're looking for things to do in the city of Fair Oaks, CA, you'll be spoiled for choice. The village is home to some of the best places to eat, drink and shop in the Sacramento area, and there are always special events taking place. The historic buildings are also worth exploring, and there are plenty of local events that are worth checking out.
What city is Fair Oaks in?
Fair Oaks is a quaint town located in the Sacramento metropolitan area, in the heart of California’s wine country. It’s nestled comfortably between Sacramento and San Fransisco with all of their amenities within a short drive.
With a population of just over 31,000 people, this small town offers a variety of local fun activities and things to do. It has a rich history and is known for its wide array of cultural events.
There are so many things to do in Fair Oaks, CA if you're looking for a fun day out. From shopping at local boutiques and farmer's markets to exploring the beautiful parks in the area, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
If you're looking for something more active, Fair Oaks is one of the best places for outdoor fun. And there are plenty of options available too - from hiking and biking trails to playing in the many pools and playgrounds around town. Wine enthusiasts will love touring the nearby wineries they pass on a scenic drive through the vineyards.
So what exactly are the best things to do when you visit Fair Oaks? Let’s dive into some of the most attractive features of this small town, and how you can make the most of your time there, whether visiting or settling in.
Things To Do In Fair Oaks, CA
What is Fair Oaks known for?
With close proximity to Sacramento (about 30 miles), Fair Oaks is a hidden gem of a city tucked in close to all of the more popular areas. It is within 5 miles of Citrus Heights and Rancho Cordova and still close enough to check out all of the Sacramento events you want to explore. We are known for our BEAUTIFUL weather (and we even stay a little cooler than some of our neighbors on those hot summer days!) So plan to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while you are here…because we have an abundance of it!
Here are some cities near Fair Oaks:
Orangevale, CA
Carmichael, CA
Foothill Farms, CA
Rancho Cordova, CA
Citrus Heights, CA
Folsom, CA
North Highlands, CA
La Riviera, CA
Roseville, CA
Rosemont, CA
Rio Linda, CA
Rocklin, CA
Florin, CA
Sacramento, CA
West Sacramento, CA
Is Fair Oaks a good area?
According to AreaVibes.com, Fair Oaks is rated at 74 in livability. It’s truly a great place to live. Our median home prices are slightly lower than comparable towns in California, and our schools get an A- rating for their teacher/student ratio and high graduation rates.
What is there to do in Fair Oaks today?
There is plenty to do in Fair Oaks at any given time! You can find up-to-date event calendars on the Fair Oaks Chamber or here on the American Towns page.
The Fair Oaks Park District is another great place to discover family-friendly events for all ages throughout the year. Download their activity guide to plan your calendar around what they offer.
The Park District also has some beautiful parks to let your kids get their wiggles out, such as Montview Park. Here you'll find a small play park for the kiddos and some green space to just spread out and relax for the afternoon.
Nearby Fairfield also has a great spot for kids of all ages, the Scandia Family Fun Center! With activities including Mini-golf, go-carting, laser tag, batting cages, bumper boats, go-carts, and more, you’ll have a day filled with memories (and probably some fun pictures to post as well!)
In the later afternoon/evenings around Fair Oaks, you’ll be treated to outdoor theater nights at Fair Oaks Theater Festival. If music is more your jam, take in live music at Fair Oaks Farms or one of the Chambers Concerts in The Park.
And…if you make it to Fair Oaks at the right moment, be sure to make an appearance at Chicken Stock! The Fair Oaks art and music scene has a little bit of something for everyone!
Fair Oaks is rich in natural beauty.
One of our favorite finds in Fair Oaks is the American River. We have this beautiful natural wonder full of wildlife right here in our backyard!
The American River is a 30-mile river that runs from the Sierra Nevada mountain range all the way to the Sacramento River in downtown Sacramento.
➡️ Did you know that The American River is known for the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in Coloma in 1848 which started the California Gold Rush?
This popular spot still has high-quality water today, and it is the main source of drinking water for Sacramento.
If you are the outdoorsy type, you’ll also love Lake Natoma. It’s a beautiful place to walk or bike around, while the majestic Fair Oaks Bridge displays stunning views of the water.
Our picturesque waterfront areas also offer many fun recreational opportunities, including stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, fishing, and swimming. You’ll also find miles and miles of hiking and biking trails, which is a great way to stay active while you are here exploring.
Fair Oaks is also close to the popular Sunrise Recreation area which is great for boating, and fishing and even has horse trails. You’ll also find ample options for picnicking, biking, and walking trails, so you can enjoy the park no matter what your activity or accessibility levels may be.
The American river bike trail is a fun and easy 5-mile ride. The area is popular for nature lovers, so you are likely to encounter people enjoying the birds, fish, and other wildlife along the trail while you ride.
A Great Time For Plant Lovers
If you have a green thumb or just appreciate plants, take a day to breathe the fresh air at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center. Home gardeners and pros alike are sure to learn a lot from the trained and educated professionals on staff to help you troubleshoot or just build your knowledge of how you use and enjoy plants in and around your home. The center is open to the public, and workshops are available.
Is Fair Oaks Pet-Friendly?
When you come to Fair Oaks, don’t leave your furry friends at home. We have plenty of fun for them to have too! Some of our small businesses are pet-friendly, but we also have dog runs and pet parks in our area so your favorite four-legged friends can enjoy our scenery and beautiful weather, too. One of the most popular dog parks is the Phoenix Park, where you'll not only find a dog park but a playground, softball diamonds, soccer fields, and even a beautiful community garden.
➡️ You’ll want to note that some hiking trails may not be pet-friendly, so make sure you check specific parks before you pack your pets to head out for a hike.
And if you are an animal lover, you’ll want to stop at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. It started as a sanctuary for an orphaned bear named Smokey, it is now the sanctuary for a wide variety of wild rescue animals. Come take a walk through the zoo and see which animals are your favorites!
The Effie Yeaw Nature Center is a little oasis of nature in the middle of Fair Oaks. Nature walks, storytimes, and educational activities are common fun here at the nature center. Effie Yeaw cares for more than 30 non-releasable native animals. Connect with their tamed raptors, an owl, hawk, various reptiles and amphibians and so much more. Interact with the birds that are glove trained and see them up close, it's the best way to learn about the wildlife native to Fair Oaks.
And in case you STILL aren’t convinced we are pet-friendly, you’ll have to know how serious we are about….Chickens!
Why are there chickens in Fair Oaks?
As noted in this article "The chickens showed up around the ’70s and have been a part of Fair Oaks since. According to the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce, where the chickens came from is somewhat of a town mystery."
Our annual festival the Chicken Festival features fun things including everything chicken:
Food in our Feed Court and Watering Hole
a Cluck n’ Crow Contest
live music
and even a corn hole tournament!
Does Fair Oaks have a downtown?
While you are in Fair Oaks, you can find yourself wandering different parts of town. If you want to slow down after all of the local outdoor activities, you’ll love the downtown area. The downtown boasts a variety of quaint cafes, shops, boutiques, and restaurants which are all within walking distance of one other. You can slowly wander in and out, enjoying the small businesses and diverse finds the shops offer.
Fair Oaks Boulevard is home to many small businesses including Of Simpler Times, Fashion Rewind Trading Co., Fair Oaks Village Mercantile, Fair Oaks Feathered Nest, Bungalow, Botanica Village Apothecary, Walter Nash Jewelry, and Bob’s Bicycle Shop. As you can see, we have a diverse offering of local businesses full of fun things to explore!
What Things Do You Like To Do In Fair Oaks, CA?
The Fair Oaks Community is a wonderful place to live, work, and play. There are endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation, and the weather is perfect for enjoying all that the area has to offer. There are always new things happening in the city that make it a great place to check out often. If you are looking for a great place to call home, or just want to visit for a while, Fair Oaks is a great place to be.
If you are relocating to Fair Oaks or moving from the surrounding areas, please reach out! We have years of experience in the area and specialize in Fair Oaks CA Real Estate! Message us over on Facebook or Instagram or call or contact us through our website! We would love to hear from you!