Folsom Travel Guide

  Shaded portion of the bike trail near...
by jazzmann
 
  • Shaded portion of the bike trail near old town
      Shaded portion of the bike trail near...
    by jazzmann
  • Rainbow Bridge over the American River
      Rainbow Bridge over the American River
    by jazzmann
  • American River
      American River
    by jazzmann
  • Wild flowers along the bike path
      Wild flowers along the bike path
    by jazzmann
  • Nimbus fish hatchery along American River
      Nimbus fish hatchery along American...
    by jazzmann
 

Flights to Folsom

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Things to Do  

Folsom Lake

Folsom Lake, Folsom

 jazzmann Says:  Folsom Lake is located in the north eastern corner of the city and is actually shared by Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado counties. There is a variety of activities in and around the lake. Local boaters flock to the lake during the summer months for water skiing, wake... 

Lake Natoma

Lake Natoma, Folsom

 jazzmann Says:  Officially referred to as Lake Natoma, this small body of water was created by damning the American River just below Folsom Lake. This recreation area or "Aquatic Center" offers a large grass picnic area, beaches, and a variety of water activities. Public bathrooms, drinking... 

Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails, Folsom

 jazzmann Says:  Last summer I discovered a beautiful hiking trail near Folsom Lake. This relatively easy 2 mile hike offers great views of the lake. About mid way on the hike there is a vista point with a picnic table and drinking water, which is a nice location to stop and have lunch. In... 

The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary

The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, Folsom

 jazzmann Says:  The Zoo Sanctuary is located in Folsom City Park at Natoma and Stafford Streets (behind the library). This little gem is more of an animal sanctuary than a zoo. They have a variety of different animals native to the northern California region. Most of the animals have... 

Rent a Bike and Explore

Rent a Bike and Explore, Folsom

 jazzmann Says:  In 2003, the League of American Bicyclists awarded the City of Folsom the "Silver Medal" for being a bicycle friendly community. Folsom has over 32 miles of paved bicycle paths throughout the city. The paths wind their way through neighborhoods, green belts, open space... 

Hotels  

Larkspur Landing Folsom

 1 Review and 91 Opinions  I had a very satisfying stay at the Larkspur Landing in Folsom. The rooms are well-equipped - nice... 

Restaurants  

India House: India House “WOW” a Ten Star Restraunt!!

India House: India House “WOW” a Ten Star Restraunt!!, Folsom

 MikeSingh Says:  India House “WOW” a Ten Star Restraunt!!It is beautiful and the ambience is very comfortable, yet stylish. We had the banquet/feast for two, and it was amazing. It was delicious and very filling, and we got a chance to taste a little of everything on the menu. The service... 

Acorn Cafe and Coffee House: Cafe and Coffee Shop

Acorn Cafe and Coffee House: Cafe and Coffee Shop, Folsom

 jazzmann Says:  Located on East Natoma Street directly across from Folsom City Hall is the Acorn Cafe and Coffee House. This charming little cafe opened about a year ago and serves a variety of reasonably priced lunch items, such as home made soup, salad, sandwiches, and burgers. They also... 

Too many to list: A variety of different restaurants

Too many to list: A variety of different restaurants, Folsom

 jazzmann Says:  I have posted a few of my favorite (individual) restaurants in town, but it would be a daunting task to list them all. The web link below will provide you with many different choices from recognizable chain restaurants to unique independents. The link comes with reviews to... 

La Fiesta Taqueria: Best Mexican Food

La Fiesta Taqueria: Best Mexican Food, Folsom

 jazzmann Says:  Hands down the best Mexican restaurant in Folsom. Although I rarely frequent chain restaurants, this one is an exception because it's a local Sacramento area chain. The food is outstanding, the service is excellent, salsa bar is flavorful, and the prices are very reasonable.... 

Old Europe: Eastern European Cuisine in Folsom

Old Europe: Eastern European Cuisine in Folsom, Folsom

 jazzmann Says:  This fairly new restaurant is a wonderful addition to old town Folsom cuisine. The mix of German, Russian, and Czech dishes are hearty and flavorful. The ambiance is both elegant, romantic, and family friendly. Although the service is somewhat slow when busy, the food is... 

India House: Great Indian Food

India House: Great Indian Food, Folsom

 jazzmann Says:  Tucked away in the Broadstone Market Place shopping center on the outskirts of Folsom, the India House is one of my favorite Indian Restaurants in town. Thanks to Intel, there is a large Indian population in Folsom, hence the variety of Indian restaurants available to the... 

Chicago Fire Pizza: Good Pizza Parlor

Chicago Fire Pizza: Good Pizza Parlor, Folsom

 jazzmann Says:  Chicago Fire Pizza located in old town Folsom is a pleasant change of pace from the same old tired pizza chains in town. The specialty is obviously Chicago style pizza, which includes the deep dish pizza, stuffed pizza, and thin crust pizza. Each excellent on their own, but... 

Nightlife  

Streets of London: English Pub

Streets of London: English Pub, Folsom

 jazzmann Says:  Located in the Central District just a stones throw from old town, this British pub offers a full bar with a fine selection of European lagers and ales on tap. The bar menu includes popular British meals such as fish and chips and bangers and mash. True to the nature of a... 

Folsom Hotel: Folsom Hotel

Folsom Hotel: Folsom Hotel, Folsom

 jazzmann Says:  Located on Sutter Street, the Folsom Hotel is possibly the oldest operating establishment in town and definitely has an old western cowboy feel to it. No longer a hotel, this dark and dingy bar does have some charm and character. The Hotel offers a full bar with typical... 

Manderes: Pub and Restaurant

Manderes: Pub and Restaurant, Folsom

 jazzmann Says:  Don't let the small size of the place fool you, they have an outstanding selection of 20 premium craft beers on tap, over 100 bottle beers, and food that is truly beyond the typical bar/pub cuisine. Their motto is "no crap on tap", which is a delight to a beer snob like... 

Samuel Horne's Tavern: Relaxing Tavern

Samuel Horne's Tavern: Relaxing Tavern, Folsom

 jazzmann Says:  Located on Sutter Street in old town Folsom is Samuel Horne's Tavern. This establishment quietly opened a few months ago and has become a hit with local beer connoisseurs. The ambience of this place is truly old school mixed with a classy feel. The high leather back booth... 

Power House Pub: Fun times

Power House Pub: Fun times, Folsom

 jazzmann Says:  Located on the corner of Sutter Street and Riley in old town Folsom, the Power House Pub is the premier spot for live music, dancing, and drinking. This eclectic establishment has something going on each every evening, with Friday and Saturday nights having the best... 

Transportation  

Transportation in Folsom
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2 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

jazzmann 19 reviews

Although Folsom does have public bus service within the city limits, the buses only run during the week on a fixed business route. The best way to get around town is by car or bike. Realistically Folsom is fairly compact and the only "major" shopping areas of interest are along Riley Street, East Bidwell Street, Folsom Blvd., and Sutter Street in old town. Ask a local for advice or directions to a variety of shopping centers for your individual needs. If you need to venture out of Folsom on public transportation, take the light rail "gold line". Hop on the light rail train in old town Folsom and take it all the way to downtown Sacramento. There are numerous stops along the way.

Updated Jan 29, 2010

Related to:
 Historical Travel
 Budget Travel
 Business Travel

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Shopping  

FOLSOM PREMIUM OUTLETS: FOLSOM PREMIUM OUTLETS
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DarleneCMF 203 reviews
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Folsom Premium Outlets has a lot of popular brands/stores. It's the one place you need to visit if you're looking for clothes and sportwear, shoes, accessories, houseware or gifts.

The complex is well-designed, they have several buildings and all stores open outdoor, which adds to the (relatively) relaxing environment.

Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-6pm

Updated Jun 27, 2006

Address: 13000 Folsom Boulevard, Folsom CA, 95630

Phone: (916) 985-0312

Website: http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=27

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Off The Beaten Path  

Folsom State Prison Museum
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jazzmann 19 reviews

California's second oldest prison, made famous by Johnny Cash, officially opened in 1880. The small prison museum, opened by retired prison guards in the late 1980's, provides visitors with a variety of prison artifacts, such as: old weapons confiscated from the inmates, a Ferris wheel made out of 250 thousand toothpicks, and a worn out life sized mannequin named "Sam" dressed in a striped prison uniform. Push the button and "Sam" will tell visitors a brief history of the infamous prison. They have quite a bit of Johnny Cash memorabilia from his concert he put on there in 1968 as well as souvenirs for sale. The retired guard that runs the museum is very friendly and really enjoys talking with visitors. Keep in mind, the museum is bit hokey, so don't expect much for the $2.00 admission. To get there: From downtown, take Natoma/East Natoma Street, make a left on Folsom Prison Road (you'll see the signs), continue straight (do not turn right, that will take you to new Folsom prison), park in the main parking lot, walk past the main entrance gate, and the museum is on your right.

Written Jan 27, 2010

Related to:
 Historical Travel
 Trains

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* Pricing and fares have been collected during the three days prior to today's date. Actual pricing and fares are provided by air carrier and suppliers, whose prices change frequently and without notice.
Map of Folsom