Historic appeal close to Sacramento
Just half an hour’s drive from Sacramento, Folsom is in a curious position of being famous for its prison. Or, rather, for the Johnny Cash song about its prison. But, while he sang of the Folsom Prison Blues, you certainly won’t feel low when visiting this part of California. The historic heart of town has been dubbed “the place where the West came and stayed”, and its folksy charm will make you feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set. Folsom vacation rentals, which include sleek, modern properties with dark wood floors and marble kitchens, set within gated communities, will make you feel at home and ready to explore.
Animal magic in Folsom
Kids and adults alike will be delighted by the residents of the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. Born in 1963, when a small bear became its first tenant, the sanctuary still features black bears today. Listen closely, and you might even hear them communicating. Tigers, cougars, and bobcats are among the other majestic creatures to look out for. For a trip through time, visit the Folsom History Museum, which has exhibits on the California Gold Rush, while nearby Pioneer Village displays a working blacksmith forge and reconstructed miner’s cabin. Music lovers will be fascinated by the Folsom Prison Museum, which tells the story of Johnny Cash’s legendary concert in the jailhouse. You’ll also see a vast Ferris wheel created by an inmate in the 1930s, using around 250,000 toothpicks.
Out and about in Folsom
One major natural landmark near Folsom vacation rentals is Lake Natoma. This narrow, sun-speckled body of water is part of the American River, which flows through the city. Its clear, tranquil waters are a magnet for rowers, kayakers, and swimmers, and there are few more soothing ways to take in Folsom than by getting right out into the lake. If you’d rather stay on dry land, you can also explore the many miles of walking and biking trails that cross the greenbelts, and connect Folsom to the American River Bike Trail – leading you all the way to Sacramento. Meanwhile, downtown Folsom, with its Old West allure, is where you can browse antiques shops and clothing boutiques.
Water-bound adventures near Folsom
Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Folsom is a stone’s throw from Folsom Lake, which is endlessly popular with outdoorsy types. Head over to this sweeping, watery oasis, and you can enjoy wakeboarding and swimming, or just relaxing on one of the sandy sections along the coast. The woods and wildflowers add to the idyllic atmosphere, while keen-eyed visitors may spy rabbits, foxes, and black-tailed deer amid the greenery, not to mention wrens, kingfishers, and red-tailed hawks.
Traveling to and around Folsom
The nearest airport is in Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF), located 22.3 mi (35.9 km) from the city center.
You can see more of Folsom by catching a ride on the metro at Historic Folsom Station, Glenn Station or Iron Point Station.
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