Folsom, CA · Local Guide
Things to Do in Folsom
Ten local favorites for a day out in Folsom, from the lake and the old town to trails, history and a private escape room.
1.Folsom Lake
The big one. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area has beaches, boat launches, picnic spots and trails along the shore. Summer weekends get busy and parking areas charge a day-use fee, so go early.
2.Historic Sutter Street
Folsom's old town strip, lined with Gold Rush-era buildings, local shops, restaurants and bars. It's an easy place to walk, eat and spend an evening, and it hosts events through the year.
3.Johnny Cash Trail
A paved trail honoring Johnny Cash's famous 1968 concert at Folsom Prison. The trail is good for walking and biking, and the Johnny Cash Legacy Park art pieces along it are worth a stop.
4.Folsom Prison Museum
A small museum near the prison gates with artifacts, photos and stories from one of California's oldest prisons. It doesn't take long, but it's an interesting look at local history.
5.Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park
One of the first places in the country to send electricity over long-distance lines, powering Sacramento in 1895. You can walk the grounds and see the original powerhouse along the river.
6.Rainbow Bridge
The 1917 arched bridge over the American River, right by the Powerhouse and Sutter Street. It's one of the most photographed spots in town, especially from the trails below.
7.Way of Escape Folsom
That's us, at 311 E Bidwell St. We run private escape rooms, so your group never plays with strangers. Games last 60 minutes, rooms are for all ages, and parking is free at the door. A good pick for a rainy day, a family outing or a birthday.
8.Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary
A small zoo that cares for animals that can't return to the wild, including bears, wolves and big cats. It's an easy, kid-friendly visit that pairs well with the nearby park and train rides.
9.Palladio at Broadstone
An outdoor shopping and dining center with restaurants, stores and a movie theater. Good for an afternoon of shopping or dinner and a movie.
10.Lake Natoma and the American River Bike Trail
Lake Natoma is a calm lake below Folsom Dam, popular for rowing, kayaking and paddleboarding. The American River Bike Trail (Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail) runs along it and continues all the way toward Sacramento.