You might be familiar with the artsy city of Sacramento, bursting with green areas and a thriving culinary scene, but not many have heard about the charming town of Rocklin. This peaceful suburb, located about 24 miles from Sacramento International Airport, is home to a friendly community and ample opportunities for recreation.
As visitors get acquainted with what Rocklin has to offer, they can attend a concert at Quarry Park Amphitheater or visit one of the many vibrant restaurants downtown. Adventure-seekers will enjoy the dizzying high climbs and refreshing waterfall of Rock Quarry Adventure Park, where you can climb rock walls and battle through obstacle courses. Plus, for those looking for a place to settle down and start a family, excellent local schools add to the area’s appeal. Rocklin’s school district ranks among the top three around Sacramento, and the town’s Western Sierra Collegiate Academy earned the title of 2026’s best charter high school in Placer County, per Niche.com.
Whether you’re looking to live in the area or just vacationing, Rocklin has many things to do (especially if you like the outdoors). The dog-friendly Johnson Springview Park features nature trails, a frisbee golf course, and a splash pad (perfect for scorching summers). For shady, low-impact treks, Antelope Creek Trail is another gorgeous place to explore; there’s even an archery range nearby. Other cool routes in Rocklin include Clarke Dominguez Trail, Sunset Whitney Recreation Area trails, and Sierra College Nature Trail. If you want to head deeper into mountainous territory, head toward Pleasant Valley Creek Park for the Foothills and Black Oak Trail, where you can see wild turkeys and spectacular sunsets. The nearby Foothills, Granite, and Sunset trail system also offers amazing views. Away from the trails, Rocklin keeps the fun going with community concerts and a bustling downtown district.
Read more: The 5 Best Hidden Hot Spring Hikes In California
Rock out at Quarry Park in Rocklin, California
Concert at Quarry Park Amphitheater in Rocklin, California – Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images
Concerts at the Quarry are an absolute must-do during your visit to Rocklin. The Quarry Park Amphitheater is host to a milieu of musical sensations, ranging from national acts to local cover bands. Guests can watch big names like Everclear in concert or catch a tribute show, like the Bee Gees homage You Should Be Dancing. General admission guests can bring a blanket or small lawn chair and a sealed plastic water bottle; otherwise, no outside food or drink is allowed here. Thankfully, there are usually food trucks and merchandise booths right outside. Both tickets and parking passes range in price, but visitors should know that general parking passes typically cost $14.63 and premium or ADA passes cost $25.18. Prepare for a $4-5 fee on top of those prices, too. Depending on availability, parking can be purchased day of, but cash isn’t accepted. A comfortable pick-up and drop-off spot is available nearby for rideshares.
Find the amphitheater on Rocklin Road, adjacent to police and fire stations. Also nearby is historic Rocklin City Hall, formerly a granite company store. For a deeper dive into the town’s history, you can visit the Rocklin History Museum, located at 3895 Rocklin Road. Housed in a charming old dwelling (the Fletcher-Moon House), this gorgeous museum also doubles as the Rocklin Historical Society headquarters.
Besides the cool rock concerts, the Rocklin community holds various family-oriented events throughout the year, including Breakfast with Santa and a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at Quarry Park. Local residents often enjoy Jazz in the Park, Evenings in the Park, and even Shakespeare in the Park (past shows include performances of “Much Ado About Nothing.” Also hosted at Quarry Park is September’s Hot Chili and Cool Cars event, featuring delicious food and vintage vehicles.
Visit delicious eateries and historic hotspots downtown
Aerial view of roundabout in Rocklin, California’s downtown Quarry District – Princton Brennan/Getty Images
Rocklin didn’t always have an official downtown area. However, about 10 years ago, the city built Quarry Park and designated it as the community’s official downtown. Today, this is where the magic happens — in the Quarry District. Visit Peter Hill Heritage Park, located at 5251 Front Street, for a scenic tour of the Old Firehouse and Saint Mary’s Chapel. Located at Rocklin Road and Railroad Avenue, Rocklin Railroad Depot is another must-see stop. Complete with a clock tower, the station was reconstructed in 2006, but local locomotive history dates back to the 1860s.
To find scrumptious eateries around here, foodies don’t have to venture to Sacramento, America’s underrated “Farm-to-Fork Capital.” In Rocklin, you can choose between burgers and gyros at The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill or braised short ribs with risotto at The Chef’s Table. Wally’s Cafe is a local family-owned restaurant serving mouth-watering chicken shawarma and a refreshing Lebanese mint lemonade. Meanwhile, discover an array of charcuterie and baked goods at The Grazing Goose, or enjoy delicious Mexican fare at Mezcalito Oaxacan Cuisine. For an extensive dinner menu and full bar, visit Bennett’s West Side Grill for Yucatan empanadas, grilled mahi tacos, and a blackberry margarita.
If you’re staying in Rocklin, you will find comfortable lodging options ranging from budget chains to a casino resort. The Sure Stay Plus Hotel by Best Western offers a quaint, cottage-like atmosphere with rooms that often go for under $100 a night. It’s not a huge town, so no matter where you stay, you will be close to the action. If you want a cozier pick, there are also bed and breakfasts in the surrounding area. If you are passing through town in an RV, nearby Loomis has a well-maintained RV park.
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Read the original article on Islands.