The Golden State is full of vacation hotspots for all types of people. And while you may be pulled towards the more popular destinations like Sacramento, America’s caviar capital, there are many gorgeous gems that are tucked away in quiet little suburbs. This is ever true with Sacramento’s suburbs. While the city itself may be famed for being the state capitol or its Gold Rush history, if you crave a peaceful spot to take in the sunny days by the water, head just north to Granite Bay.
Granite Bay, situated in Placer County, is a primarily residential suburb. So, why then is it such a gem? This is because of its proximity to Folsom Lake, a popular spot for boating, fishing, and hiking. When the sun is beating down, there’s nothing quite like escaping to a body of water to relax, cool down, and maybe go for a hike or two. What’s better yet, Granite Bay and Folsom Lake are so close to Sacramento that they make for the perfect day trip.
If you’re heading to Granite Bay from Sacramento, the best option is to travel by car. Public transport is feasible but somewhat indirect (you’ll have to take a bus to Roseville, then a short taxi or rideshare to reach your final destination). For international travelers, the most convenient place to fly into is Sacramento International Airport, around 32 miles from Granite Bay by road. If there are no convenient options from here, San Francisco International Airport isn’t far either, roughly 122 miles (a two and a half hour drive) from Granite Bay.
Read more: 25 Gorgeous Islands For Vacationing That Won’t Break The Bank
Folsom Lake activities in Granite Bay
Folsom Lake on a sunny day – Paul-briden/Getty Images
Hidden in California’s Sierra foothills, Folsom Lake is a gem just east of Sacramento. It’s a wide reservoir surrounded by trails and coves perfect for water activities. It’s a popular spot to visit in the area, and a real highlight of Placer County (and the other counties it spans). If fishing is your activity, you’ll find the lake stocked with everything from trout to bass and salmon. You can even rent a boat from spots like Granite Bay Rentals at the Granite Bay Boat Launch to really enjoy a day out on the water.
If a day out on the water for you is more about paddling and splashing around than casting lines, then good news: The nearby Lake Natoma Paddle Rentals and Beals Point Snack Bar rents gear like kayaks and stand-up paddleboards right on the beach. There’s also Granite Bay Beach, a sandy shore in the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area where you can stop for a dip in the water, or even pack a picnic to enjoy on the sandy banks.
Aside from the lake itself, the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area is one of the Sacramento region’s most beloved outdoor spaces. It’s a recreational area that wraps around the lake with miles of shoreline and trails to explore. And when we say miles of trails to explore, we really mean it; there are over 100 miles of multi-use paths perfect for all levels of fitness. These include gentle lakeside strolls or longer routes suitable for trail runners or mountain bikers. Some of the more popular options include the Pioneer Express Trail and the Granite Bay to Beals Trail, both providing unbelievable views of the lake.
Shopping and good food in Granite Bay
“Welcome to Granite Bay” written on a rock – UncleVinny / Wikimedia Commons
And it’s not all just days out on the lake in Granite Bay. Although not one of America’s wealthiest suburbs, Granite Bay is very much an affluent area. In fact, as of 2025, the median home sale price sits around $1.2 million, according to Redfin. Visitors can also enjoy an upscale retail center just a 15-minute drive away in the Westfield Galleria at Roseville. Here you’ll find luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, among others. Closer to home, you’ll find charming local boutiques like Michelangelo’s Gift & Home Store and Bushnell Gardens, an award-winning nursery and gift store perfect for artsy finds.
This also translates into the dining scene, which is both elevated and diverse. For a luxury meal, head to Hawks Restaurant, a modern-American spot with French and Italian‑inspired techniques. This spot has a 4.7‑star OpenTable rating, so customers will definitely leave here feeling well fed and happy. For a more casual Italian offering, Dominick’s Italian Trattoria & Deli is a long-time local favorite, serving up hearty pasta, sandwiches, and delicious deli classics. And for a more farm‑to‑table vibe, you can’t go wrong at Farmhaus. Here you can indulge in seasonal, sustainable California cuisine. We can’t think of a better way to end a Californian lakeside day in Granite Bay.
Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world’s best-kept travel secrets.
Read the original article on Islands.