What is Roseville, CA known for?

christinecaponeJune 17, 2023

0 20 9 minutes read

Roseville is the county seat of Placer County in Northern California. It is located in the Sacramento metropolitan region, about 20 miles northeast of the State Capitol. Day trips back and forth are made easy by this proximity, making Roseville a viable place to stay when visiting Sacramento.

And Roseville has plenty of things to do. Despite a population of over 150,000 people, it retains a small-town feel. This friendly atmosphere is especially noticeable in Roseville’s downtown and Old Town areas. Here, the town’s railroad history still rings from the streets alongside an array of local shops and restaurants.

Roseville is served by Interstate 80 and State Road 65, which provide several roadside tourist sites. Some of these in-town attractions, ranging from professional mini-golf courses to bright outdoor retail plazas, mix nicely with the city’s regularly sunny outlook.

Enjoy your next trip to Northern California by checking out our list of the best things to do in Roseville.

1. Head to Downtown & Old Town

to go for local shopping, eating, and people-watching. These bustling few blocks near the railroad tracks have several storefronts catering to a wide range of tastes, including fashion, art, and places to nosh.

Vernon Street is the main thoroughfare for downtown ambling. Check out sites like this one. 105 Noshery and Fig Tree Coffee for trendy settings and delicious food. Tower Theater and Blue Line Arts Vernon Street mailboxes are also used by — the city’s non-profit art gallery.

Downtown events occur throughout the year in Roseville. Proceed to Vernon Street Town Square From June and September, every third Saturday of the month for live music. Concerts On the Square . Other events to mark a calendar for include Friday Flicks and Saturday Movie Night Sing-Alongs.

Historic Old Town, located over the train lines from Vernon Street, provides another flavor of culture. The neighborhood is just a few blocks long, yet it has a broad range of eateries and small merchants. The historical significance McRae Block This lovely retail and eating neighborhood is anchored by the skyscraper.

2. Explore Culture at Maidu Museum & Historic Site

The Maidu Museum & Heritage Site provides cultural insight into the area. Here, indoor exhibits and outdoor trails highlight the ongoing legacy of the Nisenan Maidu, who’ve inhabited the region for thousands of years.

The museum displays lifestyles that precede the California Gold Rush by millennia. Detailed panels throughout the space offer easy-to-read information about the cultural practices and beliefs of the Nisenan Maidu. Acorn processing tools and lovely woven baskets are among the artifacts.

The gardens outdoors provide a more immersive trek through history. A route winds around the site, pausing at remnants such as bedrock mortars and petroglyphs. The environment is also alive with natural vegetation and the scurrying of creatures.

Maidu Regional Park is located near the museum and historic site. Plan a playdate or lunch outside in this popular public park after visiting the museum. Numerous playgrounds and walking routes provide outlets for any excess energy.

3. Make the Short Drive to Folsom Lake

Folsom Lake is a huge reservoir located less than ten miles from Roseville. It’s the result of the Folsom Dam blocking the American River and has long since been a source of flood control and recreation. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area spans the whole body of water, with public access spots on almost every edge.

Boating, fishing, and swimming at public beaches are common activities in Folsom Lake. Almost 90 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding paths are also maintained by the state recreation area. Three parks offer to tent or RV camping for overnight trips.

The whole State Recreation Area is almost 20,000 acres in size, divided into divisions. On the lake’s western shore, Beal’s Point and Granite Bay are the nearest points of access to Roseville. These are also two of the most popular places to visit on the lake, thanks to their beautiful views and abundant day-use facilities.

While visiting Folsom Lake, make time to see the city of Folsom. The historic Sutter Street downtown is an excellent place to start exploring, with several modern purveyors occupying old storefronts. Some important Folsom activities include visiting the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary and the Johnny Cash Trail .

4. Venture on the Miners Ravine Trail Loop

The Miners Ravine Trail runs through Roseville for eight miles and is a great way to get about by bike. This paved route follows Miners Ravine and Dry Creek and connects different parts of the city, including downtown. It also provides a natural touch by passing through a lovely riparian corridor.

Several access points line the trail. At the western end of the path, Saugstad Park There is plenty of parking for people driving to the trailhead. This park is a popular starting place for people traveling north on Interstate 80 from Sacramento. The park is less than a half-mile from Douglas Boulevard Exit 103.

The Olympus Pointe Sculpture Park is another popular parking spot near the trailhead. Before beginning the walk, tourists may see the gigantic “Cosmos” sculpture. Farther east, the path splits, with one endpoint at False Ravine Park and another on Sierra College Boulevard.

On any bright day, expect to see other trail users along the Miners Ravine Trail. Signs ask that bicyclists stay to the right and walkers to the left. The trail offers a fun way to arrive downtown, where parking is often scarce.

5. Peruse the Gallery at Blue Line Arts

Blue Line Arts is a non-profit downtown gallery that features local and regional artists. Roseville has been serviced by the organization behind this community art gallery for almost 50 years. After relocating to its new 5,000-square-foot downtown facility in 2008, it changed its name from the Roseville Arts Center.

Blue Line Arts’ shows change on a regular basis. The primary show in the gallery’s entrance usually changes every two to three months. The rest of the space showcases a variety of mediums from local artists and community art projects. Admission to the gallery space is free, though donations are appreciated, and many of the prints on the walls are for sale.

Blue Line Arts hosts a variety of community activities such as family activity days, open studio time, and a Christmas Artists Market. Receptions for new exhibits are also usually highly festive. Throughout the summer, Blue Line Arts serves as a focal point for Vernon Street’s Third Saturday events.

Roseville, California 405 Vernon Street #100

6. Shop at Denio’s Market & Swap Meet

Denio’s Market & Swap Meet is a homegrown attraction that draws a big crowd in Roseville on the weekends. This multi-generational market dates back to the 1940s and today attracts thousands to the city each year. Rain or shine, the Market & Swap Meet is held on Saturdays and Sundays. On Fridays, there is also a smaller outdoor market.

When you visit Denio’s, you can expect a little of everything. Many kiosks are lined with fresh vegetables, and homemade items and crafts are prominently displayed. Vendors selling home products, decorations, tools, apparel, and garage sale items also frequent the market.

The market also has a few food sellers selling items such as tacos, wood-fired pizza, and freshly produced mini-donuts. The value found at Denio’s also contributes to its popularity, and it’s simply a lively and fun place to walk around.

Address: 1551 Vineyard Road, Roseville, California

7. Burn Off Extra Energy at Golfland Sunsplash

Golfland Sunsplash is a compact amusement park in Roseville, best known for its water park and miniature golfing. It also has attractions such as bumper cars, laser tag, and an arcade.

Sunsplash water park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. The park caters to people seeking thrilling water slides. A few signature rides at the water park include giant bowls; G-force turns; and the “Double Dare” waterslide, a seven-story drop.

Golfland’s two miniature golf courses are of professional quality. Traditional windmills catch the eye, as do other enormous structures such as western stores and California missions. Added challenges, such as spinning doors, raised greens, and water crossings, make for an exciting round of 18.

Address: 1893 Taylor Road, Roseville, California

8. Retail Shopping in Roseville

Roseville is a major destination for premium retail complexes with landscaped plazas. Numerous retail malls can be found on the town’s north side, along Highway 65 and Interstate 80. Thousands of people visit Westfield Galleria and Fountains at Roseville every day.

Westfield Galleria at Roseville is a 1.3-million-square-foot indoor retail mall that has more than 150 businesses. It also has over 30 eating options, ranging from hot pretzels to sit-down restaurants with extensive menus. The mall has many big merchants, as well as small fashion boutiques, toy stores, and home furnishing stores.

Located across Roseville Parkway from Westfield Galleria, Fountains at Roseville provides a smaller yet comparable shopping experience. The approximately 40 stores at this outdoor shopping mall surround a lovely courtyard complete with a fountain. Stroll down the stores and take in the California weather.

9. Visit the Carnegie Library Museum

The Carnegie Library Museum serves as a central depository for the collection. Roseville Historical Society , which is situated in the ancient Old Town. And the beautiful library building housing the museum is a piece of history itself, dating back to 1912.

As you walk inside the century-old museum building, the first thing that draws your attention is a gigantic model train. A nearby exhibit and information panel discuss the Iron Horse’s early impact on the city. Additional historical aspects include the contemporary Roseville’s original family and the once-standing Hotel Belvedere.

The museum is free to visit, although contributions are welcome. There is also a small gift store selling mementos and picture albums within the museum. For current operation hours, see the official website.

Address: 557 Lincoln St, Roseville, California

10. Take a Break in the Day at Royer Park

Royer Park is a fantastic spot to spend an afternoon playdate or a free day. It’s located across Dry Creek from downtown and is linked by a lovely pedestrian bridge with beautiful riparian views. Within the park, open green lawns and a collection of playgrounds offer space to burn off some energy.

The park’s sports facilities include a complete basketball court, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and bocce ball courts. Intramural field sports might take over the open green area at times. And the park is a popular picnic location, with numerous individual tables and a picnic shelter that may be reserved.

11. Answer the Call at the Roseville Telephone Museum

This one-of-a-kind Roseville museum includes one of the country’s greatest collections of ancient telephones. The collection covers over a century of phone technology, including popular displays such as mid-century phones and novelty phones. The museum also has items like as switchboards and valuable insulators.

The museum has restricted hours. In the past, it was only open on the second Saturday of each month, always with free admission. For current operation hours, see the official website.

Address: 106 Vernon Street, Roseville, California

12. Day Trip to Sacramento

Roseville to Sacramento is just around a 20-mile journey. Because of its closeness, Roseville is a reasonable option for a night’s stay while visiting California’s state capital. It also means that a trip to Roseville encompasses many of the capital city’s sites and attractions.

Parklands, museums, and cultural areas abound in Sacramento. The California State Railroad Museum is a must-see for railroad buffs, with over 20 railcars set among immersive displays. And this vast instructional venue is only one of the top museums in Sacramento.

Sidewalk café fans should travel to Midtown for a sample of the city’s lifestyle. And when the weather is nice, which tends to be often, head to one of Sacramento’s best parks, including the popular William Land Park, home to the Sacramento Zoo.

Best Time to Visit Roseville, CA – Historical Climate Averages

Roseville, CA average minimum and maximum temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
54 39	61 42	65 45	72 47	80 52	89 57	95 61	94 60	89 58	79 53	64 45	55 39
PlanetWare.com
Roseville, CA monthly precipitation totals in inches.
4.5	4.3	4.3	1.8	0.5	0.3	0.1	0.1	0.5	1.3	3.5	3.4