Located in Placer County in north central California, Roseville is a city of approximately 140,000 residents that is officially part of the Sacramento Metropolitan Area.
Roseville’s location along Interstate 80 provides relatively easy access to many of the state’s major attractions. The Pacific Ocean to the west is equidistant from Reno, Nevada, to the east.
For most of the year, the weather in Roseville is perfect for the outdoors, but in the winter, it experiences severe cold and lots of snow.
Here are 15 fun and engaging things to do in and around Roseville, California, that are worth a visit.
1. Roseville Historical Society Carnegie Museum
Although they are often overlooked in favor of more tourist attractions, the local Historical Society museum is a great place to spend an hour or two for those looking to familiarize themselves with the history of a new area.
Located on Lincoln Street, the Roseville Historical Society’s Carnegie Museum houses an impressive collection of memorabilia related to Roseville and Placer County’s past.
Items on display include ancient maps and photographs, as well as first-hand accounts of people who lived, worked and died in the area long ago.
Check online for their hours of operation or give them a call before going on a special tour.
2. Miner’s Ravine Trail Loop
Local parks and hiking trails are great options for active travelers who want to experience the great outdoors without spending an arm and a leg traveling to the state’s large state and national parks in remote parts of the state.
Miner’s Ravine Trail Loop is located along Sierra College Boulevard in Roseville. It’s flat enough to accommodate strollers and walkers of most ages and ability levels.
Despite its convenient urban setting, a variety of birds and wildlife can be seen from the trails. Since it’s a loop, first-time visitors don’t need to worry about getting lost.
3. Denio exchange meeting
Denio Swap Meet has been one of Roseville’s most iconic attractions since it was founded by local entrepreneurs more than 70 years ago.
While it started with a handful of suppliers selling primarily agricultural products, over the years it has expanded into one of the largest exchange meetings in the region.
The conference is made up of a wide range of vendors selling everything from locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables and prepared foods to arts, crafts and homewares.
Denio’s on Vineyard Road in Roseville is a fun, family-friendly activity worth checking out — even for those who aren’t particularly interested in buying anything.
4. Diamond Oak Golf Course
Unlike a traditional 18-hole golf course, the Diamond Oaks Golf Course features two different courses and is popular with novice and seasoned golfers of all ages.
Featuring 18 scenic holes, Timber Creek Course blends the area’s stunning natural beauty with sand and water hazards, wooded areas and manicured fairways and greens.
There’s also an updated 9-hole hole that’s perfect for seniors, those with kids, and die-hard golfers without the usual three to four hours it takes to play a round.
The clubhouse is located on Del Webber Avenue in Roseville. Courses are available for those who need professional guidance before clicking the link.
5. The Fountain of Roseville
Whether you’re looking to fill your stomach at the foot of a long day or satisfy your shopping therapy yen with some impulse shopping, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Fountains Roseville.
As one of the region’s premier retail attractions, it’s a great escape from California’s harsh environment.
Retailers at The Fountains include trendy clothing stores such as Chicos and Anthropologie, as well as popular national restaurant chains, serving everything from classic steaks and burgers to pizza, salads, seafood, craft beer and gourmet coffee.
6. Maidu Museum and Historic Site
For out-of-state visitors in particular, learning about the Golden State’s Native American culture and history is a fun, educational, and engaging activity.
Maidhoo Museum and Historic Site are two of the most famous attractions in the area. They include archaeological sites as well as various items on display that give visitors an interesting glimpse into the life of Native Americans over centuries past.
Previous guests have noticed that the museum staff and docents are knowledgeable, welcoming and helpful, and even children who are distracted have a great time.
Located on Johnson Ranch Avenue in Roseville, the facility includes a mile-long outdoor loop interpretive trail.
7. Dutch Brothers Coffee
For the die-hard caffeine junkie who likes to drink coffee on the go, Dutch Bros. Coffee on Baseline Road in Roseville is perfect.
Dutch Bros. has several branches in many states in the western part of the country. They are known for their funky young staff, extensive menu items and efficient drive-thru service, which make up the majority of their business.
If you’re going to be in the area for a while, you’ll want to ask for their loyalty card. They offer plenty of non-coffee beverages, including juices, teas, sodas, and smoothies.
Founded in 1992, Dutch Bros. donates a portion of all proceeds to worthy charities.
8. My Thai Kitchen
For immigrants from all over the world, California is the epitome of the American Dream.
The Golden State has amazing cultural and racial diversity. Even in relatively remote areas, it’s easy to find restaurants offering exotic cuisine from far-flung corners of the world.
My Thai Kitchen is located on Eureka Road in Roseville. It offers a wide variety of delicious Thai and Southeast Asian inspired dishes, prepared with fresh local ingredients.
The restaurant’s executive chef has worked in fine dining restaurants in Thailand and India, so expect to be amazed by the vibrant dishes that blend traditional and modern elements.
9. Moksa Brewing Co.
Just a few kilometers northeast of Roseville along Interstate 80, Rocklin is a quaint town with one of the region’s most popular craft breweries.
Although it’s small compared to many of its competitors, Moksa Brewing Co. makes nearly two dozen different beers at its microbrewery. They range from hoppy IPAs and refreshing lagers to dark and hearty porters and stouts.
Since its inception in 2017, Moksa has attracted a loyal following with its stylish and laid-back environment, use of traditional recipes and innovative production methods, and delicious food served from several gourmet trucks that often fill the parking lot.
10. Crocker Art Museum
Over the years, Sacramento’s Crocker Art Museum has grown into one of the most impressive collections of historical art in the state.
It all started in the late 1860s, when a wealthy local judge and his wife began collecting personal works from across the state, country, and overseas.
In addition to the permanent collection, the museum offers other events throughout the year, so it’s a good idea to check their website’s events calendar before driving 30 minutes from Roseville.
Most guests choose to experience the museum as one of regularly scheduled guided tours led by experienced docents.
11. Beat the Room
For those looking for a unique and fun-filled event that will use teamwork, problem-solving skills and amateur detective tactics to solve crime problems, Beat the Room in Rocklin is the ticket.
Beat the Room can accommodate groups of up to 9 people, but special arrangements can be made for larger groups.
The facility, less than 5km from Roseville, includes a number of themed rooms, including one modeled after Sherlock Holmes’ monumental London flat on Baker Street.
Meetings usually take about an hour. They’re a great event for birthdays, bachelorette parties, team building exercises, and date nights for multiple couples.
12. California State Railroad Museum
Railroads played an important role in California’s development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The state’s economy is now the largest in the country, and railroads still handle a large portion of goods, from locally grown produce to the millions of tons of imported goods that pass through its busy port each year.
The California State Railroad Museum is located on I Street in Sacramento, about a 25-minute drive southwest of Roseville. It has over 200,000 square feet of exhibit space.
Includes restored locomotives and rolling stock, interactive exhibits, and most of the state’s undeveloped Old West memorabilia.
13. California State Capitol Museum
As the capital of California, the city of Sacramento offers a wealth of options for visitors interested in learning about the history of the area.
The California State Capitol Museum is located on 10th Street in downtown. Depending on traffic, it’s usually a 30 or 40 minute drive from Roseville.
The facility’s grounds include the California Legislature Building, a visitor center and theater dating back more than 150 years, as well as dozens of acres of gardens with plants, trees and flowers from around the world.
Guided public tours are offered regularly, and large group and school tours can also be arranged.
14. Westfield Galleria in Roseville
While California is known for its ultra-luxury shopping districts in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Malibu, it does have its fair share of shopping options for the average commuter with a relatively moderate income.
The Westfield Galleria in Roseville is described as modern, spacious and clean. It has a wide variety of stores selling everything from baby clothes, sporting goods and women’s shoes to books, electronics and household items.
Macy’s and Nordstrom are some of the more famous anchors, and there are many dining options and movie theaters on-site.
Westfield Galleria is conveniently located in the heart of the city, near the junction of Interstate 80 and California Route 65.
15. Maidhoo Regional Park
The Maidu Regional Park spans over 150 acres and offers a variety of recreational options for vibrant and outdoor activities.
While it may be home to the aforementioned Native American museums and historic sites, it also has plenty of spacious spaces and athletic facilities such as batting cages, basketball courts, playground equipment, and a dedicated skate park.
The park is located in downtown Roseville. It includes several well-marked paths open to walkers and cyclists, covered seating areas, a Veterans Memorial and Rose Garden, as well as a library and community center.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Roseville, CA, CA
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