Make a Day of the Delta! 游览萨克拉门托三角洲

With hundreds of miles of navigable waterways, the Sacramento River Delta, also known as the California Delta, provides a plethora of outdoor exploration opportunities, including boating, bird watching, camping and more.

The Sacramento Delta is a great day trip for those living in the Sacramento area and can also be a fun weekend adventure for those in the San Francisco Bay Area. There are, literally, hundreds of things that you can do at the Delta, so this article will provide an overview of some of the biggest draws. We will be digging deeper into these things in future articles.

The Delta is located in Northern California and got its name from its triangle shape, with Sacramento, Stockton and Pittsburgh forming the corners of the triangle.

Fishing – The Delta draws a large number of anglers. Species that can be found in the Delta area include bluegill, several types of bass and cat fish as well as shad. Salmon and sturgeon Steelhead have a run through the Delta and tasty crawdads are also a favorite.

Seasonal fishing derbies are popular with big prizes available for the winners. If you would like to fish but do not have a boat, or you want local experts to guide you, there are several fishing charter companies based out of Sacramento.

Camping – With over 50 campgrounds and RV parks in the Delta area, having a nature-based weekend at the Delta is easy. There is a mix of public and private camping areas, most with their camping sites right along the waterway. Many private resorts having boat launch facilities. Some parts also offer boat-in camping, which can be a great way to get away from it all.

State Recreation Areas and Parks – California Department of Parks and Recreation maintains a few recreation areas in the Delta. Brannan Island State Recreation in Rio Vista is one of the public camping options. It has a 10-lane boat launch, over 140 camp sites.

There is also day use options at Brannan Island, including windsurfing, picnicking, shade structures, restrooms Franks Tract State Recreation Area is located southeast of Brannan Island and is primarily used by anglers and waterfowl hunters.

Bird Watching – The numerous waterways and various habitats make the Delta a paradise for bird watching. The Delta is part of the Great Pacific Flyway, which attracts birds that are migrating from Alaska to Mexico.

This provides a great opportunity to not only see resident birds of the area, but also migrating species. Birding on your own is fun, but the Sacramento Audubon Society leads half-day, full day and overnight trips, which will puts you close the birds with a birding expert.

River Cruise – There are several vendors that offer cruises on the Sacramento River. If you want to get out on the water with a guide and a fun atmosphere, this can be a great way to see the river. Most cruises have a naturalist or guide on board who will point out the sites, wildlife and historic importance of things you pass. Dinner cruises are also available if you want to make an evening of it.

For a unique experience aboard an old paddle wheel boat, you may want to head into Sacramento and visit the Delta King. Constructed in Scotland in the 1920’s the Delta King used to carry passengers from San Francisco into the Delta. The boat is now docked along Sacramento’s Old Town waterfront and features a restaurant, theater and lodging options.

Wine Tasting – You may not expect there to be a wine scene in the Delta, but the little town of Clarksburg is home to a few tasting rooms that make for a fun stop during your Delta visit. Clarksburg is location about 15 miles south of Sacramento and is home to Galeria do Vinho, Scribner Bend Vineyards, and Bogle Vineyards. All of these wineries offer free tastings.

Driving Loop – If you want to have a driving loop of the major historic areas in the Delta, this route is a great way to see the sites. You will start in Rio Vista and head north and make a large clock-wise loop.

Areas to visit on this route include:

Rio Vista – founded in 1858 and was a popular stop over point for mariners and miners traveling between San Francisco and Sacramento.

Rio Vista Ferry – free takes you back and forth to Ryer Island. J-Mac Ferry – free fairy that takes you across Steamboat Slough.

Grand Island Mansion – popular brunch spot on the Delta, once the largest private home in the area. It is four stories tall with over 50 rooms.

Courtland – cute little town with museum and historical society. A nice place to get out of the car and go for a short stroll.

Locke – this was an historic Chinese encampment and contains some structures on the National Register of Historic Places.

Walnut Grove – established in 1851 and home to many farming families. A good place to stop for gas and a meal. Ryde – tiny town with popular art gallery and a golf course

Isleton – A tiny town that hosts a popular Crawdad Festival in June. Originally founded in 1974 to provide supplied to gold miners heading up the river.

So, there you go; a little taste of the many offerings in the Sacramento Delta. We encourage you to take a day trip to explore. You may be so charmed that you will want to come back for a whole weekend getaway.

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