Additionally, the Sacramento State Aquatic Center is a popular boating facility on Lake Natoma, offering water sports classes, camping programs, team building, and other youth-oriented activities. It also hosts rowing championships attended by different universities and colleges across the country.
The aquatic center was established in 1981 as part of Sacramento State’s effort to improve its academic curriculum and provide leisure classes to the public and youth-oriented groups. Being a regional boating instruction safety center, it receives funding from the California Department of Boating and Waterways.
Activities You Can Do in Natomas Aquatic Park
You can go sailing or boating
Sailing and boating on a lake is a more peaceful and relaxing experience than on an ocean, where the wind patterns and tidal currents are often more unpredictable and challenging.
If you don’t have a sailboat, the aquatic center offers water sports equipment rentals that include keelboats, paddles, boats, kayaks, jetskis, and windsurfing boards, to name a few. They also provide water sports classes for anyone who wants to learn sailing, boating, and safe boating standards.
Try out paddling
The calm waters of Lake Natoma are perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling. Again, the aquatic center offers classes in water sports activities and equipment rentals for the public.
You can try rowing
Whether it is single rowing or a sweep rowing shell, the lake’s tranquil water is perfect for hobbyists and professional rowers alike. The center also offers rowing equipment and private classes and training for crews and athletes.
Try some wind sports
During the windy months of May, June, and July, Lake Natoma is perfect for wind sports such as kite-surfing and windsurfing. Again, the center offers water sports equipment and classes for their guests.
Attend their wakeboard and water ski class
This popular Natoma aquatic park offers a multi-level water skin and wakeboard class and private lessons for adults and children.
Note: As of this writing, some of the classes and private lessons are not available due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Enjoy a quiet picnic or barbecue date
The 8-acre aquatic center has picnic tables, shade tents, volleyball courts, shaded grass areas, and power outlets that make this an excellent venue for a relaxing picnic and barbecue date.
Note: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all reservations for team buildings, birthday parties, and special events are temporarily closed. Also, being a multi-use facility, the Sacramento State Aquatic Center does not provide exclusive use.
Guidelines When You Visit the Aquatic Center
- Fishing is not allowed at the center.
- Do not feed the wildlife.
- While swimming is permitted, guests are advised not to swim or lounge from the docks.
- Dogs are not allowed in the boats and on the property.
- Guests can use the facility’s life jacket free of charge.
- Bottles and other glass containers are not allowed on the grounds.
- Drinking and smoking are not permitted on the premises.
- Park only in designated areas; improperly parked cars will be towed.
Additional Information
Amenities: Picnic tables, barbecues, beach area, four docks, parking, and classrooms.
Discount: Students, staff, and alumni of Sac State enjoy discounts if they present their identification card.
SAC State Aquatic Center Hours: Monday to Sunday, between 8 am and 8 pm. (The operating hours may change depending on the weather and season, so always check their website for their schedule.)
Address: 1901 Hazel Avenue, Gold River, California
Contact number: 916-Aquatic 916-278-2842 / Fax 916-278-1105
Email: aquaticcenter@csus.edu
Nearby Areas
As a popular summer destination, there are around 50 hotels and accommodations within a few miles of Lake Natoma. In terms of proximity and price, Hawthorn Suites and Comfort Inn & Suites Rancho Cordova-Sacramento can be an excellent choices.
You may also want to visit Folsom Historic District, Folsom History Museum, Folsom Powerhouse, and the city zoo, which all are near the aquatic center.
