Paradise Beach

If you are looking for a peaceful nature retreat without leaving the city limits, Paradise Beach is an ideal choice. This popular public beach is located on a picturesque bend of the American River in Sacramento. Thanks to its shape as a cozy cove with sandy dunes and a gentle slope to the water, this location in the USA is often compared to a freshwater ocean coast.

The location is in close proximity to California State University, making it a favorite getaway for both students and families. Clean sand and the calm river current create an atmosphere of serenity, perfect for outdoor relaxation. Adjacent to the beach is Glenn Hall Park, where visitors can find additional amenities, including playgrounds and a swimming pool.

Paradise Beach is valued for its accessibility and natural beauty. It is a place where you can have a riverside picnic, enjoy views of the river, or simply spend time away from the city bustle while remaining in the center of the action. The beach's popularity is confirmed by high ratings from visitors, who call it one of the region's most charming "hidden" gems.

When planning your trip to Paradise Beach, it is helpful to have the official contact information at hand. The beach is managed by the county's regional parks service.

Below is the primary contact information and the exact address of the location:

The main draw for visitors to Paradise Beach is undoubtedly the opportunity for swimming in the river's quiet cove. The calm waters are perfect for cooling off on a hot California day, though it is worth remembering that no lifeguards are on duty here. The wide sandy stretch invites you to spread out a towel for sunbathing or organize a family picnic with a view of the river's surface.

For nature lovers, the beach turns into a real observatory. In the dense willow thickets and on the sandbars, you can encounter fascinating inhabitants: kingfishers, yellow-breasted chats, and loggerhead shrikes are often seen here, along with various ducks and gulls. Walking trails passing through cottonwood groves allow you to enjoy the silence and observe bird migrations during the winter period.

If you feel like a change of scenery, Glenn Hall Park is just a few steps away. There, guests can enjoy a lifeguarded swimming pool, spacious fields for active games, and shady oak groves perfect for leisurely strolls. Please note: alcohol consumption is prohibited on the beach, which maintains a calm and safe atmosphere for all guests.

Reaching this picturesque spot from the city center is quite simple. The main route for drivers is via U.S. 50: take the Howe Ave exit and head north, then turn left onto Fair Oaks Blvd and right onto Carlson Drive. The road will lead you directly to the intersection with Sandburg Drive, where the entrance to the recreation area is located.

If you prefer an alternative route, you can take J St northeast, turn onto Carlson Drive, and drive about a mile to the dead end where the parking lot is situated. The beach itself is just over the levee from Glenn Hall Park. An important note: parking at the park is free, but it closes at dusk, so keep an eye on the time.

For those choosing public transport, California State University (CSU Sacramento) serves as a landmark. The beach is within walking distance of bus stops running along Fair Oaks Blvd. You can also always use taxi or rideshare services from the city center—the trip will take very little time thanks to the site's convenient location within the city limits.

The history of Paradise Beach is inextricably linked to the creation of the famous American River Parkway. The idea of establishing a continuous green zone along the American River dates back to 1915, when urban planner John Nolen proposed turning the riverbanks into a public asset. Decades later, in 1947, Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. refined this plan, emphasizing nature conservation and development control.

Interestingly, the Paradise Beach section was the very first land acquisition for the future park in 1950. This was made possible by a special grant from the State Park Commission. During those years, the river's appearance changed significantly: the construction of the Folsom and Nimbus dams in the mid-1950s affected water levels and shaped the landscape we see today.

The beach owes its modern character to activists from the Save the American River Association (SARA). They put in immense effort to transform former dump sites and abandoned Gold Rush-era mines into a clean recreational area. Today, this place is the result of years of community work dedicated to preserving a natural habitat in the heart of civilization.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere of Paradise Beach, most visitors need between 2 and 4 hours. This is plenty of time to have a small picnic, walk along the shore, and cool off in the river waters.

If you plan to go beyond the beach and want to stop by the neighboring Glenn Hall Park to use the swimming pool or sports fields, it is better to set aside half a day (about 4–6 hours). This will allow you to combine active recreation with relaxed nature observation and birdwatching without rushing.

Paradise Beach welcomes guests daily, opening at 07:00 and closing at 19:00. This schedule applies throughout the week, from Monday to Sunday. However, please keep in mind that the parking lot closes at dusk, so plan your return in advance.

As operating hours may change depending on the season or weather conditions, visitors are strongly encouraged to check the latest information on the official website of the regional parks service before their trip.

A visit to Paradise Beach can easily be combined with other interesting locations nearby. The city offers many options for active recreation, family entertainment, and cultural leisure, making your trip as full as possible.

Below is a list of attractions located nearby: