Stay Cool this Summer with these Fun Water Activities

The summer temperatures are heating up, and there's no better way to beat the heat than to cool off with some fun and adventurous water activities. At Amtrak San Joaquins, we wanted to highlight some fun local activities along the San Joaquins route that will help you and your family combat the heat. Our Friends and Family discount is the perfect way to help get you to these fun destinations.

AMERICAN RIVER RAFT RENTALS

11257 S Bridge St, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 | Open 7 days a week from 9:00 AM PDT- 1:00 PM PDT

Enjoy a self-guided tour with Friends or Family down the American River. Since 1974, American River Raft Rentals has provided Sacramento locals and visitors from all over the state a fun way to enjoy the summer months with various river activities. From a single raft to kayaking, American River Raft Rentals makes your trip down the American River fun for the whole family! Are you going with a group of friends? No problem, large rafts can accommodate up to twelve people. They also can help you plan your next corporate or office outing event. To learn more about American River Raft Rentals, please visit their website.

Directions: San Joaquins passengers and Amtrak Thruway bus riders arriving at the Sacramento Valley Station can take a 28-minute Lyft or Uber to the American River Raft Rentals Sunrise Location.

OLD SACRAMENTO RIVER WALK

111 I St, Sacramento, CA

If you want to experience the history of Sacramento, why not take a short walk to Old Sacramento. Full of museums, fun shops, great food, and history. Old Sacramento offers a glimpse into the state's past. First, enjoy the California Railroad Museum as you learn about the rail expansion from coast to coast. Next, visit Evenagaline’s, an iconic Old Sacramento staple full of gag gifts, books, and various costumes. While you’re at it, stop by BoxCar Eats and enjoy some ice-cold treats while you explore the Sacramento River Walk. Boxcar Eats serves self-serve dairy-free Dole Whip, Tillamook ice cream, and frozen yogurt. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy while you explore all that Old Sacramento has to offer!

Directions: San Joaquins passengers and Amtrak Thruway bus riders who arrive at the Sacramento Valley Station can take an 8-minute walk to the Boxcar Eats. Turn left toward 2nd Street, slight right onto 2nd Street, and begin exploring Old Sacramento.

SAC BREW WALK

1208 Front St, Sacramento, CA | Open 7 days a week from 9:00 AM PDT - 9:00 PM PDT

Here’s something the adults will enjoy. Sacramento now offers a fun way to explore the Sacramento River with the Sac Brew Boat. The Sac Brew Boat provides an hour and a half pedal-powered boat and tiki boat cruises down the Sacramento River. Groups can bring their own beer, cider, wine, seltzers, or canned cocktails aboard the chartered boat. Tours are a fun interactive experience and the perfect way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, work events, or any other group outing. So, why not book a trip with the Sac Brew Boat, one of the best party venues on the Sacramento River! To learn more information about how to book a cruise on the Sac Brew Boat, visit their website.

Directions: San Joaquins passengers and Amtrak Thruway bus riders who arrive at the Sacramento Valley Station can take an 11-minute walk to the Public Docks on the Sacramento River. Turn left toward 2nd Street, slightly right onto 2nd Street, right onto J Street, and finally turn left onto Front Street, and the destination will be on your right.

BUCKLEY COVE PARK

Buckley Cove Way, Stockton, CA

Enjoy a day in the sun by taking the whole family to Buckley Cove Park along the San Joaquin River. Explore the Delta by launching your boat off the Buckley Cove Boat launch and have an adventure navigating the waterways. Buckley Cove is great for bringing goodies and a family picnic.

Directions: San Joaquins riders arriving at the San Joaquin Street Station can take a quick 13-minute Lyft or Uber to Buckley Cove Park

HEADWATERS KAYAK & SUP RENTALS

1101 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA | Open 7 days a week from 10:00 AM PDT - 5:00 PM PDT

Head to Headwaters Kayak and SUP Rentals for all things water-related along Lodi Lake and the Mokelumne River. Headwaters offers kayak tours, an intro to kayaking, 3-day excursions, and kid’s camps. For those who enjoy more of a challenge, why not try paddleboarding? It’s a great way to get a fun workout while enjoying the wildlife along the shoreline and river banks. Each lesson is fun and easy to learn, making it an excellent experience for the whole family. For more information about classes, rentals, or excursions, visit the Headwaters Kayak and SUP rentals website.

Directions: San Joaquins riders arriving at the Lodi station can take a quick 7-minute Lyft or Uber to Lodi Lake and Headwaters Boathouse.

ISLAND WATERPARK

6099 W Barstow Ave, Fresno, CA | Open 7 days a week from 11:00 AM PDT - 7:00 PM PDT

One of the best ways to stay cool in the Central Valley is to stop by the Island Waterpark. This water park in Fresno offers slides, rides, food, and cabanas. While the adults relax, the kids can explore the park's many rides and slides. Take a dip in the tidal wave pool, race your friends down the Bora Bora Racers, or maybe kick back and enjoy the slow pace of the Waimea River. Be sure to grab a bite at one of the many cafes and food stands the park offers. Junior admission tickets start at $29, general admission tickets start at $39, and senior and military admission tickets start at $26.99. For more information on how to plan your day at Island Waterpark, stop by their website and check out their tips and tricks!

Directions: San Joaquins riders arriving at the Fresno Station can take a 15-minute Lyft or Uber to Island Waterpark.

CALIFORNIA CANOE & KAYAK AT JACK LONDON SQUARE

Jack London Square, 409 Water Street, Oakland, CA | Open Wednesday - Sunday from 10:00 AM PDT - 5:00 PM PDT

California Canoe and Kayak focuses on bringing fun and education to paddle and water sports, offering a variety of activities and rentals, including sea kayaks, whitewater kayaks, paddleboards, surf-ski, and canoes. They aim to show the benefits of outdoor experiences that people of all ages can discover. They also provide instruction and guidance if this is your first time testing the paddlesport and water sports experience. To plan your recreational paddlesport and water sports adventure, check out the California Canoe and Kayak website for more information.

Directions: Amtrak San Joaquins riders arriving at the Jack London Square Station can take a 5-minute walk to California Canoe and Kayak. Head northeast on Alice St, turn left onto Embarcadero West, turn left onto Webster Street, turn right toward San Francisco Bay Trail/Water Street, turn left toward San Francisco Bay Trail/Water Street, and finally turn right onto San Francisco Bay Trail/Water Street. The destination will be on your right.

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