14 Best Things to Do in Florin (CA)

Once an important farming district, Florin was the Strawberry capital of the world in the 19th century and has retained some important local agricultural businesses.

Sample the great local wine and fresh produce here, or make up a picnic to enjoy in one of Florin’s community parks. Alternatively, check out one of Florin’s large selections of Vietnamese restaurants that have grown out of the Asian-American community here.

With superb links to trendy Sacramento, you’ll want to head uptown to explore the city, which is packed with cultural sights and fashionable restaurants.

Here are the 14 best things to do in and around Florin.

1. Try the Wines at the Frasinetti Winery

Founded by Italian immigrant James Frasinetti in 1897, this winery and restaurant features beautiful grounds and is a popular venue for wedding receptions. The building includes a lovely courtyard, replete with wine barrels and towering poplar trees, to give you that old-world Italian feel.

The small on-site restaurant here has been serving Italian classics for the better part of 100 years, and you will not be disappointed by their authentic pasta dishes and their superb wine and cheese pairings.

Visit the tasting room here to try one of their classic chiantis, or their more experimental almond champagne — the stuff of a local legend.

2. Take a Class at Sincere Ceramics

Visit Sincere Ceramics just north of Florin to test your creative abilities. The pottery room here is bright and pretty, and it’s a lovely space to spend a few hours playing with the clay. The friendly instructors are happy to welcome everyone from complete beginners to budding Picassos.

All materials are included in the price of classes, and you can come here to learn artistic techniques to make beautiful dishes or simply have fun creating animals and monsters from your clay.

When you’re done getting your hands dirty, check out the beautiful gallery space next door. It exhibits some lovely pieces sculpted by local artists.

3. Take a Day Trip to Tahoe National Forest

Make the two-hour drive to local Tahoe forest to experience some of the best of California’s great outdoors.

The drive through the forest itself is truly magical, especially when the leaves start to change in the fall. Whether you’ve come here to clamber through the forest adventure park, hit the ski slopes, or just hike through beautiful mountain scenery, you’re sure to have an amazing trip.

If you fancy traveling all the way to Lake Tahoe on the edge of the forest, you will be rewarded with breath-taking views over vast open waters and staggering mountain backdrops.

4. Listen to Music at The Royal Hookah Lounge

This laid-back smoker’s paradise provides flavored hookah and local DJs, and it’s a great place to kick back and smoke with a couple of beers. Their range of tobaccos is quite extensive and includes non-nicotine based smokes for those who are trying to quit.

This bar closes late and acts as a regular nightclub, but it’s also a great place to get a coffee and while away an afternoon during the daytime.

Visit their shop for exotic pipes and novel tobacco.

5. Try Some Vietnamese Food at Quan Nem Ninh Hoa

The eastern edge of Florin is dotted with Vietnamese restaurants supplied by the local immigrant community. Quan Nem Ninh Hoa is the best of the best.

The food here is fresh and spicy and features many Vietnamese classics including, pho and bun cha. In spite of the tremendous quality, the prices here are dirt cheap. There are lots of great dishes to sample here, so get one of their large sharing platters if you’re eating with friends.

Hot tip – try their Spring Rolls, they’re famous in Sacramento.

6. Take a Day Trip to the Napa Valley

Famous for its wines, vines, and posh restaurants, the beautiful Napa countryside is just an hour’s drive from Florin.

Winery tours are a dime a dozen here, and you’ll find many European style chateaus with lush vineyards. Italianate courtyards, cosy wood cabins, and modern mansions dot the landscape amid a wealth of luxurious resorts and wineries. Hit the town of Castiloga in particular for top notch relaxation. The town is famous for its mud baths and hot springs.

The Napa Valley Wine Train is another popular option here. This beautiful vintage locomotive is an elegant way to explore the countryside. Its excellent onboard kitchen supplies fine wines along with the best in gourmet cooking.

7. Visit the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum

Named after the incredible civil rights activist Sojourner Truth, this great museum is just west of Florin. Established by renowned artist and activist, Shonna McDaniel’s, the Museum is an artistic exploration of African American history.

The spectacular murals on display here depict the life and works of many great African Americans, and you will get lost for hours drinking in the details.

Many vendors come from across the region to sell their vibrant handicrafts here, including jewelry, paintings, clothes, and instruments that are all sold on the weekends.

8. Head to Sutter’s Fort Historic Park

Just north of Florin is one of the state’s best historical museums. Built in 1839, this fort’s fascinating history includes gold rush miners, the Donner Party cannibals, and Stutter himself who engaged in lengthy conflicts with the local indigenous people. Still as well-stocked as it was when it supplied a military garrison, the relics on display here include antique pistols, swords, and cannons which were once used to defend the fort.

Take an audio tour for a wealth of fascinating stories that bring the history here to life. Make sure you talk to the reenactors who staff the fort, they have wonderful costumes and a great sense of humor.

9. Try your Luck at Parkwest Casino

This refined local gambling den offers blackjack, poker, and a lovely bar area, perfect for sipping on victory cocktails after a triumphant win. On the weekends, you’ll find crowds of people here who’ve come to watch the better players risk it all.

The great adjoining restaurant has a mix of Asian and American cuisine for hungry gamblers, and many people skip the tables and come here just to eat.

Cheap games are available for those who are looking for a good time and minimal risk. For a sumptuous and high-class experience, take a look at their VIP options.

10. Try the Local Produce at Elk Grove Farmer’s Market

Florin has great access to many local farms and fresh produce. As a result, many popular little farmer’s markets set up here on the weekends. Elk Grove’s Market, just south of Florin has a great reputation and is well worth look if you are in town on the right days. Live bands often play in the street here, creating a lovely atmosphere for browsing.

Local honey, nuts, fruit, and vegetables are all available at low prices, but the highlight of this market is its beautiful selection of flowers.

Make sure you buy some strawberries here, the Florin area was once famous for them.

11. Do A food Tour in Sacramento

Sacramento has a great reputation for food. Head north of Florin into Sacramento proper for a full-day tasting tour to discover the best of local gastronomy.

There are lots of companies to choose from, but Local Roots in particular is popular for its walking tours. They even let you choose between various historic neighborhoods.

Discover top chefs who pair wines with local cheeses, homely market stalls that sell baked goods, and hipster brewers that concoct eccentric beers. Between tasting meats, sweets and vegetables, you’ll be able to explore the city streets of Florin’s big brother, Sacramento.

12. Visit the Jack N. Sheldon Park and Gardens

One of many local community parks, this green and leafy space caters to kids and adults and has a welcoming community feel.

The lovely open gazebos are a great place to relax, and the kids’ play area here has great facilities including a jungle-gym and slides.

Try the soccer grounds and baseball field if you’re into sport, or simply follow the grassy trails through the park on a warm, summer’s day.

13. Take a Trip to the Folsom Prison Museum

Head northeast of Florin to find Folsom Prison, best known from Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison Blues. One of the oldest prisons in California, Cash sang here in 1968 and there is even a little tribute to him in the prison.

The museum collection includes makeshift weapons manufactured by previous inmates and details about the prison’s sometimes bloody history. The displays about life in the prison chronicle how punishment and rehabilitation have changed over the years. Some of the exhibits are incredibly moving.

The prison is still up and running, so you’ll get to meet the guards when you go. They are also notoriously friendly so be sure to ask them to share some stories.

14. Play Some Rounds at the WildHawk Golf Club

The WildHawk Golf Club on Vineyard Road on the edge of Florin is a tranquil natural spot for golfing enthusiasts. This large, well-maintained green runs classes for newbies if you’ve never played golf before.

Their grounds have an excellent pro shop for those looking for some professional gear, and the staff will help you fully relax in the adjoining clubhouse.

Come here early in the morning to have a fantastic breakfast at the onsite WildHawk Grille.