Overview
Elk Grove is a city of 176,000 people (2020) in Sacramento County in California. Elk Grove has many wineries, wine cellars, and vineyards.
4 sights · 3 things to do · 4 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Elk Grove
Elk Grove Historical Society
Small museum with some history about Elk Grove that holds events for some holidays, such as Halloween and Christmas. Good place to take children to.
Grave of Elitha Cumi Donner Wilder
A small historical California landmark in remembrance of the survivor of the Donner Party.
Site of the First County Free Library Branch in California
Another historical landmark of the state of California.
Community Rose Garden
If it's on your way, this is a nice garden to stop and relax in. It's inside of a park that also has places to walk.
Pinot's Palette
An art studio chain where you can sign up for classes and paint, along with enjoying alcohol. The bartenders make pretty good recommendations.
Exit Strategy Games
An escape room; one of two locations, the other in Mammoth Lakes. A good activity for families or for parties.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Feb–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 94°F; winter lows dip to about 41°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Sacramento)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SMF Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento — 21 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SCK Stockton Metropolitan Airport, Stockton — 38 mi away. Directions
Elk Grove is located just east of Interstate 5, approximately 16 mi south of Sacramento. It is also accessible from CA-99 S at a similar distance.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Elk Grove Historical Society, Pinot's Palette, Exit Strategy Games
- Lunch Boulevard Bistro
- Afternoon Grave of Elitha Cumi Donner Wilder, Site of the First County Free Library Branch in California
- Dinner Journey to the Dumpling
- Evening Babe's Lounge
Day 2
- Morning Community Rose Garden
- Lunch Sarom's Southern Kitchen
- Dinner Kotteri Ramen Bar
- Evening Hay Tone's Hangout
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Elk Grove is located just east of Interstate 5, approximately 16 mi south of Sacramento. It is also accessible from CA-99 S at a similar distance.
By plane
Sacramento International Airport is approximately 26 miles north.
Get around
Elk Grove utilizes Sacramento Regional Transit for Elk Grove Transit Services. You can buy passes online, and there are multiple stops around the city.
See
See Grave of Elitha Cumi Donner Wilder
A small historical California landmark in remembrance of the survivor of the Donner Party.
See Site of the First County Free Library Branch in California
Another historical landmark of the state of California.
See Community Rose Garden
If it's on your way, this is a nice garden to stop and relax in. It's inside of a park that also has places to walk.
Do
Buy
Shop Elk Grove Commons
Shopping center with your typical range of stores such as a UPS, World Market, and a Kohl's.
Eat
Eat Boulevard Bistro
California-inspired dishes and wine in a bungalow built in the early 20th century. It's not a stop-and-go food place but a good choice if you'd like to sit down and eat somewhere more suited for a date night.
Eat Kotteri Ramen Bar
Japanese restaurant serving ramen among other things, like squid legs. The broth overall is very good; try ordering the black tonkatsu ramen.
Eat Journey to the Dumpling
Chinese restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere that serves alcohol in addition to dumpling soups and noodle dishes with large portions.
Eat Sarom's Southern Kitchen
Southern comfort food location popular for its sweet potato pie. Offers foods such as ribs, chicken and waffles and grits.
Drink
Drink Babe's Lounge
Lounge with a good whiskey selection and bottomless mimosa on Sundays.
Drink Hay Tone's Hangout
Casual dive bar with a pool area and a selection of beers.
Sleep
Go next
Sacramento is 10 minutes away on 5 North or 99 North.
Nearby
Sacramento
City / town · 91 listings · 10 mi away
Rancho Cordova
City / town · 13 listings · 11 mi away
West Sacramento
City / town · 6 listings · 13 mi away
Galt
City / town · 2 listings · 13 mi away
Gold River
City / town · 4 listings · 15 mi away
Walnut Grove
City / town · 11 listings · 15 mi away
McClellan Park
City / town · 1 listings · 16 mi away
North Highlands
City / town · 1 listings · 16 mi away
My experience
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