SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - While the summer heat in the Sacramento area is hard to beat, the region has several recreational areas to cool off by the water. 

Kayaking, canoeing and rafting with friends and family are popular ways to enjoy the outdoors. 

Here are nearby destinations where Galt residents can rent or bring their own gear for a safe and memorable paddle adventure.

For paddlers with their own gear, the Cosumnes River Preserve offers free-flowing, flat water ideal from spring through fall. It’s a scenic spot for nature lovers to explore local wildlife and wetlands.

Tide information and navigation tips are available at cosumnes.org/paddle-the-river. Guided paddle tours are available and led by experienced instructors. Paddlers must bring their own equipment. 

The preserve is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 13501 Franklin Blvd., Galt. For more information, call 916-684-2816.

The boathouse at Lodi Lake is a go-to paddling destination for Sacramento and Central Valley residents alike. 

Rentals include basic and premium single kayaks ($22 to $35), tandem kayaks ($44), paddleboards ($22) and pedal boats. Rentals are available hourly, with lower rates for additional hours. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, with rentals ending one hour before closing.

Lessons in kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are $92 per person.  A free Community Paddle is at noon Thursdays for those with their own kayaks; rentals for the event are $45 (plus tax) or $20 (plus tax) for children 10 and under.

Lodi Lake Boathouse is at 1101 W. Turner Road, Lodi. For more information, visit lodiboathouse.com or call 209-471-5988.

Nimbus Rentals offers fully equipped two-seat kayaks that don’t require a roof rack. Located at 3651 Redding Ave., Sacramento, the business serves couples, families and travelers seeking a convenient outing at their preferred waterway. 

Rentals include two life jackets (adult, youth or child), two paddles, a 20-pound dry bag, foam mount blocks, roof straps with quick loops and a transport wheel. Loading assistance is available at pickup.

Kayaks can be picked up between 7 and 9 a.m. and returned by 6 p.m. The daily rental fee is $80, with a discounted $60 rate for first-time renters. Pickup is near Tahoe Park; the exact address is provided upon booking. To book a rental, visit nimbusrentals.com, text 916-477-7311 or email [email protected].

Known for its calm waters, Lake Natoma in Sacramento County is ideal for flatwater kayaking. Limited motorized boat use makes for a chill and easygoing day on the water.

Lake Natoma Paddle Rentals at 9600 Greenback Lane offers four watercraft options: paddleboards and single kayaks for $20 per hour, tandem kayaks (two-person) for $30 and canoes for $30. Rentals are available daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Oct. 13. Two-hour beginner kayak lessons and lake tours are available for $79, included with gear. 

For bookings or more information, visit lakenatomapaddlerentals.com.

The Sacramento State Aquatic Center, also located at Lake Natoma, 1901 Hazel Ave., offers rentals and classes in activities such as sailing, rowing, paddling, windsurfing, wakeboarding and jet skiing. Spaces are also available to rent and host events.

California State University, Sacramento alumni and affiliates receive discounts. For currently-enrolled students, cost for rentals is almost half price upon showing photo identification. For more details, visit sacstateaquaticcenter.com or call 916-278-2842.

Rafting on the American River is a classic summer tradition. American River Raft Rentals in Gold River has offered self-guided floats since the 1970s. There are two launch sites: Sunrise at 11257 S. Bridge St. and Sailor Bar at 4253 Illinois Ave., both with shuttle service back to the starting point.

The Sunrise launch site is open daily through Oct. 31. Sailor Bar, a newer two-mile float option, is open weekends (Saturday and Sunday) through Labor Day. Rafts range from four-person ($99) to 12-person ($280).

 Rentals are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., depending on river conditions. To learn more, visit raftrentals.com or call 888-338-RAFT.

The Barge Canal Access in West Sacramento is a local favorite for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and boating. Located at 2100 Jefferson Blvd., near South River Road, the site includes parking, a hand-carry boat ramp, picnic areas, a walking trail and interpretive panels.

The ramp provides access to the Sacramento River and the Sacramento Deep Water Channel for hand-carried watercraft. Visitors must bring their own gear. Seasonal hours through Nov. 1 are 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. 

Wherever you choose to paddle this summer, stay hydrated, wear a life vest and have fun exploring the region’s scenic waterways!