Attractions and Places To See around Mather - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Mather, California, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance within Sacramento County. The area, once Mather Air Force Base, features expansive parks, unique vernal pools, and wetlands. It provides recreational facilities and access to significant waterways like the American River. This region is characterized by its redeveloped landscape, offering a mix of outdoor activities and historical context.
Best attractions and places to see around Mather
- The most popular attractions is Harold Richey Memorial Bicycle Bridge, a bridge popular with families and cyclists. This bridge is part of the Jedidiah Smith Memorial Bike Trail and does not allow cars.
- Another must-see spot is Jedidiah Smith Memorial Trail (American River Bike Trail), a cycle way. This 32-mile paved multi-use trail parallels the American River, offering waterside views.
- Visitors also love Guy West Bridge, a bridge for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. It connects the campus of California State University Sacramento with the Campus Commons development and is designed to resemble the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Mather is known for its bridges, cycle ways, and facilities for water sports. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from historical sites to natural landscapes.
- The attractions around Mather are appreciated by the komoot community, with 37 upvotes and 4 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Harold Richey Memorial Bicycle Bridge
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Sacramento State Aquatic Center
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Guy West Bridge
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Jedidiah Smith Memorial Trail (American River Bike Trail)
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Fair Oaks Bridge
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Tips from the Community
The Jedidiah Smith Memorial Trail, also known as the American River Bike Trail, is a 32-mile paved multi-use trail that runs from Discovery Park to Folsom Lake's Beal's Point. It parallels the American River and offers some awesome waterside views.
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Little tip-outs on both sides to safely pull over & take pics; the north side (upriver) is deep & boaters fish there. the south side faces down river & the myriad of rapids there. This bridge is one of many along the Jedediah Smith Memorial Bike Trail; a 32 mile, 2 lane multi-use paved path (bikes, peds, equestrian) that runs twix Discovery Park & Granite Bay. IT IS IN ESSENCE OUR BIKE SUPERHIGHWAY..... No Vehicles Allowed. the Jededia is patrolled by red-shirted volunteers, Sac Sheriff & Rangers. there's also Emergency Call Boxes all along it & water spigots too (but only a few! π€£π)
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The Harold Richey Memorial Bicycle Bridge, named after county commissioner Harold M. Richey and dedicated to him in 1987, is popular with families and cyclists, especially on weekends. The bridge does not allow cars, with rules on the bridge deck that outline right-of-way guidelines for pedestrians, equestrians, and cyclists.
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If you're up for a day of fun on Lake Natoma, check out this aquatic center. They offer classes and equipment rentals for various watersports like sailing, rowing, paddling, windsurfing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and boating. It's the perfect spot for a water adventure!
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Nice stop along the American River Bike Trail, offering picnic tables on the levee.
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The Guy West bridge connects the east and west banks of the American River Bike Trail. The bridge also access California State University Sacramento. This is a great way to jump to East Sac, Mid-Town, and Downtown without having to ride all the way to Discovery Park.
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The Guy West Bridge is a suspension bridge for pedestrian and bicycle traffic spanning the American River in Sacramento, California. It links the campus of California State University Sacramento with the neighboring Campus Commons development. The bridge was designed to resemble the Golden Gate Bridge, both in form and signature international orange color.
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The Sacramento State Aquatic Center is a cooperative operation of the Associated Students Inc. of California State University, Sacramento, the University Union of Sac State, California Division of Boating and Waterways, and the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The center was established in 1981 and has provided instruction to thousands of students. The center offers university kinesiology classes, Sailing, Paddling, Rowing. Windsurfing, Boating, Wakeboarding and Water Skiing, Jet Skiing as leisure classes for the general public, competitive teams, and a series of progressive summer camps and youth programs. The center was established to augment the academic curriculum at Sacramento State. The Aquatic Center is open to students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Sac State as well as the general public. https://www.sacstateaquaticcenter.com/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Mather?
Mather Regional Park is home to unique vernal pools and wetlands, which are seasonal habitats for wildflowers and wildlife, including rare fairy shrimp and migratory birds. You can also visit Mather Lake within the park, which is stocked with bass or trout depending on the season, making it a popular spot for fishing.
Are there good hiking trails near Mather?
Yes, the Mather area offers several hiking opportunities. You can explore trails like the American River Bike Trail Loop, Bannister Park to American River via Bannister Bike Trail, and the San Juan Rapids Trail. These trails range from easy to moderate difficulty, offering diverse experiences for hikers.
What cycling opportunities are available in the Mather area?
Mather is well-known for its cycling routes, particularly the Jedidiah Smith Memorial Trail (American River Bike Trail), a 32-mile paved multi-use path offering scenic waterside views. You can also find various cycling routes, including the American River and Folsom South Canal Trail Loop, and routes connecting to bridges like the Guy West Bridge.
What family-friendly activities are available in Mather?
Families can enjoy a variety of activities. Mather Regional Park offers picnic areas and open spaces. The Mather Sports Complex provides facilities for softball, baseball, soccer, a skate park, and a playground. For water activities, the Sacramento State Aquatic Center on Lake Natoma offers classes and equipment rentals for various water sports. Cycling on the Jedidiah Smith Memorial Trail, including crossing the Harold Richey Memorial Bicycle Bridge, is also popular with families.
What is the historical significance of Mather?
Mather has a rich history as the former Mather Air Force Base, which operated from 1918 until 1993. Originally known as Mills Field, it played a crucial role as a pilot training facility and later housed the Strategic Air Command's 320th Bombardment Wing during the Cold War. The area is named after 2nd Lieutenant Carl Spencer Mather, who died in an air collision.
Are there any historical landmarks to visit in the area?
While the former Mather Air Force Base itself is a historical site, you can also visit the Fair Oaks Bridge, a historic structure now closed to vehicles, offering great views of the American River. The Guy West Bridge, designed to resemble the Golden Gate Bridge, also holds local significance as a pedestrian and bicycle link.
Where can I find sports facilities in Mather?
The Mather Sports Complex is a regional destination offering extensive facilities. It includes fields for softball, baseball, and soccer, along with a skate park and playground. The Mather Sports Center within the complex provides indoor options like basketball, volleyball, pickleball, racquetball courts, weight rooms, a cardio room, and a dance studio.
Can I go fishing in Mather?
Yes, Mather Lake, located within Mather Regional Park, is a popular fishing spot. The lake is regularly stocked with bass or trout, depending on the season, making it an ideal place for anglers.
Are there opportunities for water sports near Mather?
Absolutely. The Sacramento State Aquatic Center on Lake Natoma is easily accessible from Mather. It offers classes and equipment rentals for a wide range of water sports, including sailing, rowing, paddling, windsurfing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and general boating.
Are there accessible attractions for visitors with mobility needs?
The Guy West Bridge is noted as being wheelchair accessible, providing a scenic crossing over the American River. Many sections of the paved Jedidiah Smith Memorial Trail (American River Bike Trail) are also generally accessible for those with mobility aids, offering a smooth surface for enjoyment.
What do visitors enjoy most about the bridges around Mather?
Visitors particularly enjoy the unique design and scenic views offered by the bridges. The Harold Richey Memorial Bicycle Bridge is popular with cyclists and families for its car-free environment and pull-outs for photos. The Guy West Bridge is admired for its resemblance to the Golden Gate Bridge and its role in connecting the university campus with the bike trail. The historic Fair Oaks Bridge offers great views of the river and nesting birds.
Are there dog-friendly trails or parks in Mather?
Mather Regional Park generally welcomes dogs on leash, offering open spaces for walks. The Jedidiah Smith Memorial Trail (American River Bike Trail) is also a popular choice for dog walkers, providing miles of paved path along the river. Always ensure to follow local leash laws and clean up after your pet.
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