Red Lion Inn & Suites Auburn CA

A Guide to Adventure in Northern California

No matter what brings you to Northern California, there are plenty of things to do to make your stay at Red Lion Inn & Suites Auburn memorable. Historically, visitors were drawn to Auburn for its gold mines. These days, tourists come from near and far to soak in the region's rich history at Old Town Auburn, revel in the many area wineries, compete in national sporting events, explore the area's vast outdoor wonders, tee off at one of many golf courses and so much more.

Red Lion Inn & Suites puts you in the center of all the best things to do in Auburn, while providing pampering amenities to leave you free to explore the region. Come with the kids for outdoor family fun or with a group of friends for a thrilling casino getaway; Auburn is a city with something for everyone.

Hiking Trails & Parks in Auburn, CA

Whatever your athletic ability, Auburn has something for every outdoor enthusiast. A region meant to be explored outside, Auburn is home to hundreds of scenic trails with paths for hikers, bikers, equestrians, and casual walkers. Find adventure in one of these world famous natural wonders, parks, and canyons in Auburn, CA and near Red Lion Inn & Suites:

• Sierra Nevada Mountains
• American River Canyon
• Folsom Lake & State Recreation Area
• Auburn State Recreation Area
• Foresthill Bridge
• Lake Clementine

Wineries in Auburn, CA

If your idea of unwinding includes sipping on wine, Northern California is the perfect place for you. Home to over 20 wineries, Placer County cities, including Auburn, Loomis, and Roseville, boast an assortment of family-owned and boutique vineyards where winemakers are happy to welcome you on tours and tastings. Be sure to visit these Auburn, CA vineyards close to Red Lion Inn & Suites:

• Mt. Vernon Winery
• Lone Buffalo Vineyards
• PaZa Wines
• Green Family Winery
• Fawnridge Winery

Museums in Auburn, CA

Before the Gold Rush put Auburn on the map, the city and surrounding Placer County were home to a thriving Native American community. Go back in time and uncover the exhilarating history of Auburn, and learn why this special city is designated as a California Historical Landmark at these museums near Red Lion Auburn:

• The Gold Rush Museum
• Old Town Preservation Society
• Placer County Museum
• Bernhard Museum

Outdoor Adventure at Auburn State Recreation Area

The Endurance Race Capital of the World

Located along 40 riverfront miles, Auburn State Recreation Area is an outdoor paradise that welcomes more than 900,000 visitors each year. One of Northern California's largest and most popular national parks, Auburn State Recreation Area features plenty of outdoor recreational sports and activities including hiking and biking trails, horseback riding and equestrian trails, fishing and swimming lagoons.

Home to more endurance races and sporting competitions than any other outdoor area, Auburn State Recreation Area is the perfect place to experience the outdoors in the heart of Auburn. This world-famous park is also an ideal setting for outdoor picnics, scenic strolls, and soaking in the stunning Northern California landscape.

Whether you are visiting for fun and leisure or are competing in one the many races held in the park, Red Lion Inn & Suites is located just five minutes away and is the best hotel near Auburn State Recreation Area for unwinding after a long day of exploring the great outdoors. 

Family Activities in Auburn, CA

Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit

Pack up the kids and experience fun activities in Auburn, CA for the whole family. From educational outings to adventure-filled day trips, Auburn offers plenty of family-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy.

Old Town Auburn

Downtown Auburn’s charming, old-timey district that captures the city rich history, while celebrating it today, Old Town Auburn is the perfect place for visitors of all ages. In Old Town Auburn, you can find museums and participate in art walk tours along cobblestone streets, enjoy food and fare from cultures near and far, and join in weekly celebrations of music in a festive street fair atmosphere at the Gold Country Fairgrounds.

American River Canyon

Whitewater rafting, waterskiing, boating, and all sorts of adventure await at the American River Canyon. Red Lion Auburn is located minutes from the North Fork of the American River, one of the most popular rafting and kayaking destinations in Northern California. Take in the scenery while embarking on the thrill of a lifetime when you experience the rapids of the North Fork.

Waterparks Near Auburn

Outdoor watersports not for you? There are still ways to get wet in Auburn. Take the short drive to Roseville and experience one of Northern California’s most thrilling waterparks at SunSplash. SunSplash is not your typical waterpark; you can find arcade games, miniature golfing, and a race track, in addition to the plethora of pools, slides, and water rides. Head out for a day trip to Pleasant Grove, CA’s Wake Island Waterpark for 80 acres of water madness, including wakeboarding and paddle boarding. 

Explore Old Town Auburn

Adventurous Day Trips Near Old Town Auburn

When staying with Red Lion Inn & Suites, one of the best destinations for day trips in California, Old Town Auburn is within easy reach, granting guests access to charming shops, excellent restaurants and cultural offerings in art, music and theater. There are also numerous outdoor activities to enjoy, from the Gold Country Fairgrounds to the Placer Nature Center. Stay at one of the best hotels near Old Town Auburn and enjoy the following:

Auburn Performing Arts Center

Located between Old Town and downtown Auburn, this historic venue embodies the art deco era of its origin and invokes the spirit of Grauman's Chinese Theater. Seating 340 patrons, the venue features a movie screen and a state of the art sound system.

Placer County Museum, in the Historic Courthouse

Located on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum offers an overview of Placer County history and the Pate Collection of Native American artifacts. It also features the treasury where the Museum's gold history is displayed.

Joss House Museum

This historic structure was built after the fire of 1855 and served as a temple and house of worship for the area’s Chinese population. At one time, the area was home to a seedy red light district, opium dens and card rooms.

Gold Rush Museum

Located in the old Auburn Depot Building in Downtown, the Gold Rush Museum interprets Placer County’s Gold Rush history.

Gold County Fairgrounds

The Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn offers a limitless array of world class fairs, festivals and expos. The Gold Country Fair takes place during the first week of September.

Auburn Trails

Bring your sense of adventure to such trails as the American Canyon Trail, Clarks Pool Trail, Codfish Falls Trail and Foresthill Divide Loop. 

Placer Nature Center

Organized by volunteers in 1991 on a scenic woodland site near Auburn, Placer Nature Center presents environmental-based education programs for all ages.

The Best Shopping in Auburn & Beyond

Take An Auburn, CA Shopping Spree

What visit to Northern California is complete without a local shopping spree? Whether you are in the market for designer goods and clothing, handcrafted local souvenirs, or a memento from your visit, get your shopping in Auburn done at any of these nearby malls, shopping centers, and boutique stores.

Places to Shop in Auburn, CA

• Westfield Galleria at Roseville

One of the most popular malls in the region, Westfield Galleria boasts more than 200 stores, including upscale designers and luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Tiffany & Co, and Burberry, along with department stores including Macy’s, J.C. Penney, and Nordstrom. Shop till you drop before heading back to our hotel located just 20 minutes from the mall.

• Specialty Shops & Antiques at Old Town Auburn

Pick up authentic Auburn souvenirs and gifts on your family visit to Old Town Auburn where specialty shops and niche boutiques offer antique, handcrafted, and specialty items reflecting the area’s colorful history. Shop for eclectic gifts at Erie Things or customize a piece of art at Wizards of Metal; indulge in artisanal soaps at Apothecary 321 or find a treasure at Acentos de Mexico, all located in the heart of Old Town Auburn and minutes from Red Lion Inn & Suites. 

The Luckiest Hotel Near Thunder Valley Casino

Auburn, CA Nightlife at its Most Exhilarating

Look no further for the highlight of the Auburn, CA nightlife scene than Thunder Valley Casino. Located less than 20 miles from our Auburn hotel in neighboring Lincoln, Thunder Valley Casino boasts over 3,000 slot and video machines, 125 table games, and a live poker room, along with a popular concert venue that attracts hundreds of top music and comedy acts throughout the year.

Test your luck at Blackjack, Mystery Card Roulette, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em and tens of other exciting card and table games after a day of exploring outdoor Auburn. 

Thunder Valley Casino

1200 Athens Avenue
Lincoln, CA 95648

22.4 miles from Red Lion Inn & Suites Auburn