How to Spend a Day in Loomis, CA

Loomis is a quaint, historic town less than 30 minutes from downtown Sacramento. Established in 1850, it was a stopping point for gold miners making their way to the Sierra. It was also an agricultural powerhouse, with acres upon acres of fruit orchards, the adjacent railroad being used to ship fruit to market. The town still retains its rural vibe, with a charming historic downtown surrounded by woodlands, natural streams and rolling hillsides.

Although south Placer County is one of the fastest-growing areas in California, Loomis and its surrounding land has managed to retain its rural and laid-back atmosphere. Along with the nearby towns of Penryn and Newcastle, it boasts a friendly, old-fashioned spirit. There are spacious country properties as well as family-friendly residential neighborhoods.

Although small, Loomis is not without its amenities. Restaurants, shopping and outdoor recreation are within easy reach. Following are some of the best ways to spend a day in Loomis.

Explore the Historic Downtown

Take a peaceful stroll along Taylor Road and explore the historic downtown area of Loomis, lined with charming vintage architecture, small businesses, lush greenery and historic homes. You'll immediately get a sense of the laid-back rural feel of this town with a population just under 7,000. Don't miss the adorable town hall building with blue and gold details, or the historic Train Depot.

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Go Shopping

Loomis is dotted with a number of local shops, from home goods stores to antique stores to gift shops. The Feathered Nest is especially near and dear to our hearts - and not just because it's focused on all things home! This interior design brand was founded in 2017 by Shannon Ertel and Debbie Massie of Lyon's very own Debra Massie Team. In early 2018, they opened this gorgeous 10,000-square-foot brick-and-mortar shop filled with home furnishings, decor and other interior design needs.

Another spot worth visiting is High Hand Nursery, which offers not only every plant imaginable, from flowers and veggies to trees and shrubs, but also garden art and planters. The adjacent High Hand Fruit Shed has a flower and gift market, an art gallery, and gourmet food products such as olive oil, and handcrafted jewelry and home goods. Another popular spot is Foothill Feed & Gift, where you can get all your farming needs as well as home décor and novelty items.

Grab a Bite to Eat

Loomis has a wonderful selection of eateries to choose from. Following are some of our favorites.

High-Hand Café

Nestled in an airy greenhouse at High-Hand Nursery, High-Hand Café has a bright and casual atmosphere. Dine amongst lush greenery and flowers while you enjoy breakfast or lunch. The menu at High-Hand Café incorporates farm-fresh local ingredients and features salads, wraps, sandwiches and pizzas - plus a large selection of local beer and wine.

LBB Gastropub & Smokehouse

Run by Loomis Basin Brewing Company, LBB Gastropub & Smokehouse is a neighborhood favorite for its fun and inviting atmosphere and wide selection of craft beers. The menu features house-smoked meats like pulled pork, brisket and ribs, as well as salads and sandwiches.

Messy's Tacos & Brews

This modern, authentic taqueria operates out of a tiny building with a walk-up window for ordering. They feature all types of street-style tacos like carnitas and carne asada, as well as burritos, nachos and burrito bowls. They also serve both imported and domestic beers. Weekdays feature a happy hour between 5-6 p.m.

Red's Bistro

Red's is a friendly neighborhood bistro known for its seasonal California cuisine. The menu is small but mighty, featuring meats and seafood, including oysters on the half shell. They have a good sized wine menu and pour many locally produced wines.

Taylor's

This locally owned, old-fashioned burger and shake shop has become a community tradition. Taylor's offers more than 300 (yes, three-zero-zero!) shakes, ranging from caramel corn to Fig Newton to cotton candy. They also have burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and sides like French fries, onion rings and fried cheese curds.

Visit a Winery

Loomis has a burgeoning wine scene, with more than half a dozen wineries and vineyards opening up in recent years. Some to consider include Secret Ravine Vineyard & Winery, a scenic vineyard with a tasting room just south of downtown; Le Casque Wines,which produces Bordeaux and Rhone-style wines and operates alongside the adjacent Flower Farm Café; and Cristaldi Vineyards, a beautiful single-vineyard estate that also produces olive oil.

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Sample Craft Brews

The sister spot to LBB Gastropub Smokehouse, Loomis Basin Brewing Co is the go-to source for craft beer in town. Sip on freshly brewed beers in the industrial interior or out on the airy patio with communal picnic tables, greenery and string lights. LBB has a wide variety of year-round and seasonal brews, such as IPA, oatmeal stout, tropical pale ale and mandarin wheat. They also have food trucks and host weekly trivia nights. Another place to sip craft brew is Gander Taphouse, which has 30 rotating taps featuring brews from across the Sacramento area and beyond. They also serve food, including sandwiches and salads.

Spend Time Outside

Loomis is perfectly positioned for residents and visitors to explore the great outdoors with ease. Folsom Lake is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, boating and other water activities. One of the nearest access points is Granite Bay Main Beach at Folsom Lake SRA. Loomis is also equipped with a number of community parks and natural areas, including Loomis Basin Community Park (North and South) and the Traylor Ranch Bird Sanctuary and Nature Reserve.

Another fun thing to do in Loomis is taking a stroll through the thousands of colorful irises at Horton Iris Garden. The garden features 1,500 varieties of iris (and lilies) anchored by an 1800s farmhouse. They host special events throughout the year and have a U-pick garden from which you can make your own bouquet. Animal lovers should consider a visit to Loomis Alpacas, a family-owned ranch that welcomes visitors by appointment. Here, you can learn all about the benefits of alpaca fiber and come face-to-face with the unique animals.

Make Yourself at Home

If you're simply passing through Loomis and like what you see, you might consider making your stay a bit more permanent. Homes in Loomis include a mix of styles, price points and sizes, from suburban developments to expansive horse properties with acreage. Start your search today for the perfect home in Loomis.

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