Things to Do in Sacramento in September

September's harvest makes this the month when Sacramento's nickname 'America's Farm-to-Fork Capital' means something. The city's chefs get first pick of the Central Valley's bounty - you'll taste the difference in dishes at The Kitchen, which has been sourcing within 50 miles since 1992, and at newer spots like Canon where the menu changes daily based on what arrives from Capay Valley that morning. The warm-but-not-scorching weather means those coveted patio tables at Mulvaney's B&L (operating since 2006 in a 19th-century firehouse) are comfortable past 7 PM.

The 32-mile (51 km) Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail hits its sweet spot in September - morning temperatures around 60°F (16°C) make the 12-mile (19 km) ride from Old Sacramento to Folsom Lake comfortable, while the thinning crowds mean you'll have long stretches of riverside path to yourself. The cottonwood and oak trees are just starting to turn, creating golden tunnels over the trail, and the river's still warm enough for a quick dip at Discovery Park.

September's dry weather makes these 1-hour subterranean walks through the original 1860s storefront level perfect - you descend below present-day sidewalks to see the actual foundations that were Sacramento's street level before the 1860s raising project. The tours run hourly and the cool underground spaces (naturally 65°F/18°C year-round) provide relief from any lingering heat above ground.

The 40-acre (16 hectare) park surrounding California's Capitol building shows September's transition well - the 200+ species of trees start their autumn shift, the rose garden hits its second bloom of the year, and the morning light filtering through the 80-foot (24 m) palms creates that golden California glow photographers chase. The park's 1-mile (1.6 km) loop takes you past monuments to California history while the Capitol dome itself provides shade during the warmest parts of day.

The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta's 70+ wineries are harvesting in September - you can watch grapes being crushed at places like Bogle Vineyards (family-owned since 1968) or taste just-pressed juice at Jessie's Grove. The delta breeze keeps these riverside vineyards 10°F (6°C) cooler than inland valleys, making afternoon tastings pleasant rather than sweltering. The drive itself - crossing the three-mile (4.8 km) Yolo Causeway with water on both sides - feels like entering a different California.