Sports & Recreation: Open-air reading

Sacramento might not have a beach, but we’ve got the heat for beach reads. Cozying up with a book al fresco should be a Sactown summertime tradition. The only problem? It can be tricky to find an outdoor spot with the perfect mix of shade, quiet and comfort to slip into the page-turning flow. Though they are few, these nooks do exist.

McKinley Park

This park (601 Alhambra Boulevard) not only boasts a lovely rose garden and a pond, it also has a library where you can hole up if you get too hot—or forget your reading material at home.

Shade: Patchy but wonderful once you find the right tree.

Comfort: Good, if you like lazing in the grass.

Noise: Soft, ambient park chatter as long as you stay away from the playground full of shrieking kids.

Old Soul at the Weatherstone

The outdoor garden here (812 21st Street) keeps you perfectly shaded with soothing fountains to drown out nearby conversations. A gazebo with a crystal fire burner keeps readers warm through the breezy nights.

Shade: 9 out of 10, a combo of umbrellas, gazebo and foliage.

Comfort: Decent—as long as you’re cool with metal chairs.

Noise: Sometimes distracting if you’re seated next to a juicy gossip session.

Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar

A double whammy of coolness: Enjoy shade and breezes off the Sacramento River at this popular spot (4800 Riverside Boulevard). Happy hour brings $7 hearty appetizers like three shrimp tacos and $4-$5 brewskies. If you aren’t into the fancy hotel scene at The Westin, a riverside picnic table at the other end of the parking lot will keep book-toting hermits in the shade.

Shade: Full-on awning and umbrellas.

Comfort: Patio lounge with couches. ‘Nuff said.

Noise: Depends on The Westin’s guest list that week and whether they’re hosting a wedding.

The Golden Bear

Golden for brunch and cocktails, but brilliant golden for reading outside, this restaurant (2326 K Street) has half of its seating under an outdoor awning.

Shade: Full coverage.

Comfort: So-so with some fine wooden chairs, but also backless benches.

Noise: Loud and clubby at night, but more peaceful in the daytime.

Benches outside Tower Theatre

Kill time before a movie by chilling with a book outside Tower Theatre (2508 Land Park Drive) on the benches. A soothing fountain is surrounded by lush palm trees and even potted plants. You might not think of this corner as a destination, but for readers, it should be.

Shade: Excellent, see: plants.

Comfort: OK … there are only benches.

Noise: Bliss, see: fountain.

Yolo Brewing Co.

Enjoy your plot twists with a summery saison (1520 Terminal Street in West Sacramento).

Shade: Great! There’s a small awning section.

Comfort: On these metal stools, your butt will be comfortable for the length of a short story or two.

Noise: Buzzed people talk loudly.

UC Davis, Shields Grove Gazebo

Wander around the Putah Creek, then snag a spot on a bench underneath this gazebo encircled by a white flower garden (920 Garrod Drive in Davis). In the summertime, you have fewer students to compete with.

Shade: A slatted roof creates stripes of sun and shadow.

Comfort: Good if you alternate between the benches and lazing in the grass.

Noise: Fun if you can read while listening to college-aged guitar players!