Sacramento, California’s “City of Trees,” takes great pride in its shady parks. William Land Park, just south of downtown, is its largest urban oasis. The 166-acre preserve is home to a zoo, a golf course, an amusement park, duck ponds, picnic grounds and miles of canine-friendly walking paths. Among many other events, it hosts the annual Doggy Dash and Bark in the Park Festival to benefit the Sacramento SPCA.
The event attracts thousand of canines and their people from all over Northern California for a fun run, vendor village and full agenda of dog-centric events.
For a different experience, head to the American River Parkway, a shady, 32-mile greenbelt meandering from the Old Sacramento waterfront district to sprawling Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. This jewel in the crown of the Sacramento County Regional Park System has many access points along the river. First-timers can get a feel by hiking north from Old Sacramento State Historic Park. Also known as the Old Sacramento Waterfront District, this enclave between the Sacramento River and Interstate 5 is the city’s main tourist district, with retail shops, museums, restaurants, nightspots and much more. Pick up the bike path at water’s edge and go right on the parkway about three miles to Discovery Park at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers.
Alternatively, also from Old Sac, cross the iconic Tower Bridge to West Sacramento’s Bridge District and stroll the river’s west bank for downtown skyline view and a close-up look at the Ziggurat, a landmark both loved and despised by locals. Turn left after crossing the bridge and you’ll soon come to The Barn, a newish community gathering spot that hosts concerts and Off the Grid food-truck gatherings in summer. A full-service restaurant and, Drake’s Brewing: The Barn (a brewpub/pizzeria) is open year-round.
For off-leash fun, pop Rover into the car and head to one of the city’s nine fenced dog parks.
