Chow down in Sacramento

I'll have the chicken salad... Photo:Kennejima Several years ago, Sacramento branded itself “America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital.” And no wonder: virtually every independently-owned restaurant in town prides itself on fresh ingredients sourced from Central Valley farms within just a few miles of town. With 2014 passage of a statewide law giving formal permission for dogs to join their people at outdoor bar and restaurant tables, it’s hard to find an eatery that doesn’t welcome DogTrekkers. During this unusual time, please call ahead to be sure your favorite dining spot is open, hours, safety precautions and more.

Explore Sacramento and folsom

Colonial architecture in Old Sacramento Historic District

Buddy jumped 26 feet at Splash Dogs in Folsom No, gold wasn’t found in Sacramento or Folsom. But both cities played huge roles in the Gold Rush as supply centers, and both celebrate that legacy today. Old Sacramento and the Folsom Historic District are great places to explore with your pooch. Browse the shops, soak up some history and enjoy a meal at a patio café before heading out for a stroll along the American River or a day on an area lake.

Farm-to-fork dining with four-legged friends

Under a table at a Sacramento restaurant, a seated man in brown pants and a woman in a cream-colored skirt sit with their legs crossed. A tan dog with a red collar stands between them, looking up.

Dogs love Sacramento outdoor dining.

Sacramento chefs build menus around fresh produce from the nearby Central Valley. That's helped the city earn its reputation as

Activities in Sacramento’s big backyard

Two dogs are running on a grassy field in Sacramento. The larger, brown dog carries a red ball in its mouth, while the smaller, brown and white dog runs excitedly beside it. The background, blurred with trees, suggests they are in a park. Both dogs look joyful and energetic.

Apple Hill is a short drive from downtown Sacramento.

For best-in-show access to hiking trails, water sports, cycling routes and mountain scenery, there’s no place like Sacramento. The city Read more.

Say cheers to pup-friendly tasting rooms

Two fluffy dogs, one light brown and one black, sit attentively in front of a large wooden structure with "DRAKE'S" painted in blue letters. Both dogs are secured with leashes and wear colorful harnesses. Green plants hang over the top of the wall, suggesting a welcoming environment suitable for visiting tasting rooms with your pets.

Jagger and Sierra at the Barn West Sacramento. Photo by @jaggerdwagger on Instagram.

Sacramento’s culinary stars include creative chefs along with innovative winemakers, brewers and distillers. Tasting rooms and taprooms dot the city’s