The Sacramento River Delta is a watery maze worlds removed from the urban clutter of Sacramento and the Bay Area.
On a Sunday drive you’ll see old-time bridges and miles of levees that in the mid-1800s transformed a once trackless wetland into 55 agricultural islands—two of them connected by public ferry— that still produce food for Northern California.
Regrettably, there are not many areas in the Delta where you can legally let Astro off leash. But don’t let that stop you.
Highway 160 is the main artery for exploring farm towns like Clarksburg, Isleton, Courtland, Ryde, Walnut Grove and Rio Vista. Time moves at a relaxed pace, and a stroll down Main Street is bound to turn up a restaurant with dog-friendly outdoor seating or shop whose proprietors don’t mind if a four-legged customer sniffs the merchandise.
Be sure to stroll through picturesque community of Locke, only town in the United States built exclusively by and for the Chinese community.
On hot summer days, the place to cool off in the Delta is Brannan Island State Recreation Area, a popular camping, fishing and swimming spot.
While dogs aren’t allowed at the swimming beaches, you’ll find lots of picnic tables and plenty of places where Duke can splash to his heart’s content.
Up for some wine tasting? Scribner Bend Vineyards, one of a growing number of Delta wineries, welcomes dogs in its tasting room and picnic area.
