Capitol Park sprawls across 40 acres right downtown Sacramento, and it’s one of those places where you can actually breathe in the city. The grounds are densely planted with hundreds of plant species from around the world, so you’re walking through sections that feel completely different from each other—one moment you’re under a canopy of old oaks, the next you’re passing through terraced gardens with plants you’ve never seen before. Your leashed dog will appreciate the shade and the variety as much as you will.

The park is essentially a living history book. As you make your way along the tree-lined paths, you’ll pass the California Veterans Memorial, the Firefighters Memorial, and the World Peace Rose Garden, each one situated among the landscaping rather than stuck in some separate corner. There are plenty of other monuments and memorials scattered throughout too, so if you’re interested in California history, you could spend a couple hours just reading plaques and learning about what shaped the state. Even if history isn’t your main focus, the memorials add a quiet, reflective quality to your walk.

The park’s location right in downtown Sacramento means you’re close to other things worth checking out in the area, though the 40 acres themselves are more than enough reason to spend an afternoon here. The pathways are generally easy to navigate with a dog, though the terrain varies—some sections are flat and wide, while others are narrower and more intimate. Spring is particularly nice if you can time a visit then, since that’s when everything’s in full bloom, but the mature trees make it pleasant year-round. Bring water for your dog since there aren’t fountains throughout the park, and expect to share the paths with joggers and other walkers, especially on weekends.