The Sacramento River Fox Train runs a scenic 14-mile route from West Sacramento out to Woodland, moving at a leisurely 10 to 15 miles per hour so you can actually take in the Central Valley landscape instead of just watching it blur past. Dogs ride free, which is a genuine perk when you’re looking for activities that don’t require leaving your dog behind or paying extra.

The train itself is a genuine historic piece—the railroad has worked to preserve Northern California’s transportation heritage, and riding it feels like stepping into that past rather than just reading about it. You’ll see the Sacramento River and the surrounding countryside from the open-air cars, which means your dog gets the same views you do without being stuck in a carrier. The pace is slow enough that you’re not gripping the seats around sharp curves, and there’s room to move around a bit if your dog gets restless.

What made this worthwhile when I went was that it wasn’t crowded or touristy in a forced way. Families with dogs of all sizes were scattered throughout the cars, and nobody acted like they were performing for Instagram. The ride takes a couple of hours depending on which route you choose, which is long enough to actually relax but short enough that even a dog with moderate energy can handle it without getting bored.

The trains run on weekends and select weekdays, so you’ll want to check their schedule before planning your trip. They also host themed rides seasonally—murder mystery nights, holiday specials—if you want something beyond the basic scenic journey. Bring water for your dog since it’s an open-air ride and the Central Valley sun isn’t subtle in summer. The depot area in West Sacramento has parking nearby, making it easy to pull in without hunting for a spot.