The Southside Bikeway in Vacaville follows the old Sacramento Northern Railway corridor, which means you get that interesting feeling of walking on repurposed infrastructure while staying completely safe and separated from car traffic. The paved path connects downtown Vacaville down to the southern neighborhoods near Al Patch Park, making it an easy out-and-back option depending on how much distance you want to cover.

What makes this worth the visit is how straightforward it is. The path is well-maintained and clearly marked, so you won’t spend time second-guessing where to go. You’ll pass by Eugene Padan Elementary School and various neighborhood spots that give you a real sense of the area’s layout without feeling like you’re trudging through anything overly developed. It’s the kind of trail where you can actually relax instead of constantly watching your footing.

Dogs need to be leashed, which isn’t unusual for paved urban trails. The hard surface is honest—it’s easier on older dogs’ joints than rough terrain, but on hot days it can get warm under paw, so plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon if you’re going during summer. The lack of shade along much of the route means you’ll want to bring water for both of you.

The trail appeals to people doing actual activity too, not just walking. You’ll see plenty of cyclists and runners using it as a real commute or workout option, so it stays active enough that it feels safe and well-used. Starting from the downtown end gives you access to Vacaville’s main areas if you want to grab coffee before or after. The route is short enough that even if your dog isn’t a marathon walker, you can do a meaningful outing without overcommitting to hours on the trail.