Sacramento sits within a short drive of some of California’s most iconic activities, including many delightfully dog-friendly options. It’s easy to choose your own adventure here, whether you’d like to taste small-batch wines, hike ruggedly beautiful trails, survey the state’s gold rush history or splash around in local waters.
The waterways of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta lace through the landscapes south of Sacramento. This pretty patchwork of small towns and scenic byways is worth exploring with or without an itinerary. Wind through the agricultural fields and vineyards about 15 miles from Sacramento to reach Clarksburg, a favorite of many DogTrekker readers thanks to first-class wines and tasting rooms with expansive patios.
The rustic Heringer Estates tasting barn welcomes walk-ins and well-behaved dogs. It’s open daily, and the special event calendar includes live music, paint-and-sip activities and more. Leashed pups can also accompany their humans at Julietta Winery, set on lush grounds with lovely gardens. Scribner Bend Vineyards has dog-friendly, child-friendly outdoor seating and a deli case with picnic-ready items for purchase.
To the east of Sacramento, history comes alive in Gold Country. Follow former gold mining trails at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, where leashed dogs can walk with their families and dip into the American River to cool off. Along Highway 49, in the Coloma-Lotus Valley, the Dave Moore Nature Area has a wheelchair-friendly loop that’s also open to dogs on leash. Expect awe-inspiring scenery like ponderosa pines and the stacked boulders of Mushroom Rock.
The El Dorado Trail connects Camino and Placerville, covering about 35 miles and showcasing the historic El Dorado train depot. The mostly flat trail is great for long walks with leashed dogs, and waste bag dispensers are installed along some segments of the path. Multiple access points along the trail offer maximum flexibility for travelers.
