Bodie playing in the Sacramento River. Photo Janet Fullwood
From the downtown core to the farthest reaches of suburbia, Sacramento abounds with dog-friendly places to stay. If you and your furry friend are avid walkers, the Westin Sacramento, just off Interstate 5 about five miles south of downtown, is a four-paw DogTrekker choice.
The property serves as a trailhead for a bike-and-hike path that runs for miles along the Sacramento River. It also features a big, grassy lawn; fire pits where you can sit and watch the boats go by; and a dog-friendly restaurant, Scott’s on the River, specializing in seafood.
With just 101 rooms, this Westin is the chain’s smallest and has a decidedly boutique feel. Human guests aren’t the only ones who enjoy Westin’s Heavenly Beds; the dog versions are pretty heavenly, too.
If your plans call for downtown exploration, consider bedding down with Astro at the Citizen Hotel, a boutique property popular with folks who have business at the nearby Capitol (as a bonus, there’s no extra fee for dogs).
The nearby Sheraton Grand, adjacent to the Sacramento Convention Center, is a good choice for couples combining business and pleasure. While one of you is hunkered down in a meeting room, the other can sniff out interesting sights around town, including nearby Capitol Park.
On the more economical end of the scale, the Best Western Sandman, one exit north of downtown on Interstate 5, abuts the Sacramento River and offers guest-key access to the American River Parkway and its 32-mile bike trail. La Quinta Inn & Suites, on the same street, also offers quick parkway access.
In the busy Point West area near Arden Fair Mall, the Doubletree by Hilton and Hilton Sacramento warmly welcome travelers with four-legged companions. Moving east, the Lion’s Gate Hotel on the grounds of the former McClellan Air Force Base boasts lots of shade trees and grassy lawns for catching some fresh air with your pet.
Continuing east to Folsom on Highway 50, you can choose from a trio of dog-friendly options. They include Larkspur Landing Folsom, Residence Inn by Marriott and the Lake Natoma Inn. The latter is in the Old Folsom historic district, walking distance to restaurants, entertainment, the American River and the wonderfully dog-friendly Karen’s Bakery and Café.
