With nearly a dozen fenced dog parks, miles of multiuse trails, and annual events like the Sacramento SPCA’s Doggy Dash fundraiser, Sacramento offers outdoor excitement for all. This postcard-pretty community features winding riverfront pathways and leaf-shaded playgrounds. In fact, a thick canopy of oaks, elms, maples and more earned Sacramento its “City of Trees” nickname.
Eleven fenced dog parks are tucked throughout Sacramento, including two near downtown: Sutter’s Landing Dog Park to the northeast, along the American River, and Partner Park Dog Park to the south. Nearby, the annual Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash and Bark in the Park Festival take place in William Land Regional Park. The 160-acre expanse has walking trails, ponds, gardens, play equipment and plenty of picnic spots.
A one-mile walking trail borders Curtis Park, also located south of downtown.
Expect play equipment here, plus baseball, basketball and tennis facilities. Head east across I-80 for McKinley Park, home to beautifully maintained rose gardens and 30 acres of trails, play areas, horseshoe pits and other fun.
For extended adventures with your pup, explore 32 miles of the American River Parkway and the paved, multi-use Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail that connects Old Sacramento and Folsom. It travels along the junction of the American and Sacramento rivers in Sacramento’s Discovery Park. This 300+ acre recreation area is a favorite of boaters, ball players and picnickers, including two- and four-legged guests.
Wherever you roam, remember to follow DogTrekker’s Leave Only Paw Prints values, packing in and packing out to protect the region’s precious natural lands.
