In Sacramento, mornings move at an easy pace. Greet the day on the American River Parkway, where dog walkers can wander for miles, or play fetch in a neighborhood park. From there, swing by one of the city’s many coffee shops and breakfast spots that roll out the red carpet for dogs.
Sacramento locals love the American River Parkway, a 32-mile paved trail linking the Old Sacramento waterfront with Folsom Lake Recreation Area. Golden morning light streams through sycamore and oak trees along many sections of the path, and you’ll enjoy river views whether you treat your pup to a long journey or a quick out-and-back stroll. Expect to see runners, cyclists and other families with pups along the popular trail.
Detour off the American River Parkway to reach Sutter’s Landing Park, which has off-leash areas for large and small dogs. Discovery Park, at the junction of the Sacramento and American rivers, covers 302 trailside acres. Keep dogs on leash while exploring the grassy expanse.
After working up an appetite, refuel at one of Sacramento’s pup-centric breakfast classics. Order a Midtown Benedict, named for the surrounding neighborhood, at the city’s Crepeville location. The spacious patio welcomes dogs. Bacon & Butter also accommodates four-legged family members at outdoor tables. Weekend brunches here spotlight seasonal ingredients from local farmers’ markets.
Across the city, charming coffee shops welcome pups with snacks and water bowls, while their humans can chat with residents about Sacramento’s under-the-radar treasures. The downtown, Midtown and East Sacramento locations of Temple Coffee Roasters specialize in fair trade and sustainable coffees, and staff members often share treats with visiting pets. Pachamama Coffee also gives goodies to furry friends at its Sacramento locations.
