Old Sacramento is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Sacramento. The area is steeped in history, having played a significant role during the 1849 Gold Rush. Today, visitors can take a stroll along the waterfront, explore the many historic buildings, and learn about the city’s past at the California State Railroad Museum or the Sacramento History Museum.
Park your vehicle in one of two garages or at a meter on the street, take a stroll, absorb the atmosphere, and appreciate the fact that Old Sac was the western terminus of the first transcontinental railroad as well as the short-lived Pony Express (the statue at 2nd and J Street is a popular DogTrekker meeting spot).
The district’s 50-odd historic buildings, spread over 29 acres, now house bustling shops, craft breweries, taprooms, museums, and many restaurants with dog-friendly patios. Go budget with a light meal at an establishment like Steamers, Emma’s Tamales or Bali Kitchen, or splurge on a more upscale meal at Rio City Café or next-door Joe’s Crab Shack, both with dog-friendly decks overlooking the Sacramento River and all the boats going by.
Then, take a stroll along the riverfront promenade and snap some selfies of you and your pup with the Delta King riverboat (now a hotel) and the striking, stepped pyramid-style Ziggurat Building in the background. Walk across the Tower Bridge (yes, there’s a pedestrian and bike lane) for a stroll along the esplanade on the West Sacramento side of the river and views of the downtown Sacramento skyline.
