Are you looking for dog-friendly things to do in Sacramento?

Whether you have a tiny little pup or a large dog, it’s always a great time to bring your canine with you on an outing around town.

Some cities are more dog friendly than others, and it’s exciting to report that Sacramento remains a rather dog-friendly destination overall.

What are dog-friendly things to do in Sacramento?

Sacramento is a beautiful city of trees with many restaurants, breweries, and parks to explore. From a walk along the Sacramento River to a stop at a park, you can do plenty with your dog in tow.

Here are some recommendations for dog-friendly activities in Sacramento:

  • Take a walk, picnic, or hike in Sacramento’s many parks and green spaces, such as William Land Regional Park, American River Parkway, California State Capitol Park, John C. Fremont Park, Southside Park, or Albert Winn Park.
  • Visit one of Sacramento’s dog-friendly breweries, such as Hoppy’s Railyard Kitchen & Hopgarden or Track 7 Brewing Company at their Curtis Park Taproom, where you can enjoy a cold brew with your furry friend.
  • Check out the Sacramento SPCA or Front Street Animal Shelter, where you can learn about responsible pet ownership, donate, and potentially adopt a new dog.
  • Go to one of the many dog parks that are located in Sacramento. Parks to visit include Truitt Bark Park, Sutter’s Landing Dog Park, Sierra 2 Dog Park, Glenbrook Large Dog Park, and Granite Park Dog Park.
  • Visit one of Sacramento’s dog-friendly restaurants—Capitol Garage, The Waterboy, The Shack, Cafeteria 15L, Oak Park Brewing Company, Scott’s Seafood on The River, and Piatti Restaurant & Bar, where you and your dog can dine together on the patios.
  • Stop by the Sacramento River, where you and your dog can enjoy a boat ride or hike along the shoreline.

These are just a couple of exciting examples of the many dog-friendly activities and attractions in Sacramento. There’s much more to do! Apart from Sacramento, a weekend drive to the Bay or the Lake Tahoe area will give you access to even more dog-friendly options and things to explore.

What are free things to do in Sacramento with your dog?

Having a fun day with your dog doesn’t have to break the bank.

Many expensive things are available to do with your dog, like buying a Louis Vuitton Pet Carrier or taking a luxury vacation with your pup. But there are just as many fun things to do with your dog in Sacramento that don’t cost a dime.

Here are a few free things you can do with your dog in Sacramento that are pretty much free:

  1. Go for a walk or hike in a local park or trail. This is an excellent way for you and your dog to get some exercise and fresh air. All dogs need time on walks to use their sensory systems and relieve themselves, and a walk in the park is a beautiful way to explore together.
  2. Visit a dog-friendly beach or lake. Many beaches and lakes allow dogs, so you and your furry friend can enjoy a day by the water. The local favorites are Sand Cove Park, Paradise Beach, and Sunrise Recreation Area.
  3. Have a picnic in the park. Pack some sandwiches and treats for you and your dog, and spend a relaxing afternoon in the park. You could also visit Sutter’s Landing Dog Park and have a picnic along the river and Sutter’s Landing Regional Park on the Two Rivers Trail.
  4. Play fetch in the backyard. All you need is a ball or frisbee and some open space, and you and your dog can have hours of fun. Many communities have designated areas where dogs can run and play off-leash. Check off-leash rules before letting your dog run free if you’re at a park. If you don’t have a backyard, nearby areas to play fetch include the Lynn Robie Off-Leash Dog Park and Howe Ave Park Off-Leash Dog Park.
  5. Camp at a dog-friendly campground. Gather all your gear and head to a dog-friendly local campground to spend a weekend with your friends, family, and pup. The Peninsula Campground at Folsom Lake is dog-friendly, as one of the closest campgrounds to Sacramento that gives you a foray into the outdoors. Additional campgrounds that are dog friendly for weekend getaways include Doran Regional Park in Bodega Bay, Acorn Campground at New Hogan Lake, Lakeside Campground at Prosser Creek Reservoir in Truckee, Hampshire Rocks Campground on the South Yuba River, Alpine Meadow Campground in Truckee, and the North Fork Campground on the American River.
  6. Go stargazing. Find a spot with limited light pollution and spend an evening lying on a blanket and gazing up at the stars with your dog.
  7. Have a movie night. Pop popcorn, snuggle up on the couch with your dog, and watch a movie or TV show together.
  8. Go for a bike ride. If your dog is well-trained and in good physical condition, you can take them for a bike ride. Just make sure to use caution and follow any local laws or guidelines.
  9. Take photos of your dog. Get creative with your camera (a smartphone camera works great, too) and take fun and unique photos of your dog while walking in Sacramento. You could take a picture of your dog in front of the Crocker Art Museum, on the cobblestone pathways of Old Sacramento, on the sidewalk of the Stanford Mansion, or along Improv Alley for graffiti backgrounds.

Although it might seem like you need to spend money for any outing from the house, with a bit of ingenuity and out-of-the-box thinking, you’ll notice many free things to do in the Sacramento area with your dog.