Blake Walsh

16 Best Things to Do in West Sacramento, CA

  • Published 2023/04/06

West Sacramento is a thriving city in Yolo County, California.

Patwin Indian villages prospered in the area before the European settlers arrived in the 19th century.

Incorporated in 1987, the city traces its foundation to several 19th-century towns and communities.

Situated along the Sacramento River, the city offers beautiful waterfront views.

It has various entertainment and leisure amenities, from sports facilities, parks, and dining spots to breweries.

Rich in arts and culture, the city has fascinating public art, theater, and festivals to explore.

See the list below of some of the best things to do in West Sacramento, California.

Enjoy the Views and the Vibe at River Walk Park

Entrance arch of River Walk Park

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Spend a day exploring River Walk Park and feel the city’s vibe.

Situated along the banks of the Sacramento River, this nine-acre park has picnic spots, a promenade, plazas, and walking paths.

Hang out with friends, wander around, and admire the scenic waterfront landscape.

Take photos of the lovely views of the historic Tower Bridge and the Old Sacramento waterfront.

The grounds of River Walk Park

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The scene is lovely at night when these landmarks are illuminated.

It also hosts many city events, such as summer concerts and festivals, making it a great spot to get to know the city’s fun side.

The River Walk Park is located along 2nd St.

Climb aboard the River Fox Train

Hop aboard the River Fox Train for a memorable journey in the Yolo countryside.

The train runs on historic tracks initially constructed in 1911.

This scenic train ride offers various experiences throughout the year, from relaxing excursions to one-of-a-kind live entertainment aboard.

Sit back and enjoy wine, beer, and music on their sip-and-savor rides.

Book the theater train experience and enjoy an interactive adventure if you want something unique.

Try their seasonal rides, such as the kid-friendly Easter express.

The River Fox Train departs from the boarding point along Country Road 117.

Explore the Barge Canal

Spend a lovely day out exploring nature along the Barge Canal.

Take a relaxing hike on the trail and admire the serene surroundings.

Stop by the interpretive panels for some bite-size knowledge on environmental resources.

You can also go fishing through the south bank access.

If traveling with your watercraft, you can launch on the waters via the ramp for hand-carry boats.

Access to the Barge Canal recreational area is along Jefferson Boulevard.

Check Out the Night Life at Drake’s the Barn

Take your friends to a great night out at Drake’s The Barn.

Opened in 2018, this popular get-together spot features a beer garden and beautiful open spaces.

Gather around the fire pit and catch up with friends over food and beer.

If you’re in the mood for a fun competition, join a trivia game and win some prizes!

Enjoy the live music and electric atmosphere.

It also serves as a venue for many community events, such as craft shows, summer concerts, and family-friendly activities.

You can find Drake’s The Barn along Riverfront St. in Bridge District.

Visit the Sacramento Regional Fire Museum

Take your kids on a fun and educational visit to the Sacramento Regional Fire Museum.

This museum exhibits historical pieces of fire service in the Sacramento area.

You can see restored artifacts and explore fire service equipment.

Moreover, you’ll learn about fire safety and firefighting history.

You can find the Sacramento Regional Fire Museum along Industrial Boulevard.

Have Fun at Capitol Bowl

Challenge friends to a bowling game at Capitol Bowl.

Established in the 1950s, this bowling center features a modern alley, bar, and grill.

Play a classic game and enjoy delicious party platters.

You can also go for more entertaining gameplay and book a glow bowling session.

Relax and unwind on the patio for after-game dining and drinks.

Capitol Bowl is along West Capitol Avenue.

Sip Fine Wine at Baker Family Wines

Head to Baker Family Wines for a lovely afternoon of wine tasting.

This winery focuses on limited production and handcrafted wines using Northern California grapes.

Visit and sip some of their wines in their lovely tasting room.

They have retail sales, so you can pick a bottle to enjoy back home.

The Baker Family Wines tasting room is located along Industrial Boulevard.

Enjoy the Fall Festivities at Dave’s Pumpkin Patch

If you’re looking for fall activities in West Sacramento, visit Dave’s, Pumpkin Patch.

This fall destination at Vierra Farms offers family-friendly activities, food, and entertainment.

Let your kids enjoy a fun ride on the tractor train and hours of play.

Have some delicious barbecue, burgers, and homemade sweet treats.

Of course, the seasonal festivities won’t be complete without exploring a challenging corn maze and a beautiful pumpkin patch.

Dave’s Pumpkin Patch is located along Burrows Avenue.

Catch a Game at Sutter Health Park

Baseball game at Sutter Health Park

Mark Miller, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

See some baseball action at the lively Sutter Health Park.

Home to the Sacramento River Cats, this ballpark hosts Pacific Coast League matches and other local games.

Catch an exciting match and enjoy the lively game day atmosphere.

The park also hosts festive city events throughout the year, including an annual brew fest and Fourth of July celebration.

You can find Sutter Health Park along Ballpark Drive.

Indulge in Handcrafted Burgers at Broderick Roadhouse

After a tiring day exploring the city, indulge in a sumptuous burger at Broderick Roadhouse.

This laidback restaurant opened in 2012 and became known for its over-the-top handcrafted burgers, fresh sandwiches, and comfort food.

A visit won’t be complete without trying the signature Johnny Cash burger.

Complete the experience with gourmet fries and a cold craft brew from the area’s breweries.

You can find Broderick Roadhouse along 6th St.

Take a Stroll at Bryte Park

Take a break from sightseeing and spend a relaxing day at Bryte Park.

This 34-acre park is a popular destination for picnics and sports.

Take a leisurely walk around and enjoy the atmosphere.

Watch the games at the sports courts.

There are also play areas for your kids’ playtime.

Bryte Park is located along Todhunter Avenue.

Have Fun Climbing at Tree Top Sac

Spend time among the lovely trees and go on a tree-top adventure at Tree Top Sac.

This outdoor adventure park offers awesome climbing adventures for kids, teens, and adults.

There are several courses and routes you can experience, offering challenging obstacles and lovely views above the canopy.

Don’t worry if it’s your first climb.

They have a mini course to familiarize you with the gear and moves before clearing you for the main course.

After your adventure, head to the kiosk for a refreshing cold brew coffee and snacks.

You can find Tree Top Sac along Lake Washington Boulevard.

Taste the Brews at Jackrabbit Brewing Co.

Sample local craft beer at Jackrabbit Brewing Co.

Established in 2013, the brewery features a taproom and outdoor seating.

Browse its list of flavorful original brews and have a pint in the vibrant taproom.

It also hosts trivia days, midnight karaoke, bingo nights, musical performances, and other fun events.

Don’t forget to pick up some of their brews in artfully designed cans to enjoy back home.

You can find Jackrabbit Brewing Co. along Terminal St.

See a Performance at the Black Box Theater

Check out live entertainment at The Black Box Theater.

This performance space hosts various live stage productions and art events.

You can catch a musical, a dance show, or a concert and get a glimpse of the area’s creative community.

They also stage comedy fests and family-friendly shows.

The Black Box Theater is at the Community Center along West Capitol Avenue.

Go Camping at SacWest RV Park & Campground

If you’re traveling in an RV, stop by SacWest RV Park & Campground.

This family-friendly camp features pull-thru sites, full hookups, tent sites, and cabin rentals.

Set up camp and have a relaxing time exploring its recreational amenities.

You can enjoy lake views from your cabin and relax on the porch while enjoying the sun.

The campground hosts activities throughout the year, such as socials, arts and crafts workshops, campfires, and holiday festivities.

SacWest RV Park & Campground is located along Lake Road.

Admire the City’s Vibrant Public Art

Explore the streetscape and peek into West Sacramento’s rich public art.

Tens of fascinating and engaging art pieces are scattered in the city, with many pieces publicly funded.

Take a photo of the iconic River Walk Communication Tower on 3rd St.

Don’t miss out on seeing the dazzling sculpture entitled Subtile at the Bridge District.

Apart from publicly funded pieces, you can also see many notable privately constructed public art pieces across the city.

Among those you can see are the Muses lighting along Jefferson Boulevard and the Catch a Book steel sculpture along Merkley Avenue.

Other Things to Do Nearby

There are plenty of attractions accessible in West Sacramento’s surrounding area.

Here are some activities you can explore minutes away from the city.

Visit the California State Railroad Museum

Exterior of the California State Railroad Museum

Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

Dive deep into California’s railroad history at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, California, seven minutes from West Sacramento.

This expansive museum features various exhibits and displays.

Tour the exhibits and learn about the different aspects of railroad history.

Explore the locomotives on display and learn about the history of steam technology.

Steam locomotive in the California State Railroad Museum

Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

If you’re visiting with kids, stop by the toy trains exhibit, where you can marvel at interactive displays and vintage toy trains.

You can also take a guided tour if you’d like to learn more about the exhibits.

Outside the museum, don’t forget to view the reconstructed Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station, a part of the country’s first transcontinental railroad.

The California State Railroad Museum is a two-mile drive from West Sacramento.

Miniature railroad in the California State Railroad Museum

Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

Admire Natural Beauty at the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden

Drive to Davis, California, and visit the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, 15 minutes from West Sacramento.

Part of the University of California Davis campus, this sprawling living museum and teaching facility features over 20 gardens, outstanding natural areas, and many educational outdoor exhibits.

Explore its fascinating gardens and picturesque landscapes.

You can take a walking tour and see interesting plants from California, the Mediterranean, and Australia.

If you’re interested in horticulture, stop by their demonstration gardens to learn sustainable practices.

You can also explore the trails at the natural riparian reserve.

The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden is a 15-mile drive from West Sacramento.

Spend the Day at the Sacramento Zoo

A giraffe at Sacramento Zoo

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Spend a day with your kids at the Sacramento Zoo in Sacramento, ten minutes from West Sacramento.

This 14-acre zoo has hundreds of animals, from primates to reptiles, carnivores, and birds.

Explore and get up close and personal with the zoo’s notable residents.

You can see giraffes, zebras, red pandas, and lemurs.

A lion at Sacramento Zoo

Jeff Cleveland / Shutterstock.com

If your kids tire of walking around, there are carousels and train rides they can enjoy.

The zoo also holds special events and educational programs such as overnight safaris and summer camps.

The Sacramento Zoo is a four-mile drive from West Sacramento.

A red panda at Sacramento Zoo

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See the California Art Collection of the Crocker Art Museum

Exterior of the Crocker Art Museum

imageAllan / Shutterstock.com

See California art at the Crocker Art Museum in downtown Sacramento, six minutes from West Sacramento.

The museum is home to a premier display of California art pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and furniture.

Wander the gallery and admire the exquisite display of fine art.

Interior of the Crocker Art Museum

Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

It is also known for its collection of ceramics, as well as paintings and master drawings from Europe.

The museum is family-friendly so that you can appreciate art with your kids.

The Crocker Art Museum is a two-minute drive from West Sacramento.

Exhibit in the Crocker Art Museum

Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

West Sacramento is a vibrant city with exciting attractions and rich arts and culture.

Plenty of great experiences await you at this destination, from lively waterfront entertainment sports action, and sumptuous food and drinks.

Start planning your California vacation now and discover the best things to do in West Sacramento, California.

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