The Best Things to Do in West Sacramento

True, West Sacramento is just minutes away from the restaurants, nightlife and attractions of downtown Sacramento. But it’s also a destination in its own right, with a burgeoning craft beer scene, great restaurants and a range of shopping options. Plus, West Sacramento has easy access to the Sacramento River, and plenty of neighborhood parks and outdoor attractions.

Surrounded by agricultural land, West Sacramento comprises the original communities of Broderick and Bryte, near the northern border of the city near the river. Today, new housing developments have sprung up across the area, including Southport neighborhood, located near the Port of West Sacramento, and the Bridge District along the waterfront. Single-family homes in planned residential neighborhoods are common here, but you’ll also find modern townhomes and luxury, custom-built properties.

Whether you spend a day here or decide to put down roots, there’s no shortage of things to do in West Sacramento. Following are some ideas.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Did we mention West Sacramento borders the western edge of the Sacramento River? That means there are plenty of spots to take in the scenery! River Walk Park has water access, picnic areas, a grand staircase and epic views of the downtown Sacramento skyline. The park is also home to the sculpture “Subtile,” a striking piece made up of 4,000 sparkling steel disks fluttering in the wind, crafted by Prague-based artist Federico Díaz. It also has access to the River Walk Trail, a multi-use levee-top trail that stretches to the Mill Street Fishing Pier.

Just to the north of the city is the Sacramento Bypass Wildlife Area. If you’re a bird lover, this is the place for you. It provides cover to hundreds of species of birds, and it’s a popular spot not only for bird watching (officially known as birding), but also fishing and hunting. It’s especially popular in the fall and winter, when the area is flooded and the birds flock here (no pun intended).

If you’re looking for something a bit more mellow, you can check out one of West Sacramento’s many neighborhood parks. In fact, the city boasts more than three dozen public parks and green spaces! One of the most popular is Bridgeway Lakes Community Park, which has sports fields, a spray ground, and walking paths adjacent to an artificial lake. Bryte Park also has walking paths and playing fields, plus access to the river.

Another outdoorsy activity is an afternoon (or evening) at Tree Top Sac, a ropes course in an oak canopy with elevated challenges and ziplines. Good for kids age 7 and above, it’s considered one of the best family-friendly activities in the Sacramento region. The course offers wobbly bridges, ladders and slacklines. Then, you zipline to the bottom when you’re done. They also offer summer camps for kids.

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Catch Some Local Baseball

Sacramento has its very own minor league baseball team, the Sacramento River Cats, and they play at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. There’s nothing better than spending a summer afternoon or evening cheering on the Cats while indulging in a Dinger Dog or a cold beer. Grab a blanket and get general admission tickets for the lawn (for less than $15), and enjoy a warm summer night under the lights. Check out the River Cats’ schedule and take advantage of special events like discount days, bobblehead and T-shirt giveaways, fireworks and Sunday Funday, when kids can run the bases after the game.

Explore By Rail

The greater Sacramento area has a long and illustrious railroad history, so it’s only natural that you may want to explore the region by rail. Luckily, one train that’s open for tours, the River Fox Train, boards in West Sacramento. It takes taking on a scenic jaunt all the way to Woodland, passing scenic countryside along the way. The River Fox Train offers a number of specialty trains throughout the year, such as a Murder Mystery Train, Pumpkin Patch Express and Magical Christmas Train. Feeling a bit more ambitious? You can also jump on railbikes, where you pedal a four-wheel cart along an abandoned railroad line.

Check Out the Historic Bridges

Are you a history buff? West Sacramento is connected to Sacramento by not one, but two — historic bridges. The iconic Tower Bridge, completed in 1935, connects Capitol Avenue with West Sacramento. It is a vertical lift bridge, so if you time it right, you can see it rise up to make room for passing ships. Popular with pedestrians, it can be accessed from either West Sacramento or Old Sacramento. The I Street Bridge is a metal truss bridge built in 1911, accommodating railroad traffic on the lower level and vehicle traffic on the upper. It is said to be the heaviest swinging bridge in the United States!

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Sample Craft Beer

West Sacramento has a lively craft beer scene. One of the most popular spots is Drakes at the Barn, where you can find more than 25 beers on tap, a 400-seat beer garden, fire pits, live music and food from the onsite pizzeria. They also host special events like outdoor movie nights, makers markets, and yoga. Other West Sacramento breweries include Jackrabbit Brewing and Bike Dog Brewing Company. Hot tip: Baker Family Wines is located adjacent to Bike Dog, if you prefer wine over beer. It is owned by Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker.

Grab a Bite to Eat

After all this activity, you deserve a great meal! The newest player on the West Sacramento dining scene is Franquette, a French-inspired wine bar and bistro from the team behind Michelin-rated Canon in East Sacramento. If you’re looking for a more laid-back choice, check out Broderick Roadhouse for over-the-top burgers and sandwiches or Kick N Mule for hearty pub fare such as wings and sliders, and more than a dozen varieties of Moscow Mules.

Settle Down in West Sacramento

Perhaps after spending a day in West Sacramento, you may want to consider making your stay a bit more permanent. Luckily, West Sacramento has a wide range of housing to fit every style and budget. There are quiet neighborhoods ideal for families, sleek condos with city views, and luxury homes in gated communities. Find the perfect home in West Sacramento today!