The Best Things to Do in West Sacramento

Just a hop, skip and a jump over the river from downtown Sacramento, neighboring West Sacramento is a fast-growing community with plenty of amenities, from restaurants and breweries to parks and attractions. There’s also shopping galore and access to riverside nature areas, plus family-friendly attractions. Take a look of all the amazing things to do in West Sacramento.

Cheer on the River Cats at Sutter Health Park

West Sacramento is home to Sutter Health Park, formerly known as Raley Field, where the Sacramento River Cats minor league baseball team plays. Spend a summer afternoon cheering on the River Cats and enjoying some popcorn, a hot dog or a beer! Grab a blanket and get general admission tickets for the lawn (ranging between $10–$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.

Hop on Board the River Fox Train

There are few things more magical than a train ride along the river, and the Sacramento area is ground zero for railroading. In West Sacramento, you can hop on board the River Fox Train for a refreshing view of the city and surrounding landscape. The rail line spans 14 miles from West Sacramento to Woodland, traveling at a leisurely 10–15 miles per hour. The River Fox Train offers a wide variety of excursions, ranging from adults-only wine and beer excursions to kid-friendly rides, like the Easter Egg Express, Pumpkin Patch Express, and Magical Christmas Train. They also have railbikes, where you pedal a four-wheel cart along an abandoned railroad line, taking in the scenery along the way.

Check Out Two Historic Bridges

West Sacramento is connected to downtown Sacramento with not just one — but two — historic bridges. The golden-hued Tower Bridge (pictured), connecting Capitol Avenue with West Sacramento, was completed in 1935. 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!

Visit a Riverside Park

The Sacramento River runs along the length of West Sacramento’s eastern border, meaning there are plenty of places to access the water and take in the views. River Walk Park is the largest of them all, offering views not only of the water but also of the downtown Sacramento skyline. There are also picnic areas, a grand staircase and plaza, and walking trails. It also provides access to River Walk Trail, a multi-use, levee-top trail that stretches to the Mill Street Fishing Pier. 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.

Enjoy Some Family Fun

If you’re looking to get the kiddos out of the house, West Sacramento has several options for family-friendly activities. First up is Capitol Bowl, a modern bowling alley complete with a restaurant, arcade and special events like glow-in-the-dark bowling. The West Sacramento Recreation Center is a popular gathering place for locals, offering swimming pools, tennis courts and basketball courts. Another fun activity for families is Tree Top Sac, a ropes course in an oak canopy with elevated challenges and ziplines.

Grab a Bite to Eat

After all this activity, it’s time to sit down for a hearty meal at one of the many local restaurants in West Sacramento. Some of our favorites include Chando’s Tacos, a low-key spot for traditional street tacos; Burgers and Brew, offering gourmet burgers and sandwiches (and beer of course!); Broderick, dishing up hearty pub fare like burgers, sandwiches and gourmet fries; and Raku Sushi, known for its creative takes on Japanese cuisine.

Sip Local Brews

There is no shortage of craft beer in West Sacramento, some of which are our picks for the best local breweries in the Sacramento area.You can even go on your own brewery crawl by visiting several microbreweries in the same general area for a pint and a bite from one of the rotating food trucks: Campus Brewing Company, Bike Dog Brewing and Jackrabbit Brewing. Or, head to Drakes at the Barn (pictured), 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 food truck roundups.

Make Yourself at Home

If you’re convinced you need to make your stay in West Sacramento a bit more permanent, you’re in luck. This is an excellent community to call home, due to its central location, amenities and attractions, and abundance of quiet neighborhoods. Homes range from historic cottages to sleek townhomes and newer construction in planned communities. Plus, a number of riverfront properties are available in the area, with gated or lakeside homes popular among residents. Take a look at the homes for sale in West Sacramento!