Sutter's Landing Park
A riverside park offering dog park fun, a skate park, and refreshing river access for recreation and relaxation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Sutter's Landing Park
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A riverside park offering dog park fun, a skate park, and refreshing river access for recreation and relaxation.
"The riverside part of this park is beautiful and the water cool - perfect for our dog to enjoy."
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Wear water sandals for river access due to potential sharp objects and algae in some areas.
🚗 Secure Your Vehicle
Be mindful of vehicles living in parking lots. Lock doors and keep valuables out of sight.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Riverside Beach & Recreation
Along the Sacramento River
Enjoy a refreshing dip in the river or relax on the shoreline beach. Great for dogs and people seeking cool relief.
Spacious Dog Park
Designated Dog Park Area
A large, well-maintained dog park with separate zones for different dog sizes. Decomposed granite keeps nails trimmed.
Skate Park
Near a main parking lot
A popular spot for skaters, featuring a paved trail and easy access to the river.
Paved Walking Trails
Throughout the park
Enjoy scenic strolls or bike rides on paved paths with river views and trash cans conveniently located.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the River Access
Dog Park Perks & Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Wear water sandals for river access due to potential sharp objects and algae in some areas.
🚗 Secure Your Vehicle
Be mindful of vehicles living in parking lots. Lock doors and keep valuables out of sight.
☀️ Shade is Limited
In late spring and summer, the grassy areas brown. Shade is scarce, so bring sun protection.
🐶 Dog Park Etiquette
Be prepared for diverse owners and dogs. It's best for those comfortable with a lively, varied environment.
Why is Sutter’s Landing Park so bleak?
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Wear water sandals for river access due to potential sharp objects and algae in some areas.
🚗 Secure Your Vehicle
Be mindful of vehicles living in parking lots. Lock doors and keep valuables out of sight.
☀️ Shade is Limited
In late spring and summer, the grassy areas brown. Shade is scarce, so bring sun protection.
🐶 Dog Park Etiquette
Be prepared for diverse owners and dogs. It's best for those comfortable with a lively, varied environment.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Entrance
While the entrance beach is popular, walk a short distance for more private spots along the river.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sutter's Landing Park is lauded for its excellent river access and spacious dog park, offering a refreshing escape, especially during hot weather. While some find the park's overall design a bit bleak, the natural beauty of the riverside and the community vibe at the dog park are significant draws. Visitors appreciate the clean water and recreational amenities, though caution is advised regarding parking security and seasonal vegetation.
"Love this dog park and the community. It is diverse, like Sacramento. There are fenced areas for below 25 pounders and above 25 pounders. The large dog side is above two acres. Water for dogs and usually a bowl or two and sometimes a pool. Most of it is decomposed granite, which is great for keeping nails naturally trimmed.
Come if you are OK with diversity in owners and politics, and are ok with dogs being dogs.
Don't come if you want to meet people of specific stripes, or are very nervous about your dog's behavior and other dogs. The dogs feel the anxiety.
Fall winter and spring-the park drains very well from rain. There are bugs that can be picked up around the grassy periphery.
Late spring and summer-The grassy area goes brown. Shade is limited and there are foxtails and thistles. The city does a pretty good job cutting down problem weeds, but it seems to be only once every few weeks."
Jonathan Modrow
"The riverside part of this park is beautiful. We parked at the dog park nearby and walked in, but there are closer parking areas that you might want to check out. What made us nervous was the number of vehicles people are living in on these parking lots. No bueno. Lock everything obviously but make sure nothing can be seen inside your car.
After we parked we made our way down to the river. Near the entrance there were tons of people sitting on the beach and enjoying the water. We walked about 5 minutes away and from then on the beach was empty.
The views were gorgeous and the water cool - perfect for our dog to enjoy. We will definitely go back. Fair warning there are people living on the opposite bank in tents. Crazy. 🤷🏻♂️"
Aaron Durant
"Great river access + skate park + paved walking trail. 2 parking lots. Trash cans along trail.
The water is pretty clean! Some areas have a bit of algae. Sometimes I see sharp objects in the water; I recommend wearing water sandals.
It does get very busy on hot summer days. But still there are Plenty of placing to insert along the river to have privacy."
Haley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sutter's Landing Park is accessible by car, with two main parking lots. Public transportation options may be limited, so driving is often the most convenient. Check local transit schedules if you plan to use public transport.
Yes, there are two parking lots available. However, be aware that some vehicles may be parked there long-term, so secure your belongings.
Absolutely! The park features paved bike trails, making it a great destination for cyclists.
From the main parking areas, paved paths lead directly to the river. You can also find dirt trails within the vegetation for a more natural approach.
The dog park is located within the larger park area. Follow signs for the dog park from the main parking lots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Sutter's Landing Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its amenities for free.
As a public park, Sutter's Landing Park is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific hours may vary, so it's always a good idea to check local park advisories if available.
No, the skate park is open to the public and does not require advance booking or tickets. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
The dog park has separate fenced areas for small and large dogs. Owners are responsible for their dogs' behavior and ensuring they are up-to-date on vaccinations.
River access is generally available during park hours. Be mindful of water conditions and safety, especially during off-peak times.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy river access, swimming, relaxing on the beach, using the dog park, skateboarding at the skate park, and walking or biking on paved and dirt trails.
Yes, the dog park is a major highlight, featuring large fenced areas and decomposed granite surfaces.
The river water is generally clean with some areas having algae. Water sandals are recommended due to potential sharp objects. It can get busy on hot summer days.
Restrooms are typically available, especially near the main parking lots and amenities like the dog park and skate park.
Bring swimwear, towels, water shoes, sunscreen, hats, plenty of water, and snacks. For dog owners, bring water bowls and waste bags.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or cafes directly within Sutter's Landing Park. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are areas along the river and trails where you can set up.
Information on dedicated BBQ facilities is limited. It's best to check with local park authorities or assume you should bring portable grilling equipment if permitted.
You'll need to drive a short distance to find restaurants and cafes. Explore nearby neighborhoods for a variety of dining choices.
Park rules regarding alcohol can vary. It's advisable to check local ordinances or park signage to confirm if alcohol is permitted.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverside, especially during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful scenic views. The dog park and skate park also provide dynamic photo opportunities.
Yes, the park offers a mix of natural beauty along the river and urban recreational elements like the skate park, making it quite photogenic.
Landscape photography along the river, action shots at the skate park, and candid shots at the dog park are all great options.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors.
Golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) provide the best light for landscape and portrait photography along the river.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for limited shade during summer months and consider bringing water shoes for river play. While there are no on-site dining facilities, packing a picnic is a great way to make a day of it. Keep an eye on children near the river and be aware of your surroundings, especially regarding the presence of vehicles in parking areas.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to be mindful of the park's diverse community and ensure your dog is well-socialized. Bring plenty of water for your pet, especially during warmer months. While the park is generally well-maintained, be aware of potential foxtails and thistles in grassy areas during certain seasons.
🚴♀️ Cyclists and Skaters
Parking is available near the skate park, making it convenient to access. Remember to bring your gear and enjoy the recreational opportunities the park has to offer. The trails are also good for a leisurely walk or jog.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the River Experience
For dog owners, the river is a fantastic place for their pets to play and cool down. The decomposed granite surfaces in the dog park also contribute to natural nail trimming. However, during late spring and summer, the grassy areas can turn brown, and shade is limited. Be aware of potential foxtails and thistles in the vegetation. Despite these seasonal changes, the river remains a consistent draw for recreation and enjoying the outdoors.
The Dog Park Community
Visitors highlight the park's diversity, reflecting Sacramento's multicultural population. The community is described as welcoming to those who embrace this diversity. However, it's noted that if you prefer to meet people of 'specific stripes' or are very nervous about dog interactions, this might not be the ideal environment. The dogs themselves can sense anxiety, so a relaxed attitude is key to a positive experience.
Recreational Amenities and Park Design
Despite these amenities, some visitors feel the park's design could be improved. One Reddit user described it as 'bleak' and feeling like it was designed by someone unfamiliar with parks, checking off amenity boxes without creating a cohesive or inviting atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit