The Parks of Sacramento

The American River Parkway is a 23-mile parkway and bicycle trail that connects a number of Sacramento's smaller public parks, stretching along the banks of the city's American River waterfront. The trail, which is accessible via several exits off Sacramento County's U.S. Route 50, is overseen by the American River parkway Foundation nonprofit organization. Sites along the trail include the 302-acre Discovery Park, which serves as the trailhead for the beautiful 32-mile Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, and the spacious River Bend Park, one of the oldest public parks in Sacramento County. Indigenous history attractions, a golf course, and a nature center are offered at Ancil Hoffman Park, while a manmade fishing pond provides bass, trout, and catfish angling opportunities at William B. Pond Recreation Area. Parkgoers can also view the works of the region's anonymous "Rock Artist" at Watt Avenue Access Park.

4040 Bradshaw Rd, Sacramento, CA 95814, Phone: 916-875-6961

Artivio Guerro Park is a charming city park in Sacramento's Fruitridge Manor neighborhood, named in honor of a prominent local teacher and community activist. Families can enjoy fantastic seasonal play spaces at the 2.5-acre park, including a covered nature-themed tot lot with poppy-themed canopies and an interactive water play and mister area. An open grassy lawn provides space for picnics and pick-up games, while a basketball court can be used by community members and leagues. Several walkways feature exercise stations for active parkgoers, while park benches provide a spot for rest and relaxation. Other features include a full skate park facility for skateboarders to practice their moves and a day-use covered group picnic site.

6000 61st St, Sacramento, CA 95824, Phone: 916-808-5200

Bannon Creek Park is a spacious 18.44-acre public park on Azevedo Drive, located within Sacramento's South Natomas district. The park is a great choice for cyclists, offering a 1.17-mile multi-use paved bicycle and walking trail throughout its lovely grounds. An off-leash dog park provides play experiences for four-legged friends, while a nature-themed playground keeps young visitors active and happy. Sporting opportunities include a horseshoe court and a jump tent. Three large group picnic sites can be rented for private special events, offering large barbecue grills and accommodating up to 100 guests. Day-use picnic sites are also available for lounging and sharing meals with family.

2780 Azevedo Dr, Sacramento, CA 95833

Bean Park is a delightful community park in Sacramento, home to a spacious community garden offering plots for area resident growing use. Garden plot areas at the Bill Bean Jr. Community Garden include sections for herbs and vegetables, along with an orchard area for semi-dwarf fruit trees. Parkgoers can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including a bantam soccer field and two turf volleyball courts. A fitness course offers exercise opportunities for active parkgoers, while a children's adventure play area and tot lot feature shade canopies for safe, cool play during the warmer months. Other amenities include a lovely day-use picnic area with a gazebo.

7400 17th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95820, Phone: 916-808-5200

Bertha Henschel Park is a quaint park in East Sacramento, long serving as a neighborhood hangout for families with young children during the summer months. Sporting opportunities abound, including a basketball court and a large grassy lawn for picnics and pick-up games. A large children's playground offers classic all-ages activities such as swings, slides, see-saws, monkey bars, and a spacious sand pit. Throughout the summer months, the Bertha Henschel Play Pool offers active water play opportunities every afternoon of the week except Fridays, featuring a massive mushroom-shaped water fountain and pool deck benches for parents to lounge and watch young ones.

160 45th St, Sacramento, CA 95819, Phone: 916-808-5301

Brooks Truitt Park is Sacramento's newest and most modern dog park, anchored by a colorful public art sculpture spelling out the word "BARK." The multi-functional 0.9-acre park, which is located within the city's downtown Midtown district, is the city's first urban dog park option, featuring separate designated play areas for smaller and larger breeds to frolic safely with their owners. Changing art features on the park's central sculpture are repainted every two years, giving local artists a chance to show off their skills. Other attractions for visitors include a charming community garden, several day-use picnic sites, and public art pieces such as the park's Lady Bug sculpture and whimsical bug-themed fence artwork.

1818 Q St, Sacramento, CA 95811, Phone: 916-322-2114

Capitol Park has been the official home of the California Legislature since 1869 and is designated as a California Historical Landmark, housing the buildings of the state government within its 40-acre park grounds. Visitors can explore the California State Capitol Museum, which has been operated by the California State Parks system since 1982 and offers a plethora of visitor exhibits on the state's history and government operations. Self-guided tours of the museum's restored historic offices are available daily, along with showings of a documentary film detailing the capitol's history. On select days, visitors can watch the state legislature on the floor as they debate current political issues. Outside in Capitol Park, beautiful landscaped trees represent more than 200 species from around the world, while memorials such as the Earl Warren Walk honor significant state historical and political figures.

1300 L St, Sacramento, CA 95814, Phone: 916-324-0333

Curtis Park is an expansive 19-acre park on West Curtis Drive, located just east of the city's renowned William Land Park. The quiet, relaxing natural park offers a respite from the city's hustle and bustle for visitors and neighborhood residents alike, stretching long and narrow for approximately 10 city blocks. A wide variety of sporting courts are offered throughout the park, including fields for tennis, baseball, volleyball, and basketball. Several grassy lawns offer space for pick-up games, picnics, and frolicking with four-legged friends. A children's adventure play area provides safe play experiences for young visitors, while a walking and jogging loop clocks in at one mile.

3349 W Curtis Dr, Sacramento, CA 95818, Phone: 916-808-6060

Discovery Park is a gorgeous 302-acre public park located just outside Sacramento's downtown district, easily accessible for area residents via Interstate 5 and the Garden Highway. The lovely, spacious park is located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, connected to the region's 23-mile American River Parkway, which provides cycling and driving access to a number of other city and county park spaces. Parkgoers can make use of several softball fields and an archery range, along with access points for the multi-use Jedediah Smith Memorial trail, which connects to nearby Leidesdorff Ranch. A boat ramp provides watercraft access to both rivers, though visitors should note that currents are too strong to allow swimming throughout most of the year.

1600 Garden Hwy, Sacramento, CA 95833, Phone: 916-875-7275