There's nothing quite like a summer night at the ballpark — the crack of the bat, the smell of garlic fries drifting through the stands, and the Sacramento River glowing gold as the sun goes down over West Sacramento. If you're planning a trip around a Sacramento River Cats game, where you stay can make or break the experience. Skip the sprawling hotel strips off the freeway and set up camp somewhere you can actually walk to first pitch: Vagabond Inn Executive Sacramento Old Town.

Why Sutter Health Park Belongs on Your Travel List

The River Cats, the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, play a full 150-game season at Sutter Health Park right on the banks of the Sacramento River in West Sacramento, including 39 weekend home games. It's one of the most scenic ballparks in the Pacific Coast League, with sweeping views of the Tower Bridge and the downtown Sacramento skyline as a backdrop.

Right now, Sutter Health Park has an extra draw that's putting West Sacramento on the national baseball map: it's also the temporary home of MLB's Athletics while their new Las Vegas ballpark is under construction (expected to open in 2028). That means the same ballpark hosting River Cats games is also hosting big-league matchups — this month alone, the A's host the Tampa Bay Rays (August 10-13) and Texas Rangers (August 14-16) at Sutter Health Park. It's a rare chance to catch MLB-level baseball in a Triple-A setting, and it's drawing fans from well beyond Sacramento.

Whether you're a lifelong Giants fan tracking prospects on their way up, a family looking for an affordable night of baseball, or a visitor hoping to catch a big-league game in an unexpected place, there's a reason to head to Sutter Health Park almost any week this season.

This Month at Sutter Health Park

• August 4-9: River Cats vs. Round Rock — the homestand includes Railroad Night (Aug. 5), a Camo T-Shirt Giveaway (Aug. 7), and Wild West Night (Aug. 8)
• August 10-13: Athletics vs. Tampa Bay Rays
• August 14-16: Athletics vs. Texas Rangers
• August 18-23: River Cats vs. Tacoma — highlights include River Cats: The Musical (Aug. 19), a Lunch Box Giveaway (Aug. 21), Harry Potter Night (Aug. 22), and Fang's Bark in the Park (Aug. 23)

Schedules and promotions shift throughout the season, so it's worth checking the River Cats' and Athletics' official schedules before you book — but as you can see, there's rarely a dry week at the ballpark.

Your Closest Home Base: Vagabond Inn Executive Sacramento Old Town

Vagabond Inn Executive Sacramento Old Town sits at 909 3rd Street, right in the heart of Old Sacramento — just a 22-minute walk (about one mile) across the historic Tower Bridge to Sutter Health Park, or a 6-minute drive if you'd rather not walk back after a night game. Instead of driving in, fighting for parking, and circling the block after the game, you can walk to your seat and walk right back to your room afterward.

Staying here means:

• A short, scenic stroll across the Tower Bridge to the ballpark instead of a stressful pregame parking hunt
• Easy access to Old Sacramento's cobblestone streets, riverfront boardwalk, and historic shops and restaurants for a pregame bite or a postgame nightcap
• A comfortable, no-fuss home base if you're combining the game with a weekend exploring Sacramento
• Free parking, no early check-in fee, no late check-out fee and no pet fee for the first night when booking direct on vagabondinn.com

A Simple Game Day Itinerary

1. Check in early and grab lunch or an early dinner in Old Sacramento. The Firehouse Restaurant offers a more upscale sit-down meal in a historic 1850s firehouse, Steamers Bakery & Cafe is an easy, casual option for a quick bite, and the Pilothouse Restaurant aboard the historic Delta King riverboat is a fun, scenic pick if you want dinner with a river view.
2. Walk across the Tower Bridge toward Sutter Health Park. Give yourself the full 20-25 minutes and enjoy the view — the bridge crossing is part of the experience, not just a means to get there.
3. Catch the game. Grab a seat along the river side of the park for the best sunset views as the game gets going.
4. Head back across the bridge afterward for dessert, a drink, or just a quiet walk along the river before heading back to the hotel — no rideshare, no traffic, no hassle.

Tips for Planning Your Trip

A few things to keep in mind when booking around a game:

• Book early for weekend homestands and MLB dates. Friday and Saturday night games — and any Athletics series — tend to sell out fastest, and rooms nearby go quickly too.
• Check the promotional schedule. Theme nights and giveaways draw bigger crowds — great for atmosphere, but worth booking further ahead.
• Pack light for the walk over. Since you won't need a car once you're checked in, leave the extra layers and gear at the hotel.

Make It Your Home Run Weekend

Between the River Cats' full season and the Athletics' temporary run at Sutter Health Park, there's a great excuse to spend a night — or a whole weekend — in Sacramento almost any week this summer. There's no easier way to do it than staying somewhere you can walk to the park. Skip the parking lots and traffic, and make Vagabond Inn Executive Sacramento Old Town your home base for the next homestand.

Ready to plan your trip? Book your stay at Vagabond Inn Executive Sacramento Old Town and get ready for a night at Sutter Health Park you won't have to drive home from.