11 Areas to Avoid in Sacramento, CA [TOURIST SAFETY GUIDE]

As an avid traveler and tourist, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting many cities across the country. Sacramento, CA is the capital of California, has always been high on my list due to its rich history and culture. However, like any large city, Sacramento has its share of areas that are best avoided, especially for tourists unfamiliar with the lay of the land. As I prepared for my trip to Sacramento, I made sure to do my research on the neighborhoods and regions that locals recommend staying away from. Though every city has some less desirable areas, being aware of the places to avoid in Sacramento ensured my time there was safe and enjoyable. In this article, I’ll share my findings on the key areas tourists should avoid when visiting Sacramento.

After speaking with locals and consulting travel guides, I’ve compiled a list of the top areas to avoid in Sacramento. These areas have higher crime rates, gang activity, drug use, homelessness, and overall run-down appearances. As a visitor unfamiliar with Sacramento, I certainly didn’t want to accidentally book a hotel or plan activities in one of these troubled neighborhoods. By knowing the specific areas to avoid in Sacramento ahead of time, I could plan my trip accordingly. Read on for descriptions of the key areas tourists should avoid when visiting Sacramento. Being aware of these neighborhoods will allow you to have the best and safest experience when exploring all that Sacramento has to offer.

See Also: Areas to avoid in California

 

1. Del Paso Heights

Del Paso Heights should be avoided by tourists visiting Sacramento due to its high rates of crime and gang violence. Located in North Sacramento, this neighborhood has a reputation for drug dealing, prostitution, and various street crimes. Abandoned homes and buildings are also common sights, creating an overall rundown vibe. As an unfamiliar visitor, I did not feel safe walking around Del Paso Heights, even during the daytime. Due to frequent gang activity, random shootings are known to occur as well. The area also suffers from poverty and lack of economic opportunities. For these reasons, I recommend tourists avoid spending any time in or around the Del Paso Heights area when visiting Sacramento.

 

2. Oak Park

Another area I steered clear of during my time in Sacramento was the Oak Park neighborhood. Located southeast of downtown Sacramento, Oak Park is plagued by frequent crime and gang violence. Robberies, assaults, and drug dealing are common occurrences, even during daylight hours. Run-down homes, litter, and graffiti add to the unsafe atmosphere. Oak Park has one of the highest crime rates in the entire Sacramento region. Police patrols are a regular presence due to the rampant drug and gang activity. As a visitor unfamiliar with Sacramento, I did not feel comfortable exploring the Oak Park area even in a vehicle. Due to the level of crime and poverty, Oak Park is best avoided by tourists.

 

3. Meadowview

Meadowview is a district in South Sacramento that tourists should avoid due to high crime rates and gang activity. This lower-income area sees frequent incidents of violence, burglaries, and drug trafficking. Abandoned strip malls and empty lots create an unattractive appearance as well. As an unfamiliar visitor, I did not feel safe walking around Meadowview, even during the middle of the day. Locals I spoke with also recommended avoiding this area at night due to little police presence and rampant criminal activity after dark. With limited dining and entertainment options, there is little reason for tourists to visit Meadowview. Steering clear of this high-crime neighborhood will allow you to have a much more enjoyable trip to Sacramento. When it comes to areas to avoid in Sacramento for tourist safety, Meadowview is high on the list.

 

4. North Highlands

North Highlands is a community located just outside Sacramento that visitors should avoid, especially at night. This area suffers from high rates of crime, gang violence, and drug use. Assaults, robberies, and shootings occur regularly in North Highlands. Run-down homes and buildings give the area an overall unattractive and unsafe feel, even during the daytime. Heavy police patrols are a common sight due to the high level of criminal activity. As a tourist unfamiliar with the area, I did not feel comfortable walking around North Highlands even during the middle of the day. With few dining or shopping options, North Highlands has little to attract visitors anyway. For a safe trip to Sacramento, steer clear of spending time in North Highlands.

 

5. South Sacramento

The southern region of Sacramento has several neighborhoods and districts travelers should avoid. Crime rates are high in South Sacramento, especially property crimes like burglary and auto theft. Certain areas also suffer from gang violence and drug dealing activity. Districts like Valley Hi, Parkway, and Fruitridge Pocket have reputations for higher crime and poverty levels. As a visitor unfamiliar with South Sacramento, I was cautious about spending time in any of these high-crime neighborhoods. Hotels and tourist attractions are limited as well, so there is little reason for travelers to visit. Stick to Downtown, Midtown, and more reputable suburban areas for a safer Sacramento experience.

 

6. Arden-Arcade

Arden-Arcade is a suburb just east of Sacramento that tourists should exercise caution in. Though not as dangerous as other neighborhoods, Arden-Arcade does have sporadic issues with crime and gang activity. This area has suffered economic decline in recent decades, leaving empty storefronts and run-down stretches. As a tourist unfamiliar with Arden-Arcade, I only passed through briefly during the daytime. Hotel options are very limited and tourist sights are nonexistent. While not quite as dangerous as some Sacramento neighborhoods, Arden-Arcade does not have much to offer visitors either. Spending time in Midtown or Downtown Sacramento is a much better use of your time.

7. Florin

The Florin district in South Sacramento is another area I recommend tourists avoid. Florin suffers from high rates of violent crime including aggravated assaults and robberies. Gang violence and shootings are ongoing issues in the neighborhood as well. Dilapidated buildings and homes create an unattractive atmosphere for visitors. As a tourist unfamiliar with Florin, I did not feel safe walking around even during the day due to the high level of criminal activity. The lack of dining, shopping, and entertainment also makes it unappealing for travelers. For your safety and enjoyment, I suggest avoiding the Florin area when visiting Sacramento.

 

8. Fruitridge Pocket

Fruitridge Pocket is a neighborhood in South Sacramento plagued by frequent crime and poverty. Assaults, burglaries, and drug dealing are common issues. As a visitor unfamiliar with the area, I did not feel comfortable exploring Fruitridge Pocket even by vehicle. Run-down buildings, empty lots, and litter give the neighborhood an unattractive vibe. Crip sets and other gang activity are ongoing problems as well. Fruitridge Pocket lacks any appealing attractions, dining, or shopping options for tourists. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid spending any time in the Fruitridge Pocket district during your Sacramento trip for your own safety.

 

9. Valley Hi

The Valley Hi region of South Sacramento is another area I recommend tourists avoid. This neighborhood has suffered from economic decline and increasing crime rates in recent years. Drug trafficking, shootings, and robberies are ongoing issues. Valley Hi has also seen an uptick in gang violence associated with Crips and Bloods. As a visitor unfamiliar with Sacramento, I did not feel safe spending any time in Valley Hi even during the daytime due to the level of criminal activity. With very limited dining and entertainment options, there is no reason for tourists to visit this high-crime neighborhood. For your own safety, avoid Valley Hi when visiting Sacramento.

 

10. Gardenland

Gardenland is a small neighborhood in North Sacramento that visitors should avoid. This lower-income area suffers from frequent gang violence, drug activity, and various property crimes. The level of violent crimes like aggravated assault and robbery is especially high. Abandoned homes and buildings give Gardenland an unattractive, rundown vibe as well. As a tourist unfamiliar with the area, I did not feel safe walking around Gardenland even during daylight hours. The lack of restaurants, shops, and other attractions also makes it unappealing for travelers. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid spending any time in the Gardenland neighborhood when visiting Sacramento.

 

11. Parkway

Parkway is a neighborhood travelers should avoid in South Sacramento. This area has chronic issues with gang violence, drug trafficking, and firearm assaults. Homicides are also more common in Parkway than in other parts of Sacramento. Run-down strip malls and homes contribute to the unsafe atmosphere. As a visitor unfamiliar with Parkway, I did not feel comfortable even driving through the area. There is also nothing of interest to tourists in terms of attractions, restaurants, or shopping. Due to the high crime rate and lack of appeal, it’s best to avoid spending any time in Parkway when visiting Sacramento.

 

Conclusion

After thorough research, I compiled this list of the top areas to avoid when visiting Sacramento – Del Paso Heights, Oak Park, Meadowview, North Highlands, South Sacramento, Arden-Arcade, Florin, Fruitridge Pocket, Valley Hi, Gardenland, and Parkway. These neighborhoods all suffer from higher crime rates, gang violence, drugs, poverty, and a lack of dining/attractions for tourists. By familiarizing myself with the areas to avoid in Sacramento ahead of time, I was able to plan a much safer and more enjoyable trip. Concentrating my time in Downtown, Midtown, and Old Sacramento kept me in the prime tourist districts away from the high crime trouble spots. Though every major city has some neighborhoods best avoided, knowing where they are located allowed me to have a great time exploring Sacramento. I highly recommend other tourists and travelers research areas to avoid in Sacramento as well, for a trip that is both safe and fun.