Day Trips from Sacramento
Growing up in rural northern California, I grew up doing a lot of day trips and overnight trips. I’ve always loved them. When I first met my husband, he wasn’t sure about long trips in the car for a day trip, or even overnight! Now he’s on board, however, so our family talks about (and is trying more) day trips from Sacramento!
Day Trips from Sacramento
While some of these Sacramento day trips are a 20-30 minute drive, others are longer. I feel as though truly being able to enjoy a day trip, driving should be maxed at 2 hours each way. I’ve listed the estimated drive time to each (without traffic).
And while I haven’t done blog posts on each of these destinations, I’ve been to them all, loved them each, and hope to get something written at some point!
NORTH
Chico (1.5 hours) – I grew up not far from Chico and love all the things there are to do in this college town. Whether you shop, eat, and wander in downtown Chico near the university; enjoy the new area of Meriam Park; or take walks and hikes in the beautiful parks, there’s something for everyone. You can read our full weekend trip in this post of things do in Chico!
EAST
Amador County (1 hour) – If you love wine tasting and rolling hills, you’ll enjoy Amador County. Different flavors than Napa & Sonoma, these wines have more terroir flavor to them. We love the Barberas from this region. Casino Mine Ranch and Terre Rouge are two lovely wineries to visit!
Placerville (0.75 hours) – Placerville is right along Highway 50 to Tahoe. Since you’re likely to get stuck in the traffic through Placerville, why not make it your destination! Walk around the town and fine a fun brewery or winery nearby. This area has similar wines to Amador County. Try Boeger Winery and Edio Vineyards at Delfino Farms.
Truckee (1.75 hours) – On the way over the Sierras toward Reno, Truckee is a fun place to go, all year round. The downtown area is cute to walk around. Wait for the train to come into town (you could even take the train there from Sacramento for a really fun time). Great Gold is on my list for dinner places to check out!
Nevada City & Grass Valley (1.25 hours) – You could probably treat each of these to their own day trips. Small towns nestled in the trees and mountains, these two towns offer fabulous downtown areas to wander around – shops, restaurants, and some fun history. don’t miss Empire State Mine just outside Grass Valley.
In Nevada City, you’ll positively love Three Forks Brewery & Bakery for coffee, pizza, and beer; Friar Tuck’s for dinner in Nevada City (where I fell in love with fondue – with oil, not cheese). I also love the weekend farmer’s market in Nevada City!
Auburn (0.75 hours) – Like many of these foothill towns, there are great downtown areas and then so many places and ways to get out into nature. Rafting down the American River? Yes. Wineries and Breweries aplenty? Uh huh. Delectable restaurants and holes in the wall. Oh yeah!
WEST
Sonoma (1.5 hours) – While Napa is more famous for wine, Sonoma County is our preferred place to visit. Fewer crowds (though still a hot spot), a focus on sustainability, and still that glorious food and wine scene. See our list of things to do in Sonoma County (yes, all family friendly). A few wineries to visit? Benziger is biodynamic winery and Belden Barns is a small family-owned winery that you’ll adore!
Napa (1.5 hours) – But Napa is still a fun spot. My favorite activity is this Napa Wine Tour – on a TukTuk or a Jeep Cherokee. You’ll go to an off-the-beaten path winery that’s DELICIOUS, get a catered picnic or meal, and have a blast being driven around! See my winery outfit of choice for cooler temps!
Winters (0.75 hours) – Winters is a fun town in the heart of the Valley. From farm-to-table cooking and agritourism (hello flower picking and olive oil tasting) to staying at the picturesque Hotels Winters, there’s no shortage of fun! The Discover Winters site is so wonderful inspirational and helpful!
Yountville & Oakville (1.5 hours) – Just north of Napa are Yountville and Oakville. Two tiny towns (townlets?), they’re quaint but a joy. St. Helena wineries in this region are phenomenal too. See the list for the best St. Helena wineries to learn what I’m talking about!
Davis (0.5 hours) – Having gone to grad school in Davis, this college town also holds a special place in my heart. Walking to arboretum is a year round must, as are the biweekly farmers markets in downtown. Though I prefer to visit when students are away, it’s a vibrant small town anytime of year!
SOUTH
Galt (0.5 hours) – Galt flies under that radar, but I always hear those who know raving about it. Yummy wineries and food, it’s a short drive for a day trip from Sacramento. The Black Chasm Cavern is a fun, cool (literally because it’s underground) spot.
Clarksburg (0.3 hours) – Just down the Sacramento River is Clarksburg. My introduction to the area was through Bogle Vineyards – a local favorite winery! Their albariño is a favorite of mine! You can also visit the Sugar Mill and do an olive oil tasting at Seka HIlls. The Sugar Mill also offers events periodically, so keep an eye out.
