Lodi Wine Country
Thirty-six miles: If you’re planning a Sacramento road trip and looking for a wine-themed destination, Lodi is the perfect choice. This charming town significantly contributes to California’s wine industry, producing almost 20% of the state’s grapes. Even if wine tasting isn’t your cup of tea, you’ll find plenty to see and do in Lodi’s historic downtown district.
Placerville California
Initially named Dry Diggins, Placerville is located 45 miles away. It earned the nickname “Hangtown” as it was one of the first places where outlaws were hanged for taking things that didn’t belong to them. Today, a dummy hangs from the second floor while a tree stump is hidden in the cellar of the Hangman’s Tree bar, a historic spot on Main Street that marks the site of many of the town’s hangings. The city boasts historical buildings, museums, and gold mine tours that recount its rich history.
Apple Hill Orchards
Apple Hill, located 50 miles from Sacramento, is a highly sought-after destination during the fall harvest season. It’s an excellent place for adults and kids and offers inexpensive family fun. Visitors unanimously agree that it’s a must-visit spot that should be included in their annual road trip list.
Sacramento River Delta
The Sacramento Delta, located about 44 miles from Sacramento, is an ideal destination for a road trip. There are countless activities to enjoy in the Delta area, ranging from historical sites to outdoor adventures. To explore the Delta’s most significant historical regions, take the following driving loop: begin in Rio Vista, head north, and drive in a large clockwise loop. This route will allow you to see all the major attractions while enjoying a scenic drive.
Nevada City California
Nevada City, rich in history, started during the gold rush and boasts several points of interest now on the National Register of Historic Places, making it a perfect destination to learn about history within 60 miles.
Empire Mine State Historic Park
This road trip from Sacramento covers sixty-two miles and takes you deep into the heart of California’s Gold Country. The Empire Mine State Historical Park is spread across 853 acres of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is a state historical park. Visitors can explore and witness historic buildings that have been preserved in time.
Napa Valley Train
The Napa Valley Wine Train travels 36 miles on the Napa Valley Railroad route, taking a 3-hour round trip from Napa to St. Helena along Highway 29. The railroad was founded in 1864 by Samuel Brannan, an early California pioneer.
Sonoma Valley Road Trip
The Sonoma Valley, located eighty miles from Sacramento, is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway, where rich history blends with modern pleasures. The town of Sonoma, situated at the southern end of the 17-mile-long valley, serves as an excellent base for exploring the region.
Old Faithful Geyser of California
Old Faithful Geyser, located in the upper Napa Valley, is a popular attraction for both kids and adults. The geyser erupts every thirty minutes, shooting a stream of scalding steam up to 75 feet into the air. It’s an impressive sight that you shouldn’t miss if you’re visiting Napa Valley with kids.
California Academy of Sciences
This San Francisco attraction is perfect for a family road trip. Notable venues include the Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium, Kimball Natural History Museum, and a four-story rainforest.
Jamestown 1897 State Historic Park
Jamestown, 1897 State Historic Park, located 93 miles from Sacramento, is a testimony of California’s rich history. This town was once a bustling hub during the California Gold Rush and has since been transformed into a California Historical Landmark. The main attraction of Jamestown is Railtown 1897, where you can experience an authentic ride on steam and diesel locomotives. Take a leisurely six-mile, 40-minute roundtrip ride through the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills and enjoy the scenic views.
Columbia State Historic Park
Columbia State Historic Park is a well-preserved town from the mid-19th century that appears frozen. It is trendy among children of all ages, who love to pan for gold, ride a 100-year-old stagecoach, and indulge in homemade sugar treats at the Columbia Candy Kitchen.
Donner Memorial State Park
Located about 98 miles from Sacramento, near the State Park visitor center, a trail leads to the Murphy family cabin site and Pioneer Monument of the Donner Party. The monument’s base, which is 22 feet high, represents the height of the snow during the harsh winter of 1846.
Safari West Santa Rosa
Safari West African Wildlife Tours offers a three-hour tour with an experienced guide. You will board a Safari truck and embark on a bumpy ride through the preserve. This experience will allow you to enjoy an African safari adventure without worrying about the danger of being charged by wild animals.
Mount Tamalpais
Mount Tam is a popular destination among outdoor enthusiasts in Northern California. Its diverse environment features redwood groves in deep canyons and sunny slopes. The many trails that wind through sweeping hillsides, covered with scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands, offer stunning views of the Farallon Islands, the Marin County hills, San Francisco, and the bay. Visitors can even see the occasional snow-covered Sierra Nevada mountains on clear days.
Clear Lake State Park
Clear Lake State Park, located one hundred miles from Sacramento, is a well-known spot for people to indulge in outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and boating. If you’re not much of an outdoor person, you can still enjoy the Clear Lake area, which is home to around 30 wineries. You can visit their tasting rooms; some even offer tours of their facilities.
San Francisco Zoo
The San Francisco Zoo is divided into different regions, showcasing unique animals and habitats. One of the most popular exhibits is the world-renowned lemur forest, home to five endangered species of lemurs from Madagascar. Visitors can also explore the Australian exhibit, observing kangaroos and wallaroos up close. Another highlight of the zoo is the large breeding colony of Magellanic penguins.
Guerneville on the Russian River
Although the town is known for being a popular destination for the LGBTQ+ community, there are activities and sights that everyone can enjoy. You can hike through the breathtaking Armstrong Redwood State Reserve or take a kayak trip down the Russian River as it flows through the valley.
Tahoe City Lake Tahoe
Tahoe City, located 112 miles from Sacramento, is a great destination to escape throughout the year. With summer temperatures reaching up to 75 degrees, visitors can revel in the lake’s clear blue waters and hike through numerous trails. For those who crave a winter wonderland experience, Tahoe City provides access to some of the best ski resorts in the world.
Bodega Bay California
Bodega Bay, located 120 miles from Sacramento, offers endless miles of pristine beaches to explore, fresh seafood, and beautiful coastal scenery. It’s an ideal destination for a romantic weekend getaway or a family road trip. On the way, travelers can enjoy driving through rolling hills and tranquil family-run dairy farms before reaching a point where the ocean comes into view.
Grover Hot Springs Park
The park was established in 1959 and comprises 553 acres of land. It features a pool that was built in the 1950s and is filled with hot spring water. Visitors can dip in the pool and enjoy the warmth of the greenish-colored water, especially on cold winter days. The mineral deposits on the bottom of the pool create a beautiful refractory effect that adds to the overall experience.
Fort Ross State Park
The Fort Ross State Park was once a Russian settlement from the mid-1800s that served as a base for the northern Pacific. The park houses historic buildings and museums for visitors to explore. Picnic facilities and a campground are available for those who want to spend more time in the park. You can enjoy a picnic near the visitor center or head to Sandy Cove Beach to relax at the picnic tables.
Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay State Park is a beautiful tourist destination about two hours from Sacramento. It is home to Vikingsholm, a 38-room mansion built in 1928. This area of Lake Tahoe is known for its breathtaking views and is a popular spot for photography. The bay was formed by the movement of glaciers, which carved the granite to create a one-mile-wide and three-mile-long body of water containing the only island in Lake Tahoe – Fannette Island. Emerald Bay State Park is also a National Natural Landmark, adding to its distinction and allure.
Santa Cruz California
Are you looking for a weekend getaway? Head over to Santa Cruz County, located 147 miles from Sacramento. The county offers plenty of attractions, starting with the Beach Boardwalk. This seaside amusement park is home to the Giant Dipper, one of the oldest roller coasters in the United States.
Turtle Bay Exploration Park
The park is situated on prime and picturesque real estate along the Sacramento River in Redding, California, covering over three hundred acres. The Sundial Bridge is the park’s main attraction and connects the north and south sides. It is a fully functional sundial.
Point Arena Lighthouse
The Point Arena Lighthouse provides a unique and unconventional experience for visitors. The lighthouse museum is a must-see attraction that showcases the rich history of the lighthouse. The museum’s centerpiece is the stunning Fresnel lens formerly used in the lighthouse. The lighthouse is approximately 130 miles north of San Francisco and 170 miles from Sacramento.
Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park, the newest national park in the United States, is 183 miles from Sacramento. The unique rock formations divide the park into two parts: the east end and the west entrance. These parts are connected by a trail system that provides access to the park’s numerous caves and peaks.
Great information and sites to visit in California?!