Wine tasting, hidden swimming holes, kayaking with sea lions, scenic hiking trails, historical towns… there’s so many fun weekend trips from Sacramento that are all under 2 hours away.
Sacramento has been quickly growing on me. One of my best friends moved there a few years ago so I’m always up in Sac either running around to all the Goodwills thrift shopping, so we’re using the city as a home base to explore Northern California. And MAN – I’ve rounded up a list of the best day trips from Sacramento for quick hits of adventure.
11 Fantastic Day Trips From Sacramento (Under 2 Hours!)
11 of my favorite day trips to take from Sacramento that are fun, affordable and all under 2 hours! From swimming holes to beach towns to wine tasting, Sacramento is close to so many fun Northern California things to do.
Distance: 36 minutes
Best time of year to visit: Summer - Fall
You've probably driven past Auburn on your way to North Lake Tahoe but it's absolutely worth a day trip to explore. This former Gold Rush town oozes historical charm and its Old Town neighborhood is my favorite to wander. So many cute shops, restaurants, and wineries! My go-to spots are The Pour Choice (super IG worthy coffee house) and the Annex Taproom for happy hour.
But my truly favorite part of Auburn is all the nearby swimming holes! As you know, Sacramento gets more Southern California type of summer weather. HOT HOT HOT. During those August heatwaves, a road trip to the Auburn Confluence, a family-friendly swimming hole on the American River. This swimming hole is my favorite day trips near Sacramento.
Distance: 25 minutes
Best season to visit: Summer
One of my favorite day Sacramento day trips to take is to Yolo County to go flower hunting!! From almond blossoms to sunflowers to stunning lavender fields, even U-pick farms, Yolo County is literally popping off with stunning flower fields to view.
Honestly, this is one of my favorite day trips in Northern California. I once woke up before sunrise with a friend and we drove to Dixon from San Francisco just to watch the sun come up to greet a field of sunflowers. MAGIC.
Distance: 1 Hour
Best season to visit: Year-round
Looking for romantic day trips from Sacramento? Head to Napa! It's only an hour away. I would recommend sticking to the Southern part of the valley to cut down on driving time (St. Helena, etc.) You can also book the Napa Valley Wine Train for an extra luxurious day trip.
When I need to unwind, wine country is always one of my favorite spots to pop to for the day. Something about putting on a sundress, sipping wine on a patio overlooking vineyards, nibbling on cheese plates... HEAVEN.
Distance: 2 hours
Best season to visit: Late spring-early winter
There are so many cool places to visit around the Lake Tahoe area as you probably know. Coming from Sacramento I'm always surprised about how quick it is to drive to the South Lake area. For a day trip, I recommend hanging out around Emerald Bay State Park and hiking down to Vikingsholm (a castle on the lake!!)
After your hike, head to the marina and rent a paddleboard to get out on the water for a bit. It's so clear and simply stunning to dip your toes in. If paddling boarding isn't your thing, swim instead. If you have a DD, make sure to stop by Hanger for a happy hour beer (it's a fun outdoor beer garden that's dog friendly, too!)
Distance: 1 hour
Best season to visit: Summer for swimming holes, or December for their Christmas fair
Tucked in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is Nevada City, a historical 19th century Gold Rush town that looks like it was plucked right out of 1888. For real - most of the downtown has been registered as a historical landmark so all the buildings are beautifully old.
My favorite time to visit is during their annual Victorian Christmas Fair, where the whole city breaks out in a festival. You can also come in the summer to take advantage of their swimming holes and local hikes.
Distance: 45 minuts
Best season to visit: Fall
APPLE PICKING!! I come to Apple Hil every fall to pick apples, eat apple cider donuts, go wine tasting and just hang out being my basic fall betch self. If you can swing a Friday, it'll be less crowded than a weekend visit. Either way, you'll have so much fun!
Distance: 1.5 hours
Best season to visit: Year-round (though extra nice during August when Sac is burning up!)
Ok maybe I'm biased since I live in San Francisco, but it makes one kick-ass day trip from Sac. Especially during the summer when Sacramento is hot hot hot, but Karl the Fog is hanging out here in the Bay. Hello, 60 degrees and nature's air conditioning!
Drive over the Golden Gate Bridge, hike the Lands Labriynth, brunch at Le Marias Bakery, swing by Golden Gate Park... there are so many fun things to do in San Francisco!
Distance: 1.5 Hours
Best season to visit: Summer-early winter
Ahh, I just love Truckee! It's the cutest little mountain town with tons of fantastic eats, AMAZING hiking trails and cozy cabins. Plus, it packs tons of history with Donner Lake and the Donner Party, which appeases my true crime loving soul. Truckee is usually overlooked since it's next door to Lake Tahoe, meaning it tends to attract fewer crowds, making it one of the best day trips from Sacramento.
I think the best thing to do during the day is to start with a morning hike. Then visit downtown & grab lunch at Morgan's Lobster Shack. Explore the historic town and then pop over to Donner Memorial State Park to swim, dip your toes in the water from a dock or even rent a paddleboard to get on the water! Make sure to check out the California State Railroad Museum, too.
Distance: 2 hours + 15 mins
Best season to visit: Winter-Spring
If you're up for a slightly longer drive, head to Point Reyes and Tamales Bay. Hike Chimney Rock and visit the famous Point Reyes Lighthouse. Shuck your own oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co on a late lunch, and swing by Cowgirl Creamery for a car snack of fresh cheese on the way home. This area low-key looks like it was plucked out of Ireland, I love it here.
Distance: 1 hour
Best season to visit: Summer
I have a weakness for swimming holes and hot springs. One of the best perks of living in California is taking advantage of all the outdoor recreation, right?! Yankee Jims is a cool swimming point on the American River. It's not family-friendly, but if you're looking for a fun swimming day this place is LIT. Bring your own picnic and chill by the river.
Distance: 1.5 hours
Best season to visit: Year-round
Just over the Golden Gate Bridge is Sausalito, which is like if Italy and East Coast had a baby. It's stunning. I come here a few times a week to kayak around the Bay, but there are tons of fantastic seafood restaurants here, a boche ball brunch spot, ice cream. It's a quick drive from Battery Spencer, the best lookout on the bridge, and the Marin Headlands if you like hiking. This is another great idea if you are looking to escape the Sacramento summer heat!
There are so many fun things to do in Sacramento itself. My favorite are thrifting, eating my way through R Street restaurants, hunting down fun murals, looking at flower gardens around the California State Capitol, exploring Old Town Sacramento and hanging out with friends who live there.
Got a favorite day trip that isn’t on the list? Drop a comment below so everyone can see! Got questions? Comment or DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul, I’ll be happy to help.
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2 comments
This is so nice! I want to visit as it sounds so charming!
Hi. And thank you for posting. My sister and I moved to Sacramento back in December of 2016. Been working so much haven’t been able to take any vacations at all. Then of course Covid struck. But now with the new year and all. We have decided to start a new. So we are going to start looking at day trips for the weekend. Thanks Kara