Explore California on wheels: Best road trips near Sacramento

Sacramento is literally at the crossroads of some of the most well-known California landscapes, from rivers flowing through its backyard, to gold rush towns scattered in the foothills, to coastal cliffs only a few hours' drive away. California's capital is a great starting point for an unforgettable road trip. 

Whether you're looking for an alpine adventure, a historical stroll down nostalgia lane, wine country relaxation, or just a long drive with beautiful scenery and a few interesting stops along the way, Sacramento has options! 

 

Get in your car and hit the road to discover the best road trips near Sacramento, from short and simple day trips to weekend getaways, each with its unique charm, activities, and reliable travel tips. 

 

1. Apple Hill & Placerville 

Travel details:

Route: US-50 E, and turn onto Carson Rd

Drive time: 50 minutes

Located in the Sierra foothills, Apple Hill is a group of apple ranches, orchards, and family farms that transform into a festival wonderland each fall. 

 

That said, Apple Hill is not just a fall destination, but this area is a thriving location with flower picking in the spring, berry picking in the summer, and wineries that like having guests no matter the season. 

Things to do:

1. Try High Hill Ranch for fresh apple cider, fresh apple cider donuts, and fresh apple pies. 

2. Check out Boa Vista Orchards for year-round produce and wines. 

3. In the spring, explore their lavender fields and flower gardens.

4. In the fall, bring the kids for activities with pumpkin patches and petting zoos. 

 

Travel Tip: 

If possible, go midweek or early morning on weekends to avoid crowds during peak season (late September to October). Most farms have free parking and tastings at wineries, but it is a good idea to bring cash for small vendors.

 

2. Gold Country on Highway 49

Travel details:

Route: Highway 49

Drive time: 1–2.5 hours.

 

The California Gold Rush was not just history, but it is a living, breathing part of the Sierra Nevada foothills. A drive down historic Highway 49 will put you at the heart of Old West storefronts, mine tours, riverfront parks, and antique shops that seem to be stuck in yesteryear. 

 

Things to do:

1. Plan for gold at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma.

2. Stroll Auburn's historic downtown, complete with cafes, breweries, and galleries. 

3. Check out the charming streets of Sutter Creek, with its shops and wine tasting rooms. 

4. Visit Empire Mine State Historic Park in Grass Valley. 

 

Travel Tip:

Make it a loop by starting in Auburn and coming back via Hwy 20 or Hwy 16. Stay the night at a Gold Rush-era bed & breakfast for a truly rustic feel.

 

3. Lake Tahoe via Highway 50

Travel details:

Route: US-50 E through El Dorado National Forest

Drive time: 2 hours

 

Longing for mountains, forests, and clear blue water? Lake Tahoe serves all of those up together. A road trip from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe along Highway 50 is picturesque any time of the year, but especially enchanting in winter and early summer. 

 

Things to do:

1. In summer: Hike Emerald Bay State Park, kayak the lake, or sunbathe at Sand Harbor.

2. In winter: Go skiing at Heavenly or Sierra-at-Tahoe resorts.

3. Don’t miss the casinos, live music, and lakeside dining in Stateline.

 

Travel Tip: 

Be sure to check road conditions in the winter, as snow chains could be required. Reserve lodging in advance during holidays and ski season.

 

4. Mendocino Coast 

Travel details:

Route: I-5 N then CA-20 W, US-101 N onto CA-1 S

Drive time: 4 hours

 

For coastal nirvana and sweeping views of the ocean, go west to Mendocino. While this option is farther away than some of the other choices, the journey itself is an experience, taking you through wine country, redwood forests, and winding coastal passages. 

 

Things to do:

1. Stroll the headlands at Mendocino Headlands State Park.

2. Explore Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, where its sand is littered with colorful sea glass. 

3. Take a ride on the Skunk Train through the redwood forest.

4. Visit a couple of wineries with ocean views. 

 

Travel Tip:

Do not go on Hwy 1 north of Jenner at night. Go during the day and enjoy the exceptional views. If you have time, I would even suggest making this a two-day trip and exploring all the stops.

 

5. Suisun Valley Wine Loop

Travel details:

Route: I-80 W onto Suisun Valley Road

Drive time: 1 hour

 

Suisun Valley is California's best-kept wine secret, often overshadowed by Napa. Located just an hour from Sacramento, it’s a laid-back area full of delicious wines, open fields, and friendly tasting rooms without the crowds and high prices.

 

Things to do:

1. Wine tasting at Wooden Valley Winery and BackRoad Vines.

2. Olive oil tastings at Il Fiorello.

3. Visit Larry’s Produce to find farm-fresh produce and Insta-worthy farm decor.

 

Travel Tip:

Bring a cooler for produce. Many wineries here are family-owned, so be sure to call ahead and see if they are having a food truck or live music on the weekends.

 

6. Donner Memorial State Park 

Travel details:

Route: I-80 E to Truckee Exit

Drive time: 2 hours

 

Located on the edge of Truckee, Donner Memorial State Park offers a serene alpine escape with an interesting history attached to it. Named after the ill-fated Donner Party, the park offers a combination of forest beauty, educational hiking trails, and lakeside vistas. 

 

Things to do:

1. Visit the Emigrant Trail Museum. 

2. Hike or bike around Donner Lake. 

3. Plan a picnic among the pines. 

4. In the winter, go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. 

 

Travel Tip:

Your best bet for a good mix of quiet hiking trails and good weather is either spring or fall. 

 

7. American River Parkway & Garden Highway

Travel details:

Route: I-5 N onto Garden Highway

Drive time: 1 hour

 

Sometimes, the best road trip is in your backyard. The American River Parkway runs along the Sacramento and American Rivers, with a scenic Garden Highway detour that takes you to peaceful countryside, wildlife preserves, and riverside restaurants.

 

Things to do:

1. Ride a bike on the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail.

2. Kayak at Lake Natoma or Discovery Park.

3. Eat by the water at Crawdad's on the River.

 

Travel Tip:

Great option for a half-day getaway. Grab some goodies for a picnic, bring a bike lock, and sunblock. Garden Highway is especially picturesque at sunset.

 

8. Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area 

Travel details:

Route: From I-80 W, exit on County Road 32B

Drive time: 1 hour

 

Birders and nature enthusiasts, urban dwellers have a hidden jewel just outside of town. The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is a large wetland preserve in which migratory birds soar above through large open skies. It is a tranquil, photogenic escape for the introspective drive or nature hike. 

 

Things to do: 

1. Observe the tidal arrival of migratory geese and cranes along the Pacific Flyway, generally from October to February. 

2. Hike the trails or take the auto tour loop. 

3. Stop by the Vic Fazio Visitor Center for more educational displays. 

Travel Tip: 

Bring binoculars and go early to arrive before the birds leave for the day. Don't go after heavy rain, the roads may be muddy.

9. Sutter Buttes – "The World’s Smallest Mountain Range"

Travel details:

Route: CA-99 N, then CA-20 Wand Pass Rd

Drive time: 2 hours

 

The Sutter Buttes rise steeply from the plains of the Central Valley and are so surreal, they could be a scene from a fantasy book. They are a remnant of volcanic activity, and a large part of the range is private land, but guided hikes and scenic drives around the circumference are available.

 

Things to do:

1. Join a guided hike led by Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes.

2. Drive the Sutter Buttes Loop. There are incredible views and lots of photo ops.

3. Walk through the bakeries and shop in historic downtown Yuba City.

 

Travel Tip:

Tours are limited, so book hikes in advance through the non-profit group that has access. Make sure to bring water and your hiking boots.

 

10. Capay Valley and Cache Creek Casino

Travel details:

Route: I-5 N onto CA-16 W

Drive time: 1 hour

 

This rural valley is famous for its olive oil farms, flower fields, and an unexpectedly classy casino resort. Take Highway 16 through Esparto and Brooks, and you will feel like you're stepping back in time before you arrive at the crunchy Cache Creek Casino for spa treatments or fine dining.

 

What to do:

1. Tour the Seka Hills Olive Mill and do a tasting flight.

2. Visit the Capay Valley Lavender farm at the height of summer.

3. Take a massage or fine dinner at Cache Creek Resort.

 

Travel Tip:

Olive oil tastings are usually free, and they give you fresh bread with it, which is great for those on a budget. It's a great daytime activity, too, and it is recommended to go on a weekday to avoid weekend traffic.