Top 12 weekend trips from Sacramento you’ll want to take right now

Sacramento is California’s quiet capital and a gateway to some of the most amazing weekend excursions the West has to offer. Whether you’re craving pine-scented air, salty breezes, or charming towns, there are plenty of options for a getaway almost anywhere, all within a few hours.

We will highlight the best weekend trips and itineraries from Sacramento that include everything from rugged outdoor adventures, wine tastings, romantic strolls, foodie excursions, and whatever interests you. Just grab a small bag, fill up the tank, and hit the road. Your next mini-vacation is waiting!

 

1. Lake Tahoe

Time required to drive: 2 hours from Sacramento

 

Lake Tahoe is an alpine gem you will find in Northern California, and its perfect combination of lake/mountains occurs in every season. In summer, it can become your playground for hiking, boating, and sitting at the beach, or in winter, it turns into world-class skiing or snowboarding. The lake’s deep blue water mixed with the towering pines makes it the perfect postcard. If you want adventure or just want to lie by the lake, Tahoe has so much to offer. 

Things to do:

 

1. Ski or snowboard at Heavenly, Palisades Tahoe, or Northstar

2. Hike Emerald Bay State Park, or Eagle Lake Trail

3. Paddleboard, kayak, or cruise on the lake

4. Try local brews at South Lake breweries

 

Travel tip:

If you visit North Lake Tahoe, it will be less crowded and a little more family-friendly.

 

2. Napa Valley

Time required to drive: 1.5 hours

 

Napa Valley epitomizes elegance and sensory indulgence. Picturesque rolling vineyard hills, stunning tasting rooms, and delicious food options create a fantastic setting for a romantic weekend or a girls' getaway. The Napa Valley slows down time to savor from 5 AM hot air balloon rides to lazy afternoons overlooking the vines; wine, food, and scenery will be in perfect harmony.

 

Things to do:

1. Castle Tour at Castello di Amorosa or Domaine Carneros.

2. Hop on the Napa Valley Wine Train.

3. Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

4. Experience Michelin Star Dining or quaint Bistros

 

Travel Tip:

Book tastings ahead of time, especially on weekends.

 

3. San Francisco 

Time required to drive: 2 hours

 

San Francisco is electric with the buzz of a big city, all the idiosyncratic charm a big city has to offer. Think views of the Golden Gate Bridge, walks along the waterfront, world-class food, and delightful neighborhoods. Take a quick day trip or stay for the weekend.

 

Things to do:

1. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and visit Alcatraz.

2. Ride a classic cable car through Nob Hill and Union Square.

3. Wander the streets of Chinatown and the Mission District.

4. Eat from local vendors at the Ferry Building or Fisherman’s Wharf. 

 

Travel Tip: 

Don’t even bother trying to drive, as the BART, rideshares, and other public transportation options will allow you to explore without worrying about parking.

 

4. Yosemite National Park 

Time required to drive: 3.5 hours 

 

It can be hard to exaggerate the grandeur of Yosemite National Park. It is a place that evokes awe—the sheer enormity of the granite cliffs, the roar of waterfalls, and the majesty of the ancient groves of sequoias. Whether you hike Half Dome or simply stare in wonder while soaking up the scene, Yosemite will leave you speechless. 

Things to do:

1. Take the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall or hike the Yosemite Falls Trail.

2. See Glacier Point and Tunnel View for the classic vistas.

3. Hike Mariposa Grove’s giant sequoias.

4. Camp under the stars or stay in Curry Village.

 

Travel Tip: 

Make a reservation for park entrance passes and overnight lodging early. Yosemite is one of the busiest national parks in the U.S. 

 

5. Mendocino 

Time required to drive: 3.5–4 hours

 

Mendocino really feels like the edge of the earth. Explore the wind-whipped bluffs, tiny but cute rustic houses, towering redwoods. This artsy little coastal town is just right for kicking back, inhaling salt air, and watching the waves crash from the porch.

 

Things to do:

1. Hike the Mendocino Headlands & Russian Gulch trails.

2. Kayak the Big River Estuary with the otters and herons.

3. Visit the galleries and boutiques in downtown Mendocino.

4. Eat seafood in Fort Bragg and ride the Skunk Train.

 

Travel tip: 

You can take Highway 1 for the glorious ocean views, but be sure to allow extra time for the winding roads.

 

6. Sonoma

Time required to drive: 1.5 hours

 

Sonoma is a mellow substitute for Napa. It is brushed with fewer constraints, filled with character, and home to organic wineries, local markets, the historical bounty, and the unhurried wine lover and traveler.

Things to do:

1. Tasting at family-run wineries such as Gundlach Bundschu and Benziger.

2. Bike the Sonoma Valley Trail through the vineyards.

3. Stand in the shadow of history at the easternmost Mission San Francisco Solano.

4. Snack on local cheeses and olive oils at the Sonoma Plaza.

 

Travel note: 

Pack a picnic lunch and purchase local provisions.

 

7. Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea

Time required to drive: 3 hours

 

This ocean-front pair embodies every aspect of marine life, but with a bit of the fancy side as well. Monterey has the famous aquarium and rugged coastline. Carmel has the white-sand beaches, boutique shops, and a fantasy charm.

 

Things to do:

1. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.

2. Take the 17-Mile Drive past Pebble Beach and Lone Cypress.

3. Chill on Carmel Beach and view art galleries.

4. Hike Point Lobos State Reserve for coastal wildlife.

 

Travel Tip: 

Lodging in Carmel can be expensive. Stay in Monterey and take day trips to Carmel.

 

8. Nevada City

Time required to drive: 1.5 hours

 

Nevada City is a delightful historic town surrounded by the pines. With its Victorian-era buildings dotting the walkable downtown, rivers, trails, and swimming holes just minutes away, it is half artsy and half outdoorsy.

 

Things to do:

1. Meander down Broad Street, checking out shops, cafes, and antique shops.

2. Swim in the emerald pools of the South Yuba River.

3. Go to a show at the Nevada Theatre or check out the Firehouse Museum.

4. Attend the summer film or music festivals.

 

Travel Tip: 

Autumn is a great time to visit, imagine beautiful leaves of gold, crisp air, and small-town magic.

 

9. Point Reyes National Seashore

Time required to drive: 2.5 hours

 

Point Reyes is where nature makes a statement. Windswept beaches, elk herds, and surf pounding the shore characterize this astonishing national seashore. It is one of the wildest coastal regions remaining in California.

 

Things to do:

1. Hike to Point Reyes Lighthouse, and watch the waves roll in from the Pacific.

2. Walk the Tomales Point Trail, and behold a Tule elk.

3. Visit the iconic Cyprus Tree Tunnel.

4. Eat some fresh oysters on the bay at The Marshall Store.

 

Travel Tip: 

Dress in layers-it can be sunny, foggy, and windy all in one afternoon.

 

10. Calistoga

Time required to drive: 1.5 hours

 

Calistoga is Napa Valley's quiet corner-known for its hot springs, mud baths, and boutique wineries. It's a perfect place to retreat, enjoy, and re-energize while taking it slow.

 

Things to do:

1. Take a soak at Calistoga Spa Hot Springs mineral pools.

2. Indulge in a mud bath at Dr. Wilkinson's or Indian Springs.

3. Visit Castello di Amorosa, a castle winery in the style of Tuscany.

4. Explore the Petrified Forest and local trails.

 

Travel Tip: 

Spa treatments book up quickly; when visiting over the weekend, book ahead.

 

11. Sutter Creek

Time required to drive: 1 hour

 

Sutter Creek is a picturesque little town from California's Gold Rush era. Today, Sutter Creek has several historic stops, tasting rooms, and quaint inns that make it a perfect place to spend a quiet weekend getaway.

 

Things to do:

1. Stroll around Main Street with its antique shops and art galleries.

2. Take a tour of Knight Foundry, a fully operational 19th-century machine shop.

3. Try a few wines of the Shenandoah Valley, not too far away.

4. Catch a show at the Sutter Creek Theatre.

Travel Tip: 

You can easily pair Sutter Creek with Amador City or Plymouth and experience a day full of small towns.

 

12. Berkeley

Time required to drive: 2 hours

 

Berkeley is the intersection of intelligence and eccentricity. This dynamic college town has sweeping views of the bay, delectable food, mind-bending performative art, and endless green space. Perfect for the inquisitive mind and the arts junkies!

 

Things to do:

1. Explore the UC Berkeley campus and ascend the Campanile tower.

2. Hike in Tilden Park and stop by the Rose Garden.

3. Eat in the Gourmet Ghetto, check out Chez Panisse or Cheeseboard Pizza.

4. Shop on Telegraph Avenue and go see a performance at Berkeley Rep.

 

Travel Tip: 

Take BART for the safest and most convenient ride directly into the heart of town.