Bathed by the waters of the Pacific, located in the very heart of California, this picturesque area has always attracted the attention of tourists. Favored by the pleasing climate and convenient location, the capital of the state truly deserved the reputation of one of the most attractive places for literally all kinds of tourists.
It doesn’t matter how you travel – alone, with a spouse or children, or simply looking for an exile from the hustle and bustle of modern life – Sacramento and its surroundings have a lot to offer even to the most fastidious traveler. Needless to say, there are plenty of places to see and experiences to try out. Today we are going to save you much time in searching for information and present the list of the most breathtaking places. Let’s roll!
Haven’t you heard there is no need to go to Iceland if you want to see an active geyser? Could you even imagine this in such a climate? The answer to both questions is “yes.” This wonder of nature is living proof of that.
Hidden in the volcanic wonderland of Napa Valley, California’s Old Faithful Geyser stands as a testament to the Earth’s raw power. Unlike its more famous namesake in Yellowstone, this natural wonder offers an intimate experience with predictable eruptions every 45 minutes, reaching impressive heights of 70 feet. The geyser’s surroundings have been thoughtfully developed to create an educational outdoor museum, featuring:
Best visiting times are early morning or late afternoon when the sun’s position creates spectacular rainbow effects in the geyser’s spray. Photography enthusiasts should bring wide-angle lenses to capture both the eruption and the magnificent backdrop of Mount Saint Helena.
Lake Tahoe isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that transforms with each season. This ancient lake, formed over 2 million years ago, holds enough water to cover the entire state of California in 14 inches of water. Its crystal-clear depths reach 1,645 feet, making it one of North America’s deepest lakes.
Monterey captures the essence of coastal California with its perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This former sardine canning hub has transformed into a world-class destination while preserving its historic charm.
Just 45 minutes from Sacramento, Lodi Wine Country stands as California’s hidden gem of viticulture, perfect for weekend trips near Sacramento. This historic wine region boasts:
Here is a list of wineries you should never skip:
This is another major family destination near Sacramento. This is also known as the Apple Capital of California. Apple Hill is famed for a great kids attraction called Kids.Inc, which represents a maze for children where they should navigate in order to leave the place. At the exit, kids find themselves on the real farm, where they can walk among animals such as goats and sheep and touch them. They will really feel one with nature and apart from excitement, will get indispensable knowledge about country life.
It is very important to mention Apple Orchards themselves. Here you can find literally everything made of apples: doughnuts, caramel apples, pies, and, of course, cider and cider sauce. You can also find a couple of decent home vineries on the hill. The best time to visit the area is in autumn, as this is when the majority of festivals take place, say Harvest Run November and Jonny Appleseed’s birthday in September.
Located in the Sierra foothills, Apple Hill transforms into a magical destination throughout the year, making it one of the most cherished vacation spots near Sacramento.
A perfect addition to quick getaways from Sacramento, this San Francisco treasure combines a natural history museum, planetarium, aquarium, and research facility under one living roof.
The Academy is located in Golden Gate Park and is an absolute must-see for everyone visiting the Golden State! It includes the Morrison planetarium, the largest of its kind, with a huge screen. The shows displayed there are extremely popular, so don’t forget to get your pass in advance!
Monterey Aquarium isn’t the only place that demonstrates sea species. The Academy’s website claims Steinhart Aquarium to be ‘one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth.’ You can see the white albino alligator there!
The Kimball Natural History Museum is dedicated to the history of evolution and contains millions of species in its collection. You can see large vivid installations of different world regions. Tourists can find the one-of-the-kind four-storeyed rainforest with artificial rain and more than one thousand unique species, including birds and butterflies. It is a unique experience for all ages. The Museum represents a spiraled construction, covered by a glass dome.
The Naturalist Center specializes in discovering new information for those interested in natural history. The Academy staff members are open for consultation and are ready to answer all kinds of questions.
Town Guerneville, located by the Russian River, gained the reputation of the hippie town. It has a sign at the entrance, saying that it is a hate-free community. Modern society is getting more and more progressive, and this slogan might seem the result of such a tendency. It is impossible to meet an intolerant person, but you can meet real old hippies from the Summer of Love era and gay families. It is exactly the atmosphere that draws so many people here. If you are part of the LGBT community, you are especially welcome!
You can rest in hotels situated nearby, enjoy spa procedures and massage and enjoy kayaking and canoeing down the Russian River.
One more picturesque area within a two-hour ride from Sacramento. It is a land of sandy beaches and aquatic sports. If peace and quiet are all you need, then this site might be a perfect option. The Seahorse Ranch nearby allows you to go horseriding. Sam’s Chowder House offers a broad array of seafood dishes.
A perfect weekend getaway from San Jose or Sacramento, Half Moon Bay offers a peaceful coastal retreat.
It is quite a long way to go from Sacramento (220 miles), but the experience you will get is well worth such a long ride. Apart from the magnificent view from the mountain, there are unique opportunities for hikers: Castle Crags Dome Hike (available both in summertime and wintertime) and Burstarse Fall Hike – you can guess what awaits you at the destination! You can see many lakes around, as well as the Mount Shasta Museum.
[Detailed section with specific hotels, B&Bs, and camping options for each destination]
Whether you’re searching for weekend trips from Sacramento, planning short trips near Sacramento, or exploring quick getaways from Sacramento, this guide serves as your gateway to the diverse experiences waiting just beyond the capital city’s doorstep. Each destination offers its own unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery, making them perfect for both overnight trips from Sacramento and extended weekend stays. From romantic getaways to family vacations, these carefully selected weekend getaways near Sacramento provide the perfect escape from everyday life. And for those coming from the Bay Area, these destinations work equally well as weekend getaways from San Jose, offering the perfect blend of accessibility and adventure.
At the present time, it might be a little difficult to recreate and take your mind off your troubles, especially if you have small children. However, Sacramento and adjacent areas fit literally every taste. Sports fans, gourmands, and those who have a thirst for knowledge will definitely find what they need. Welcome to the Sunny State! No one will leave unsatisfied.
I bring over 9 years of dedicated plumbing experience to the table. As a seasoned professional in the plumbing industry, I've tackled a wide range of projects, from residential repairs to large-scale commercial installations.
Your list completely overlooked the hidden gem of La Porte! While everyone flocks to Lake Tahoe, this historic gold mining town offers incredible hiking trails and the most charming B&B run by local historians. Plus, the stargazing at night is unmatched.