Last Updated on August 6, 2024 by Kristin
California’s capital of Sacramento blends Gold Rush charm with big-city amenities. With a historic waterfront, award-winning restaurants and numerous museums, Sacramento offers plenty to do for the whole family. It’s also an excellent starting point for road trips to the big city, the beach, wine country and national parks. Here are the best road trips from Sacramento.
Fabulous Road Trips from Sacramento
Napa Valley
61.3 miles / 1 hr. 4 mins.
California’s prestigious Napa Valley about an hour’s drive from the city. Head to downtown Napa and board the famous Napa Valley Wine Train, a restored retro locomotive offering passengers a four-course gourmet meal during an out-and-back journey starring sweeping vineyard views. Take some time to appreciate the unique towns dotting the Napa Valley, such as Yountville and charming Calistoga. >> Recommended hotels in Napa Valley
San Francisco
87.7 miles / 1 hr. 30 mins.
Head southwest to explore one of the country’s most famous and charming cities. A highlight of the journey is crossing the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, which offers stunning views of the bay. Merging historical sites with the latest tech trends, San Francisco offers an endless amount of activities for every taste. Get acquainted with the city by taking a long stroll through the expansive Golden Gate Park, riding a cable car, admiring the famous row of Victorian houses known as the Painted Ladies and visiting vintage stores in Haight-Ashbury. Carve out a morning to take a ferry to Alcatraz Island, and end the trip with an unforgettable walk across the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset. >> Recommended hotels in San Francisco
Lake Tahoe
113 miles / 2 hours
For a classic California mountain getaway, head a couple of hours northeast to the inimitable Lake Tahoe for a few days of skiing in the winter or hiking and boating in the summer. One of the most popular road trips here is leisurely driving the scenic 72-mile loop around the lake. Key spots include gorgeous views from the Emerald Bay Lookout, shopping and skiing at the Heavenly Ski Resort, Kings Beach and more. >> Recommended hotels in South Lake Tahoe
Monterey
194 miles / 3 hr. 19 mins.
Marine life takes center stage in Monterey, a town on California’s scenic Central Coast. On land, Monterey is home to the famed Monterey Bay Aquarium as well as Cannery Row—the former sardine processing plants made famous by the John Steinbeck novel. Just off the shore, meanwhile, is the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the largest undersea canyon in the United States. Staying in downtown Monterey offers easy access to the aquarium and Fisherman’s Wharf, but you can also enjoy seaside ambience in neighboring coastal towns such as Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove and Carmel-by-the-Sea. >> Recommended hotels in Monterey
Yosemite National Park
176 miles / 4 hours
A bucket list destination for outdoor enthusiasts, spending a few days in Yosemite National Park is a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you plan to raft down the Merced River, camp, hike, rock climb, stargaze or simply admire a sequoia grove, Yosemite offers enough activities to keep visitors busy for several days. However, keep in mind that getting here requires a bit of extra planning because the park has five different entrances. From Sacramento, take CA-120 or the scenic CA-140 to reach the park and choose the entrance that best suits your interests. >> Recommended hotels near Yosemite National Park
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