You know what’s even better than loving where you live? Living somewhere so centrally located that you can be at the coast, in the mountains or on a vineyard in 90 minutes or less. Living in Sacramento, that’s our reality. With 265 days of sunshine a year, when residents decide to head out of town for a day or weekend trip, the options are plentiful. Here’s a closer look at four different trips you can take within 90 minutes of Sacramento.
Wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma
World-class wine tasting is just a short drive away from Greater Sacramento. Locals here can hop in the car and be in the Napa-Sonoma region in an hour-and-a-half or less － making it an easy day trip or an ideal weekend getaway.
Possibly one of the most famous wine regions in the world, Napa is known for its scenic vineyards, fine wines, tranquil spas and luxe accommodations. Did you know it also has an adorable downtown with dozens of wine tasting rooms you can reach on foot?
Neighboring Sonoma has an equally incredible roster of wineries and tasting rooms. Sonoma offers a slightly more homey feel － though you’ll have your pick among historic family-owned wineries, well-known labels and high-end estates.
Not feeling a 90-minute drive? No problem! Try the Old Sugar Mill, the Placer Wine Trail or any of the other wineries and breweries thriving in the Greater Sacramento region.
Photo credit: Erik Bergen, Placer County
Year-round recreation in Lake Tahoe
Renowned for its deep, vast blue waters, Lake Tahoe is one of the most precious resources in all of Northern California. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe and the mountains surrounding it are a year-round playground for Sacramentans.
In the summer, people flock to the shores of the lake for beach days, paddle boarding, kayaking and boating. Whether you’re a North Shore family or a South Shore crew, the recreation options are only limited by your energy level.
Home to the highest concentration of ski resorts in the U.S. within a hundred-mile radius, ski resorts around Lake Tahoe are abundant. Places like Northstar, Heavenly and Squaw Valley feature some of the best slopes in the world for skiers and snowboarders during the winter months.
Much of the year, hikers and mountain bikers have access to trails around Lake Tahoe － many with views that will take your breath away. Try Desolation Wilderness, which offers dozens of trails depending on skill level and also connects to the famous Pacific Crest Trail.
Ocean views at Point Reyes National Seashore
If you’ve moved to Sacramento recently from the Bay Area or Southern California, odds are you’re going to be craving a trip to the coast sooner than later.
Some of California’s favorite beachside towns are more than a couple hours away from the Sacramento region, but you can still be at the coast in 90 minutes if you’re willing to explore! Our top pick for a day trip is the Point Reyes National Seashore, a massive stretch of coastline in Marin County.
Point Reyes is a national park, so its pristine beauty is well-preserved. There are miles of beaches, hiking trails and some of the best ocean views in California. Nearby is the small seaside town of Point Reyes Station where you can grab some picnic items from Cowgirl Creamery for your day at the shore. There are also a few adorable cottages and inns to stay in for a weekend getaway.
If you want to venture a bit further during your visit to see even more amazing coastline, check out Stinson Beach, Bodega Bay or Dillon Beach.
Outdoor oasis at the Yuba River
A little over an hour from Sacramento proper sits the Yuba River, a beautiful area for scenery, hiking, swimming and sunbathing. This beloved yet under-the-radar spot includes about 40 miles of riverfront on the main stretch of the river, part of which extends into the well-maintained South Yuba River State Park. Whether you’re looking for a cool swimming hole, a scenic vista or fast-moving rapids for rafting, you can find it all around the Yuba River.
A short drive away from the riverbank is Nevada City, a cute, historic town with shops, restaurants, quaint lodging and scenic roads. Drive into town for lunch and a cold beer after hiking, or spend a little time browsing the cute boutiques before checking into a B&B for the evening.
For those who prefer to take in the scenery and check out historic towns closer to home, Auburn and Placerville are also excellent choices for local outings. Both offer similar amenities, shops, dining and significant regional history!