12 Best Weekend Getaways From Sacramento, California

1. San Francisco, California

Are you wondering about some of the things to do alone when in Sacramento? You can begin with an overnight trip from Sacramento to San Francisco which is an exceptional weekend getaway for several compelling reasons. Firstly, the relatively short distance of approximately 90 miles (144.84 kilometers) allows for a convenient road trip with a driving time of about 1.5 to 2 hours, making it easily accessible for a quick escape.

San Francisco offers a dynamic contrast to Sacramento’s charm, with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, bustling Fisherman’s Wharf, and vibrant neighborhoods such as Chinatown and the Mission District. Visitors can also explore Alcatraz Island, take a scenic ride on the iconic cable cars, and savor world-class cuisine in this culinary mecca.

2. Napa Valley

Napa Valley is one of the most beautiful places near Sacramento and is only about 70 miles (112.65 kilometers) away. The scenic drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Renowned worldwide for its picturesque vineyards and award-winning wineries, Napa Valley invites you to savor the fruits of its labor with wine tastings at iconic estates such as Robert Mondavi Winery and Castello di Amorosa.

Beyond the vines, you can explore charming towns such as Yountville, known for its gourmet dining, or St. Helena, home to unique boutiques and art galleries. Take a hot air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the valley’s rolling hills and vineyards or unwind at luxurious spas like Calistoga’s hot spring resorts.

3. Tahoe City

Tahoe City is about 112 mi (180 km) from Sacramento and makes for a fun road trip destination that you can visit during any weekend of the year. This is where we find the famous and picturesque Lake Tahoe, which is one of the major attractions in the state of California. With the presence of the blue lake waters and varied hiking trails, your summer weekends will always be full of exciting outdoor adventures. During winter, Lake Tahoe turns into a magnificent winter wonderland with plenty of outdoor adventures for you to enjoy.

4. Tahoe National Forest

One of the places to visit within three hours of Sacramento, Tahoe National Forest is a great destination for those who would love some serious contact with nature and wouldn’t mind going for a hike. It is about 135 mi (217 km) from Sacramento. There are trails ideal for novice hikers or those who may be interested in improving their fitness levels. It is also a great destination for picnics with plenty of shady spots.

5. El Dorado National Forest

El Dorado National Forest is about 56 mi (90 km) from Sacramento, and it is a truly wonderful landscape to explore for a weekend getaway. The highlights of the forest include tranquil lakes, tall pine trees, and plenty of hiking trails that will provide you with the peace and atmosphere you need to reconnect with nature. You are also free to camp overnight in the forest should you find it so attractive and you feel that you need more time to enjoy it. Also, the forest is never crowded so you can expect to enjoy total peace and serenity.

6. Yountville

Yountville is approximately 70 mi (112 km), slightly over an hour’s drive from Sacramento. Yountville is right at the heart of Napa Valley and it is one of those places you will wish to visit again because one weekend will never be enough. Some of the attractions and experiences you may expect to find here include biking through the vineyards, joining a wine-tasting tour, riding a hot-air balloon, visiting art galleries, and pampering at local spas.

7. Mount Shasta

This vacation spot near Sacramento is approximately 220 mi (354 km) away and you may need to spend about 3.5 hours on the road to reach it. The relatively long drive will be worth every minute because you will be thrilled by the incredible attractions and experiences that await you. Some of the things that might take up the bulk of your time during this weekend trip include hiking in Shasta-Trinity National Forest, skiing on the mountain, touring around Mount Shasta Museum, caving in Siskiyou County, and going for scenic tours of the parks among others.

8. Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is less than a three-hour drive from Sacramento towards the southwestern end of the San Francisco Peninsula. The coastal town boasts a plethora of scenic beaches and trails with plenty of outdoor opportunities. Some of the fun that awaits you here during your weekend trip include kayaking the coastal waters, biking and hiking along the trails, horseback riding on the beach, whale watching, sport fishing, and indulging in the delightful seafood at great restaurants like Sam’s Chowder House.

9. Truckee

The small Californian town of Truckee is about 100 mi (160 km) from Sacramento, and it features a variety of hidden gems that will surely treat you to a very busy weekend of exploration. This is home to Emigrant Trail Museum where you will learn exciting insights about the region’s history. Donner Memorial State Park will provide you with all you need for a relaxing afternoon. If you are visiting during winter, then you will be pleased with the skiing resources this town has for you.

10. Calistoga

The quaint city of Calistoga is located in the larger Napa Valley region and it is just about two hours away from Sacramento. The town is littered with hot springs and wineries. This is also home to Castello di Amorosa as well as the Old Faithfull Geyser that erupts regularly, creating epic scenes cherished by both locals and tourists. All these, together with Napa Valley Wine Train, will give you more than enough of what to see and do on a weekend.

11. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park happens to be one of the most popular natural wonders in the world. Since it is less than a three-hour drive from Sacramento, it makes another incredible weekend trip destination. The main attraction here is the incredible forests, waterfalls, and jagged cliffs of Half Dome and El Capitan Hills. This is a great destination for budding photographers and nature lovers who want to experience one of nature’s best gifts to the world.

12. Mendocino National Forest

With Yosemite National Park in the vicinity, Mendocino National Forest is often overlooked by most people touring the region, but it is another incredible destination worth considering for a weekend trip from Sacramento. You will be excited to learn that this is the only forest in the state that has not been transected by a major road, making it exceedingly enchanting with a lot of nature waiting to be explored. It is also home to Lake Pillsbury, a stunning lake that will offer you plenty of fun opportunities including swimming, fishing, and canoeing among others. The forest scenes and the mountain views from this park will be among the best you will ever have during any weekend getaway.

Incredible fun outside Sacramento

If you can’t think of what to do in Sacramento, why not consider a weekend trip to a nearby destination? Spend a few hours on the road for new and exciting experiences outside California’s capital. Use our recommendations on the best weekend trips from Sacramento, California, shared above to sample some of the best experiences out of town. If, however, you don’t have enough time for a weekend trip, you can go on a quick day trip.