25 Best Weekend Getaways and Day Trips from Sacramento, CA
- Benicia
- Bodega Bay
- Berkeley
- Apple Hill
- Auburn
- Brannan Island State Recreation Area
- The California State Railroad Museum
- Davis
- Donner Memorial State Park
- Emerald Bay State Park
- Empire Mine State Historic Park
- Folsom Lake
- The Locke Historic District
- Jelly Belly Factory Tours
- Lake Tahoe
- Lodi
- Murphys
- Napa Valley
- Nevada City
- Oakland
- San Francisco
- Sonoma Valley
- Stockton
- Sutter Creek
Full Answer
Where to go for a weekend getaway from Sacramento?
25 Best Weekend Getaways and Day Trips from Sacramento, CA 1 Benicia 2 Bodega Bay 3 Berkeley 4 Apple Hill 5 Auburn 6 Brannan Island State Recreation Area 7 The California State Railroad Museum 8 Davis 9 Donner Memorial State Park 10 Emerald Bay State Park More items...
What is there to do in Sacramento?
Look again: Sacramento offers a range of exciting, educational and historic attractions sure to entertain all. Families will want to check out the cheetahs, jaguars and crocodiles at the Zoo while political buffs should head to the state Capitol, which features a park and museum on California history, or the Governor's Mansion.
What are the best neighborhoods in Sacramento to live in?
The Old Sacramento neighborhood features many reminders of the city’s Gold Rush era, with quaint wooden sidewalks and fun wagon rides. Sutter Fort and the city’s historic cemetery also act as outdoor museums of the Gold Rush times.
What is the best place to visit in Northern California?
25 Best Places to Visit in Northern California 1 » Northern California Coast: Big Sur. 2 » Yosemite National Park. 3 » Santa Cruz. 4 » San Jose. 5 » Oakland. 6 » Mendocino National Forest. 7 » Redwood National Park. 8 » Sonoma, Northern California. 9 » Modoc National Forest. 10 » Calaveras County. More items...
Is Sacramento worth visiting?
Sacramento holds great importance in California as the state's capital, but it also holds some of the most unforgettable landscapes, historic sites and even some quirky details not found anywhere else.
What is the nicest area of Sacramento?
Here are the five best neighborhoods in Sacramento for singles and young professionals!Downtown Sacramento.East Sacramento.Land Park.Natomas Park.North Oak Park.
Where should I go 2 hours from Sacramento?
Cities 2 hours from North Sacramento1 hr 56 min: Fremont, CA.1 hr 54 min: Alum Rock, CA.1 hr 52 min: Santa Nella, CA.1 hr 51 min: South San Francisco, CA.1 hr 51 min: Merced, CA.
What is Sacramento best known for?
Sacramento is famous for being both the “City of Trees” and the “Farm-to-Fork” capital. It's known for historical sites such as the State Capitol, Capitol Park, Old Town, Sutter's Fort, and the Railroad Museum. The city is becoming increasingly hip with breweries and top-rated restaurants.
What part of Sacramento is the safest?
Safest Neighborhoods in Sacramento | What Are the Safest Areas in Sacramento to Live?River Park – Safe & Family-Friendly Neighborhood in East Sacramento.Natomas Park – Safe Master Planned Neighborhood in Sacramento with Low Crime.College/Glen – Safe Neighborhood in Sacramento with Outdoor Recreation & Amenities.More items...•
What is the safest city near Sacramento?
Nestled in Southeastern Sacramento, Tahoe Park is one of the best places to settle down for both safety and affordability in SacTown.
What is the closest ocean beach to Sacramento?
The closest beaches are on San Francisco Bay near the city of San Rafael or on the East Bay (1.5 hours). But if you have committed to driving this far, it's worth driving farther to more epic Pacific beaches. Marin County has these world-renowned ocean beaches.
What is there to see between Sacramento and Yosemite?
The top stops along the way from Sacramento to Yosemite National Park (with short detours) are Old Sacramento, Tunnel view, and California State Railroad Museum. Other popular stops include Bridalveil Fall, Columbia State Historic Park, and California State Capitol Museum.
Is Sacramento near San Francisco?
Sacramento and San Francisco are only 87 miles apart, making it easy to get from one city to the other via train, bus, or car. Driving or taking a bus are the most affordable options for traveling between the two cities (bus tickets can run as low as $4.99 one-way if you plan ahead).
Why is Sacramento so popular?
Sacramento has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to 1839. The city grew in popularity around the time of California's gold rush and because of its convenient location to the rest of the state, it became a hub for transportation, agriculture, and community.
What is the hottest month of the year in Sacramento?
JulyThe hottest month of the year in Sacramento is July, with an average high of 93°F and low of 60°F. The cool season lasts for 2.9 months, from November 22 to February 18, with an average daily high temperature below 62°F.
Why is Sacramento called the Big Tomato?
The Big Tomato is a nickname for Sacramento. The nickname came about because Sacramento was once hosted many tomato canneries. It was also one of the main shipping hubs for the delicious red fruit.
Is Sacramento a nice area to live?
Sacramento rose in U.S. News & World Report's latest ranking of the nation's best places to live, but still trails other California cities on the list. The 2019 ranking, released Tuesday, rates the nation's 125 largest metropolitan areas based on affordability, job prospects and quality of life. Sacramento ranked No.
What is the best zip code to live in Sacramento CA?
95816. #1 Best ZIP Codes to Live in Sacramento Area.
Is Sacramento a good place to live 2022?
Sacramento has taken a plunge from its already modest ranking last year in the U.S. News & World Report list of “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” This year, Sacramento stands at No. 122, stepping down 24 places from its rank in 2021-2022 at No. 98.
Is Elk Grove a nice place to live?
Elk Grove is in Sacramento County and is one of the best places to live in California. Living in Elk Grove offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Elk Grove there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Elk Grove and residents tend to lean liberal.
What is Lodi wine?
Lodi is a delightful San Joaquin County city that is known as a major wine production region in Northern California, rivaling popular viticultural areas Napa and Sonoma as the "Zin fandel Capital of the World." The region, which was named the 2015 Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast, is home to world-renowned wineries like Mondavi Winery and Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi. Each year, the city hosts the annual Zinfest festival, honoring the region's internationally-acclaimed zinfandel varietals. Other wine-related events held throughout the year include the Lodi Grape Festival and the Wine and Food Festival. The town is also known as the birthplace of delicious A&W Root Beer, showcasing the beverage's production history at its A&W Museum. Visitors can also explore the preserved 1901 Hill House Museum, the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum, and the family-friendly World of Wonders science museum.
What is Auburn known for?
Auburn is a lovely Placer County city that is designated as a California Historical Landmark in its entirety for its significance to the state's Gold Rush history in the 19th century. Today, the city's restored Old Town district is home to a number of preserved landmarks from that era, including a preserved mid-19th-century post office and fire station building. The Placer County Museum preserves gold mining artifacts and exhibits related to the region's Chinese immigrant workers, while a memorial honors native citizen and acclaimed fantasy writer Clark Ashton Smith. A wide variety of recreational opportunities abound throughout the year at Auburn State Recreation Area, which hosts the annual 100-mile Western States Trail Ride and Endurance Run, the American River 50-Mile Endurance Run and Equestrian Ride, and the Auburn Century 100-Mile Bike Ride. The region is also known as an up-and-coming wine destination, home to a variety of lovely wineries and tasting rooms.
What is the apple farm district in Sacramento?
4. Apple Hill. Apple Hill is a charming farm district in Sacramento, originally founded in 1964 to represent 16 local apple ranches. Today, the conglomerate represents more than 50 local farms, including fruit and vegetable farms, flower and Christmas tree farms, and lovely wineries.
What is the capital of California?
Sacramento is the lovely state capital of California, located along the confluence of the picturesque American and Sacramento Rivers. After exploring city attractions like quaint Old Sacramento State Historic Park, visitors can use the city as a launching-off point for traveling through some of the Pacific Northwest's top wine regions, ...
Where is Bodega Bay?
Bodega Bay is a quaint fishing town on Northern California's Bodega Head peninsula, located approximately two and a half hours from Sacramento's downtown district. The charming Sonoma County town is best known as the filming site for the acclaimed Alfred Hitchcock film The Birds, which was inspired by an actual attack of shorebirds in the town in the 1950s, and is home to several preserved attractions showcased in the film. Visitors can view the historic Fort Ross, originally erected in 1809 as one of the first permanent structures in California by Russian settlers. The town's lovely harbor offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the year, including opportunities for paddleboarding and kayaking. Nearby, the Russian River wine region is home to top national wineries such as Russian River Vineyards and Korbel Winery.
What is Emerald Bay State Park?
Emerald Bay State Park is one of Lake Tahoe's most beautiful state parks, located on the banks of the National Natural Landmark Emerald Bay, a protected region since 1969. The park is best known as the home of Vikingsholm, an incredible 38-room mansion that was constructed by Leonard Palme for Lora Knight and is considered today to be one of the United States' top examples of Scandinavian-style architecture. Visitors can explore the home as part of guided tours, which are offered daily between May and September, and learn about the history of its construction and use. Paddlewheeler boats like the M.S. Dixie II traverse the bay throughout the year, along with private yachts that can be rented through companies like Lake Tahoe Boat Rides. The park is also home to the underwater Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail, which protects the shipwrecks of a number of fishing boats and barges from the 20th century.
How much gold did the California gold mine produce?
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the mine produced over 5.8 million ounces of gold.
What to do in Sacramento with kids?
The most popular things to do in Sacramento with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: California State Railroad Museum. Crocker Art Museum. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. California State Capitol Museum. American River Bicycle Trail. See all kid friendly things to do in Sacramento on Tripadvisor.
How long does it take for a cacophony to come out?
Within a few days, out of all that cacophony comes a seamless production.
What is the American River Parkway?
The American River Parkway is precious vein of gold that runs through our communities.
How many miles of bike trail along the American River?
Experience the natural beauty of 30+ miles of bicycle trail along the American River.
When was Old Sacramento rebuilt?
A unique State Historical Park on the banks of the Sacramento River, Old Sacramento was rebuilt through the 1960's and…
When was Canon School built?
The design matches closes the Canon School built in 1884 in the Capay Valley of Yolo County in California.
Where is the historic landmark in Sacramento?
Historical landmark directly at the south side of Sacramento's Old Town.
What is the Old Sacramento?
Old Sacramento is a National Historic Landmark District that celebrates the history of the region. There are lots of attractions in this area, including boardwalks, museums, tours, and boat rides. The Old Sacramento State Historic Park is a collection of gold rush era buildings, including the 1849 Eagle Theater, the 1853 B. F. Hastings Building, and the 1855 Big Four Building. There are over 50 historic buildings here than span 296 acres, making it the largest area of its kind in the American West. There are overnight facilities to stay in if you have an RV, trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding, and day-use areas for picnics and fishing as well. Parking is available at the main parking structure located at 3rd and J Streets, as well as some metered spots on the nearby streets.
What is the most important historical site in Sacramento?
One of the must-visit historic sites in Sacramento is Sutter’s Fort, which is where the Swiss immigrant, John Sutter, built a fort for protection. This was a popular place for immigrants to come to get jobs farming wheat, cotton, and beans, as well as ranching and the fur trade.
How much is the museum admission?
The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm and admission is $12 for adults, $6 for youth, and free for kids under five. You can even take a train ride in a closed coach car, open-air gondola, or first-class observation car when you visit. Train rides run on the hour, every hour, between 11am and 4pm. Advertisement.
What is B Street Theatre?
The B Street Theatre is a nonprofit theater that was founded in 1986 by actor Timothy Busfield as a theater for children. The theater has produced more than 100 new plays, and at least 60 of these are world, national, West Coast, or regional premieres. It offers mainstage performances with seven new plays each season, a family series, contemporary plans, school tours, workshops, and acting classes for both kids and adults. Check the theater’s website to see what’s playing during your visit! Something is happening at the theater pretty much every day except for Mondays.
How many buildings are there in Old Sacramento?
F. Hastings Building, and the 1855 Big Four Building. There are over 50 historic buildings here than span 296 acres, making it the largest area of its kind in the American West.
What time is the Midtown Farmers Market in Sacramento?
There are also venues for live music, eclectic art galleries, and street vendors here. The Midtown Farmers Market runs on Saturdays year-round from 8 am to 1 pm on 20th street between J and L streets.
How many works of art are there at the Crocker Art Museum?
There are over 15,000 works of art at the Crocker Art Museum, which has permanent collections from around the world. Here you’ll find ceramics, paintings, and more from Africa, Oceana, Asia, and beyond. The exhibits continuously change, making this an interesting museum to visit even if you’ve been here before.
Why is Sacramento important?
Sacramento holds great importance in California as the state’s capital, but it also holds some of the most unforgettable landscapes, historic sites and even some quirky details not found anywhere else. Here are the 13 reasons why you should visit Sacramento.
What are the best art museums in Sacramento?
The Crocker Art Museum is one of the most notable museums in the Sacramento region. The art institution opened 125 years ago, and it holds an impressive and diverse collection of art. On top of traditional art museums, Sacramento is also home to more contemporary art galleries such as the Verge Center for the Arts. There is even the organization M5Arts, which creates an art experience on a yearly basis in the form of pop-up exhibitions. There is also an event rightfully named Second Saturday; each month art galleries have open houses and allow crowds of art lovers to gather.
Where do the Sacramento Kings play?
Attending a Sacramento Kings game is a must, especially now that they play at the new Golden 1 Center. The Kings is one of the oldest professional basketball franchises in the nation and has some very dedicated fans. Just remember to wear something purple to show that loyalty. If basketball doesn’t sound appealing, there is also baseball. The Sacramento River Cats play at the lush green Raley Field overlooking the Sacramento River and the Golden Tower Bridge. The river view, Dinger the Wild Cat mascot and some hot dogs all make for a perfect summer evening.
What is the capital of California?
Many non-California natives will mistakenly assume that the capital of California is either Los Angeles or San Francisco. However, the capital has been Sacramento ever since 1854, due to the city’s suitable location and economic standing at the time. John Sutter and John Marshall founded Sacramento, and by the time it was chosen to be the capital, a running government was already in place. The neoclassical structure located at the end of Capitol Park not only houses the California government, but it has also been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973.
What is the significance of Old Sacramento?
Stepping into Old Sacramento is an extraordinary experience that nearly mimics time travel; it came to be in 1848 with the rise of the gold rush. Over time, the gold rush declined entirely, and the city survived some major flooding; Old Sacramento eventually had to be raised above flood level. This well-preserved slice of history is still visible in present-day Old-Sac with some of the notably aged buildings sitting on raised wooden sidewalks. Going along with the theme of this National Landmark, historical tours and horse rides are some of the most favored ways to spend time in Old Sacramento.
Is there a drive in movie theater in Sacramento?
Sacramento houses a rare drive-in movie theater; they are getting more difficult to find as time goes on in the United States. The West Wind Sacramento Drive-In offers current movie showings as well as double feature screenings. The retro experience of attending the drive-in doesn’t have to end there—why not finish off the night at Rick’s Dessert Diner, an aesthetically ’50s vintage dessert shop? There is even a jukebox hungry for quarters, ready to make the night feel like a scene straight out of the movie Grease.
Is Sacramento a farm to fork?
Since 2012, Sacramento has been campaigning itself as the “America’s Farm to Fork Capital”; so much so that in the year 2017, the old city slogan “City of Trees” was replaced with the new and much successful campaign slogan. Being a city located in a heavily agricultural area means fresh produce year-round, so take advantage of it and go to the farmers market. There are also regular and frequent farm-to-fork events, including an official farm-to-fork festival that occurs at the end of September. There are even fruit festivals such as Berryfest, Pear Fair and Mandarin Festival for local fruits. Fresh food is a crucial component to Sacramento and a must-try culinary experience.
How far is Pier 39 from Sacramento?
When you’re ready to see the best of this wonderful region, why not make a beeline for Pier 39? This renowned sight is 75 mi from Sacramento. With your own set of wheels, you’ll be there in a flash.
Where to get off a plane in Sacramento?
Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF), the major terminal in Sacramento, is where you’ll get off the plane. It’s situated 9 mi northwest of the center of town.
Does Travelocity have a price match guarantee?
With the Travelocity Price Match Guarantee, you can rest easy knowing you’ll always get the best deal available.
When is the quietest month to vacation?
Vacationing in the quietest months, October, December, November, comes with a bevy of benefits — think better-value flights and hotels and less bumping shoulders with hordes of strangers. But there’s magic in the destination in the peak season. More events will be staged and more attractions will be open in June, July, May. If you’re on a tight budget, July usually has the most affordable hotel rates. You’ll pay a lot more for a bed in October.
1. To See the State Capital
Many non-California natives assume either Los Angeles or San Francisco to be the state’s capital. However, Sacramento has been holding that title since 1854.
2. To Visit the Historic Old Sacramento
Strolling through Old Sacramento is as close as you can get to feeling like a time traveler. The riverfront historic district—lovingly referred to as Old-Sac—houses notably aged Gold Rush-era buildings, old-school cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages that are super cool to see in person.
3. To Indulge in Delicious Farm-to-Fork Cuisine
Having access to fresh produce is a non-issue in Sacramento. Located in a heavily agricultural area, Sacramento champions itself as the farm-to-fork capital of the nation. Take advantage of the fact and hit up the best local restaurants and farmers markets on your visit to Sacramento.
4. To Tour Great Museums
The state capital is home to a variety of different museums that are super fun to check out on a getaway. For a crash course into the city’s history, the California State Capitol Museum is a cool spot when you visit Sacramento. Have a train enthusiast in your crew? The nearby California State Railroad Museum is a treat.
5. To View the Sacramento River
To see primetime views of the Sacramento River, head on over to River Walk Park. Located on the west bank of the river, this scenic park gives you an unparalleled combination of views of the river and the city skyline. Once you’re done admiring the vistas, pick up your jaw from the floor and explore the rest of the park.
6. To Adventure at the American River
There are various places in Sacramento to see awe-inspiring scenery, and one of them is the American River. This beautiful river is divided into three main forks: North, Middle, and South. And, despite originating from the same watershed, each of these forks has a distinct personality that reflects the environment they float through.
7. To Hike at its Historic Parks
Prefer to keep your Sacramento vacation activities on land? Visit the best parks in and near the city for a refreshing hike. For a rewarding adventure, trek the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail that runs adjacent to the American River, heading 32 miles all the way towards Folsom Lake and the Sierra Nevada foothills.
How to save money on Expedia?
One of the easiest ways to save cash (and time) is to bundle your bookings with Expedia. Flights, hotels, tours and rental cars — we’ve got it all. Pick and choose the combination that best suits you and save up to $583*. And of course, we do understand that a travel package is never an one-size-fits-all. That’s why we offer more than 550 partner airlines and 1,000,000 hotel options from all over the world, so you can build your very own tailored Sacramento getaway.
What are the best places to visit in Midtown Sacramento?
Discover Midtown Sacramento, memorable for its restaurants. Popular attractions in Midtown Sacramento include Fort Sutter State Historical Park and Sacramento Art Complex, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at 23rd Street Station.
What to do in Midtown Sacramento?
Discover Midtown Sacramento, memorable for its restaurants. Popular attractions in Midtown Sacramento include State Indian Museum and Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at 23rd Street Station.
What is at the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers?
At the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers is a hub of intriguing museums, leafy parks and shopping complexes.
Where to stay in Sacramento?
Travelers heading to Sacramento often stay in Central Sacramento. Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Sacramento and La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Sacramento Downtown are preferred hotels in this neighborhood. But it’s not the only happening place in town! Downtown Sacramento is another fantastic area and where you’ll find Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Sacramento and Hyatt Regency Sacramento.
What to do in Gold Rush town?
Ride the old railway, admire the historic buildings and enjoy modern shopping and dining in this beautiful Gold Rush town.
Does Sacramento offer free cancellations?
Most Sacramento hotels offer free cancellation. Consider booking refundable hotels rather than non-refundable ones. Just look for the ‘ free cancellation ’ message during your hotel search. Prices can vary, but right now we believe that flexibility matters.
How many acres are there in Redwood National Park?
Together, they cover 139,000 acres and protect 45 percent of all globally remaining coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forests. Sequoias are the tallest species of tree on Earth and can live up to 3,000 years.
How big is Yosemite National Park?
The most famous, and the oldest, national park in the world, Yosemite National Park in north California is 1,200 square miles of some of nature’s most beautiful creations, from deep valleys, wildflower-covered meadows, and 3,000-year-old giant sequoias to the vast High Sierra Mountains wilderness and thundering waterfalls that dry up in August, and so much more. Start your exploration in the valley, a one-mile-wide and seven-mile-long canyon created by a river and shaped by glaciers.
What to do in Calaveras County?
Dowd, including the world-famous "Discovery Tree," known for its mid-19th-century bark tour, one of the nation's first traveling tourist attractions. It has also been immortalized in Mark Twain's famed story The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County and hosts an annual Jumping Frog Jubilee festival each year in connection with the author's legacy. Visitors can explore immense show caves such as Mercer and California Caverns, sample fine wines at the Ironstone Vineyards and Amphitheater, or enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities at sites such as Lake Tulloch and New Melones. Best Things to Do in Oakhurst
How many acres are there in the Klamath National Forest?
The Klamath National Forest is a vast, almost 1.7-million-a cre area at the California and Oregon border. The forest is divided into two parts separated by the Shasta Valley: the steep and rugged mountains in the west and the gentle, rolling land of volcanic origin. The elevations range from 450 to 8,900 feet above sea level, making the Klamath National Forest one of the most biologically diverse regions in America.
Why do waterfalls dry out in Yosemite?
If you come to Yosemite in August, you might have hard time believing that there are so many waterfalls in the park – they all dry out in the summer because most receive their water from the melting snow. If you come in June, you will find many majestic waterfalls roaring over rocky overhangs into dark deep pools.
What is the name of the coast in California?
1. Northern California Coast: Big Sur. Big Sur is a spectacularly beautiful stretch of California’s central coast located between Carmel and San Simeon, snuggled between the steep slopes of the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific.
What to do in the wild and misty area?
The whole wild and misty area is very sparsely populated and offers great opportunities for hiking, beach combing, exploring, whale watching, and camping. Artists and writers discovered the area in the 1950s and ‘60s, finding inspiration in the rugged beauty and untamed wilderness. You can visit the house of Henry Miller, today a memorial library, McWay Falls and Cove, Bixby Creek Bridge, many small, quaint inns and restaurants, small picturesque beaches that are not easy to access but well worth it, and a richness of rare plants and animals. Things to Do in Big Sur
Should I Buy a Vacation Home in Sacramento?
To answer this question, let’s take a look at some of Sacramento’s real estate stats before diving into the neighborhood level and giving you the stats of each neighborhood to help you determine where you want to for investment properties in this city.
Should I Buy a Vacation Home in Midtown-Winn Park Capital Avenue?
Midtown-Winn Park Capital Avenue is among the highest priced neighborhoods in Sacramento, which is to be expected from any urban center.
Should I Buy a Vacation Home in Land Park?
With the highest listing price on this list, Land Park can be considered a less-than-optimal neighborhood for purchasing an investment property.
Should I Buy a Vacation Home in South Natomas?
South Natomas has both the lowest median home price and the highest average cash on cash return on this list, making it perhaps the top choice for investing in Sacramento real estate.
Should I Buy a Vacation Home in North Oak Park?
North Oak Park is perhaps the most average performing neighborhood for investing in Sacramento.
