15 Best Weekend Trips From Sacramento (2024)
Are you searching for the best weekend trips from Sacramento? Look no further!
This guide will help you discover the 15 best places to visit on a weekend trip from the Sacramento area.
Best Weekend Trips From Sacramento
Sacramento, California is known for its rich history, robust art scene, incredible views, delicious and fresh cuisine, and endless things to see and do.
Sacramento truly has something to offer for everyone and is a great place to visit year round.
For those looking to explore more of California or would like a change in scenery, we created this list of the best weekend trips from Sacramento so that you can take in all that the state of California has to offer.
1. Lake Tahoe
You can find one of the best weekend trips from Sacramento just 2 hours northeast of the city in Lake Tahoe!
This beautiful area is known for its large lake, mountainous views, and endless outdoor excursions you can embark on.
For those looking to catch some of the best views in the area, be sure to bring your favorite hiking gear to hit the trails.
Be sure to bring along your favorite energy bars for hiking and get prepared to catch views of Lake Tahoe that will have you mesmerized.
There are countless hikes to pick from in the area but our favorite is the Granite Lake and Maggie’s Peaks Trail.
This is a roughly 4 mile out and back hike and is a moderately challenging route.
Hiking is one of the best activities to do in the area and can be done year round.
Along with phenomenal hiking trails, the Lake Tahoe area is known for all of its water activities including paddle boarding, kayaking, and even sailing.
If you plan on visiting the area during the warmer months, be sure to check out a sailing cruise.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your 2 Hour Sailing Cruise On Lake Tahoe Today!
This is a great opportunity to take in the town and lake from a unique perspective and is sure to make for a memorable excursion while you enjoy your weekend getaway from Sacramento.
For those looking to explore the Lake Tahoe area in the winter, be sure to bring your favorite ski and snowboarding gear.
You can hit the incredible slopes in the area that can be found at Heavenly Mountain Resort and Palisades Tahoe.
Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe: Marriott’s Timber Lodge
This hotel is a great place to stay in the area due to its phenomenal location in South Lake Tahoe near countless restaurants, bars, and Heavenly Mountain Resort.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Marriott’s Timber Lodge In Lake Tahoe Today!
2. Napa Valley
Another fabulous option for the best weekend trips from Sacramento is to the Napa Valley region of California.
The drive from Sacramento to Napa is only 1 hour and 20 minutes and is the perfect option for wine lovers and vineyard enthusiasts.
By far one of the best activities to do in the area is to go on a tasting in the area.
Be sure to check out this post on The Perfect Napa Valley Wine Tasting Day Trip Itinerary.
It’s the best guide to spending the perfect day tasting the delicious wines that Napa has to offer.
For those looking for a unique experience to embark on in the area, be sure to check out the Napa Valley River History Kayak Tour.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Napa Valley River History Kayak Tour Today!
This is a great option for those looking to get a little exercise in and burn off some of those calories from all the delicious wine.
Plus, you will learn about the history of the region and take in some marvelous views of the surrounding vineyards from on board your kayak!
Where to Stay in Napa Valley: The Westin Verasa Napa
This hotel is one of the best places to stay in the Napa area due to its incredible location downtown and awesome amenities such as their pool and fitness center.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Stay At The Westin Verasa Napa Today!
Save hundreds in tasting fees on your next wine tasting trip with Priority Wine Pass.
Hundreds of world class wineries from all regions of California have partnered to give you exclusive offers like 2 for 1 tastings, winery tours, bottle discounts, and more.
👉🏼 Click Here To Get Your Priority Wine Pass For $20 Off Today With Discount Code HIDDENGEMS Today!
3. San Francisco
San Francisco is another excellent option for the best weekend trips from Sacramento and is only 2 hours away by car!
The city of San Francisco is known for having incredible restaurants with marvelous views, the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and so much more.
For those looking for a truly memorable excursion to try out, you must check out The Famous Alcatraz Island Night Tour.
This is a great way to learn more about Alcatraz and experience the island in a special way.
Another fabulous activity to do in the area is to check out California’s Great America Theme Park.
This is an awesome way to spend a day in San Francisco.
It’s filled with adrenaline and enthusiasm as you soar on roller coasters, enjoy the twisting and turning of rides, and eat delicious theme park foods.
Where to Stay in San Francisco: Club Quarters
Club Quarters is perfectly situated between the Financial District and the Embarcadero.
You’ll always be able to find your way back to the hotel because it’s just a block away from the Transamerica Pyramid which can be seen from pretty much anywhere in San Francisco.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Club Quarters San Francisco Today!
4. Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay is about 3 hours and 10 minutes southwest of Sacramento.
This beautiful coastal town is known for its delicious seafood, gorgeous ocean views, marine wildlife sightings, and vibrant Cannery Row.
For those looking to visit the area during the winter months be sure to check out a whale watching tour.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your 3-Hour Monterey Bay Winter Whale-Watching Tour Today!
This is an awesome way to spend time in the area searching for humpback whales along with other aquatic wildlife on board a boat!
Another excellent activity to check out year round is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the most famous aquariums in the world.
Where to Stay in Monterey: InterContinental The Clement Monterey
This hotel is an excellent place to stay in the Monterey area right along the Bay with gorgeous views of the water and chic interior and exterior.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Stay At InterContinental The Clement Monterey Today!
5. Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is roughly 2 hours and 20 minutes from Sacramento.
This coastal area of California is filled with endless things to see and do.
It’s known for its awesome downtown area filled with countless shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Additionally, there are incredible golf courses, beaches, and parks.
With so much to see and do in the area, Half Moon Bay makes for the perfect weekend trip from Sacramento.
For those looking to explore the area for the first time, be sure to make your way to the historic downtown area.
Here you can check out local favorites like Pasta Moon.
This adorable Italian eatery will have you transported to Italy as you indulge in delicious pasta and wine.
Once you have finished devouring some hearty Italian food, be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and stop by Gulino Gelato for a sweet treat you won’t forget.
Where to Stay in Half Moon Bay: Oceano Hotel and Spa Half Moon Bay Harbor
Be sure to check out the Oceano Hotel for one of the best places to stay in Half Moon Bay!
This hotel is right by the Bay and has a delicious Peruvian restaurant onsite.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Oceano Hotel And Spa Half Moon Bay Harbor Today!
6. Mount Shasta
Another one of the best weekend trips from Sacramento has to be to Mount Shasta.
This magnificent region of California is known for its close proximity to Mt. Shasta volcano.
The area is known for its tremendous camping, hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
For those looking to spend a weekend in the outdoors during the spring, fall, or summer, be sure to check out the McBride Springs Campground.
This is a great place to pitch your favorite camping tent and spend some time soaking in the surrounding mountain views, while enjoying time away from the city.
Where to Stay in Mount Shasta: Mount Shasta Resort
The Mount Shasta Resort has a phenomenal golf course, restaurant on site, and a spa!
This is the perfect place to stay for those looking to embark on outdoor adventures during the day but would rather stay cozy at night in a resort.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Mount Shasta Resort Today!
7. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the very best weekend trips from Sacramento.
For those that love spending time in the great outdoors, taking in scenic views, and getting away from city life for a bit, this one’s for you.
Be sure to bring your favorite electrolytes for hiking and go-to hiking gear so you can conquer some awesome hikes.
One of our favorite hikes in the park is the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail.
This hike is roughly 1 mile in length.
It’s a loop that will take you right up to Yosemite Falls to give you views of the beautiful waterfall, surrounding greenery, and mountainous landscape.
Be sure to check out this post on the perfect Yosemite National Park one day itinerary for more things to see and do in the area!
Where to Stay Near Yosemite National Park: Tenaya At Yosemite
This is a great place to stay near Yosemite National Park with phenomenal views and great amenities.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Tenaya At Yosemite Today!
8. Apple Hill
Apple Hill is located within Placerville, California and is home to some of the most vibrant and delicious fruit in the state.
This area is roughly 1 hour outside of Sacramento and is the perfect place to explore on a weekend getaway!
As the name suggests, there are countless apple orchards in the area.
In addition to the orchards, there are many farms, wineries, breweries, bakeries, B&B’s, and so much more to explore in the area!
Where to Stay in Apple Hill: Eden Vale Inn
This adults only B&B is right in the heart of Placerville and is the perfect place to stay for those looking to explore the area for a few nights!
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Eden Vale Inn Today!
9. Bodega Bay
Another popular Bay that makes for one of the best weekend trips from Sacramento is Bodega Bay!
This small coastal town is known for its fresh seafood, beach and ocean views, along with its marine wildlife sightings.
Additionally, this small town makes for the perfect place to go surf fishing.
Be sure to pack your go-to surf fishing rod and your favorite surf fishing reel so that you can catch the best fish in the area!
Once you are finished fishing for the day, be sure to check out one of the best restaurants in the area, Spud Point Crab Company.
Be sure to try their delicious clam chowder and crab sandwich for a meal you are sure not to forget.
Where to Stay in Bodega Bay: The Lodge At Bodega Bay
This lodge is one of the best places to stay in the Bodega Bay area due to its beautiful rooms, superior location, and marvelous spa.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Stay At The Lodge At Bodega Bay Today!
10. Benicia
Benicia is another one of California’s charming coastal towns!
This area of California is known for its history, outdoor recreation, and beautiful views.
The town of Benicia is just a short 1 hour drive southwest of Sacramento making it the perfect destination for a quick weekend trip!
For those interested in spending time in the great outdoors, be sure to check out Benicia State Recreation Area.
This is a great place to walk around, go for a bike ride, fish, and enjoy a picnic!
Another awesome place to check out in the area is Bruehol Benicia Brewing.
This is the perfect place for craft beer fans looking to sip on a cold pint or two after spending some time outside in the sun!
Where to Stay in Benicia: Holiday Inn Express Benicia
This hotel is the perfect place to stay in Benicia and is close to many bars and restaurants in the area!
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Holiday Inn Express Benicia Today!
11. Brannan Island State Recreation Area
Located just 1 hour southwest of Sacramento is the Brannan Island State Recreation Area.
This is the perfect place to go for those looking to spend some time outdoors.
There are countless outdoor recreational activities including fishing, camping, and exploring.
One of the most popular activities to do in this area is to go fishing for catfish, striped bass, and many other types of fish!
Where to Stay Near Brannan Island State Recreation Area: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brentwood
For those that would rather retire for the evening at a nice hotel in the area, this Holiday Inn Express is for you!
This hotel is just 20 minutes down the road and the perfect place to unwind after a busy day spent outdoors.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brentwood Today!
12. Lodi
The city of Lodi is just a short 40 minute drive from Sacramento!
This area is known for its wine production and is a much lesser known wine country to visit in the state of California.
Some of the top wineries to visit in the area include Klinker Brick Winery, Harney Lane Winery, and Michael David Winery!
This is a great place to visit on a weekend getaway for those looking to avoid the large crowds that tend to populate in the towns of Napa Valley or Sonoma.
Where to Stay in Lodi: Wine & Roses Hotel
This hotel is one of the best in the Lodi area due to its beautiful interior and exterior as well as its close proximity to several wineries!
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Wine & Roses Hotel Today!
13. Murphys
Murphys is roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes from Sacramento and is home to several wineries, delicious places to eat, quaint B&B’s, and much more.
This small charming town is the perfect place to escape busy city life for a weekend getaway!
Be sure to check out Domaine Becquet Winery for delicious wine in the area and V Restaurant Bistro & Bar for a delicious bite to eat.
See our Calaveras County Weekend Getaway Itinerary for more fun things to do in Murphys.
Where to Stay in Murphys: Worldmark By Wyndham Angels Camp
This charming resort will have you feeling right at home during your weekend getaway in Murphys.
This resort has a beautiful lodge vibe and pool deck.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Worldmark By Wyndham Angels Camp Today!
14. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Another excellent national park to explore on a weekend trip from Sacramento is Lassen Volcanic National Park which is about 3 hours North of the city.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is totally worth a visit due to its abundance of volcanoes, wildlife, and scenic views.
For those looking to spend an epic day exploring all that the park has to offer, be sure to check out this post for the best one day Volcanic National Park itinerary.
Where to Stay Near Lassen Volcanic National Park: The Village At Highlands Ranch
This hotel is just a short drive down the road from Lassen Volcanic National Park.
It’s a cozy place to stay after spending the day exploring the outdoors and taking in the surrounding scenery!
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Stay At The Village At Highlands Ranch Today!
15. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is just 2 hours and 30 minutes southwest of Sacramento.
It’s known for its rich history, marvelous beaches, and lively atmosphere, making it the perfect place for a weekend getaway!
One of the best things to do in the area is discover all the fun on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
There are countless rides to hop on and enjoy, endless carnival foods to indulge in, and many other activities to participate in.
For more enjoyment in the area, be sure to check out Natural Bridge State Beach.
This is one of the most popular beaches in the area and is known for its dramatic rock formation, beautiful ocean views, and monarch butterflies that roam the area.
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz: Dream Inn Santa Cruz
One of the best hotels to stay at in the Santa Cruz area is the Dream Inn! This hotel has a beautiful coastal aesthetic and is right on the beach.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Dream Inn Santa Cruz Today!
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Weekend Trips From Sacramento
These are the most frequently asked questions we get about the best weekend trips from Sacramento.
☑️ What Cities Are About 2 Hours From Sacramento?
There are quite a few cities that are about 2 hours from Sacramento including Murphys, San Francisco, and Lake Tahoe!
☑️ What Cities Are 1 Hour Away From Sacramento?
A few cities that are about 1 hour away from Sacramento include Lodi, Placerville, and Benicia.
☑️ What Is Close To Sacramento?
Sacramento is close to a handful of smaller towns and cities including Folsom, Elk Grove, Davis, Woodland, and many others.
☑️ How Do I Choose The Best Weekend Getaway From Sacramento?
We recommend picking a weekend getaway based on your favorite interests and how long of a car drive you would like to embark on!
Conclusion: Best Weekend Trips From Sacramento
There are countless weekend trips from Sacramento that you can embark on.
Whether you would like to explore a coastal town, a national park, another nearby city, or practically anything in between, there is something for everyone.
We hope this guide helps you pick the best weekend getaway to journey on from Sacramento!
