By The Wayfarer
Take the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems Tour
Sacramento is a great place to live—and an even better place to leave for the day.
Don’t get us wrong—there’s a lot to love about the Capitol City. But one of its biggest perks is location: tucked between the Bay Area and the Sierra, surrounded by farms, foothills, rivers, and vineyards, Sacramento is a launchpad for adventure.
Whether you’ve got a free Saturday, a spontaneous Tuesday, or an out-of-town visitor to impress, here are the best day trips from Sacramento—all within 90 minutes, most under an hour, and none requiring more than a good pair of shoes and a little curiosity.
1. Yolo County Countryside — 25 Minutes West
If you only have one day trip on your calendar this month, make it this one.
Just west of Sacramento lies Yolo County—a patchwork of vineyards, orchards, lavender fields, olive groves, and small towns that still wave to passing drivers. The roads are scenic, the tasting rooms are uncrowded, and the food is farm-to-table in the truest sense.
And the best way to explore it? With the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems audio driving tour.
This self-guided experience leads you through the region’s hidden gems:
- Family-run wineries (with no lines or tour buses)
- Lavender farms in bloom (seasonal, but stunning)
- Historic towns like Winters and Woodland
- Farm stands, river views, and almond orchards
The stories along the way add depth: water wars, native land stewardship, and the rise of California’s organic food movement.
Start the tour here. All you need is a car, your phone, and a few hours to spare. It’s the ideal “last-minute but meaningful” escape.
2. Nevada City + Grass Valley — 75 Minutes Northeast
These twin towns in the Sierra foothills are where Gold Rush history meets boutique charm. Walkable downtowns, art galleries, cafés, and great hiking just outside the city centers.
Highlights:
- Visit Empire Mine State Park for a glimpse into California’s mining past
- Sip coffee at Foxhound Café or Fable Coffee
- Browse records at Clocktower Records or gifts at Kitkitdizzi
- Hike the Independence Trail or splash in the Yuba River
Bonus: Fall foliage here is surprisingly vivid.
3. Lake Berryessa + Winters — 50 Minutes West
Winters is one of the most underrated small towns in Northern California. Great food, live music, and access to some stunning countryside. Pair it with a detour up to Lake Berryessa for lake views, fishing, or a mellow hike.
Do this:
- Have brunch at Putah Creek Café
- Sample wine or olive oil at Turkovich Family Wines or Seka Hills
- Grab a bottle and picnic near the water
Want to stretch the experience? This route is part of the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems tour.
4. Lodi Wine Country — 45 Minutes South
Often overshadowed by Napa and Sonoma, Lodi is the down-to-earth, less-crowded wine region you didn’t know you needed. Known for its bold Zinfandels and warm hospitality.
Try:
- Klinker Brick Winery for reds that don’t mess around
- Michael David Winery for wine + pie + great gardens
- Downtown Lodi for shopping, coffee, and murals
It’s an easygoing day of sipping and strolling. Designate a driver—or book a tasting van if you’re going deep.
5. Capay Valley — 60 Minutes Northwest
A little farther into Yolo County, Capay Valley is a peaceful farming corridor with an almost time-traveling effect. It’s where California agriculture still feels rooted, seasonal, and slow-paced.
Visit:
- Capay Valley Lavender (in bloom May–July)
- Full Belly Farm (call ahead to schedule)
- Cache Creek Casino Resort for a spa treatment or lunch with a view
This drive pairs beautifully with the Wayfarer Yolo audio tour. In fact, we recommend starting it in Woodland and letting the narration guide your path.
6. Auburn — 45 Minutes Northeast
Auburn is the “gateway to the Sierra” and punches well above its weight in charm and history. The Old Town is compact and cute, and there’s plenty to do if you like being outside.
Do this:
- Hike the Hidden Falls Regional Park or the Confluence Trail
- Eat lunch at Auburn Alehouse
- Explore Gold Rush-era buildings, antique shops, and wine bars
Ideal for active types who want nature with a side of small-town Americana.
7. Locke + Delta Towns — 40 Minutes South
Want weird, wonderful, and wildly photogenic? Head to Locke, a historic Chinese-American town nestled in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. It’s tiny, but it feels like walking through a time capsule.
Things to check out:
- The Locke Historic District
- Al the Wop’s (bar + time warp)
- Scenic drive along River Road through Walnut Grove and Clarksburg
Perfect for a slow, quirky afternoon—and an especially great drive in spring or fall.
Final Thought
Sacramento’s biggest travel asset isn’t an airport—it’s the fact that within 30, 60, or 90 minutes, you can find yourself biking through vineyards, sipping wine in historic towns, or hiking next to creeks that still whisper old California stories.
So next time the weekend sneaks up on you or your Google calendar suddenly frees up, don’t overthink it.
Grab your keys. Hit the road.
And queue up the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems tour.
Because sometimes the best escapes are the ones you didn’t plan—just followed.
by xotatech.com