By The Wayfarer
Take the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems Tour
Living in Sacramento has its perks: great weather, a legit food scene, a riverside bike trail that goes on forever—and, most of all, a perfect location. Within an hour or two, you can be standing in a vineyard, walking a Gold Rush main street, or watching hawks ride thermals over a walnut orchard.
Whether you’re chasing wine country charm, Sierra foothill trails, or just need to leave your to-do list behind for a few hours, here are some of the best day trips from Sacramento, CA—including one that starts just 20 minutes west and leads straight into farm-country magic.
1. Yolo County: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems (25–60 Minutes)
Let’s start close. If you want a day trip with meaning—not just mileage—head west into Yolo County and experience one of the most beautifully under-the-radar parts of California.
The best way to explore it? With the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems audio driving tour.
This self-guided experience takes you through:
- Rolling farmland and almond orchards
- Family-run wineries and olive oil tastings
- Lavender farms (in bloom late spring to mid-summer)
- Small towns like Winters, Woodland, and Esparto
Along the way, you’ll hear about the region’s indigenous history, local agricultural legends, and the rise of California’s farm-to-fork movement. It’s like having a smart friend in the passenger seat who knows where the real gems are.
Start the tour here. It’s great for a last-minute adventure—or a slow Sunday with nowhere else to be.
2. Nevada City & Grass Valley (1 hour 15 minutes northeast)
Tucked into the piney Sierra foothills, these two neighboring towns are full of character and charm. You’ll find:
- Boutique shopping and coffee shops
- Gold Rush history at Empire Mine State Historic Park
- Outdoor adventures on the Yuba River or Independence Trail
- Local breweries and wine bars
Nevada City leans a little artsy, Grass Valley a bit more Old West. Both are worth wandering.
3. Lake Berryessa + Winters (50 minutes west)
Looking for water, wine, and no crowds? Head to Winters for lunch or wine tasting, then cruise up the backroads toward Lake Berryessa.
Perfect day:
- Start with brunch at Putah Creek Café
- Grab a bottle at Turkovich Family Wines
- Head up to the lake for hiking, swimming, or a scenic overlook
- Circle back via Yolo County backroads for a golden-hour drive
Bonus: This route pairs perfectly with the Yolo audio tour.
4. Auburn + the American River (45–60 minutes northeast)
Auburn blends historic Gold Country with trails, river views, and solid food.
Here’s your plan:
- Explore Old Town Auburn
- Hike the Confluence Trail or visit Hidden Falls
- Lunch at Auburn Alehouse
- Maybe squeeze in wine tasting at Lone Buffalo Vineyards
Quick to get to and easy to customize, Auburn is a great go-to for outdoor-loving day-trippers.
5. Locke + the Sacramento River Delta (40 minutes south)
If you want quirky, historic, and photogenic, the tiny town of Locke delivers.
Built by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900s, Locke feels like a living ghost town with actual residents and a couple of legendary bars.
While you’re in the Delta:
- Cruise the River Road Scenic Byway
- Visit Clarksburg Wine Company
- Stop at Al the Wop’s (equal parts dive bar and time capsule)
The light on the river near sunset is some of the best in the Central Valley.
6. Lodi Wine Country (45 minutes south)
Known for its Zinfandel and laid-back style, Lodi is one of the best wine regions that isn’t swamped with tour buses.
Spend the day:
- Tasting at Michael David Winery, Klinker Brick, or Borra Vineyards
- Eating lunch in Downtown Lodi
- Walking off the wine at Lodi Lake Park
Easy to get to. Easy to enjoy. And far more affordable than its Napa neighbors.
7. Capay Valley (60–75 minutes northwest)
Less about sipping, more about serenity—Capay Valley is for those who want a day of wildflowers, fruit stands, and soft winding roads.
What to do:
- Visit Capay Valley Lavender (in bloom May–July)
- Stop at Full Belly Farm or Capay Organic
- Cruise country roads with windows down
Capay is also part of the Yolo audio tour route, and it’s one of the prettiest legs of the trip.
by xotatech.com