By The Wayfarer
Start the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems Tour
If you’re lucky enough to live in Sacramento—or you’re just in town for a while—you know one of its best features isn’t in the city at all. It’s what’s around it.
In every direction, within two hours or less, you’ll find small towns with real charm, hidden wine regions without crowds, and scenic drives that seem to unfold with every bend. Whether you’re chasing hot springs, coastline, foothills, or just a change of pace, here are some of the best weekend trips from Sacramento—plus one unforgettable audio tour that begins just 30 minutes from your doorstep.
1. Yolo County Wine & Farm Country — 25–60 minutes west
Let’s start with the closest—and possibly most overlooked—getaway.
West of Sacramento lies Yolo County, where wine, orchards, and wide skies create the perfect weekend canvas. Spend Saturday on a meandering farm trail and Sunday in the sleepy charm of Winters or Woodland. But don’t wing it—let the journey guide you.
Try the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems tour, a self-guided audio driving experience that weaves together:
- Family-run vineyards
- Lavender fields and fruit stands
- Hidden history and indigenous land stories
- Tasting stops and walkable downtowns
You’ll explore Woodland, Capay Valley, Winters, and rural gems in between—all narrated with storytelling and insight. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than scenery. They want context.
Stay overnight in Winters (we love the Hotel Winters or the cozy Abbey House Inn) and wake up to creekside coffee and a Sunday drive.
2. Nevada City & Grass Valley — 1 hour 15 minutes northeast
Historic, artistic, and packed with mountain-town charm, Nevada City and Grass Valley make a great weekend pair.
Saturday:
- Shop and stroll downtown Grass Valley
- Tour Empire Mine State Park
- Head to Nevada City for bookstores, wine bars, and dinner at New Moon Café
Sunday:
- Walk the Independence Trail or swim the Yuba River
- Grab brunch before heading home
Stay in a boutique inn like the Outside Inn or Broad Street Inn, and don’t forget your hiking shoes—there’s real wilderness just beyond the storefronts.
3. Calistoga & Northern Napa — 1 hour 45 minutes west
You don’t need a Napa itinerary. You just need Calistoga.
This laid-back corner of the valley is famous for:
- Natural hot springs and mud baths
- Small-scale wineries without the Napa attitude
- Charming inns, spas, and excellent food
Spend Saturday soaking and sipping. Sunday, return via Lake Berryessa and Winters, pairing wine country with some Yolo detour magic. (Yes—you can loop in the Yolo audio tour on the way back.)
Great for couples or anyone in need of a full-body reset.
4. Monterey & Carmel — 3 hours southwest
A bit farther afield, but totally weekend-worthy if you leave early.
Saturday:
- Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Bike or walk the 17-Mile Drive
- Dinner on Cannery Row or in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea
Sunday:
- Explore Point Lobos or the Carmel Mission
- Optional wine tasting in Carmel Valley
It’s worth the mileage, especially if you want a classic California coastal weekend.
5. South Lake Tahoe — 2 hours east (traffic willing)
Tahoe isn’t just a winter destination. In summer and fall, it’s even more inviting—clear water, warm hikes, and small-town life at its best.
Weekend favorites:
- Hike Eagle Lake or Cascade Falls
- Kayak or paddleboard on Emerald Bay
- Explore shops and breweries in South Lake
Stay near Stateline for walkability or opt for a quieter Airbnb near Tahoma or Meyers.
6. Murphys & Calaveras County — 2 hours southeast
Small-town wine tasting meets gold rush nostalgia.
What to do:
- Stroll Murphys’ Main Street
- Taste wine at Hatcher, Newsome-Harlow, and Vina Moda
- Take a short hike at Calaveras Big Trees State Park
- Visit Moaning Cavern for a little underground thrill
This is the weekend trip you didn’t know you needed—uncrowded, friendly, and surprisingly stylish.
7. Point Reyes & Tomales Bay — 2 hours west
Craving coast and oysters instead of grapes and granite?
Point Reyes is:
- Scenic
- Sustainably minded
- Just the right amount of rugged
Saturday:
- Visit Point Reyes Station (check out Bovine Bakery and Cowgirl Creamery)
- Hike to the Point Reyes Lighthouse
- Sunset at Limantour Beach
Sunday:
- Oysters at Hog Island or Tomales Bay Oyster Company
- Leisurely drive home through Petaluma or Valley Ford
This is your “reset weekend” destination—salt air included.
Final Thoughts
A great weekend trip doesn’t require plane tickets or packing stress. From Sacramento, all it takes is a full tank, a flexible plan, and the right destination.
Start with the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems tour if you’re craving something close, authentic, and soulful. End the weekend feeling not just relaxed—but refreshed by something real, rooted, and reachable.
Because the best kind of travel is the kind that fits into your life—without rushing it.
by xotatech.com