Day Trips in and around Sacramento: Old Town, Gold Country & Nearby Getaways

Popular Sacramento Day Trips

Here are some great day trip ideas from Sacramento, California. If you prefer to stay in the city, you can visit Old Sacramento to experience its historic buildings, enjoy riverboat tours, and explore the California State Railroad Museum. For outdoor enthusiasts, Sacramento offers many activities, from biking and kayaking to hiking along the parkway. If you’re willing to drive about 2 hours, you can spend a day engaging in water activities, hiking, or simply enjoying the breathtaking alpine scenery of Lake Tahoe. In summer, you can swim or rent a boat; in winter, it’s a great place for a quick ski trip. Below are some fun suggestions for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Explore the Historic Old Town District

Old Town Sacramento offers a captivating glimpse into California’s rich history. Many of its buildings have been designated as national and California Historical Landmarks. Plenty of activities can fill your day quickly. You can explore the California State Railroad Museum, take a scenic river cruise along the Sacramento River, gain insights into history at several museums, or shop for souvenirs at one of the many stores in Old Town Sacramento. 

Take a Cruise on the Sacramento River

Embark on a serene sightseeing tour along the Sacramento River, starting from Old Town Sacramento. The one-hour cruise takes you past Tower Bridge, giving you glimpses of historical landmarks such as the Delta King, the I Street Bridge, and the Air Force Docks. While onboard the ship, you can indulge in delicious food and snacks. Additionally, evening and special event river cruises are available on selected days and holidays.

Sacramento River Fox Train Excursion

The Sacramento River Fox Train is a 10-mile round-trip ride from West Sacramento and goes up to Woodland’s outskirts before returning to the train depot. The train journey begins at the edge of the Sacramento River and then passes through five miles of fertile farmland before reversing back to the train depot.

California State Capitol Museum

A visit to the California State Capitol Museum is one of the best free things to do in Sacramento. It’s an excellent opportunity for those interested in California history or architecture to explore the buildings and grounds. You can take a guided tour or stroll around the grounds on your own. You can also visit nearby Old Town Sacramento for a complete day of fun activities.

Learn About the History of Sutter’s Fort Sacramento

In 1840, John Sutter hired workers and local Indians to build an adobe fort in Sacramento, California. Originally named New Helvetia, the fort is now known as Sutter’s Fort and attracts hundreds of tourists and schoolchildren yearly. The California State Indian Museum is also located on the site, allowing visitors to explore the history and culture of California’s indigenous people.

Sacramento Zoo Day Trip

The Sacramento Zoo is involved in multiple global conservation projects and offers various educational programs on its 14.5-acre property in William Land Park in Sacramento, California. The diverse range of animals will impress visitors.

California State Railroad Museum

The California State Railroad Museum is a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts. The museum showcases an impressive collection of locomotives and railroad cars from the 1860s to the 1960s. One of the most popular exhibits is “The Sierra Scene,” a large-scale replica of a construction site situated high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, depicting Donner Pass circa 1867. The exhibit features the locomotive Gov. Stanford and is a definite museum highlight.

Day Trip to Davis, California

Davis is a college town less than 30 minutes from downtown Sacramento. The city is primarily built around the University of California, Davis campus, and the UC Davis Arboretum. Another popular attraction in Davis is the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame, which showcases a beautiful collection of bicycles, photos, trophies, and medals.

Family Trip to Nimbus Fish Hatchery

A great day trip option from Sacramento is the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, conveniently close. The incubator replaces the salmon and steelhead runs blocked by the Nimbus and Folsom dams on the banks of the American River. The Nimbus Fish Hatchery is a spawning ground for our finned friends and a fun-filled adventure for the whole family. Best of all, admission and parking are free.

Day Trip to the Folsom Zoo

The Folsom Zoo, located just 24 miles from Sacramento, boasts an impressive collection of animals. Most of the animals at this zoo are orphans or have been seized or relinquished and cannot be released back into the wild. Visitors can enjoy viewing various animals, including raccoons, black bears, mountain lions, and two tigers named Misty and Pounce. In addition to the animals, the zoo offers a delightful train ride that will surely please children. 

Historic Locke Historic District

Locke is a small town about 28 miles from Sacramento. Chinese workers displaced by a fire near Walnut Grove originally built it in 1915. One highlight of visiting Locke is the scenic drive along Highway 160, a levee road. Once you arrive, you can stroll around the town, enjoy lunch at Locke Garden Chinese Restaurant, and explore the city’s history at the Dai Loi Museum.

Camping Trip to Folsom Lake

Folsom Lake is a perfect destination for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy many activities here, including hiking, boating, and shore camping at over 100 campsites. Launch facilities allow you to take your picnic to the water and enjoy a boat ride on the lake. Folsom Lake is conveniently located 30 miles east of Sacramento and is easy to reach.

Winters Sacramento Day Trip

Nestled between Sacramento and Napa Valley, Winters is a charming town that is perfect for a day trip from either location. Visitors flock to the area in winter to explore the local wineries. Although less well-known than its Napa neighbor, Winters is an up-and-coming wine country destination. Connoisseurs will appreciate the wide variety of grape varietals grown in the valleys of Yolo County.

Brannan Island, San Joaquin River Delta

Brannan Island State Recreation Area is located halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento, along the east bank of the Sacramento River. Surrounded by water on three sides, Brannan Island is an ideal destination for camping, swimming, and boating activities. It is 44 miles from Sacramento, making it an excellent choice for a day or weekend camping adventure.

Jelly Belly Factory Tour, Fairfield

The Jelly Belly Candy Factory Tour is one of the best day trips for kids in Sacramento. You can take a self-guided tour of the factory and see how the candy is made. At the end of the tour, everyone gets a free bag of jelly bean samples. Two things are guaranteed when visiting Jelly Belly: you will have fun and purchase some delicious candy to take home.

Sutter Creek Gold County

Sutter Creek is the most walkable town in Amador County. Visitors can explore numerous reminders of the significant Gold Rush era on foot, including popular attractions such as the Knight Foundry, Sutter Creek Cemetery, and Preston Castle – one of the oldest and most well-known reform schools in the United States.

Stockton Day Trip

Stockton is an ideal destination for day-trippers in northern California, not just because of its location. It is the California Delta’s central hub, which is crisscrossed by waterways and rivers. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities, cultural centers, unique shopping and dining experiences, and family-oriented attractions to suit their preferences.

Amador Flower Farm

If you are looking for a beautiful destination within a day-trip distance from Sacramento, Amador Flower Farm is an excellent option. Situated in the heart of Amador County Wine Country, this quiet retreat specializes in daylilies and is a perfect place to unwind. The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when you can see the largest selection of flowers.

Marshall Gold Discovery Park

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historical Park is a significant historic site in the United States that was crucial in putting California on the map. It offers visitors a glimpse into the story behind the “Yellow Fever” and provides a living portrait of the past. The park also hosts special events, exhibits, and “Live History Days,” allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the area’s rich history.

Napa Valley Day Trip

Visitors worldwide come to Napa Valley to enjoy the beautiful scenery, world-renowned wines, fine dining, boutique shopping, and luxurious spas. It is a perfect day trip or weekend getaway, just 61 miles away.

South Yuba River State Park

The park stretches almost 20 miles from Malakoff Diggins State Historical Park to the banks of the Yuba River, covering 69 miles. Visitors can swim, hike, and explore trails leading to historic mining sites. They can also pan for gold and see stunning wildflowers in spring.

Angels Camp Day Trip

If you’re visiting Angels Camp, check out the Angels Camp Museum and Carriage House on South Main Street. The museum spans three acres and showcases an extensive collection of artifacts reflecting the area’s diverse and rich history. Learning more about the town’s past is a great place to start.

Benicia California

Benicia boasts a rich, captivating history and played a significant role in California’s past. In the mid-19th century, the town briefly served as the state capital. Today, the original Capitol building stands as a historical landmark, preserving the legacy of its essential role in California’s history.

Jamestown State Historic Park

Jamestown 1897 State Historic Park is a living testament to California’s past. It features buildings with stunning architecture along Main Street and Railtown, a state park that preserves a fully functional steam locomotive repair and maintenance facility. Some parts of the facility date back to 1897, offering a glimpse into the area’s rich history.

Mount Diablo State Park Day Trip

Mount Diablo is a natural wonder in California that towers 3,849 feet above the San Francisco Bay. It was formed when a mass of underlying rock emerged through the Earth’s surface. On a clear day, visitors can see 35 of California’s 58 counties from the summit of this ecological treasure.

Truckee Day Trip

Truckee’s downtown district is the heart and soul of the town, featuring a collection of unique restaurants and shops housed in authentic historic buildings. It is a hub of activity where visitors can explore numerous independently owned shops and indulge in delicious dining experiences. Sacramento is 105 miles away.

Sacramento Road Trip Ideas  

Sacramento Area Weekend Events

Gold Point, Nevada, Ghost Town