The wonderful capital city of California, Sacramento is a wonderful place for a relaxing vacation. Filled with historic buildings, museums, shopping avenues, and dining options, the city is visited by hundreds and thousands of tourists throughout the year. Expanding over 200,000 square feet, the California State Railroad Museum is one of the largest railway museums in the world. Additionally, one of the top attractions to explore in the city is the State Capitol building. This edifice is an outstanding example of Neoclassical architecture and was constructed in the 1860s.
If you are in the city for a vacation, you must not miss visiting the top 5 weekend getaways from Sacramento which will make your holiday even better.
Gold Country, California
From unbelievable towns frozen in time to delightful cider and wine tasting, to amusing steam train rides and Gold Rush era taverns, there is something for everyone in Gold Country that you shouldn’t miss. Columbia State Historic Park is among the best-preserved Gold Rush town in the city and is a great place to start if you’d like to get a good synopsis of Gold Country’s history. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, with its historic locomotives, including the famous Sierra No 3, is a great experience to have. There are several other places like these that you should visit during your trip to Gold Country.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall are the best seasons to visit Gold Country.
How to Reach: The easiest and the most convenient way to get to Gold County from Sacramento is either by a self-driven car or a taxi rental. They both take slightly over an hour. While fuel for your car would cost between $5 to $7, renting a taxi would cost between $220 to $270.
South Lake Tahoe, Nevada
When the Sierra Nevada calls, you must come. If you are looking for alpine adventure, South Lake Tahoe is all you need. The amusement never ends at Nevada’s range of famous South Lake Tahoe casinos which are home to top-of-the-class gaming, all kinds of delicacies, and grand bars and clubs. These also make a great hotel base camp for definitive South Lake Tahoe expeditions during every season. If you’re okay with refreshing dips, swimming flourishes at expansive Baldwin Beach, pine-studded Pope Beach, and Zephyr Cove – the one-stop shop for all things water.
Best Time to Visit: The most preferred months to visit Lake Tahoe are from March to May and from September to November, however you could visit here anytime of the year.
How to Reach: To get to South Lake Tahoe, take a bus to Stateline Amtrak Bus Stop. From here, the destination is only a few minutes’ walk.
Reno, Nevada
Reno has been known as the “the biggest little city in the world” and is often termed as a smaller version of Vegas. Situated in north-western Nevada, Reno is the second largest city in the state that boasts over five million visitors a year. The city offers a massive range of entertainment and educational attractions. Car fanatics surely must not miss the National Automobile Museum (for its Harrah Collection) which is clearly one of the highlights here. Other important attractions here include Nevada Museum of Art, Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, Nevada Historical Society Museum, and of course, Reno Arch, the famous entertainment district.
Best Time to Visit: The most suggested time to visit the city is between April to May and October to November. This is when you can enjoy pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
How to Reach: There are direct trains and buses between Sacramento and Reno. A bus ride takes three and a half hours, but the train ride takes slightly under five hours. The bus fare would be between $20 to $30 but the train ticket would cost between $30 to $50.
Redding, California
Located in the California, Redding is encircled by picturesque natural charms and several things to do outside. Flowing near the Lassen Peak and Mount Shasta, the Sacramento River rolls through the heart of the city, twinned by the picture-perfect Sacramento River Trail. Moreover, the Sundial Bridge, at 217 foot, is the doorway to the Sacramento River Trail as well as downtown Redding. Other significant places to visit in Redding include but aren’t limited to Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, and McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.
Best Time to Visit: May until October are the most preferable months to visit Redding.
How to Reach: You can either take a bus, train, or flight to travel from Sacramento to Redding. While all the modes take the same amount of time, buses cost the least at $23 to $35, followed by trains at $30 to $50, and finally, flights at $200 to $850.
Clearlake, California
According to the American Lung Association, Clearlake offers some of the cleanest air not only in the state of California but the entire country. You can enjoy more than 100 miles of coastline surrounding this water sport mecca: the most prevalent natural freshwater lake within the state. Lake County is home to over 40 wineries, including Chacewater Winery, Cache Creek Vineyards, and Laujor Estate Vineyard. Come nightfall, that clear air makes for some outstanding star gazing, particularly from campgrounds at Clearlake State Park.
Best Time to Visit: The most suggested months to visit Clearlake is between July and August, but it’s less congested and specifically attractive in spring when the wildflowers are blossoming.
How to Reach: The most convenient and affordable way to get to Clearlake from Sacramento is by driving yourself. The journey takes under a couple of hours and costs $10 o $15 in fuel.
The famous proverb from Sacramento says, “California begins here” and after being here for some time, you will understand why. It is a city that never forgets its past and one that continues to evoke the Gold Rush. It is one of the most lovable cities in this part of the United States, along with the listed weekend getaways from Sacramento. So, come here and have the time of your exploring the astounding city and all that the neighboring areas have to offer.