With its scenic rivers, mountain vistas, and rolling hills, Sacramento, the capital of California, is an ideal place to explore and take scenic road trips. Being the largest inland city in California, there are plenty of opportunities for breathtaking drives. Here are five of the best routes you can take from Sacramento on your next road trip, listed on our website.
Highway 49
Highway 49 is one of the most well-traveled roads in California and a great way to experience some of the state’s most picturesque scenery. From Sacramento, it winds through old mining towns and verdant valleys. Along the way, you may catch sight of some unique wildlife, including deer, bears, or bald eagles. You’ll also be treated to postcard-worthy views of Donner Lake and Lake Tahoe and many other lakes and reservoirs.
Highway 50 to Apple Hill
A popular route from Sacramento to Apple Hill in Placer County is Highway 50. It has winding roads and stunning scenery, including the American River Canyon and the El Dorado National Forest. You can also stop and explore along the way at Apple Hill’s many roadsides stands to sample some delicious local produce. There are also hiking trails, wineries, and apple orchards to visit.
Highway 50 to Lake Tahoe
Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind experience with a scenic journey along Highway 50 from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. The picturesque landscapes will have you pulling over again and again for photo ops, plus you’ll get the chance to explore quaint towns like South Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Tahoe City, where you can shop, dine, and be entertained. When you arrive at Lake Tahoe, you’ll be surrounded by majestic snow-tipped mountains as you swim, fish, or take in the unbeatable views.
Sacramento to Twain Harte
In California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Twain Harte is another charming mountain town east of Highway 120. This drive will take you through rolling hills dotted with oak trees and stunning views of Don Pedro Reservoir and Lake McClure. The downtown area of Twain Harte is filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries, and you can explore the trails nearby or hike.
Sacramento to Capay Valley
For a genuinely off-the-beaten-path adventure, head west to Capay Valley on Interstate 80. This drive will take you through remote farmlands where you can spot wild horses grazing in open fields or even see hot air balloons floating over vineyards in this beautiful countryside. It is a great place to stop for lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant in Capay Valley or to explore the charming small towns filled with friendly locals eager to share their stories with visitors.
Regardless of your route for your road trip around Sacramento, you’ll find plenty of breathtaking sights that will last a lifetime.
You can take plenty of great routes on your next road trip from Sacramento that we didn’t cover on our website, so don’t hesitate to explore them all!
Here are some of the famous monuments that can be found in Sacramento, CA.
