Easy Day Trips from Sacramento with Kids
One of the best things about living in the Sacramento area is how many amazing places you can visit without needing to book a full vacation. Within about two hours, you can be in the mountains, at the beach, exploring a new city, walking through redwoods, or spending the day at a lake.
If you are looking for an easy family day trip from Sacramento, these are some of the best spots to add to your list.
1. Lake Tahoe
Drive time from Sacramento: About 1.5 to 2 hours
Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular day trips from Sacramento, and for good reason. The water is beautiful, the mountain views are incredible, and there is something to do in every season.
In the summer, families can enjoy beach days, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, picnics, and exploring cute mountain towns. In the winter, Tahoe is perfect for snow play, sledding, skiing, and cozy mountain adventures.
Family friendly ideas:
Spend the day at a lake beach
Go for an easy family hike
Visit Tahoe City or South Lake Tahoe
Try sledding or snow play in the winter
Ride a gondola for mountain views
Tip: Tahoe can get busy on weekends, especially in summer and during ski season. Leave early if you are planning a day trip.
2. San Francisco
Drive time from Sacramento: About 1.5 to 2 hours
San Francisco is a classic day trip from Sacramento and there are so many kid friendly things to do. You can keep it simple with one or two stops, or turn it into a full city adventure.
Some of the best family friendly stops include the Presidio Tunnel Tops, the Outpost Playground, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, the sea lions, Golden Gate Park, and the California Academy of Sciences.
Family friendly ideas:
Play at the Outpost Playground at Presidio Tunnel Tops
See the sea lions at Pier 39
Walk along the waterfront
Visit Golden Gate Park
Explore the California Academy of Sciences
Take photos by the Golden Gate Bridge
Tip: Parking can be tricky, so pick one area of the city and build your day around that instead of trying to do too much.
3. Apple Hill
Drive time from Sacramento: About 45 minutes to 1 hour
Apple Hill is one of the easiest and most loved family day trips from the Sacramento area, especially in the fall. Families can visit farms, pick apples, grab cider donuts, shop local vendors, take photos, and enjoy the cooler mountain air.
While fall is the most popular season, some farms and wineries are open at other times of year too.
Family friendly ideas:
Visit apple farms
Try apple cider donuts
Go pumpkin picking in the fall
Shop local farm stands
Take family photos
Enjoy lunch or treats at a farm
Tip: Apple Hill gets very crowded during peak fall weekends. Weekdays or early mornings are usually best with kids.
4. Davis
Drive time from Sacramento: About 20 to 30 minutes
Davis is a great low effort day trip when you want something close to Sacramento but still different from your usual routine. It has a cute downtown, great bike paths, family friendly restaurants, parks, and UC Davis attractions.
Families can visit the UC Davis Arboretum, explore downtown, grab lunch, and make it a relaxed half day adventure.
Family friendly ideas:
Walk or bike the UC Davis Arboretum
Visit downtown Davis
Stop by a local bakery or cafe
Explore parks and playgrounds
Visit the farmers market if you go on the right day
Tip: Davis is especially nice in spring when everything is green and blooming.
5. Napa Valley
Drive time from Sacramento: About 1 to 1.5 hours
Napa might sound like an adults only destination, but there are actually some really fun ways to make it kid friendly. You can visit downtown Napa, ride the Napa Valley Wine Train, explore parks, grab lunch, or visit family friendly wineries and outdoor spaces.
This is a great option if you want a pretty day trip with good food and scenery.
Family friendly ideas:
Walk around downtown Napa
Visit Oxbow Public Market
Have a picnic
Explore parks and outdoor spaces
Look for family friendly wineries with large outdoor areas
Tip: Keep expectations simple. Napa with kids is best when you focus on food, outdoor space, and one or two easy stops.
6. Sonoma
Drive time from Sacramento: About 1.5 hours
Sonoma is another beautiful day trip that can be surprisingly family friendly. The Sonoma Plaza is easy to walk around and has grassy areas, shops, restaurants, and historic spots nearby.
It is a nice option for families who want a slower paced day with good food, a pretty town square, and room for kids to move around.
Family friendly ideas:
Explore Sonoma Plaza
Grab lunch or treats downtown
Visit a park
Check out historic sites
Find a family friendly winery or picnic spot
Tip: Sonoma Plaza is a great central spot because you can park once and walk around.
7. Santa Cruz
Drive time from Sacramento: About 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic
Santa Cruz is a little farther, but still doable as a longer day trip if you leave early. It is one of the best beach day options from Sacramento and has a fun mix of ocean views, beach time, food, and classic boardwalk energy.
Family friendly ideas:
Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Spend time at the beach
Walk the wharf
Grab ice cream or beach snacks
Explore tide pools if conditions are right
Tip: This is a longer drive, so it works best as a full day trip. Leave early and check traffic before you go.
8. Bodega Bay
Drive time from Sacramento: About 2 hours
Bodega Bay is a beautiful coastal day trip if you want ocean views without the busier city feel of San Francisco or Santa Cruz. It is a great place for beach walks, seafood, scenic drives, and a slower family adventure.
Family friendly ideas:
Walk along the beach
Look for shells
Grab clam chowder or fish and chips
Enjoy a scenic picnic
Watch for birds and wildlife
Tip: Bring layers. The coast can be windy and much cooler than Sacramento, even in summer.
9. Point Reyes
Drive time from Sacramento: About 2 hours
Point Reyes is a gorgeous nature focused day trip with coastal views, wildlife, beaches, and hiking. It is best for families who enjoy being outside and do not mind a little extra driving once they arrive.
Family friendly ideas:
Visit the Bear Valley Visitor Center
Try an easy family hike
Look for tule elk
Explore beaches
Pack a picnic
Tip: Point Reyes is spread out, so choose one main area to explore instead of trying to see everything in one day.
10. Auburn
Drive time from Sacramento: About 35 to 45 minutes
Auburn is one of the easiest outdoor day trips from Sacramento. It has hiking, river access, cute downtown shops, restaurants, and lots of family friendly adventure options.
This is a great choice when you want nature without a long drive.
Family friendly ideas:
Walk across the Foresthill Bridge viewpoint area
Explore Old Town Auburn
Try an easy hike
Visit the river
Grab lunch downtown
Tip: Auburn is a great spring and fall day trip when the weather is mild.
11. Nevada City and Grass Valley
Drive time from Sacramento: About 1 to 1.5 hours
Nevada City and Grass Valley are charming Gold Country towns that make a great family day trip. You can walk around historic downtown areas, shop, grab treats, visit parks, and enjoy a slower paced day.
Family friendly ideas:
Walk through downtown Nevada City
Visit local shops and bakeries
Explore Grass Valley
Check out nearby trails or parks
Visit during a seasonal event
Tip: These towns are especially pretty during fall and the holiday season.
12. Lodi
Drive time from Sacramento: About 45 minutes to 1 hour
Lodi is an easy day trip with a cute downtown, family friendly food stops, nature areas, and seasonal activities. It is a good option when you want something simple and close.
Family friendly ideas:
Visit downtown Lodi
Walk around Lodi Lake
Rent kayaks or paddle boards seasonally
Grab lunch or ice cream
Visit a farm or seasonal event nearby
Tip: Lodi Lake is a great anchor stop for families because kids can walk, explore, and get outside.
13. Marin County
Drive time from Sacramento: About 1.5 to 2 hours
Marin County has some of the best family friendly day trip options near the Bay Area. You can visit Sausalito, explore the Bay Area Discovery Museum, walk near the Golden Gate Bridge, or enjoy coastal views.
Family friendly ideas:
Visit the Bay Area Discovery Museum
Explore Sausalito
Walk along the waterfront
Visit a beach or scenic overlook
Pair it with a Golden Gate Bridge stop
Tip: The Bay Area Discovery Museum is a great option for younger kids and pairs well with a quick Sausalito stop.
14. Half Moon Bay
Drive time from Sacramento: About 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic
Half Moon Bay is another longer day trip, but it is a beautiful coastal option for families. You can visit beaches, grab seafood, explore downtown, or visit during pumpkin season.
Family friendly ideas:
Spend time at the beach
Walk the coastal trail
Visit downtown Half Moon Bay
Grab lunch or treats
Visit pumpkin patches in the fall
Tip: Like most coastal trips, bring layers and check traffic before heading out.
15. Coloma
Drive time from Sacramento: About 45 minutes to 1 hour
Coloma is a great Gold Country day trip with history, river views, and outdoor space. It is home to Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, where kids can learn about the Gold Rush and explore the area where gold was discovered in California.
Family friendly ideas:
Visit Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Learn about the Gold Rush
Walk along the river
Pack a picnic
Try gold panning activities when available
Tip: This is a great educational day trip that still feels fun and outdoorsy.
Quick List of Easy Day Trips from Sacramento
If you just want a quick list to save, here are some of the best family friendly day trips from Sacramento:
Lake Tahoe
San Francisco
Apple Hill
Davis
Napa
Sonoma
Santa Cruz
Bodega Bay
Point Reyes
Auburn
Nevada City
Grass Valley
Lodi
Marin County
Half Moon Bay
Coloma
Tips for Planning a Day Trip with Kids
A little planning can make a big difference when you are doing a day trip with kids.
Here are a few simple tips:
Leave earlier than you think you need to
Pack snacks, water, and extra clothes
Bring layers, especially for Tahoe or the coast
Choose one main destination instead of trying to do too much
Check parking before you go
Have a backup plan in case the weather changes
Save restaurants or bathrooms ahead of time
Plan around naps if you have younger kids
Final Thoughts
You do not have to travel far from Sacramento to feel like you got away for the day. Whether you want a beach day, a mountain adventure, a cute downtown, a lake day, or a nature escape, there are so many easy day trips within about two hours of Sacramento.
Save this list for the next time you want a family adventure without planning a full weekend away.