Generated with sparks and insights from 11 sources
Summary
Discover a variety of winter day trips within two hours of Sacramento, ranging from ice skating in Folsom to whale watching in Bodega Bay. Each destination offers unique activities and sights, including historical museums, scenic train journeys, and outdoor winter sports. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or just looking for a cozy day out in wine country, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Folsom Ice Rink
Enjoy ice skating in the heart of Historic Folsom, open until January 14, 2024.
Tips
Combine your visit with a stroll through Historic Folsom and the Johnny Cash Trail for a full day of activities.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Folsom Ice Rink is now OPEN!", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4O1eeaRxKI", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Nov 10, 2023", "length": "" }</div>
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
Dedicated to the history of local railroads and the first woman Railroad President, Sarah Kidder.
Tips
Don't miss the 'Secret Room' for an intricate scale model of the mine's workings.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "[4K] Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum Steam ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quVbJc-f56w", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jun 14, 2023", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "A tour of the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK9Mks_OeH8", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jan 3, 2016", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "The First Sunday Steam Up at the Nevada County Narrow ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Op93ar1pVs", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jun 4, 2023", "length": "" }</div>
San Francisco
A family-friendly destination with a picturesque train journey from Sacramento.
Tips
Taking the train offers a scenic route and avoids the hassle of city parking.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Riding the Train from Sacramento to San Francisco to Get My ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9PmLAHkSg0", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Dec 18, 2021", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Station Spotlight: Sacramento Valley Station", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwA-rE-tZ_8", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jun 18, 2021", "length": "" }</div>
Winchester Mystery House
Famous for its architectural curiosities and ghost tours.
Tips
Explore the house and enjoy ax throwing or a spooky evening tour.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Exploring The Winchester Mystery House!", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUIa9bZ3JDs", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Sep 11, 2016", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Winchester Mystery House Tour // San Jose, California", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inoYfzUfYIY", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Oct 31, 2021", "length": "" }</div>
Bodega Head
Prime spot for whale watching during the gray whales' migration south.
Tips
Bring binoculars for whale watching and enjoy local clam chowder afterwards.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Whale Watching at Bodega Head, Part 1 of 2", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjIhrleOyC0", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Oct 19, 2010", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Bodega Head Trail", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXioU91wRac", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Feb 20, 2022", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Whale Watching at Bodega Head, Part 2 of 2", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqJzieZereo", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Oct 19, 2010", "length": "" }</div>
Lake Tahoe
Offers a variety of winter activities from skiing to snowshoeing.
Tips
Choose activities that fit your budget and taste, from adrenaline-pumping slopes to relaxing tubing.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Lake Tahoe Winter Guide 2024: TOP Winter Activities in Lake ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bFMHqOzxjg", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Feb 8, 2023", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "10 EPIC Winter Activities in Lake Tahoe (BESIDES SKIING!)", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_00ViG3iOMc", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Dec 9, 2020", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "5 Lake Tahoe Winter Activities Besides Skiing \u2744\ufe0f", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERR38gbuxrk", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jan 8, 2023", "length": "" }</div>
Russian River Valley
A laid-back alternative to Napa, known for its Pinot Noirs and stunning mustard blooms.
Tips
Winter is a cozy time for wine tasting without the crowds, with picturesque vineyard views.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Winter rain in Russian River Valley | CRUX Winery's ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn-Cdq6yxJo", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Feb 3, 2021", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "The Neighborhood Series: Russian River Valley, Laguna ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnzWe763u5U", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Feb 17, 2021", "length": "" }</div>
Truckee
A blend of outdoor winter sports and rich California history.
Tips
Don't miss dining at Jax at the Tracks, featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Truckee, California - Best Location for Skiing & Riding Lake ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UzKj73uevI", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Dec 21, 2023", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "The History of Truckee, (Nevada County ) California !!! U.S. ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYwch8zHRWE", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jul 23, 2023", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Reliving The 1960 Winter Games in Squaw Valley With the ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CRrHG0GlYQ", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jan 8, 2020", "length": "" }</div>
