Summer 2025 is shaping up to be the season for road-friendly getaways, with 83% of Americans hitting the road instead of booking flights. Sacramento sits at the meeting point of wine country, riverlands and mountain foothills, making it an ideal base for exploring the best of Northern California. For those craving riverside thrills, vineyard escapes and bikeable city trails, a staycation in the city this summer delivers everything.
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With major seasonal draws like the California State Fair and white-water rafting on the American River, Sacramento offers something for every pace and interest. Here’s how visitors can build a flexible itinerary that’s packed with culture, flavor and adventure.
Road trips are back in full force
After years of flight delays and high travel costs, Americans are embracing the return of road trips. This summer, 54% plan to drive instead of fly due to rising airfare, and 60% feel comfortable covering over 300 miles to reach their destinations. These trends point to a preference for flexible, cost-conscious travel that opens the door to spontaneous stops and regional discoveries along the way.
“This summer, more consumers are budget conscious, leading them to choose road trip vacations instead of destinations by air. This is something for marketers to consider as they make plans for the height of the summer season,” said Eric Sherman, executive vice president of insights and analytics at GSTV, in a NACS article. “It also opens up opportunities for brands that service roadtrippers as they drive to their destination, from QSR to snack and beverage, and more.”
As travel preferences tilt toward longer, driveable vacations, Sacramento naturally rises to the top of the list. With access to mountain trails, vineyard landscapes and river excursions, the city provides a diverse range of experiences without straying far from the highway.
Ride the Sierras to city rapids
While summer road trips often lead to far-flung escapes, Sacramento keeps things close without sacrificing adventure. An hour-long drive from downtown leads to the American River’s Middle and South Forks, both known for offering a spectrum of river adventures.
These forks come to life in early summer, thanks to steady Sierra snowmelt that cools the waters and powers the rapids. As the snowmelt swells the river’s volume, both the Middle and South Forks offer unique challenges and opportunities for water-based adventures. Rafting season typically peaks from late May through mid-July, when the river’s flow strikes a sweet spot between manageable currents and just enough force to keep things exciting.
For those seeking a slower pace, tubing down the calmer stretches offers a more relaxed way to enjoy the water while still taking in the scenic surroundings. Services like River Rat Raft & Bike and American River Raft Rentals provide full gear packages and shuttle rides, making the experience easy to plan. Whether paddling through rapids or floating under the sun, this close-to-town river corridor delivers a quick dose of nature and fun.
California State Fair vibes
From July 11-27, the California State Fair turns Cal Expo into a high-energy showcase of summer in the state. The lineup features everything from headline concerts, with rapper Ludacris among this year’s acts, to carnival rides, artisan wine and cheese tastings, agricultural exhibits and nightly fireworks that light up the fairgrounds. Family-friendly attractions such as petting zoos and livestock shows bring in younger crowds, while the bustling midway and live cooking demos draw curious foodies.
Fairgoers can snack their way through deep-fried classics, fusion bites and locally sourced specialties, all while taking in the festive atmosphere. The Save Mart Wine Garden is a crowd favorite, offering tastings from award-winning California vineyards in a shaded, relaxed setting.
Pedal the American River Parkway trail
Whether you’re a casual cruiser or seasoned cyclist, the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail offers a rewarding way to explore Sacramento’s natural landscape. This 32-mile paved path winds from Discovery Park to Folsom Lake, tracing the curves of the American River through parks, wooded groves and open meadows.
The route is dotted with scenic stopovers, such as Hagan Community Park and River Bend Park, where cyclists can rest, refuel or simply enjoy the views. For those looking to break up the ride, there are several rest areas and neighborhood stops along the route where riders can pause for refreshments, stretch their legs or take in the scenery before continuing.
Sip before dinner in Clarksburg
Wind down the afternoon in Clarksburg Wine Country, just a 20-minute drive south of Sacramento. Tucked along the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, this region offers cool breezes, fertile soil and smaller, family-run wineries that emphasize quality over quantity.
Bogle Vineyards is one of the area’s most established wineries and a local favorite, known for its approachable reds and whites and its spacious outdoor setting. Visitors can taste award-winning varietals, like pinot noir or petite sirah, while lounging on shaded picnic lawns or walking the grounds.
For a different experience just down the road, Julietta Winery brings a more festive energy to weekend visits. Guests can expect live acoustic sets on the patio, rotating food trucks and relaxed tastings with vineyard views that stretch toward the river. The atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious, making it easy to sample a flight, share a snack and linger a while before heading back toward the city for dinner.
Farm-to-fork feast in the city
Sacramento’s food scene draws from its deep connection to the surrounding agricultural region, with farms, orchards and ranches just minutes from the city’s core. Recognized as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, it’s a place where menus follow the rhythm of the harvest and chefs work directly with local producers to highlight what’s fresh and in season.
At The Kitchen, chefs treat guests to a fine-dining tasting experience showcasing ingredients sourced from nearby farms and purveyors. Their summer menu celebrates the season’s full bounty with its sweet peaches, juicy cherries, spicy peppers and vibrant tomatoes, all presented through elegant preparations and thoughtful pairings. The relaxed pace of the evening mirrors the warmth and ease of the season, inviting diners to savor each bite like a memory in the making.
For those craving a more relaxed atmosphere that still delivers inventive, well-crafted dishes, Canon takes a more casual approach, serving elevated comfort food in a modern, airy space. Dishes like flat iron steak and Pacific black cod are designed for sharing and often rotate to reflect seasonal ingredients sourced from the region’s farms and producers.
Before summer slips away
As more Americans choose to skip airports this summer and head out by car, Sacramento emerges as a top-tier stop for memorable getaways. From rafting the American River to biking 32 miles of scenic trails, California’s capital makes adventure feel effortless. Pair that with wine country day trips and a booming local food scene, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect summer escape. Whether for a weekend or a spontaneous day trip, the city offers plenty of reasons to stay and explore.
Jennifer Allen is a retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and nationally syndicated journalist; she’s also a co-founder of Food Drink Life, where she shares expert travel tips, cruise insights and luxury destination guides. A recognized cruise expert with a deep passion for high-end experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jennifer explores the world with curiosity, depth and a storyteller’s perspective. Her articles are regularly featured on the Associated Press Wire, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.