6-Day Northern California Adventure

  1. Day 1: Explore Sacramento
    0 minutes (0 miles) from starting point

    Start your trip in Sacramento, visiting the Crocker Art Museum to see California’s finest art collections, and then head over to the California State Railroad Museum to learn about the state’s impressive railway history. Have dinner at the Mulvaney's B&L restaurant, offering farm-to-table dishes.

  2. Day 2: Sacramento to Napa Valley
    1 hour 10 minutes (64 miles) from previous destination

    Drive to Napa Valley, visit renowned wineries like the Beringer Vineyards for history and tastings, or the Domaine Carneros for sparkling wines and gorgeous views. Have a picnic lunch at the Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art, home to over 2,000 works of art.

  3. Day 3: Fort Bragg with a stop in Cloverdale
    2 hours 25 minutes (134 miles) from previous destination

    On your way to Fort Bragg, visit the historic downtown of Cloverdale, where you can stop for breakfast at the Hearthstone Coffee House. In Fort Bragg, discover the stunning Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, a 47-acre natural wonder. End the day with dinner at Noyo Harbor Inn, offering fresh and delicious seafood.

  4. Day 4: Mendocino Headlands and Glass Beach
    10 minutes (2 miles) from previous destination

    Take a short drive from Fort Bragg to see the amazing Mendocino Headlands State Park, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline. Then head to Glass Beach, known for its unique colorful sea glass, and go for a beachcombing adventure. Have a relaxing dinner at the Mendo Bistro.

  5. Day 5: Drive from Fort Bragg to Sacramento
    3 hours 40 minutes (208 miles) from previous destination

    Take the picturesque coastal highway route from Fort Bragg to Sacramento and stop at the Point Reyes National Seashore for a scenic hike and to see wildlife habitat. In Sacramento, have dinner at the The Kitchen Restaurant, a unique and interactive culinary experience that features local and organic ingredients.

  6. Day 6: Final Day in Sacramento
    0 minutes (0 miles) from previous destination

    Visit the California State Capitol and Museum, a historic monument filled with California’s artifacts and history. Shop for souvenirs and locally made crafts at the Old Sacramento Waterfront District. Have a leisurely lunch at LowBrau, a unique restaurant that offers delicious sausages and beer.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • The Crocker Art Museum (2-3 hours, $12 admission fee)
  • The California State Railroad Museum (2-3 hours, $12 admission fee)
  • Beringer Vineyards (1-2 hours, $25-$50 per person)
  • Domaine Carneros (1-2 hours, $30-$50 per person)
  • Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art (1-2 hours, $12 admission fee)
  • Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (2-3 hours, $15 admission fee)
  • Glass Beach (1-2 hours, free admission)
  • The Kitchen Restaurant (2-3 hours, $250 per person)
  • Old Sacramento Waterfront District (1-2 hours, free admission)
  • Total estimated costs: $396-$621 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, extend your stay in Napa Valley, with more stops and wine tasting at different vineyards and wine cellars. You can also include hiking and kayaking in the Russian River. Spend a night in Santa Rosa for easy access to the Russian River. If you have less time, consider dropping off the stops in Cloverdale and Point Reyes National Seashore. Instead, make it a day trip from Sacramento to Napa Valley, and visit just one or two vineyards.

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