Top 5 fun weekend getaways that can be made with family and friends. While taking a loop drive around the California Delta, you can explore historic California towns. Therefore, gas up the car, load up the family, and discover all the hidden gems and points of interests near Sacramento area.

1. Apple Hill Orchards

Apple Hill is always a popular spot to go during the fall harvest. It’s great for the whole family.  Apple Hill is one of the most popular Sacramento road trips on this list. One that should be taken every year at a very inexpensive price. 

Although open year round, people tend to visit in early October or November when apple picking is at it’s best and the changing colors of the fall leaves make the entire experience memorable for your weekend getaway.

There are many orchards to visit, however the most popular one would have to be Hill Ranch. Families can relax and have fun, enjoying picnic lunch while sitting around the trout fishing pond maybe sipping on a free sample of apple cider. For the children, there are hay rides, pony rides, and face painting.

All in all, Apple Hill is an amazing days event for visitors from the Sacramento area.  It is an inexpensive day trip that every family must do yearly. There is no charge for parking or to get into any of the ranches, and most activities are modestly priced. So don’t waste too much time before the rain comes our way, make it out to one of the many apple orchards in Apple Hill this coming weekend!

2. Lodi Wine Country

Lodi is right in the heart of the San Joaquin County and has firmly established itself as the premier wine grape growing region. Being a short drive from both San Fransico and Sacramento, Lodi makes for a perfect wine excursion for a nice fall weekend day.

Over the last twenty years, Lodi’s wine making scene has exploded, growing form just a dozen wineries to more then 80 today.

Lodi is not only known for a destination for wine tasting, the city hosts plenty of other attractions and points of interest.

The first is the Hill House Museum, a restored Queen Anne Victorian home that has been restored and transformed into a house of historical exhibits relating to history of Lodi.

There is also the San Joaquin County Historical Society Museum, which is the largest museum in the county, located south of Lodi at the Micke Grove Regional Park. This museum traces the history of the area through exhibits and interactive displays.

Another great attraction for the entire family would be the museum called the “World of Wonders” located in the heart of downtown Lodi. This museum is patterned after the San Francisco Exploratorium with science exhibits, classrooms, and a gift shop. It is a fun experience for the entire family on your weekend getaway.

3. Nevada City

The next stop you and the family should head to is Nevada City, California. This is the perfect destination if you want to add a little history into a road trip.

This charming little town got its start during the gold rush. It’s full of Historical Places and beautiful museums which will educate and entertain the entire family.

Some of these sites include Firehouse No. 2 and the National Hotel, which is the oldest, still functioning hotel west of the Rockies.

One of the most unique museums, is the Nevada County Railroad Museum located in the Seven Hills Business District. This museum displays amazing rolling stock, tunnels, buildings, and more as you watch the train travel all about the tracks inside the museum.

Now, if you and the family are looking for more of a relaxing and less active weekend getaway to Nevada City, check out their collection of little shops and restaurants. Broad Street is full of shops that sell souvenirs, apparel, sweet treats, outdoor gear, and more.

Depending on the time of the year you visit Nevada City, you can enjoy one of the city’s annual events. For more details, check this city out whenever you want a historical weekend getaway. There is always an event going on in each season!

4. San Francisco Zoo

The San Francisco Zoo opened in the 1920s, and has come a long way in the recent years. It houses more than 930 animals spread over 100 acres, and is divided into regions.

This Zoo is filled with family fun, but it’s really geared towards children. Kids will enjoy attractions like the hands on Children’s Zoo, the flock of bright pink flamingos, the Grizzly Gulch, the giant anaconda and the timeless little puffer train.

One of the most popular exhibits at the zoo is a large breeding colony of Magellanic penguins that visitors can join for lunch at 2:30pm daily.

Another experience can begin with the three acre African Savannah region, which is the largest region at the zoo. This region houses a mixed species collection of giraffes, zebras, antelopes, ostrich and a variety of birds.

Next door, the Lion House inside the Cat Kingdom is home to rare Sumatran and Siberian tigers and African Lions, where visitors to the zoo can watch the big cats get fed, everyday at 2pm except Mondays.

There are many other animal attractions to see like the Gorilla Preserve filled with monkey’s, chimpanzee’s, and of course, the area’s main attraction- lowland gorillas.

San Francisco has many other wonderful attractions to visit on your weekend getaway other then the Zoo. So get in that car this weekend and head to the City for a fun filled day of excitement.

5. Napa Valley Wine Train

This is a weekend getaway maybe the parents might want to find a sitter for the kiddos.  The Napa Valley Wine Train lets you enjoy award winning dining, while taking in the scenic beauty of the wine country. This day excursion is rated one of the top twenty rail journeys in the world.

The train travels along highway 29 on its 3 hour trip. Make sure to ask the conductor which side to sit on because one side is preferred more then another. One side of the train looks across the highway, while the other side looks over many beautiful hills and wineries.

Various packages are available, including special holiday, murder mystery, and jazz concert trains. The Napa Valley Wine Train has been in operation since 1989 and has now carried over several million passengers.

During the 3 hour long, 36 mile round trip between Napa and St. Helena, passengers can choose to enjoy a gourmet meal prepared on board. They can also sample several of the region’s wines available at the wine bar located in one of the lounge cars.

So don’t waste your time and book a fun weekend getaway to the Napa Valley Wine Train sooner than later.