Getting out of town is a popular pastime in the beautiful spring and the hot summer months in the Sacramento region. Sadly, with gas prices running higher than $4 per gallon, getting out of town is costing more this year than it ever has in the past. The only way around this is to make the most of your day trip buck by finding fun and low cost destinations that the whole family can enjoy. Here are a few of our favorite inexpensive family day trip destinations from Sacramento, California.
Stinson Beach
Just over two hours from Sacramento, in the backwoods of Marin County, off of legendary Highway 1 in the Mount Tamalpais State Park is the beautiful beach and village of Stinson Beach, California. This is a great summertime destination, on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, and this inexpensive day trip is a great way to beat the Sacramento heat.
Some points of interest not to be missed when in Stinson Beach:
· Point Reyes Lighthouse, Point Reyes National Seashore – Stunning ocean views and a quaint coastal lighthouse make this a destination unto itself
· Bolinas Lagoon Preserve – The Egrets and Herons nest here in the springtime, making it a breathtaking visit
·. View them on marked hiking trails with descriptions of the trees and their life cycles make this both a beautiful and educational destination
·. The Nevada side of the lake is well known for casinos and gambling destinations, but there are plenty of family friendly activities on both sides of the border as well.
Lake Tahoe is only about two hours from Sacramento, making it an inexpensive day trip, and here are some of the family friendly activities that you will find there:
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·. Bring the fishing rods along and make some time fly fishing on the beautiful Squaw Creek.
· Sand Harbor at Incline Village This is another hidden gem that goes unnoticed during the long Tahoe ski season, but in the spring and summer it becomes a fresh face on an old favorite. Rocky coves and a stunning beach make this a true hidden wonder at Lake Tahoe.
Grass Valley/Nevada City
These neighboring gold country towns are filled with history and quaint appeal for kids and adults alike, making this an educational as well as an inexpensive day trip from Sacramento. Family friendly restaurants and shopping opportunities abound, and museums and attractions fill out the opportunity for an adventure filled day. In addition to all the regular appeal, both of these little towns host events all year long, ranging from the Victorian Christmas and Cornish Christmas events in winter to bicycle races and arts and music events in the spring and summer months. These are both inexpensive and family friendly destinations that are truly not to be missed.
Here is a sampling of the activities to be engaged in, in the Grass Valley/Nevada City region:
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· Eat a Pasty – Or a tiddy oggy, as the Cornish might have it. These little meat pies were fundamental to the diets of the early Cornish settlers of Grass Valley, and they are still a staple of the local food scene. Offered at great prices, these treats will appeal to the whole family.
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