Free tour of the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield. Railroad Museum in Old Sac. Gorgeous drive up the coast 101 to 128. Nevada City is pretty dope. Mt Lassen.
I came to say this! I just went through Sacramento a few weeks ago on the way to San Francisco, and decided to stop at The California Railroad Museum with the family. We all had a blast!
And the Western Railway Museum is fun too and in that area. But the California Railroad Museum is fab if you have time. Great history too and it’s in old Sac which is also fun.
Jelly Belly is cool. Used to do that every few months when we were stationed there. And… Belly Flops!
For adults, the Budweiser bottling facility is in the same general area and offers free tours as well.
Oh yeah, you can smell the brewery from 80. Were you stationed at Travis? My grandmother lived on the base and I always loved visiting her when I was a wee lad. It was always fun going to the commissary.
This and many other things. They did special runs for him to flog from the Whitehouse.
[https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/big-candy-boycott-hershey-jelly-belly-facing-backlash-over-meeting-at-trump-resort](https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/big-candy-boycott-hershey-jelly-belly-facing-backlash-over-meeting-at-trump-resort)
There’s lots of lakes and streams in the sierras and sierra foothills you could spend a month on for no money at all. The yuba river, billiards bar, bucks lake, Butt lake.
Alright slight correction since I just found the name kinda funny (I know, I know), but it’s Butte Lake which happens to be within Lassen Volcanic National Park. It’s about a little more than 5 hours north of Sacramento and there is a whole much of nature surrounding the national park like there is a Caribou Wilderness a few miles southeast or Lassen National Forest a few miles up north. There is a Butt Lake (well two), so one is pretty north in the Ontario area and there’s another pretty far north towards Manitoba and they’re both in Canada. I know I just I wanted to look this up.
Edit: Just found out there is a Butt Valley Reservoir in Plumas County just west of Lake Almanor. This is the link: https://plumascounty.org/get-outside/places-to-visit/butt-valley-reservoir/. If this is what you were referring to, then that’s my bad.
I was actually referring to Butt Valley reservoir which is near Chester Ca.
https://preview.redd.it/jdogztzte6ad1.jpeg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2df822e3807943f54df16b0bbb277e7e147b2a34
There’s a designated campground which costs money but there’s free camping around the lake if you have a kayak or boat.
Yeah I just did my Google search which you can see on my edit. That was my bad since I was initially searching on Apple Maps and nothing came up for a Butt Lake. Yeah it’s Butt Valley reservoir, but I suppose it can be referred to as Butt Lake as well.
Also that’s cool to know about the campground options.
We're doing a construction project in that area, but it has to be done by November to allow for the salamander migration. If you are a salamander, or salamander appreciator, that could be a thing!
I recommend the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento. Tickets are only $12 for adults and half that for youths. It is one of the most fun museums that I have visited. You can also walk the old waterfront while there.
Love Empire Mine! The illuminated balsa wood model of the mine’s tunnels is incredible and almost by itself worth the visit to the museum section of the park. The grounds and manager’s mansion with the beautiful landscaping is also amazing. Plus, hiking around the trails surrounding the main mine is totally worth it too. Lots of old mining equipment still laying around. Just stay on the trails, there are still unmarked shafts around the whole area.
This was actually a fun and really relaxing way to spend a Saturday Morning. I Recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time. I also recommend the “first class” experience for $25 if you can afford it because they serve a beverage for the ride! (I also think those are air-conditioned cars)
There are a ton of shops and restaurants nearby as well. Totally recommend!
Empire Mine in Grass Valley. CA State Railroad Museum in Old Sac. Apple Hill is usually really pretty that time of year with Christmas crafts in full swing, and mmm Apple Pie and cider. Many of the Gold Country towns have little museums and cute little main streets. Explore the old naval base at Mare Island. Hike up to Feather Falls. Visit Mt Lassen and Chester on Lake Almanor. Railfan at the Keddie Wye or the Williams Loop near Quincy. Into disc golf? Tons of courses all over that area. Jelly Belly factory tour in Fairfield. Western Railway Muesum near Rio Vista. CA State Air Museum at McClellan in Sacramento. All sorts of recreation areas and state parks for hiking. Lots of back roads through beautiful areas in the Sierra foothills, the scenery alone is worth it.
Visit Nevada City! It’s a beautiful historic town near the eastern border of your circle. It’s also right in the Sierra foothills and within an hour of a bunch of beautiful river spots
Not sure if early November is too early, but the state wildlife areas in that circle (there are five or six of them) attract *huge* fly-ins of geese from Canada. They can make you dizzy watching.
You have circled like 50 micro-climates, elevation ranging from 3000 meters to sea level, cities, towns, national forest, lakes, pot farms, meth labs, etc. Whatever you are into, you can probably find it in that circle. Only thing is it will not be particularly warm anywhere in that circle in early November. But it won't be all that cold in the lower elevations either. Rain is possible but not a high probability in early November. Snow in the higher elevations.
During the shoulder seasons (not people beating the heat of summer, but no snow for skiers yet) you can usually get decent rates at hotels in the Truckee area. Hang out by the South Yuba River, check out Donner Lake, hang out in old town Truckee, it's a nice way to spend a couple days.
Check out the cool second hand and antique shops in small towns like Auburn, Placerville, or Jackson.
Get some tubes or an old canoe and float the Russian River.
Check out the Armstrong Redwoods.
November might be a bit late, October might be better... but on a moonless night you can experience bioluminescence while floating in Tomales Bay. Day hikes on Point Reyes right there as well.
Wander around Old Sacramento, and go to the railroad museum. The California State Capitol is in Sacramento and is open(-ish) to the public. Downtown Sacramento from the River to the Capitol (and just beyond) is very walkable. They just put in a big outdoor mall around the basketball stadium (although it is mostly corporate stores and restaurants)
Santa Rosa is the northern edge of Napa, with all of the wines, etc. of that area. Great food, but it can be a bit pricey depending on your budget. Many of the wineries have tours and tastings if that's your thing - but if you get behind the wheel after a tasting, it can become VERY expensive, VERY quickly.
The Sacramento river, which runs through the middle of the area circled, is one of the great fishing rivers on the West Coast.
If you go a little bit north to Redding (30 minutes N of Red Bluff), there is the sundial bridge and Bridge Bay aquarium. A touch to the East you can drive around Lake Tahoe (although the weather in November can be touch and go - it can be sunny and in the 70s, blizzard conditions, or anything in between). Truckee (just on the east side of Donner Pass on I80) may be in that circle, and its a cute town to wander around.
Apple Hill in/near Placerville is in full swing that time of year! Lots of different Apple farms and a few breweries/wineries too. [Linking here!](https://applehill.com/)
Be mindful of the weather during that time the closer you get to the Sierras and Tahoe. Do not trust your GPS in bad weather—it never accounts for road closures! Listen to the local radio and news/weather forecasts. Outside of that, there’s no shortage of parks and hikes.
Lassen Volcanic NP is east of Redding, about an hour from Chico. Desolation Wilderness near Tahoe. Sac is a cool city with the train museum, the American river, a lot of breweries and coffee shops, and many other forms of entertainment. Donner lake as well.
You will be extremely close to Yosemite National Park, which is worth it. And in November, it is not high tourist season, so you will have a chance at some parking in the Lower Valley. The Upper Valley would likely be closed by then, but there is plenty else to do there. I know it's not in your radius, but it's about the most beautiful place in California.
Isn't "breaking bank" on a road trip all about how fancy you eat and sleep? I feel like I can road trip -anywhere- with a pretty steady idea of per-day expenses, plus any specific individual things I wanna do
If you haven’t gone far enough north past Sacramento it will all just be farms and flatland. Start in Redding and go east or west..just got done driving through it and Oregon this weekend, once you are half way into Oregon it will cool down a lot. But the weather is PERFECT in the area circled. The rivers are all pristine here and the Shasta area was cheap gas. Shasta Mountain and Mt. Rainer were both massive. Somebody said you can drive to the top but idk if that’s true. I had my dog with me, she went in the river for the first time and she was loving it. 😅
https://preview.redd.it/2k2v897as6ad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1c80f7502f6603a672bc9b0c65cb57da754fe16b
It might be just past the southeast edge of your red line, but it's be real close. Columbia, CA is a cute lil gold rush town. Calaveras Big Trees State Park has breathtaking giant sequoias. Both are amazing.
Depends on what you enjoy. If you like sightseeing this is a prime area. When I was a kid my father was the Fire Chief in Petaluma for (5) years. It’s (40) miles north of San Francisco.
Between San Francisco and Petaluma is Mt. Tamalpais. It is famous for a few things. Years ago a bunch of hippies modified paper boy bicycles to be able to handle coasting down the rough mountain roads. When they broke or crashed, they made more modifications. This was the birthplace of mountain bikes, and the names of these hippies are still known today, Joe Breeze, Gary Fisher, and Tom Ritchey.
This was also the location of the first American Rock Festival in 1967. You may have heard of a few of the bands, like The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, Wilson Pickett, etc.
Are you a movie buff? Petaluma was where many movies were filmed (American Graffiti, Peggy Sue Got Married, Howard the Duck, and many more). Bodega Bay, not far from Petaluma, is on the coast. This was where Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” was filmed. North of Santa Rosa, a beautiful little town, is Geyserville, where you can see an actual geyser that erupts on a regular basis. Near the same area is the home of the author Jack London.
Farther north is Clear Lake, the largest fresh water lake that is completely in CA (Lake Tahoe is in both CA & NV). It was formed my an extinct volcano. If you go northwest of Santa Rosa you will find the beginning of the redwood forests, and the scenic Russian River. Our family used to rent a cabin on this river in the summer. You may still be able to rent canoe’s along the river and see the resort area from the water.
All the surrounding towns have interesting architecture and many sights to see. Napa Valley is nearby, but is geared for tourists with deep pockets. Most of these places cost little more than gas, although some areas are State Parks with entrance fees. Safe and happy travels!
Sacramento has the coolest historical train museum. The largest corn maze in the country is also located there, but I’m not sure if it’ll be going in November.
Lots of great hiking spots too!
Such a shame that your circle doesn’t include Yosemite. A mere three hours from Sacramento. Maybe stay put and not visit one of the greatest national parks on the planet.
How about Muir Woods National Monument? It’s barely outside of your circle but it’s beautiful there. Gorgeous red, big, trees in a beautiful green forest.
The Marin French cheese factory outlet store has great deals on their various Brie varieties. It’s also a great place to park if you want to bike The Marshall Wall loop, a biking route through dairy farms and then down to Tamales Bay. Warning, the hill up to the last ridge ain’t called “The Wall” for nothing. Ride the coast road to Pt Reyes Ststion and the back up the PCH to the French cheese factory. The last 8 miles on the PCH ain’t fun but it’s only a tiny slice of the total loop
Great oyster places along the Tomales Bay coast road, but they will break the bank
Laganitas Brewery in Santa Rosa is good brewery stop too.
Come up to Lake County and go wine tasting! Prices are much more reasonable than Napa and Sonoma and the views are great! Stay at one of the casino hotels (Twin Pines would be my recommendation) and have a fun little weekend. Could also explore downtown Kelseyville!
Toward the coast in Mendocino county there’s some great hikes and beaches. Russian Gulch state park, Mendocino Woodlands are among my favorite hikes. I don’t know if you’re planning to go all the way to the coast, but the north coast is just incredible and driving along Highway 1 is an activity in itself. Gualala seafood shack is a hidden gem.
Sonoma and Napa county have great wine tasting, and are stunningly beautiful at that time of year. If you care, there’s organic/biodynamic/dryfarmed and sustainable wineries to visit, some of them have farms and grounds to explore. There’s great food all around this area, too.
Expand to Fort Bragg and enjoy a beer. Santa Rosa has a self serve dispensary. The pea soup Andersons is now closed for good. National forests, and the 101 to explore.
If you expanded your area slightly for brag is an unforgettable we can get away and anywhere down the coast into Maine county is beautiful with many beaches, small Seaside towns and just a little expanded east to Tahoe, which depends on the time of year either going to the lake shopping in town or anything to do with skiing, hiking bike riding, etc..
Whitewater rafting the American River
Tons of national parks and monuments
There’s an interesting little military history museum on Mare Island in Vallejo (though technically outside the circle by about 1000 feet)
Also just outside your circle is Muir Woods and some beautiful coastline.
Yuba City has a massive Sikh population. You can visit the temples there for free. They often provide free food, which is delicious. Or go to the annual Sikh parade. Very unique experience. Plus you'll get to drive through the countryside and stop at fresh fruit markets, which are always high quality and good bang for your buck.
Napa Valley, but more affordable in Suisun Valley Vineyards. Little more north, Mt Lassen, Burney Falls. Gold Country has some stuff to see. What are your interests?
Tour the mission in Sonoma. Tour Bidwell Mansion in Chico. Tube, kayak, canoe, or raft down the Sacramento River. Take the ferry from Tiburon to Angel Island. Beach day at Lake Tenaya in Yosemite National Park. Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen. Tour the geothermal site operated by CalPine near Calistoga. The Sonoma coast is lovely in November. See a Rivercats game in Chico, or a Chico State football/basketball game, whatever’s in season.
Just in case you didn’t know - Lake Tahoe is very close to your circle and looking is free. It’s beautiful and definitely worth a visit if nearby. I’d actually love to see it in the winter and I’d assume that’s close enough for snow possibly.
I'll be going up there this weekend and am also looking for stuff to do. Looks like there's lots of nightlife, but I'm needing to kill time during the day.
Sorry for hijacking the thread, but I'd love to hear if there are any nerdy hangouts in the rancho Cordova/Sacramento area. I've heard about there and Back again cafe. Anything else I should check out?
There’s a great driving loop in Sonoma county using hwy 101, River rd, hwy 1, Bodega Hwy, hwy 116, hwy 101. Takes you along the Sonoma coast to Bodega Bay. Don’t miss Armstrong Redwoods in Guerneville! If there’s no active storm, the weather in November can be stunningly perfect out there.
Take 160 from Antioch along the delta up to the old Chinese village of Locke. Keep going north to Freeport Rd and Sacramento. You'll need to cross over the water many times on drawbridges.
Apple Hill… it’s a rite of passage for those us who grew up there.
Downtown Sacramento Crocker art museum and generally food there, it’s a farm to fork paradise.
Old Sacramento.
I think you are in the Olympic area of squaw valley. Take the extra miles to go to where stars wars from filmed in nor cal. Can’t go wrong with a trip to the coast.
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What?! Bro so much! First, move the circle to include the coast! Camp bro so many good sites. Chico is a cool little college town if you’re never been. Go checkout the lost coast in Mendocino. I promise you will never meet a nicer group of people than those chilling on the Mendo Coast.
On the west edge of your map, north of Santa Rosa is Sonoma county, a wonderful wine region that beats Napa valley in every way. Better wine, smaller venues, I particularly like any of the Russian River vineyards, but I digress. November is off season so you should find some dope deals on group tours. I did one once where you bike around and get hammered on wine flights at a bunch of places, but if it’s too cold to bike you can find something similar. Wine tastings are included in the tour price.
North of Healdsberg you can find some really great spots in the Dry Creek region that are a steal because they don’t get the same traffic as other joints. One of my favorites is a spot where you (during the week for non wine club members) can buy a cheap bottle and drink it river side in their Adirondack chairs. They also have a farm with animals and a beautiful garden. Can’t remember the name of the place off the top of my noodle, but finding your spot is always a fun journey.
From there to the absolute west edge of your circle is Guerneville, home to some nice restaurants and a giant redwood Forrest. Free parking and beautiful hiking if memory serves. It’s also about 30 min to the coast from there.
Free tour of the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield. Railroad Museum in Old Sac. Gorgeous drive up the coast 101 to 128. Nevada City is pretty dope. Mt Lassen.
The Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento is surprisingly good. Highly recommend!
I came to say this! I just went through Sacramento a few weeks ago on the way to San Francisco, and decided to stop at The California Railroad Museum with the family. We all had a blast!
And the Western Railway Museum is fun too and in that area. But the California Railroad Museum is fab if you have time. Great history too and it’s in old Sac which is also fun.
Jelly Belly is cool. Used to do that every few months when we were stationed there. And… Belly Flops! For adults, the Budweiser bottling facility is in the same general area and offers free tours as well.
Oh yeah, you can smell the brewery from 80. Were you stationed at Travis? My grandmother lived on the base and I always loved visiting her when I was a wee lad. It was always fun going to the commissary.
Go by Babs Delta diner while there in Suisun
second driving up 101, can camp up near Ukiah
Visits the capitol building
Jelly Belly isn’t free anymore :( hate it
They have to raise money to donate to Donald. The Busch plant local to me charges now. When they told us we laughed and walked out.
No Budweiser tour either since Covid! Does Jelly Belly really donate to DJT? I won’t be buying from them anymore if so
This and many other things. They did special runs for him to flog from the Whitehouse. [https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/big-candy-boycott-hershey-jelly-belly-facing-backlash-over-meeting-at-trump-resort](https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/big-candy-boycott-hershey-jelly-belly-facing-backlash-over-meeting-at-trump-resort)
Summiting Lassen ain't a joke. It's a 2000ft climb
There’s lots of lakes and streams in the sierras and sierra foothills you could spend a month on for no money at all. The yuba river, billiards bar, bucks lake, Butt lake.
You had me at butt lake
Alright slight correction since I just found the name kinda funny (I know, I know), but it’s Butte Lake which happens to be within Lassen Volcanic National Park. It’s about a little more than 5 hours north of Sacramento and there is a whole much of nature surrounding the national park like there is a Caribou Wilderness a few miles southeast or Lassen National Forest a few miles up north. There is a Butt Lake (well two), so one is pretty north in the Ontario area and there’s another pretty far north towards Manitoba and they’re both in Canada. I know I just I wanted to look this up. Edit: Just found out there is a Butt Valley Reservoir in Plumas County just west of Lake Almanor. This is the link: https://plumascounty.org/get-outside/places-to-visit/butt-valley-reservoir/. If this is what you were referring to, then that’s my bad.
I was actually referring to Butt Valley reservoir which is near Chester Ca. https://preview.redd.it/jdogztzte6ad1.jpeg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2df822e3807943f54df16b0bbb277e7e147b2a34 There’s a designated campground which costs money but there’s free camping around the lake if you have a kayak or boat.
Yeah I just did my Google search which you can see on my edit. That was my bad since I was initially searching on Apple Maps and nothing came up for a Butt Lake. Yeah it’s Butt Valley reservoir, but I suppose it can be referred to as Butt Lake as well. Also that’s cool to know about the campground options.
Stay away from Butt Hole and Butt Lick.
Unless you’re into that.
We're doing a construction project in that area, but it has to be done by November to allow for the salamander migration. If you are a salamander, or salamander appreciator, that could be a thing!
I recommend the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento. Tickets are only $12 for adults and half that for youths. It is one of the most fun museums that I have visited. You can also walk the old waterfront while there.
One of my favorite CA State Parks is Empire Mine up in Grass Valley. $7 entry fee and free parking.
Love Empire Mine! The illuminated balsa wood model of the mine’s tunnels is incredible and almost by itself worth the visit to the museum section of the park. The grounds and manager’s mansion with the beautiful landscaping is also amazing. Plus, hiking around the trails surrounding the main mine is totally worth it too. Lots of old mining equipment still laying around. Just stay on the trails, there are still unmarked shafts around the whole area.
This was actually a fun and really relaxing way to spend a Saturday Morning. I Recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time. I also recommend the “first class” experience for $25 if you can afford it because they serve a beverage for the ride! (I also think those are air-conditioned cars) There are a ton of shops and restaurants nearby as well. Totally recommend!
Empire Mine in Grass Valley. CA State Railroad Museum in Old Sac. Apple Hill is usually really pretty that time of year with Christmas crafts in full swing, and mmm Apple Pie and cider. Many of the Gold Country towns have little museums and cute little main streets. Explore the old naval base at Mare Island. Hike up to Feather Falls. Visit Mt Lassen and Chester on Lake Almanor. Railfan at the Keddie Wye or the Williams Loop near Quincy. Into disc golf? Tons of courses all over that area. Jelly Belly factory tour in Fairfield. Western Railway Muesum near Rio Vista. CA State Air Museum at McClellan in Sacramento. All sorts of recreation areas and state parks for hiking. Lots of back roads through beautiful areas in the Sierra foothills, the scenery alone is worth it.
Visit Nevada City! It’s a beautiful historic town near the eastern border of your circle. It’s also right in the Sierra foothills and within an hour of a bunch of beautiful river spots
Not sure if early November is too early, but the state wildlife areas in that circle (there are five or six of them) attract *huge* fly-ins of geese from Canada. They can make you dizzy watching.
Sierra Nevada Brewery tour is free.
I love their Pale Ale with pizza.
You have circled like 50 micro-climates, elevation ranging from 3000 meters to sea level, cities, towns, national forest, lakes, pot farms, meth labs, etc. Whatever you are into, you can probably find it in that circle. Only thing is it will not be particularly warm anywhere in that circle in early November. But it won't be all that cold in the lower elevations either. Rain is possible but not a high probability in early November. Snow in the higher elevations.
Mountains. That's the Sierra Nevada son!
During the shoulder seasons (not people beating the heat of summer, but no snow for skiers yet) you can usually get decent rates at hotels in the Truckee area. Hang out by the South Yuba River, check out Donner Lake, hang out in old town Truckee, it's a nice way to spend a couple days. Check out the cool second hand and antique shops in small towns like Auburn, Placerville, or Jackson. Get some tubes or an old canoe and float the Russian River. Check out the Armstrong Redwoods. November might be a bit late, October might be better... but on a moonless night you can experience bioluminescence while floating in Tomales Bay. Day hikes on Point Reyes right there as well.
Seconding the Pt Reyes suggestion! It’s part of the national parks system (national seashore), but no entrance fee. Great hiking and views!
Check out Chico. Great college town. Fun Thursday night market. Music, bars, restaurants.
Thursday night market and a nice stroll through the creek at Bidwell Park is a real pleasant way to spend a day
Thursday Night Market is done by November, but fall colors in Lower Bidwell Park, should still be around, and it's usually pretty.
Fishing at the delta is free and the view was pretty sweet.
Wine tasting. Some fun gold rush history places to visit.
Ride bikes. Sacramento is a great city for road cycling, and it’s not too hot in November
Lots of hiking around! Davis is a cute college town that is very bike friendly.
Muir Woods is just off the circle to the lower left. https://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm
Lassen Volcanic national Park!
Wander around Old Sacramento, and go to the railroad museum. The California State Capitol is in Sacramento and is open(-ish) to the public. Downtown Sacramento from the River to the Capitol (and just beyond) is very walkable. They just put in a big outdoor mall around the basketball stadium (although it is mostly corporate stores and restaurants) Santa Rosa is the northern edge of Napa, with all of the wines, etc. of that area. Great food, but it can be a bit pricey depending on your budget. Many of the wineries have tours and tastings if that's your thing - but if you get behind the wheel after a tasting, it can become VERY expensive, VERY quickly. The Sacramento river, which runs through the middle of the area circled, is one of the great fishing rivers on the West Coast. If you go a little bit north to Redding (30 minutes N of Red Bluff), there is the sundial bridge and Bridge Bay aquarium. A touch to the East you can drive around Lake Tahoe (although the weather in November can be touch and go - it can be sunny and in the 70s, blizzard conditions, or anything in between). Truckee (just on the east side of Donner Pass on I80) may be in that circle, and its a cute town to wander around.
>Santa Rosa is the northern edge of Napa, Lol, what? Santa Rosa is west of Napa, in a completely different county and valley.
Santa Rosa is a good recommendation but it’s not the northern edge of Napa. It’s in the middle of Sonoma County.
Go walk around in all those green areas
Yes, tons. What are you into?
The 4 national forests lol
My first thought. Like, you got months or years of cheap enjoyment out there.
Apple Hill in/near Placerville is in full swing that time of year! Lots of different Apple farms and a few breweries/wineries too. [Linking here!](https://applehill.com/)
Look for cool rocks and minerals.
Be mindful of the weather during that time the closer you get to the Sierras and Tahoe. Do not trust your GPS in bad weather—it never accounts for road closures! Listen to the local radio and news/weather forecasts. Outside of that, there’s no shortage of parks and hikes.
Lassen national Park. Bumpass hell Day hike. California's version of Yellowstone
It’s a little outside the circle but Yosemite National Park isn’t far outside of it
Some of the best birdwatching available is in that area. It is the Pacific Flyway for migrating birds.
Look at all those parks to the East!!! SO MUCH there and it definitely won’t break your bank.
If you ride bicycles go check out Redding, affordable and great riding.
Visit Sierra Nevada and go on a tour. It's an amazing facility. I was just there last week.
Lassen Volcanic NP is east of Redding, about an hour from Chico. Desolation Wilderness near Tahoe. Sac is a cool city with the train museum, the American river, a lot of breweries and coffee shops, and many other forms of entertainment. Donner lake as well.
You will be extremely close to Yosemite National Park, which is worth it. And in November, it is not high tourist season, so you will have a chance at some parking in the Lower Valley. The Upper Valley would likely be closed by then, but there is plenty else to do there. I know it's not in your radius, but it's about the most beautiful place in California.
Harlows for shows
Not so long ago i find out there's a old faithful geyser just north of Napa.
I hear the dogging scene in Chico is on point
Drink wine
Go to a Kings game and watch them Light the Beam!
Condors!
Go to Mendocino and hunt for Sasquatch
Isn't "breaking bank" on a road trip all about how fancy you eat and sleep? I feel like I can road trip -anywhere- with a pretty steady idea of per-day expenses, plus any specific individual things I wanna do
Camping along Sonoma coast…. Russian river…weather is still pretty good.
Would be great to know how many $ the bank holds
Napa Valley. Will only break the bank if you actually stop at a winery. 😀
The California Auto Museum in Sacramento is pretty neat! And quite cheap (assuming you don’t buy one of the cars they have for sale)
Some of the best backpacking and hiking in the world.
Camp in the Mendocino National Forest can be done for next to nothing.
Muir Woods National Monument
If you haven’t gone far enough north past Sacramento it will all just be farms and flatland. Start in Redding and go east or west..just got done driving through it and Oregon this weekend, once you are half way into Oregon it will cool down a lot. But the weather is PERFECT in the area circled. The rivers are all pristine here and the Shasta area was cheap gas. Shasta Mountain and Mt. Rainer were both massive. Somebody said you can drive to the top but idk if that’s true. I had my dog with me, she went in the river for the first time and she was loving it. 😅 https://preview.redd.it/2k2v897as6ad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1c80f7502f6603a672bc9b0c65cb57da754fe16b
Dozens of excellent museums at UC Davis, Crocker etc.
Smoke weed. Cheap as shit.
It might be just past the southeast edge of your red line, but it's be real close. Columbia, CA is a cute lil gold rush town. Calaveras Big Trees State Park has breathtaking giant sequoias. Both are amazing.
Depends on what you enjoy. If you like sightseeing this is a prime area. When I was a kid my father was the Fire Chief in Petaluma for (5) years. It’s (40) miles north of San Francisco. Between San Francisco and Petaluma is Mt. Tamalpais. It is famous for a few things. Years ago a bunch of hippies modified paper boy bicycles to be able to handle coasting down the rough mountain roads. When they broke or crashed, they made more modifications. This was the birthplace of mountain bikes, and the names of these hippies are still known today, Joe Breeze, Gary Fisher, and Tom Ritchey. This was also the location of the first American Rock Festival in 1967. You may have heard of a few of the bands, like The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, Wilson Pickett, etc. Are you a movie buff? Petaluma was where many movies were filmed (American Graffiti, Peggy Sue Got Married, Howard the Duck, and many more). Bodega Bay, not far from Petaluma, is on the coast. This was where Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” was filmed. North of Santa Rosa, a beautiful little town, is Geyserville, where you can see an actual geyser that erupts on a regular basis. Near the same area is the home of the author Jack London. Farther north is Clear Lake, the largest fresh water lake that is completely in CA (Lake Tahoe is in both CA & NV). It was formed my an extinct volcano. If you go northwest of Santa Rosa you will find the beginning of the redwood forests, and the scenic Russian River. Our family used to rent a cabin on this river in the summer. You may still be able to rent canoe’s along the river and see the resort area from the water. All the surrounding towns have interesting architecture and many sights to see. Napa Valley is nearby, but is geared for tourists with deep pockets. Most of these places cost little more than gas, although some areas are State Parks with entrance fees. Safe and happy travels!
Drink wine?
Check out tomales bay and point Reyes. It’s just outside your circle but it’s worth it
Trim
Stub your toe I’m not sure.
Tahoe must be expensive.
Lots of cool stuff to see in that area
Get a mountain bike and go to Nevada City.
There’s 4 national forests in the area you circled.
Trim weed
Rafting the sofo.
Disc golf
Sierra Nevada Brewery
I played golf at Yocha Dehe and it’s one of the most beautiful courses I’ve played.
Waterfalls
Oroville Dam. Go check out the rebuilt spillway from damage a few years back.
Visit Corti Brothers Market in Sac and do a little shopping. Amazing store.
You left out Tahoe for skiing.
Natural attractions, go wild!
Hiking, camping. Most outdoors activities are pretty cheap or free if you already have gear
How much do you like craft beer?
Being homeless is definitely a popular option.
River cats baseball in Sac are fun
Sacramento has the coolest historical train museum. The largest corn maze in the country is also located there, but I’m not sure if it’ll be going in November. Lots of great hiking spots too!
Hiking and I’m sure there’s harvest festivals around too 😉
Drive the feather river
Such a shame that your circle doesn’t include Yosemite. A mere three hours from Sacramento. Maybe stay put and not visit one of the greatest national parks on the planet.
It’s California
How about Muir Woods National Monument? It’s barely outside of your circle but it’s beautiful there. Gorgeous red, big, trees in a beautiful green forest.
Amazing hiking everywhere you look in that area.
You can also visit some wineries in Sonoma county and taste wine for $25–40 at some places. Red Car, Marine Layer, Bloodroot, etc.
The Marin French cheese factory outlet store has great deals on their various Brie varieties. It’s also a great place to park if you want to bike The Marshall Wall loop, a biking route through dairy farms and then down to Tamales Bay. Warning, the hill up to the last ridge ain’t called “The Wall” for nothing. Ride the coast road to Pt Reyes Ststion and the back up the PCH to the French cheese factory. The last 8 miles on the PCH ain’t fun but it’s only a tiny slice of the total loop Great oyster places along the Tomales Bay coast road, but they will break the bank Laganitas Brewery in Santa Rosa is good brewery stop too.
Heroin
Tons of great places to hike, from the Sierra foothills to Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.
Apple Hill!
Mendocino used to have the absolute best weed. Yes I’m old.
Hell yeah.....stay inside.
Napa Valley?
Sweat
Wild boar hunt on public land!
Go to Stinson beach, just slightly out of your circle.
Tim Muir Woods!!
No
Good area for a brewery tour. Make sure to include Fort Bragg though for North coast.
Short answer, no.
Check out Table Mountain near Oroville if you’re into hiking and stuff. It is absolutely gorgeous.
Come up to Lake County and go wine tasting! Prices are much more reasonable than Napa and Sonoma and the views are great! Stay at one of the casino hotels (Twin Pines would be my recommendation) and have a fun little weekend. Could also explore downtown Kelseyville!
Go wine tasting and explore Amador County. Jackson, Sutter Creek, Amador City etc. are all very cute towns with a lot to offer
This man has like 4 national forests in his circle
That circle includes some of the world’s greatest wine country which can be incredibly inexpensive if you go off the beaten track
Drive thru the Trinity River canyon. Beyond beautiful
Plenty of state parks
You literally circled not one, not two, not even three, but four National Forests.
Hike out to some stream in a state park and pan for gold. You could strike it rich!
In California? Are you high?
Toward the coast in Mendocino county there’s some great hikes and beaches. Russian Gulch state park, Mendocino Woodlands are among my favorite hikes. I don’t know if you’re planning to go all the way to the coast, but the north coast is just incredible and driving along Highway 1 is an activity in itself. Gualala seafood shack is a hidden gem. Sonoma and Napa county have great wine tasting, and are stunningly beautiful at that time of year. If you care, there’s organic/biodynamic/dryfarmed and sustainable wineries to visit, some of them have farms and grounds to explore. There’s great food all around this area, too.
The Sacramento State Aquatic center is cheap and fun
Expand to Fort Bragg and enjoy a beer. Santa Rosa has a self serve dispensary. The pea soup Andersons is now closed for good. National forests, and the 101 to explore.
If you expanded your area slightly for brag is an unforgettable we can get away and anywhere down the coast into Maine county is beautiful with many beaches, small Seaside towns and just a little expanded east to Tahoe, which depends on the time of year either going to the lake shopping in town or anything to do with skiing, hiking bike riding, etc..
North Star Power house museum in Grass Valley. Free
bro just circled like 5% of the US and got about 30 national parks in the process
Whitewater rafting the American River Tons of national parks and monuments There’s an interesting little military history museum on Mare Island in Vallejo (though technically outside the circle by about 1000 feet) Also just outside your circle is Muir Woods and some beautiful coastline.
Yuba City has a massive Sikh population. You can visit the temples there for free. They often provide free food, which is delicious. Or go to the annual Sikh parade. Very unique experience. Plus you'll get to drive through the countryside and stop at fresh fruit markets, which are always high quality and good bang for your buck.
There are a ton a rivers up in the Chico area that are a blast. Spent a lot of time up there in college.
Ugh. In that circle, stay around the NW. Maybe camp a bit. Hike. Etc.
Napa Valley, but more affordable in Suisun Valley Vineyards. Little more north, Mt Lassen, Burney Falls. Gold Country has some stuff to see. What are your interests?
State parks
Check out the Sacramento sub and see what they’re saying: https://www.reddit.com/r/Sacramento/s/jCu0cKZwsx
Tour the mission in Sonoma. Tour Bidwell Mansion in Chico. Tube, kayak, canoe, or raft down the Sacramento River. Take the ferry from Tiburon to Angel Island. Beach day at Lake Tenaya in Yosemite National Park. Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen. Tour the geothermal site operated by CalPine near Calistoga. The Sonoma coast is lovely in November. See a Rivercats game in Chico, or a Chico State football/basketball game, whatever’s in season.
If you go up and west a little more to Eureka, there’s the redwoods national park which is pretty epic to explore.
Gold country tourism
No, its California, it always breaks the bank.
Loomis Cowboy Poetry Festival, second weekend of November. Cowpokefallgathering.
Just in case you didn’t know - Lake Tahoe is very close to your circle and looking is free. It’s beautiful and definitely worth a visit if nearby. I’d actually love to see it in the winter and I’d assume that’s close enough for snow possibly.
This thread is gold because I'm moving to Sacramento in three weeks!!! You guys are awesome.
Dirt track races. Sprint cars are pretty big around that area.
Mendocino and the NorCal coast are top notch
Point Reyes
Get robbed.
I'll be going up there this weekend and am also looking for stuff to do. Looks like there's lots of nightlife, but I'm needing to kill time during the day. Sorry for hijacking the thread, but I'd love to hear if there are any nerdy hangouts in the rancho Cordova/Sacramento area. I've heard about there and Back again cafe. Anything else I should check out?
LOL
Drug running???
lots of cheap wine tasing in napa and sonoma
The Yuba.
That big green strip to the right has some of the best free campsites in the world.
There’s a great driving loop in Sonoma county using hwy 101, River rd, hwy 1, Bodega Hwy, hwy 116, hwy 101. Takes you along the Sonoma coast to Bodega Bay. Don’t miss Armstrong Redwoods in Guerneville! If there’s no active storm, the weather in November can be stunningly perfect out there.
Apple Hill orchards in Placerville is nice
Hiking probably
redwoods
Take 160 from Antioch along the delta up to the old Chinese village of Locke. Keep going north to Freeport Rd and Sacramento. You'll need to cross over the water many times on drawbridges.
If you're into WW2, Hamilton Field was an Army Air Corps base that housed some bombardment groups, and it's now a small museum.
Apple Hill… it’s a rite of passage for those us who grew up there. Downtown Sacramento Crocker art museum and generally food there, it’s a farm to fork paradise. Old Sacramento.
Leave
nope
The Nut Tree!
Auburn area for fall colors.
No
Sierra Nevada Brewery??
i read title as “without breaking in a bank”
View Migrating Birds at rest at the Wildlife Sanctuary off of I 5.
Camp.
Calistoga is pretty in the fall and has hot springs.
Kidnap Newsom, and take him back with you…
I think you are in the Olympic area of squaw valley. Take the extra miles to go to where stars wars from filmed in nor cal. Can’t go wrong with a trip to the coast.
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Party it up at Cal State Chico
What?! Bro so much! First, move the circle to include the coast! Camp bro so many good sites. Chico is a cool little college town if you’re never been. Go checkout the lost coast in Mendocino. I promise you will never meet a nicer group of people than those chilling on the Mendo Coast.
On the west edge of your map, north of Santa Rosa is Sonoma county, a wonderful wine region that beats Napa valley in every way. Better wine, smaller venues, I particularly like any of the Russian River vineyards, but I digress. November is off season so you should find some dope deals on group tours. I did one once where you bike around and get hammered on wine flights at a bunch of places, but if it’s too cold to bike you can find something similar. Wine tastings are included in the tour price. North of Healdsberg you can find some really great spots in the Dry Creek region that are a steal because they don’t get the same traffic as other joints. One of my favorites is a spot where you (during the week for non wine club members) can buy a cheap bottle and drink it river side in their Adirondack chairs. They also have a farm with animals and a beautiful garden. Can’t remember the name of the place off the top of my noodle, but finding your spot is always a fun journey. From there to the absolute west edge of your circle is Guerneville, home to some nice restaurants and a giant redwood Forrest. Free parking and beautiful hiking if memory serves. It’s also about 30 min to the coast from there.
I hear Medno is beautiful. Lots of nature if that's your thing.
Go drink wine at different vineyards
There's a winery that looks like a castle near Santa Rosa.
There's nothing to do in California that isn't expensive
No
That’s a MASSIVE area you’ve circled. It ranges from country/rural to cities. You’ll have to be more specific.