Sacramento is perfectly placed for fall adventures. Within a one-to-two-hour drive, you can find apple orchards, pumpkin patches, wineries, and even alpine escapes. Whether you want cider donuts, crisp mountain air, or wine by the fireplace, these weekend getaways are the best way to soak up autumn before winter sets in.
Here’s your guide to fall weekend trips from Sacramento in 2025.
Apple Hill – Placerville
- Drive Time: ~1 hour from Sacramento
- Best For: Families, foodies, fall lovers
- Highlights:
- Apple cider donuts and pies
- U-pick pumpkin patches
- Hayrides + craft fairs
- Wine tasting at local vineyards
💡 Local Tip: Visit midweek if possible — weekends are packed. Stop at High Hill Ranch for pies and Boa Vista Orchards for cider.
Lake Tahoe
- Drive Time: ~2 hours from Sacramento
- Best For: Scenic escapes, hiking, cozy cabins
- Highlights:
- Fall foliage around Emerald Bay
- Hiking trails with crisp mountain air
- Early snow possibilities by late October
- Cozy cabins + lakeside dining
💡 Local Tip: South Lake Tahoe has more nightlife, while North Lake is quieter and perfect for couples’ retreats.
Wine Country – Clarksburg & Amador
- Drive Time: ~45 mins–1.5 hours from Sacramento
- Best For: Couples, friends, wine lovers
- Highlights:
- Grape harvest season (September–October)
- Scenic vineyards in Clarksburg, Plymouth, and Shenandoah Valley
- Wine + food pairing events
- Fall colors in rolling vineyards
💡 Local Tip: Try Clarksburg for quick trips (Bogle Vineyards), or make it a full weekend in Amador County with bed-and-breakfast stays.
Auburn & Gold Country
- Drive Time: ~45 minutes
- Best For: History buffs, day-trippers
- Highlights:
- Old Town Auburn with historic charm
- Farmers’ markets + antiques
- Local pumpkin patches + craft fairs
💡 Local Tip: Combine Auburn with a stop at Cool Patch Pumpkins in Dixon if you’re heading back toward Sacramento.
Fall Getaway Options from Sacramento
| Destination | Drive Time | Best For | Fall Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Hill | 1 hr | Families + foodies | Cider donuts, pumpkins, craft fairs |
| Lake Tahoe | 2 hrs | Scenic couples’ trips | Foliage, hiking, cozy cabins |
| Clarksburg/Amador Wine Country | 45–90 mins | Wine lovers | Grape harvest + vineyard colors |
| Auburn/Gold Country | 45 mins | History buffs + families | Old Town charm + craft fairs |
Packing Tips for Sacramento Fall Trips
- Layers: Days are warm, evenings chilly.
- Boots/Sneakers: Perfect for orchards and hiking trails.
- Cash & Card: Farmers’ markets often cash-only.
- Reusable Bags: You’ll bring home apples, pumpkins, and wine bottles.
- Camera/Phone: Fall backdrops are Instagram gold.
FAQs: Fall Getaways Near Sacramento
What’s the best fall day trip near Sacramento?
Apple Hill is the most popular — just an hour away.
Is Lake Tahoe good in October?
Yes — crisp air, fall colors, and fewer crowds before ski season.
Which wine region is closest to Sacramento?
Clarksburg is just 30–40 minutes away, perfect for half-day trips.
Are Apple Hill farms open daily?
Yes, most farms open daily in October, but weekends are busiest.
What’s the most family-friendly getaway?
Apple Hill and Auburn are great for kids with farms and markets.
Final Thoughts
Fall is the perfect time for Sacramento locals to escape the city. Whether you’re biting into warm apple pie at Apple Hill, hiking Tahoe’s golden trails, or sipping Syrah in Amador County, October weekends are made for adventure.
👉 Pack a bag, grab your pumpkin spice latte, and hit the road — Sacramento’s best fall getaways are just a short drive away.
Related Resources:
7 Spectacular Escapes Less Than 2 Hours from Sacramento
The Best Guide to Halloween in Sacramento 2025
