Headed to Lake Tahoe for a weekend escape? Don't let the drive—and inevitable traffic—get you down.
Break up the journey with stops at fruit stands, a candy factory, a winery, a 24-hour arboretum, and plenty of places to refuel—yourself, not your car—whether the mountains are calling or you're headed back to the Bay Area.
Bud’s Giant Burgers, Vallejo
Ignore those golden arches and follow the red and white arrow to Bud’s. For more than 50 years, this spot has been filling bellies and blowing minds with their classic burgers. Their menu might be small, but their flavor is mighty. Nothing better. // 3849 Sonoma Blvd. (Vallejo), budsburgersvallejo.com
Jelly Belly Candy Company, Fairfield
Get your sugar fix at the Jelly Belly Candy Company headquarters where you can take a self-guided factory tour ($5 for adults, $2 for kids), browse a gallery of art made entirely of jelly beans, and stock up on beans of every flavor imaginable. // 1 Jelly Belly Ln. (Fairfield), jellybelly.com
Voted the best pie maker in America, stopping at Ikeda's in Davis or Auburn is a must.(Courtesy of @ikedasbakery)
Ikeda's California Country Market, Davis (+ Auburn)
A stop at family-owned Ikeda’s will soon become your family’s road trip tradition. What began as a family fruit stand has become iconic, feeding many a weary traveler heading in or out of the mountains. You can enjoy pie by the slice—apple, marionberry, peach, blueberry, razzleberry, cherry, and banana cream, to name a few—or buy a whole one to dive into later. // 26295 Mace Blvd. (Davis) and 13500 Lincoln Way (Auburn), ikedas.com
Yolo Fruit Stand, Davis
You’ve probably seen Yolo Fruit Stand as you cruise through Davis, but haven't ever stopped. You should. This sweet little shop sells fruit, honey, nuts, and other specialty items. It's the perfect place to pick up some snacks or produce for dinner when you get to your destination. // 46710 County Rd 32B (Davis)
U.C. Davis Arboretum, Davis
The arboretum at U.C. Davis is home to 100 acres of beautiful gardens. Walk through groves of redwoods, oaks and acacia, or discover plants from Mexico, Australia, and East Asia. Added bonus: It's free and open 24 hours a day. // U.C. Davis campus, 448 La Rue Road (Davis), arboretum.ucdavis.edu
Cafeteria 15L, Sacramento
Cafeteria 15L offers comfort food with a twist. Their extensive menu has something for everyone. You will get back on the road feeling happy and full. // 1116 15th St. (Sacramento), cafeteria15l.com
Lake Natoma, Folsom
Located just off Highway 50 in Folsom, Lake Natoma is a great spot to stretch your legs or take a quick dip before continuing the drive. The lake was created when the Nimbus Dam was constructed across the American River. // recreation.gov
Yankee Jim's Bridge in Colfax(Courtesy of @leaveyourdeskbehind)
Yankee Jim's Bridge, Colfax
Cool off with a dip in the North Fork of the American River under Yankee Jim's Bridge. Exit I-80 toward Colfax and make your way to Yankee Jim's Road, which is best suited for SUVs that can handle the bumpy ride to the bridge. The clear water, large rocks, and sandy beaches underneath make the detour a must-see. // I-80 (Colfax), alltrails.com
TJ’s Roadhouse, Colfax
Whichever direction you are headed, the cute little town of Colfax is the perfect place to stop. And there’s no better place than TJ’s Roadhouse. With salads, sandwiches, and “world-famous” burgers, there is something to suit every taste bud. // 580 South Auburn St. (Colfax), tjscolfax.com
Boeger Winery, Placerville
Boeger was the first winery to open in El Dorado County after Prohibition, and over the years, the family-run vineyard has continued to produce award-winning wines in the Sierra Foothills. Pop into the tasting room on the historic property to grab bottles of barbera, tempranillo, and primitivo to enjoy lakeside. // 1709 Carson Rd. (Placerville), boegerwinery.com
Boa Vista Orchards, Placerville
Apple Hill Orchards is open year-round, selling apples, Asian pears, berries, peaches, and plums depending on the season. Stock up on jams, hard cider, apple cider donuts, gourmet olives, pies, and more from the farm stand while taking in views of the acres of fruit trees. In the fall, visit their U-Pick pumpkin patch. // 2952 Carson Rd. (Placerville), boavista.com
Timmy's Brown Bag in Placerville makes sandwiches worth stopping for.(Courtesy of @zuma.jay)
Timmy’s Brown Bag, Placerville
Brown bag it on the way to South Shore with a little help from the creative sandwich folks at Timmy’s. Inspired by restaurant entrées, sandwiches have never been so eclectic: think pulled pork with green chiles, waffles, honey walnut prawns, or perhaps a Tang BLT with Pop Rocks. It’s culinary creativity at its finest. // 451 Main St., Ste. 10 (Placerville), timmysbrownbag.com
Horsetail Falls, Placerville
Hop off Highway 50 on your way to the South Shore for a short hike to the raging cascade visible from the road, Horsetail Falls. Go as far as time allows on the 3.1-mile out-and-back trail along Pyramid Creek in El Dorado National Forest, taking in the towering granite peaks and views of the famous climbing wall, Lovers Leap. // El Dorado National Forest (Placerville), tahoesouth.com
Donner Pass Road, Truckee
Take the scenic detour to the North Shore by forgoing Interstate 80 for Donner Pass Road. Enjoy beautiful views of the mountains and Donner Lake with plenty of opportunities to stop and snap pictures.
Jax at the Tracks, Truckee
No true road trip is complete without a diner stop, and Jax is the perfect one. Nestled right by the train tracks in Truckee, it serves up classic American diner food made from scratch that is both hearty and full of heart. The diner itself might be a transplant from Pennsylvania, but is now a local favorite for a reason. // 10144 W River St. (Truckee), jaxatthetracks.com
No trip is complete without a sweet treat from Little Truckee Ice Creamery.(Courtesy of @littletruckeeicereamery)
Little Truckee Ice Creamery, Truckee
No trip is complete without a sweet treat and Little Truckee Ice Creamery is the inside scoop when it comes to local handcrafted ice cream. Drive past Donner Lake or check out their ice cream truck in Truckee. Trust us, you will be craving more the second you get back in the car. Don’t miss the Mountain Top Mint, Spooner Strawberry, or the Truckee Trails made with sweet cream ice cream, pine nut brittle, and brownie bits. // 15695 Donner Pass Road (Truckee) and seasonal ice cream trucks throughout Truckee, 1650 Robb Dr., Ste. B4, truckeeicecream.com
Drink Coffee Do Stuff, Truckee (+ South Lake and Incline Village)
The perfect place for a jolt to jumpstart your road trip. Drink Coffee Do Stuff’s beans are sourced from places with similar elevations—meaning they are both sourced in and roasted in (different), kind of a sweet sentiment for a specialty coffee company. Be sure to try their Pines Latte with housemade rosemary, sage, and thyme syrup, and a rosemary sprig. // 10115 Donner Pass Road (Truckee), 3894 Pioneer Trail (South Lake Tahoe), and 907 Tahoe Blvd., Suite 20A (Incline Village), drinkcoffeedostuff.com
