Travel
October 15, 2020

The Road to Sacramento: 5 Best Road Trips to Hard Rock Sacramento

Sometimes a good ole’ fashioned road trip is just what you need to clear your mind and escape from the stresses of daily life. Whether you find yourself vacationing on the west coast or live here year round, Sacramento is a beautiful destination to visit during every season because of its outdoor scenery, historic landmarks, and of course, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento.

As you plan your next visit to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento, take the time to find the perfect route for your vacation itinerary. To help give you inspiration, we’ve lined up some of the best road trips to Sacramento with our ultimate road trip guide!

Santa Clara to Hard Rock Sacramento

The Road to Sacramento: 5 Best Road Trips to Hard Rock Sacramento

Road Trip Pit Stops from Santa Clara

Berkeley | 110 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

Get a taste of history by visiting the birthplace of the 1960s Free Speech Movement, Berkeley, CA. While you’re here, enjoy a beautiful nature walk at Tilden Regional Park, shop along Telegraph Avenue, and enjoy a sustainable and organic meal at Gather.

Napa | 94 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

You can’t drive through Napa without stopping at some of the valley’s finest wineries. Sip delicious wine inside a castle at Castello di Amorosa, transport yourself to 18th century France at Domaine Carneros, or travel on an aerial tram to arrive at Sterling Vineyards.  

Davis | 47 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

If you’re a fan of locally-grown produce and scenic destinations, Davis will definitely be a memorable pit stop on your road trip to Sacramento. Home of the Bicycling Hall of Fame, this city is a great place to explore stunning gardens, explore creekside trails, and attend the beloved Davis Farmers Market.

California State Capitol Museum | 36 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

Learn all about the Golden State’s history at the California State Capitol Museum right in Sacramento. From info on historic legislation to details about the building’s architecture and design, this museum is a must for history buffs.

Reno to Hard Rock Sacramento

The Road to Sacramento: 5 Best Road Trips to Hard Rock Sacramento

Road Trip Pit Stops from Reno

Lake Tahoe | 110 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

Your ultimate road trip guide to Sacramento isn’t complete without a pit stop at Lake Tahoe. This outdoor wonderland is a heaven for snowboarders, boaters, and hikers alike. In the summer, get out and soak up the sun as you paddle board around Emerald Bay. During winter, hop on a snowmobile and speed around the mountains for a rush of adrenaline.

Boreal Mountain Resort | 82 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

Yet another cool winter spot to check out on your road trip to Sacramento is Boreal Mountain Resort. Bundle up in your warmest clothing and ride through Woodward Peace Park, a one-of-a-kind mountain park full of freestyle terrain. Munch down on a yummy burrito from The Hub & Spoke after you’re done!  

The Road to Sacramento: 5 Best Road Trips to Hard Rock Sacramento

Nevada City | 40 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

Step foot on historic grounds at one of the most interesting Gold Rush towns in California, Nevada City. This landmark is rich with history, art, beautiful scenery, and more. Visit Malakoff Historic State Park to see the remains of the country’s largest hydraulic mine or check out the Nevada Theatre where Mark Twain lectured.

Crocker Art Museum | 36 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

It’s always a good idea to include an art-related pit stop when you’re deciding on how to plan a road trip. The Crocker Art Museum is a well-known wonder in Sacramento because it features the world’s best display of California art, plus European master drawings and international ceramics.

Humboldt to Hard Rock Sacramento

The Road to Sacramento: 5 Best Road Trips to Hard Rock Sacramento

Road Trip Pit Stops from Humboldt

Humboldt Redwoods State Park | 218 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

Whether you’re a fan of nature or not, you will be in awe when you visit the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. With over 53,000 acres, this park is the largest old growth Redwood forest in the world! Take in the sights of the majestic trees and ponder just how small we are in comparison.

Vichy Springs Resort | 131 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

Add insane hot springs to your itinerary and you’ve got yourself an ultimate road trip guide! Vichy Springs is a 160-year-old historic hot springs resort with warm mineral baths, 700 acres of lush greenery, adorable cottages, and an Olympic-size swimming pool. Talk about a relaxing getaway!

The Road to Sacramento: 5 Best Road Trips to Hard Rock Sacramento

Lake County | 93 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

For an affordable and family-friendly pit stop, check out Lake County. Cuddle up and watch a movie at Lakeport, one of the last remaining drive-in theaters in California, or take the kiddos to Owen Ranch for horseback riding! Adults can sneak away to explore the many wineries in the area as well.

Old Sacramento State Historic Park | 36 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

Take a step back in time at the Old Sacramento State Historic Park! This is another California historic landmark that displays early Gold Rush buildings. Tour the park and see history come to life as you explore the area that once was a part of the Pony Express postal system, first transcontinental railroad, and transcontinental telegraph.

Fresno to Hard Rock Sacramento

The Road to Sacramento: 5 Best Road Trips to Hard Rock Sacramento

Road Trip Pit Stops from Fresno

Merced | 150 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

Hop out of the car and get a break from driving by resting in the city of Merced. This quaint little town in the San Joaquin Valley offers a 10,000-acre wildlife refuge, the Applegate Zoo, and the Castle Air Museum that displays over 70 collections of military aircraft. 

Modesto | 114 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

Include the 18th largest city in California on your road trip to Sacramento and you won’t be disappointed. While you’re here, tour the last remaining Victorian home in the city, McHenry Mansion and have a picnic along the Virginia Corridor Trailway

The Road to Sacramento: 5 Best Road Trips to Hard Rock Sacramento

Stockton | 83 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

As you make your way through the Central Valley, make a pit stop in Stockton for a taste of nature, art, and fun! Study the works of famous European painters at the Haggin Museum, let the kids play at Micke Grove Regional Park, and grab a drink or two at Michael David Winery. 

California State Railroad Museum | 35 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

Take a history lesson on the innovation and engineering that went into the California railroad system at this iconic museum. Engaging exhibits and fun train rides make this spot a must-see for kids and adults alike.

Las Vegas to Hard Rock Sacramento

The Road to Sacramento: 5 Best Road Trips to Hard Rock Sacramento

Road Trip Pit Stops from Las Vegas

Sloan Canyon Conservation Area | 586 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

If the weather is mild and you have some hiking boots handy, make Sloan Canyon a pit stop on your road trip to Sacramento. For a more difficult trek, try the Black Mountain trail for some awesome views. Take it easy on the Petroglyph Canyon Trail and keep an eye out for those petroglyphs.

Bakersfield | 312 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

Break up the long drive during your road trip to Sacramento and take an hour or two to see Bakersfield. Teach the kids how to fish at Hart Memorial Park, take a trip down memory lane at Kern County Museum, and enjoy some country music at Buck Owens Crystal Palace!

Sequoia National Park | 281 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

Sequoia National Park is one of the top national parks in the U.S. and can’t be missed on your way to Hard Rock! Consider staying overnight at this pit stop, so you can have enough time to fully take in the breathtaking sights of the Land of Giants. 

The Road to Sacramento: 5 Best Road Trips to Hard Rock Sacramento

Fresno | 205 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

Fresno has lots to offer its visitors, including an array of outdoor activities. Discover the hidden gems of Fresno by checking out the gorgeous Forestiere Underground Gardens, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, and Woodward Regional Park.

Sacramento Zoo | 39 miles to Hard Rock Sacramento

Lions, tigers, bears, oh my! Snack on some yummy treats from the Kampala Cafe and wander through the many animal exhibits at the Sacramento Zoo. What better way to support animal conservation while having fun at the same time!

No matter where you’re traveling from, you can make your road trip to Sacramento one you’ll never forget with this ultimate road trip guide! Have a blast on the way and get ready for the coolest vacation once you arrive at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain. Book your luxury room or suite today!