Best Staycations Near the Sacramento Area

Looking for places to visit with your family in 2026? This guide is perfect for those weekday get-a-aways, weekend trips, or the perfect staycation. Best part - all of these places are 4 hours or less from Sacramento, with no flying necessary!

Northern California packs an incredible range of landscapes close together; from the Pacific coastline, redwood forests, small mountain towns, big cities, valleys, deserts to an amusement park on the beach.

We’ve gathered the best Northern California Staycation Spots for you to explore and make fun new memories.

The Best Northern California Staycation Spots ✨

✨ Arnold ~ 2.5 hours. Stay at the Cozy Cabin or Cubhouse. Enjoy snow in the winter and private lakes in the summer. Close to giant sequoias. Read more about our stay here.

✨ Bass Lake ~ 4 hours. Stay at The Pines Resort near Yosemite. Enjoy Lakeside cabins close to Yosemite without the stress of finding lodging inside the Park.

✨ Big Sur ~ 4 hours. Stay at Big Sur River Inn. The perfect riverfront landing spot to explore Big Sur and surrounding coastal gems like Monterey.

✨ Bodega Bay ~ 2 hours. Stay at The Lodge at Bodega Bay. Come for the peace, views and relaxation. Nearby beach access, bikes to use and coastal charm.

✨ Dillon Beach ~2.5 hours. Stay at Dillon Beach Resort. Beachfront cottages with stunning views, fire pits and easy beach access. Airbnb’s available to rent in the village as well.

✨ Lafayette ~ 1 hour 15 minutes. Stay at Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa. A beautiful, historic hotel close to downtown Lafayette with a relaxing spa.

✨ Lake Tahoe (North) ~ 2 hours. Stay at Incline Village Condo. Located one mile from the beach and a ten-minute drive from Sand Harbor.

✨ Lake Tahoe (South) ~ 2 hours. Stay at Black Bear Lodge. A cozy mountain lodge close to skiing and lake activities.

✨Manteca ~ 1.5 hours. Stay at the Great Wolf Lodge. The ultimate family staycation with an indoor water park and nonstop kid fun.

✨ Mendocino Coast ~ 4 hours. Stay a Mar Vista Farm + Cottages. On-site farm and garden, nearby private ocean access and unforgettable farm animal encounters.

✨ Nevada City ~ 1 hour 15 minutes. Stay at Inn Town Campground. Just steps from charming downtown Nevada City. Glamping, yurts, tent and RV options available.

✨ Palo Alto ~ 2 hours. Stay at The Stanford Park Hotel. Near Stanford University, perfect for exploring the area while enjoying the pool and spa.

✨ San Francisco ~ 1.5 hours. Stay at The Inn at the Presidio Lodging. Stay away from the hustle of the city and enjoy the historic charm with stunning Golden Gate views, trails right outside your door and a peaceful city escape.

✨ San Francisco ~ 1.5 hours. Stay at InterContinental San Francisco. A modern downtown stay close to Union Square, Yerba Buena Gardens, and top SF attractions.

✨ Santa Cruz ~ 2.5 hours. Stay at the Dream Inn. Beachfront rooms with ocean views and steps from the boardwalk. For a list of things to do read my list here.

✨ Santa Rosa ~ 2 hours. Stay at the Flamingo Resort & Spa. A favorite with a heated pool and Wine Country location.

✨ Winters ~ 30 minutes. Stay at Hotel Winters. Located in a charming historic town. Explore downtown Winters and enjoy the on-site spa.