The Explorer's Route
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The Explorer's Route

The Explorer's Route

$65.00 $55.00 USD
Sale Sold out

One trip is required per group.

* "PDF Instant Download" means the trip will be sent by email as a PDF document, and not by mail (the email is sent immediately after completing your purchase)

WHAT TO EXPECT

Take a step back in time with this family-friendly adventure! With so many quaint towns, easy outdoor adventures, photo-ops and local eateries, you'll have so much to explore.

Trip Highlights

  • A trail with a fun eye-spy game
  • Gold rush delights
  • The coziest cafes
  • A hidden gem winery (optional)
  • Fantastic historic towns

AVAILABLE TO DEPART

This itinerary can be used any day throughout the year.

SUGGESTED FOR

  • Families
  • Outdoor Adventurers
  • Couples
  • History Buffs
The Explorer's Route
The Explorer's Route
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The Explorer's Route

Itinerary

STOP 1

Discover this town’s unique history with a coffee in hand before heading to your next stop. Drive time to the second stop is 17 minutes.

STOP 2

Explore an epic park with a tie to California's gold minding days! There are so many photo ops and things to learn here. Drive time to the third stop is 15 minutes.

STOP 3

We’ve got you covered with trails for all activity levels, or a delicious local winery. Drive time to the fourth stop is 20 minutes.

STOP 4

From historic photo ops, to eclectic eateries and museums, this small town is the perfect place to end your road trip!

Region

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Can depart from

Sacramento Area

Before you go

What You'll Need to Bring

  • Camera
  • Walking Shoes
  • Water
  • Sunscreen (lots of easy outdoor activities)
  • Bug Spray
  • Cash

Additional Details

  • Dog-Friendly
  • Accessible

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We're here to help!

Please see the approximate driving distances below. This just includes round-trip driving distances and not time spent at stops.

From Sacramento:

2 hours and 10 minutes / 105 miles

From Stockton:

3 hours and 33 minutes / 198 miles

From Modesto*:

4 hours and 18 minutes / 246 miles

From San Francisco*:

4 hours and 52 minutes / 276 miles

From Santa Rosa*:

5 hours and 17 minutes / 295 miles

From San Jose*:

5 hours and 45 minutes / 340 miles

*We recommend booking an overnight hotel if the driving distance is greater than 4 hours round-trip.

This trip can be done any day throughout the year.

Our winery recommendation on the third stop and a couple “want to keep going” breweries are only open Thursday - Sunday. There are other things to choose from on both stops.

We recommend departing between 9 am - 9:30 am. The later you leave, the less time you’ll have to explore the stops!

This trip is pet-friendly!

On every stop there will be at least one option that allows furry friends; however, note that most of our eatery suggestions will only allow dogs on outdoor patios. Please keep this in mind and coordinate with the weather.

We recommended bringing up to 5 people on your surprise road trip.

If you're bringing a larger group, we highly recommend having one person in charge of booking reservations at restaurants and attractions in advance. Please see the previous page for a copy of the digital itinerary.

First Stop: No fee

Second Stop: This stop requires a parking fee per vehicle ($).

Third Stop: One trail option requires a parking fee per vehicle ($). We’ve provided free alternatives.

Fourth Stop: No fee

*Please note: parking, gas, tolls, and food may be additional costs.

After booking your trip, we'll send you a confirmation email with a few recommended accommodation options.

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
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T
Tina Aldama
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Great Family Day Out

I loved all of the stops and that there were different options depending on how active you want to be. It was a fantastic family day out and a great opportunity for all of us to participate and enjoy!

S
Stephanie Leveene
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I would not recommend this trip
Excellent! I would definitely recommend this trip
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Rate how accessible the trip was:
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Rate how 'unique' the stops were:
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A trip through Gold Country

We had a wonderful time exploring the Gold Country! While we went through this area a number of years ago, it was great to explore old favorites and go on new adventures, like the nature hike (we opted for the easier route). Definitely make this one an overnight stay--we stayed for 2 nights--and visit the Fowler Ranch farmer's market in Lincoln on Sunday morning (get there early).