Napa Valley is surrounded by a wide range of destinations that are easy to reach for a two- or three-day trip. With access to the coast, mountains, and multiple regional cities, weekend travel doesn’t require flights or long drives. These destinations are each within a few hours by car and offer different ways to reset, explore, or enjoy new scenery.
If you're looking for reliable weekend trips from Napa Valley, the locations below provide distinctive local experiences with enough depth to fill a full itinerary.
Lake Berryessa (30 miles)
Lake Berryessa is located in eastern Napa County and offers a water-centered retreat without needing to leave the region. It’s about an hour’s drive from most of Napa Valley and supports kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating, with multiple public access points and marinas. Camping and fishing are common weekend activities in this area, especially in spring and early summer when water levels are higher. The east side of the lake includes steeper terrain, while the west side offers more open access points. This trip is best for those looking to stay close to Napa Valley but still shift into a different type of weekend routine.
Healdsburg (40 miles)
Healdsburg is in Sonoma County and offers an easy weekend destination with a blend of wineries, outdoor access, and a well-managed central plaza. It’s under a two-hour drive from most parts of Napa Valley and works well for those who want a short stay without a long commute. The downtown area includes restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and shops focusing on home goods, food, and design. Surrounding areas like Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley offer wine tasting and bike routes that pass through open terrain. The Russian River is also nearby for kayaking or short water trips.
Sausalito (55 miles)
Sausalito is located just north of San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge, and is known for its waterfront dining, art galleries, and hillside homes with views of the bay. It's reachable in under two hours from Napa Valley and supports walking and driving itineraries. The downtown strip includes cafes, boutique shops, and spots for renting bikes or walking along the marina. Visitors can take the ferry to San Francisco for the day or hike in the Marin Headlands just a few minutes up the road. Trails like Rodeo Beach and Battery Spencer offer short climbs with wide-open views.
Point Reyes National Seashore (60 miles)
Point Reyes is located along the Marin coast and offers access to open space preserves, shoreline hiking, and beaches with expansive views of the Pacific. The area includes walking trails to destinations like Alamere Falls, Tomales Point, and the Point Reyes Lighthouse. These routes pass through grasslands, cypress groves, and rolling hills with limited commercial development. The town of Point Reyes Station is the hub of the area and includes a local market, bookstore, and a small group of restaurants. The area is low-key, focused on open landscapes, and best suited for hiking and slower weekend itineraries.
Sacramento (70 miles)
Sacramento is the state capital and offers a structured downtown, river access, and public spaces that support short-term visits. It's about a two-hour drive from Napa Valley and includes districts like Midtown, Downtown Commons (DOCO), and Old Sacramento. The city supports museum visits, bike rides along the American River Parkway, and weekend food and craft events. The restaurant scene continues to expand, with options in every district for sit-down meals or walk-up service. The area near the Capitol includes shaded parks and clean sidewalks for self-paced walking between museums and restaurants.
Mendocino (120 miles)
Mendocino offers a complete contrast to Napa’s inland landscape with its rugged coastline, redwood forests, and quiet downtown filled with local shops and galleries. It’s about a three-and-a-half-hour drive northwest and works well for visitors who want a slower pace and easy access to hiking trails, ocean views, and coastal walking paths. The Headlands Trail offers steady views of cliffs and coves and can be reached directly from the village. Downtown Mendocino includes small bakeries, coffee shops, and independently owned restaurants emphasizing seafood and seasonal produce. Lodging options include inns and small hotels with views or walkable access to the water.
Nevada City (130 miles)
Nevada City is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills and retains a well-preserved Gold Rush-era downtown. It’s about a three-hour drive northeast and offers a different setting with forested terrain, historic buildings, and seasonal events that use the town’s compact streets and small venues. The downtown area includes used bookstores, craft shops, and small restaurants with a more laid-back rhythm than other regional tourist towns. Nearby, visitors can access the South Yuba River for hiking, swimming in summer, and scenic bridge crossings. Nevada City also connects to Grass Valley just a few miles away, providing added options for food and short walking routes.
Carmel-by-the-Sea (170 miles)
Carmel is a coastal town south of Monterey with a walkable downtown, scenic beach, and a dense mix of restaurants and art galleries. It’s about a three-hour drive from Napa Valley. It provides consistent access to casual and higher-end dining, oceanfront trails, and architecture, giving the town a distinct European feel. The shops are independently owned, and most streets are lined with historic buildings and local landscaping. The nearby Carmel Beach is open to pedestrians and has direct sunset views. Mission Trail Park and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve are within a short drive and offer hiking routes ranging in length and elevation.
Work with Yvonne Rich
Yvonne Rich is a trusted leader in Napa Valley’s luxury real estate market, known for representing premier estates, vineyards, and investment properties with integrity and precision. With over 30 years of experience, Yvonne brings unmatched local knowledge, sharp negotiating skills, and a personal commitment to every client she serves. Yvonne’s reputation for discretion, professionalism, and results-driven service makes her the go-to choice for buyers and sellers seeking expert guidance.
Contact Yvonne Rich if you’re looking to explore Napa Valley real estate.
Contact Yvonne Rich if you’re looking to explore Napa Valley real estate.
