Best Day Trips On A Budget Near Sacramento
310 Back St.
Coloma, CA 95613
(530) 622-3470
www.coloma.com
California was a pretty calm place, right up to the moment that James Marshall discovered gold at his lumber mill in Coloma. The California gold rush started shortly after that and things haven't quieted down yet. This important and historic spot is a fine place to visit, and it's free. Your cost is simply the gas to get there and back. The South Fork of the American River is right there to splash in. Historic buildings, self-guided tours and, at the right time, docents in 1849 clothing are there to convince you that you've stepped into a time machine.
542 Main St.
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 621-5885
www.visit-eldorado.com
Just a short drive away, Placerville is a great gold rush town, a real one, to wander about in. Stop into the Visitors Authority and pick up a few guides to what you can do in the city and out in the county. The Fountain-Tallman Museum offers a great view into the gold rush past of the area. Main Street is not only packed with great restaurants, and the oldest hardware store in the west, but the buildings have rather interesting plaques on them describing a bit of their history. Take the time to visit the shops and just enjoy a slower pace in a very friendly town.
3058 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 541-5858
www.laketahoemuseum.org
Lake Tahoe is an extraordinary place, and it's pretty easy to get to. The history of the lake is fascinating, and more than likely, you don't know much about it. Take a beautiful drive up Highway 50, past Pollock Pines and through the gorgeous American River canyon, and stop at the Lake Tahoe History Museum. Your budget will stay intact, as entry is free. Find out about the early days of the lake, who did what when, and how the basin has evolved over time. When you're done in the museum, head out to the lake. It's a great place to enjoy a fine day on a budget.
Related: Best Day Trips For Under $100 In The Sacramento Area
1 Jelly Belly Lane
Fairfield, CA 94534
(707) 428-2838
www.jellybelly.com
A little trip to Fairfield will put you into Jelly Belly land. Do you have any idea how those scrumptious Jelly Bellies are made? Do you know how many different kinds there are, or what else that factory produces? No? Then it's time for you and the kiddos to find out. The factory offers tours year round. It makes more than jelly beans, but you'll have to go there to find out what the other stuff is. And there are samples to be tested. The tours are free, but getting out of there without dropping a buck or two on some Jelly Bellies is next to impossible. That's the only danger to your wallet.
8317 Main St.
Mokelumne Hill, CA 95245
(209) 286-1387
www.gallerypetroglyphe.com
Where is Mokelumne Hill and why would you go there? It's on Highway 49 not far past Jackson. As to the reason, it's because you love art work, really good art work, and you've been to every gallery in Sacramento. It's time for something new. The Petroglyphe is home to an amazing bunch of artists who paint, sculpt, throw pots and make jewelry and prints. The gallery is in a building that dates from 1858, and the town is one of the original gold rush towns. Good news, of course, is that perusing the art work is free. When you have drooled enough for one day, grab a bite to eat in the historic district, then figure out which one of those art works needs a spot in your home.
