Reno Residents Weekend Road Trip Ideas

Starting from Reno, there are numerous driving adventures to explore, whether you're interested in sightseeing, hiking, visiting wineries, enjoying picturesque landscapes, fun family friendly activities or simply unwinding. We've compiled a list of some of the finest destinations in Nevada and California to help you plan an unforgettable two or three-day weekend road trip.

Elko
Experience the heart of the Great American West in Elko, situated close to the Ruby Mountains. Renowned for its annual Cowboy Poetry gathering, this ranching town provides opportunities for fishing, thrilling outdoor activities, and snowmobiling during the winter. The Northeastern Nevada Museum and Western Folklife Center showcase the Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum, complete with a replica saddle shop and exhibits celebrating cowboy culture and traditions in America.

Lamoille Canyon
Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Nevada, Lamoille Canyon in the Ruby Mountains is stunning throughout the year. Located near Elko, this 12-mile scenic drive delves into the glacier-carved heart of the Rubies. Day hikers can access various trailheads leading to picturesque mountain lakes and canyons, with options for camping and RV stays.

Lake Tahoe
Embark on a 68-mile scenic loop around Lake Tahoe, crossing both Nevada and California. This route takes you through South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, and Tahoe City, featuring landmarks like Fanny Bridge, Sand Harbor, Emerald Bay, and Cave Rock, where you’ll drive through a mountain. For those seeking nightlife, South Lake Tahoe’s casino hotels offer entertainment, fine dining, and gaming. Remember places like Sand Harbor now require reservations in advance so if your last minute planning it may be too late. 

Monterey
Monterey Peninsula is renowned for its stunning beaches and ocean views. Visitors flock to iconic spots like Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Monterey Zoo, and the acclaimed Monterey Bay Aquarium. A scenic 17-mile drive along the coast through Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach offers spectacular views.

Great Wolf Lodge - Manteca
Great Wolf Lodge in Manteca is a fantastic destination for families, especially if you’re looking for an indoor water park experience. The lodge features a massive water park with slides, wave pools, and splash zones, along with themed rooms and various family activities. Besides the water park, there are interactive games, a ropes course, and activities designed for kids of all ages.

Angel Lake
Nestled in northeastern Nevada near Wells, the Angel Lake Scenic Drive presents spectacular vistas of the Humboldt Mountains as you travel through dense forests. With an elevation of 8,500 feet, Angel Lake ensures cool temperatures during the day and chilly nights, so pack a warm jacket. It is on the longer side taking you 5 hours to get there by car. 

Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, where surfing first came to the mainland from Hawaii, offers pedestrian-friendly beaches, the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a tree-lined downtown, and the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. Enjoy the waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, visit the surfing museum, or explore the nearby redwood forest.

Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is renowned for its grand mountain peaks and year-round natural beauty. From expansive valleys to clear mountain lakes, this area provides endless adventure opportunities. The record snowfall makes it an ideal destination for skiing, with 610 inches of base snow at the lodge and 750 inches at the summit, spanning 3,500 acres.

Napa Valley
A few hours away, Napa Valley is famous for its over 400 wineries, particularly its Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy luxurious resorts or charming B&Bs, and spend your days tasting wine, riding hot air balloons, exploring unique shops, and dining at top-rated restaurants.

Apple Hill
True to its name, Apple Hill is celebrated for its fruit farms. The region also features wineries like David Girard and Boeger, grape orchards, flower gardens, bakeries, berry farms, and restaurants such as the Farm Table in Placerville.

Calaveras Big Trees
For those eager to see giant sequoias, Calaveras Big Trees State Park is the place to go. This year-round destination in the Sierra Foothills offers exhibits, hiking, biking, and winter trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

American River Rafting
The South Fork of the American River is a top spot for whitewater rafting. Located in Sierra Foothills Gold Rush country, the areas of Coloma and Lotus host guided trips featuring class 3 rapids, ideal for expert kayakers. Be sure to check river conditions before planning your trip.

Nevada City
Nevada City, one of California’s best-preserved Gold Rush towns, offers a rich mix of history, culture, and nature. Deer Creek flows through the town, with attractions including the Nevada Film Festival, the Miners Foundry, and a vibrant downtown with fine dining and friendly bars.

Ukiah
Just two hours north of San Francisco, Ukiah is a haven for free thinkers, featuring cultural venues, wineries, and outdoor activities. Highlights include the City of 10,000 Buddhas, the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, and unique attractions like the Real Goods Solar Living Center and the Historic Skunk Train.

El Dorado Hills
El Dorado Hills is a popular spot for biking enthusiasts, with trails winding through the rolling Sierra foothills. During May, the town celebrates bike month, and you can explore trails like the El Dorado Trail, Lake Natoma, and Browns Ravine. This Gold Rush town, east of Sacramento, also features historic Pony Express routes.

Amador County
In the heart of Gold Country, Amador County is known for its vineyards, the Eldorado National Forest, and gold panning opportunities. Notable spots include Fiddletown, Jackson, and Sutter Creek, where you can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, and wine tasting.

Burney Falls
Located in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, this stunning 129-foot waterfall offers a variety of activities, including golfing, hunting, fishing, boating, and hiking. The park also has camping and RV spots, as well as nearby lodging and dining options.

Old House
The Old House at Benton Hot Springs near Mono, CA, offers a rustic retreat where you can soak in natural hot springs while stargazing. The inn and ranch, family-operated for 90 years, provide a peaceful escape immersed in nature.

Grover Hot Springs
On the eastern side of the Sierras, Grover Hot Springs State Park is known for its pine forests and sagebrush meadows. The mineral-rich hot springs provide relaxation even in winter, with camping facilities and precautions for food storage due to bear activity.

Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park features active volcanic features such as fumaroles, boiling pools, and mud pots. Safety is prioritized with established trails and boardwalks. The park offers limited snow-free hiking and winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing.

Sierra Buttes
The Sierra Buttes and Lakes Basin Recreation Area, located along Gold Lake Road, is an outdoor paradise with rugged peaks and a wide range of year-round activities, from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to hiking, fishing, and boating.

Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa is home to the Charles Schulz Museum, dedicated to the creator of the Peanuts comic strip, which is a hit with kids. The city also has the Safari West Wildlife Preserve, where you can enjoy a safari experience and see exotic animals up close. Additionally, the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens offers beautiful grounds for exploration.

Disneyland - Anaheim
Disneyland in Anaheim is a world-renowned destination that offers endless fun for families. The park features two main areas: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, each with a variety of rides, shows, and attractions suitable for all ages. Enjoy the magic of Disney with iconic characters, themed lands, and spectacular parades and fireworks.

Whether you're drawn to outdoor adventures, wine tasting, fine dining, theme parks, or scenic exploration, a weekend getaway from Reno can offer a perfect escape. Safe travels!