Road Trip From Sacramento to Lake Tahoe
Buckle up for a full dose of Sierra scenery along your road trip from California’s capital to the largest alpine lake in the country. With dramatic views and fantastic roadside attractions, this stretch of road offers endless opportunities to enjoy nature’s playground from behind the windshield or with boots on the ground. Although the driving distance from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe is approximately 113 miles, this route features sublime mountain scenery and picturesque blue waters worthy of stopping along the way. With quaint towns and rich history from start to finish, the Sacramento to Lake Tahoe drive will fill your itinerary with open-air adventures and memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Make the most of your road trip in a vehicle that’s perfect for driving to Lake Tahoe by renting at one of our many neighborhood locations around Sacramento. Flying in? No problem! Pick up your rental from the airport and head out on your scenic adventure as soon as you arrive.
Drive Time from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe: approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
Distance from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe: approximately 113 miles
Best Car for this Road Trip: Convertible
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1. Yuba City
Yuba City is draped in the shadows of the Sutter Buttes – the world’s smallest mountain range. It’s the ideal place to start your drive from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. Just 40 miles north of Sacramento, visitors can learn about the city’s rich pioneer history while experiencing diverse cultures and connecting with nature. In addition to the beautiful Northern California scenery, downtown Yuba City provides a historic backdrop drizzled with shopping, entertainment, wineries and an abundance of outdoor activities. With a unique blend of small-town charm and modern-day amenities, there are plenty of fun things to do in Yuba City.
- Tip: Plan your trip ahead of time by checking out the schedule of events
- Cost: Free, but activities may have fees
- Dog Friendly: Yes
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2. Grass Valley
From vineyards and wineries to museums and historic sites, there are many things to do in Grass Valley. Nestled within the Sierra Nevada foothills, this alluring city is known as Gold Country for its role in the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s. Whether an outdoor enthusiast or a modern-day wayfarer, Grass Valley boasts vibrant art galleries, beautiful theaters, farm-to-table restaurants and a recreational playground that’s sure to keep even the most adventurous entertained.
- Tip: Make a stop at the Visitor Information Center for answers about what to do, where to eat and information about Grass Valley
- Cost: Free, but activities may have fees
- Dog Friendly: Yes
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3. Donner Pass
Immerse yourself in history while exploring Donner Pass, a mountain peak that overlooks the city of Truckee and pristine Donner Lake. With the Sierra Nevada Mountains serving as a picturesque backdrop, visitors will trek along the historic steps of the Donner Party. Boasting impressive rock formations and old railroad tunnels to explore, visitors will learn about the pioneers of centuries past while checking out petroglyphs along the way. The area provides a variety of trails to hike, magnificent views of rugged cliffs and a glimpse into the former days of this legendary mountain range.
- Tip: Since this area experiences heavy snowfall, check the Donner Pass road conditions before you venture out to make sure the road is open
- Cost: May 1-September 30: $10/vehicle; October 1-April 30: $5/vehicle
- Dog Friendly: Yes
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4. Truckee
Located on the California-Nevada border, the small, adventure-driven town of Truckee radiates big energy and outdoor adventure. With deep Western roots, there are many places to see and things to do in Truckee. Recognized for ice harvesting, logging and the story of the Donner Party, visitors will discover a mix of charming culture and modern innovation. Enjoy an afternoon of Truckee river rafting, strolling the historic downtown and exploring the Donner Summit railroad tunnels in this scenic outdoor hub. With so many ways to wander and things to experience, it’s easy to see why Truckee is a magnetic mountain town.
- Tip: Many stores close early in the evening, so arrive early if you’d like to explore the town
- Cost: Varies depending on your itinerary
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Ready to hit the road? Reserve your car today!
FAQs for Your Road Trip From Sacramento to Lake Tahoe
How many days do you need to see Lake Tahoe?
To enjoy everything Lake Tahoe offers, we suggest spending at least three days visiting the area. You can spend the first two days navigating the shoreline while exploring the historic mountain town of Truckee on the third day.
What is the best month to go to Lake Tahoe?
Lake Tahoe is excellent all year round. Whether you’re looking for a winter adventure or a summer experience, you can avoid extreme weather conditions by visiting Lake Tahoe from March through May and September through November.
What month is warmest in Lake Tahoe?
July is the warmest month of the year in Lake Tahoe. Although temperatures average between 69 degrees Fahrenheit and 77 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer, the pristine water at Lake Tahoe is always cold, even on the hottest days of the year.