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These 4 popular California beaches are just a drive from Sacramento. Here’s how to get there

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Patrick Tehan Bay Area News Group

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Summer 2023: What’s on your California travel list?

Here are stories to help you plan your summer trips from Sacramento.

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One of the perks of living in Northern California is having access to both mountain ranges and miles of sunny coastal beaches. Sacramento is conveniently located about in driving distance of both.

A day trip west from Sacramento can get you coastal access to stunning California beach towns, that each have a unique draw.

Below are four beach towns in driving distance (three hours) from Sacramento you could visit this summer:

Please note travel times may change depending on traffic and delays. Auto-updating Google Maps are embedded below each destination, where you can see real-time traffic expectations.

Stinson Beach in Marin County

Just outside San Francisco in Marin County you’ll find Stinson Beach. The white sand coastline makes it a big drawing point for Northern California residents. In the summer months, you’ll find a snack bar open by the main lifeguard tower.
The trip to Stinson can be a day trip, or you can stay at one of the quaint bed and breakfast locations along the coast. If you have time in your itinerary, the Muir Woods National Monument is nearby, where you can admire the redwoods. The beach is open year round and the entrance gates open at 9 a.m. Closing times vary depending on the season.
Driving time from Sacramento: It takes approximately 2 hours to arrive at Stinson Beach, according to Google Maps. The quickest route requires you to take Interstate 80 West.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California.
Santa Cruz, California. John Elk III Getty Images
Popular for its surf culture, Santa Cruz has plenty of beaches where you can cool down over the summer months. The laid-back town has 29 miles of scenic coastlines and more 14 state parks and beaches, according to Santa Cruz County website. Visiting Santa Cruz can be a quick day trip or can turn into a fun weekend getaway.

Below are some beaches to check out for those looking to enjoy the summer sun, according to Santa Cruz County:
  • Davenport
  • Natural Bridges State Beach
  • Sunset State Beach
Driving time from Sacramento: It takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to arrive to Santa Cruz, according to Google Maps. The quickest route requires you to take Interstate 80 West to Interstate 880 south.

Bodega Bay

The National Audubon Society has called Bodega Head, seen in February 2013, one the nation’s top birding spots. Nearby Bodega Bay was a key location in the Alfred Hitchcock movie “The Birds.”
The National Audubon Society has called Bodega Head, seen in February 2013, one the nation’s top birding spots. Nearby Bodega Bay was a key location in the Alfred Hitchcock movie “The Birds.” Manny Crisostomo Sacramento Bee file

Tucked away on California’s rocky northern coast, just west of Sonoma, is the quaint beach town of Bodega Bay. The quiet fishing town is popular for its seafood selection, specifically its oysters. Aside from delicious seafood, there are also beaches to explore, hike and take in wildlife.

Below are some beaches to visit, according to the Bodega Bay visitor website:

  • Salmon Creek
  • Goat Rock
  • Portuguese Beach

Driving time from Sacramento: It takes approximately 2 hours, according to Google Maps. The quickest route requires you to take Interstate 80 West.

Half Moon Bay

This California coastal town has “one of the largest beach areas in the San Francisco Bay Area,” according to the Half Moon Bay website. Those who visit will have plenty of beaches to choose from and there are outdoor activities as well if you’re looking to make your trip longer.

Below are some beaches to visit, according to Half Moon Bay:

  • Half Moon Bay Sate Beach
  • Poplar Beach
  • Surfer’s Beach

Driving time from Sacramento: It takes approximately 2 hours to get to Half Moon Bay, according to Google Maps. The fastest route requires you to get on Interstate 80 West.

This story was originally published June 8, 2023 at 5:00 AM.

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Jacqueline Pinedo
The Sacramento Bee
Jacqueline Pinedo was a reporter on The Sacramento Bee’s service journalism team.
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Summer 2023: What’s on your California travel list?

Here are stories to help you plan your summer trips from Sacramento.

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