Historic Trail Road Trip Itinerary
The Historic Trail Road Trip is a 318 km route that begins in San Francisco, United States and ends in Sutter Creek, United States. Along the way, the trip passes through Sonoma and Benicia, two towns with rich histories and ample attractions to explore. The best time to drive this road trip is during the warmer months, as the mild temperatures and sunny skies provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable journey.
The road trip takes approximately three days to complete, allowing plenty of time to take in the stunning landscapes and visit the many historical sites. The excellent road conditions make for a smooth and comfortable drive, and the high-budget only cost of the trip ensures that it will provide a very high level of experience and memories.
This road trip is suitable for all drivers and promises to be an unforgettable journey.
3
number of days
318 km
route length
high
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
San Francisco
Distance 318 km
Driving time 4.3 h
Pace: fast
95.3 kWh
Airports
SFO
[detailsContainer]
San Francisco is a vibrant city located in the United States and is the perfect starting point for the "Historic Trail Road Trip". From here, travelers can explore the Bay Area and its surroundings, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and so much more. The closest international airport to San Francisco is San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which offers car rentals for those who wish to travel by car. This is the perfect way to take in all the sights and sounds of the city and its surroundings, as well as get a taste of the rich culture and history of the area. From the winding roads of the Golden Gate Bridge to the scenic views of Alcatraz Island, travelers will be able to experience the beauty of the city and its surrounding areas. Along the way, travelers can also explore the various attractions, such as the Museum of Modern Art, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Exploratorium. With so much to explore and experience, San Francisco is a great place to start a "Historic Trail Road Trip".
1
San Francisco
- Sonoma
Distance 92 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: fast
27.7 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to a road trip from San Francisco to Sonoma! This 57mi journey offers you the chance to explore some of the most interesting sites in the area.
Start your journey in San Francisco, the ‘City by the Bay’, where you can explore the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, take a stroll through the beautiful Golden Gate Park, or enjoy the stunning views from Twin Peaks.
Heading north, you’ll find yourself in the beautiful Sonoma Valley. Here, you can explore the many wineries in the area, take in the stunning views from the Sonoma Plaza, or visit the Mission San Francisco Solano, the last and northernmost mission in Alta California.
No matter which sites you choose to explore, you’re sure to have a memorable experience. With fewer than 2 hours of driving time, you can easily explore all the sites this route has to offer. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage.
Sonoma - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
2
Sonoma
- Vallejo
Distance 42 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: modest
10.9 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready to embark on an amazing journey starting in Sonoma and ending in Vallejo. This 26mi journey will take you fewer than 1 hours of driving and will be filled with plenty of activities and attractions.
To start, Sonoma is a great place to explore the outdoors, visit wineries and taste local cuisine. Don’t miss the Sonoma Plaza, the historic center of the town, and the Mission San Francisco Solano, the northernmost of the California missions.
Next, you’ll find yourself in Vallejo, a city full of art, culture and entertainment. Visit the Mare Island Museum, explore the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum and take a stroll through the Vallejo Waterfront Park.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Vallejo - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
3
Vallejo
- Benicia
Distance 12 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: fast
3.6 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Vallejo-Benicia road trip stage! This 7mi journey will take you less than an hour of driving, and you'll have the chance to discover some of the most interesting places in these two cities.
In Vallejo, you should visit the Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve, a park with a rich history and plenty of outdoor activities. You can also explore the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, the museum of the city's maritime history, and the Vallejo Farmers Market, where you can buy fresh local produce.
In Benicia, you should visit the Benicia State Recreation Area, a beautiful park with plenty of hiking trails and picnic areas. You can also explore the Benicia Historical Museum, where you can learn about the city's history and culture, and the Benicia Clock Tower, a historic landmark.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so don't forget to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!
Benicia - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
4
Benicia
- Sacramento
Distance 100 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: fast
30.0 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Benicia-Sacramento road trip stage! This 62mi drive takes less than an hour, and is the perfect opportunity to explore the historical sites of these two cities.
In Benicia, you can visit the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, the first permanent state capitol of California, and the Benicia Historical Museum. Don't miss the Clocktower, the last remaining structure of the original capitol.
Sacramento is the state's capital, and is full of interesting attractions. Start by visiting the State Capitol Museum, and then explore the Old Sacramento Historic District, an area with cobblestone streets and 19th-century buildings. Don't miss the California State Railroad Museum, with its collection of restored locomotives, and the impressive Crocker Art Museum.
As you drive, keep an eye out for the many historical sites that dot the route.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Sacramento - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
Sacramento - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
5
Sacramento
- Sutter Creek
Distance 72 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: fast
21.5 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Take a road trip from Sacramento to Sutter Creek, a 44-mile journey that will take you fewer than one hour. Start in Sacramento and make your way to the small city of Sutter Creek, passing through small towns and scenic countryside.
In Sacramento, you can explore the California State Capitol Museum, the Crocker Art Museum, and the Old Sacramento State Historic Park. The Capitol Museum is full of interesting artifacts, while the Crocker Art Museum has a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, and other artwork. Old Sacramento State Historic Park is full of interesting shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Continue your journey to Sutter Creek, where you can visit the Sutter Creek Theater, the Sutter Creek Ice Cream Parlor, and the Sutter Creek Visitor Center. The Sutter Creek Theater is a great place to catch a movie or a live performance, while the Sutter Creek Ice Cream Parlor is a great spot for a sweet treat. The Sutter Creek Visitor Center is a great place to learn more about the local area.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Sutter Creek - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
Sutter Creek
[detailsContainer]
Sutter Creek is a charming town located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in California, United States. It is the perfect ending point for the Historic Trail Road Trip – a scenic journey through some of the most beautiful parts of the state.
The town itself offers plenty of attractions and activities to explore. The Sutter Creek Visitor Center is a great place to start, with its displays of local history and artifacts. It also provides helpful information about the best places to eat, shop and explore.
The Sutter Creek Theatre is a great place to catch a show, with a wide range of live performances. Or take a stroll through the picturesque Sutter Creek Town Park, with its historic buildings, lovely gardens and peaceful walking trails. For a taste of the local culture, don’t miss the Sutter Creek Farmer’s Market, with its selection of fresh produce, crafts and artisan goods.
For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is the Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Once there, you can rent a car and drive to Sutter Creek.
No matter how you get there, you are sure to love Sutter Creek and its many attractions. Whether you are looking for a relaxing and peaceful break, or an adventure-filled road trip, Sutter Creek is the perfect destination.
Historic Trail Road Trip at a glance
-
Start:
San Francisco
-
End:
Sutter Creek
-
Distance:
318 km
-
Stay:
3 days
-
Getting there:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
-
When to drive:
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
-
More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Feeling inspired? You’ve got the option of transforming our Historic Trail Road Trip into a real life experience.
The itinerary we’ve suggested can be used as a foundation that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting attractions of your choice.
If car travel is a travel option you prefer, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a list of elements to be mindful of to make your journey smooth.
These tips will also become useful for travellers who are interested in renting a car or renting a camper.
It is essential to pay attention to the local traffic regulations when on a trip around California.
Alcohol is best to be avoided at any cost while travelling around California.
Holidayers should remember that the amount of alcohol that the driver can consume is low and cannot exceed 0.5‰.
In order to avoid a speeding ticket, it is best to never exceed 40km/h, which is the maximum speed inside the cities.
If you are aiming for rural areas, you should keep in mind that the maximum speed is 72km/h.
Avoid driving faster than the maximum car speed of 129km/h when driving on highways.
We recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit for safety reasons.
How about the costs of the trip?
Of course, the money that you have to spend is dependent on the budget option of your choice.
Check out the available budget possibilities.
In the budget option, you have to spend the maximum of 38 EUR on fuel to cover the planned 318km across California.
Economy accommodation options can cost tourists around 242 EUR.
Tourists should also take into consideration the fact that they will spend roughly 216 EUR for restaurants and food in this option.
Travellers will have to pay approximately 135 EUR if they aim for the cheapest car rental option as well.
Thus, the estimated travel expenses amount to roughly 496 EUR without vehicle rental and 631 EUR with vehicle rental.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 38 EUR to cover the planned stages of the road trip.
Cost amounting to 352 EUR can be expected by all tourists who are searching for standard accommodation.
Holidayers may expect that the standard option in terms of restaurants and food will cost about 324 EUR.
Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire vehicle can expect a cost of about 162 EUR.
Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay roughly 901 EUR for the whole trip, whereas those who are not interested in car rental will spend roughly 739 EUR.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will meet the expectations of the most demanding tourists.
When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 1,371 EUR for holidayers who are considering vehicle hire and 739 EUR for those who do not need a hire car.
Travellers who want to cover the road trip in a premium hire vehicle can expect a cost of approximately 270 EUR.
If you are interested in the highest comfort of the trip, you have to spend the maximum of 75 EUR on the fuel needed to cover the road trip.
Holidaymakers who opt for top services in all aspects of their itinerary should expect to pay about 432 EUR for food and restaurants and around 594 EUR for accommodation options.
Our tour will also be superb for all camper lovers, as it can be easily adjusted to their needs.
If you choose this travel means, the expenses may amount to around 675 EUR.
Camper fans will spend roughly 88 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the Historic Trail Road Trip.
Holidayers who are interested in camper rental should expect to pay approximately 165 EUR for overnight stays and approximately 216 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the presented details in a simple manner.
The period between January and December is superb to visit the part of California presented in our Historic Trail Road Trip.
There are plenty of thrilling road trips and scenic drives that are available on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip ideas.
We hope that the wide spectrum of ideas will definitely come up to the expectations of the most demanding drivers.