Traffic to Tahoe Looking Rough? Here's Where to Stop in Sacramento

Whether it’s winter or summer, the drive to the mountains can be the worst part of a trip up to Tahoe.

There’s the excruciating Bay Area traffic turning what should be an easy 3- to 4-hour drive into a full day affair, and that’s not even to mention the often-sketchy conditions that can make even the most experienced snow drivers nervous.

And sometimes, stopping altogether to wait out the traffic can just be the smartest option.

Luckily, whether you’re sick of crawling east at 5 miles per hour, stuck waiting for a highway to open or simply want to break up your drive a bit, the Sacramento area is brimming with delicious eats, fun finds and hidden gems.

We crowdsourced the best recommendations from KQED staff so that on your next trip to the mountains, you can take your time and enjoy the journey.

Keep reading for ideas for meals, shopping and entertainment along the way to Tahoe if traffic is messing with your travel plans.

Grab a bite (or a lick) at local eateries

If the Tahoe-bound traffic is hitting early and you’re hankering for a Bay Area classic, you should know: The historic East Bay Fenton’s Creamery (founded in 1894) has a second location in Vacaville. Here, you’ll find dozens of flavors, including the brand new “Alysa’s Gold” in honor of Oakland native and Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu. It’s also open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

For a slightly healthier pit stop, head to Pedrick Produce in Dixon off of Highway 80 for all your fruit and veggie needs, which is open until 7 p.m. Another great bet is the Davis Food Coop for the Sacramento Valley’s fresh-off-the-farm produce and bulk items (open until 10 p.m.).

By the time you reach Sacramento on your Tahoe journey, the sky is practically the limit in terms of food options.

Take yourself on a taco tour of all the local favorite spots (find some recommendations here courtesy of local redditors) or wait out the traffic with a beverage at one of the many beer gardens in the city, from Sacyard to Fieldwork to Lefty’s. In the depths of winter, cozy up with a pint before heading up the mountain or take full advantage of a warm day and enjoy your drink from a patio, soaking up the sun to kick off your weekend away.

And we would be remiss not to mention Ikeda’s — there’s one in Davis and another north of Auburn, both just off I-80. Known for its delicious berry pies and produce, you can also get a scrumptious burger or sandwich at the Auburn location’s deli.

Browse deals at outlets, gift and indie shops

Hard to miss on any Tahoe trip are the Vacaville Outlets, where you could easily spend a whole afternoon browsing big brands all in one place.

The Folsom REI, off Highway 50 to South Lake Tahoe, is also a great stop for last-minute outdoorsy purchases (if you, like some of us, have realized you forgot your snow boots on the way up during a snowstorm).

If you’re eager to shop in Sacramento proper, don’t miss the Public Market at the Warehouse Artist Lofts, where you can check out a vintage shop, pop-up street food, a cafe, a poke shop, and a record store all under one roof. Plus, if you’re there on a First Friday night, you can even check out the residents’ studios and purchase their original artwork.

Take the long way up, or stop to see the sights

If traffic on the freeway is looking bad — or if you’ve just got the luxury of taking your time on your journey to Tahoe — consider taking an alternate route to get to Sacramento, foregoing Highway 80 for Highway 84 and instead winding through the San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta and stopping at farmers markets and small towns along the way.

The Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg, just 15 minutes from Sacramento along this route, is facing possible foreclosure, but remains open right now for your wine tasting, gifting and browsing desires.

Detour to Dixon for Ruhstaller Farm, a ranch-style brewery with all the fixings, including resident ducks, cats and comfy couches where you can kick back.

Or, head to Old Sacramento close to the city’s downtown, where you can meander down cobblestone streets and embrace your inner child at its overflowing candy shops.

Ride a horse-drawn carriage or learn about the area — and the state’s — history at the California State Railroad Museum. You can even take a 45-minute vintage train ride along the Sacramento River to get truly immersed in the sights, sounds and history of 1800s California.

If you’re hoping for more of an outdoor excursion to break up your journey, check out Folsom Lake, a California state park where dogs are allowed and hiking and boating abound.

While there are quite a few lakeside hikes to choose from, just be aware that you may be sharing the path with those on horseback.

For a real detour, peel off Highway 80, take Highway 49, and aim for Nevada City. Its truly quaint Gold Rush-era downtown in the Sierra foothills has a historic flair, cute cafes, independent stores and a homey spirit.

Worth a special mention is Gold Vibe, a craft kombuchery just outside Grass Valley that offers tastings and to-go packs for your trip, if you’ve got to hit the road.

And if you’re heading up Highway 50 to South Lake Tahoe, you can always pop into Apple Hill in Placerville on your way for U-pick apples, flowers and other seasonal events.

KQED’s Ezra Romero, Bianca Taylor, Erika Kelly and Cecilia Phillips contributed to this report.