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.
Sunrise view as snow blanketed South Lake Tahoe in California, on Nov. 8, 2022. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
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.).
A Fenton’s Rocky Road sundae. Fenton’s Creamery has not done much to advertise its claim to Rocky Road, although it does mention it on the menu. (Suzie Racho/KQED)
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.
Stone fruit trees grow at Brazelton Ranch in Vacaville on June 4. (Gina Castro/KQED)
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 San Joaquin River and Tinsley Island in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in San Joaquin County on May 11, 2023. (Courtesy of California Department of Water Resources)
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.