Vacations can often be expensive, but they don’t have to be if you know the right places to look. We’ve come up with a few of the best day trips in Northern California that are loads of fun, and also, under $100. That’s right, nobody said having fun and saving money were mutually exclusive. Check out these unique things to do around Northern California for the perfect family day trip adventures.

1. Teeming with vineyards and orchards, Apple Hill is the perfect year-round destination.
Placerville, CA 95667, USA
James/Flickr
Tourists flock to Apple Hill in El Dorado County throughout the year for the clean mountain air, buzzing orchards, and beautiful vineyards. After fruit picking and wine tasting, take the family to the golf course or one of the many family farms.
Click here to find out more about this NorCal day trip.
2. Donner Lake is perfect for kayaking, hiking, picnicking, and more.
Donner Lake, Truckee, CA 96161, USA
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
All you'll really need is gas money to spend a fun day at Donner Lake. Pack a picnic to eat while admiring views of the water, and bring a kayak to enjoy some water activities! If that's not your thing, there's plenty of hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming.
Click here to find out more about this NorCal day trip.
3. Emerald Bay State Park is the perfect spot for water lovers.
Emerald Bay State Park, 138 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA
Christian Arballo/Flickr
Emerald Bay State Park was given the status of an underwater state park in 1994 because many boats launch from Emerald Bay's shores. Come here for some fun scuba-diving, swimming, kayaking, or pretty much any other water sport you can think of.
Click here to find out more about this NorCal day trip.

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4. Folsom Lake is ideal for a waterfront stroll.
Folsom Lake, California, USA
Gary Pryde/Flickr
The Oak Avenue Nature Trail on the edge of Folsom Lake offers amazing views of the water. You can capture some totally Instagram-worthy snapshots there! The American River Trail is also a great option — it features 32 miles of trails connecting Folsom and Sacramento.
Click here to find out more about this NorCal day trip.
5. Half Moon Bay has some amazing beaches, but that's not all it's known for.
Half Moon Bay, CA, USA
Mitchel Jones/Flickr
Mild temperatures along the coast make Half Moon Bay perfect for runs along the beach or golfing with friends. And don't miss the historic downtown area that's packed with cool shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
Click here to find out more about this NorCal day trip.
6. If you like good food and fine wine, you'll love Murphys.
Murphys, CA, USA
Jim Thoburn/Flickr
The town of Murphys is nicknamed the Queen of the Sierra, and if you visit, you'll find out why. The town has lots of good food and spectacular wineries, and it hosts many events throughout the year that cater to out-of-town visitors.
Click here to find out more about this NorCal day trip.
7. The quiet town of Truckee is filled with history.
Truckee, CA 96161, USA
Wikipedia Finetooth
Downtown Truckee has several fun shops and cool restaurants that are perfect for a day trip into the town. If you're feeling more adventurous, stop by the Old Jail Museum. It's one of the last 19th-century jailhouses still around today.
Click here to find out more about this NorCal day trip.

What do you think about the best day trips in Northern California? Have you tackled any of these on your own? Make sure to shout out in the comments any of them that you’ve completed!

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Best Day Trips In Northern California

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