10 Road Trip Tips & Must See Stops
by Emily Lee
The landscape in Yuba and Sutter counties is vast and unique. There is so much history to see, culture to discover, and backroads to explore. The best way to experience it all? A road trip, of course! But while road trips are often viewed as spur-of-the-moment adventures, it is always best to have a plan: where will you stop and what route will you take? While our region is fairly small in size compared to other California counties, it’s still best to create an itinerary so you aren’t wasting time (and gas!).
We’ve compiled a helpful checklist of road trip tips, as well as Yuba Sutter must-see stops for your road trip travels throughout our region here in the Sacramento Valley. Some of the items on our checklist may seem obvious and common sense, but when you’re in a rush to hit the road, it is easy to forget certain things!
10 Road Trip Tips
Like to check things off your list? Download and print a copy of our Road Trip Tips Checklist, so you can make sure you’ve got everything you need!
- Pack Car-Friendly Snacks and Food
- Bring Plenty of Water to Drink
- Check Oil, Tire Pressure, Fluids, Etc.
- Have a Car USB Phone Charger
- Get a Hands-Free GPS Holder
- Print Driving Directions and Maps
- Fill a Cooler with Ice
- Plan Car-Friendly Entertainment
- Bring Hand Sanitizer and Wipes
- Remember Your Mask
If staying overnight, Yuba Sutter has a wide variety of accommodations from clean and secure hotels and motels to quaint bed and breakfasts to campgrounds and cabins. See all of the lodging options and accomodations in the Yuba Sutter region.
10 Road Trip Stops in Yuba Sutter
There is so much to see and do in Yuba Sutter! It’s hard to narrow it down to just ten stops. So consider this short list of road trip to-dos a solid start to your adventure across the Sacramento Valley! The following ten spots will take you in a loop across the two counties of Yuba and Sutter, providing a general tour of the region. This is an all-day excursion (possibly two days), so plan accordingly! We've mapped out the ENTIRE Yuba Sutter Road Trip for you from start to finish on Google Maps! View and use our super easy directions and you will be on your way in no time!
Stop 1: 2nd Street in Yuba City
Yuba City, Ca 95991
See a variety of architectural styles and historical homes along Second Street from Bridge Street to Garden Highway on B & C Streets.
Stop 2: The Sutter Buttes
Sutter, Ca 95982
View the spectacular Sutter Buttes famously referred to as the World’s Smallest Mountain Range. Please stay within public areas as most of the land is privately owned.
Stop 3: Cordi Winery
10401 Ingram Ln, Live Oak, CA 95953
Sample the distinct and unique flavor of Sutter County’s first (and award-winning) winery nestled at the base of the majestic Sutter Buttes.
Stop 4: Gray Lodge Wildlife
3207 Rutherford Rd, Gridley, CA 95948
Observe a diverse variety of wildlife that call Gray Lodge home. Located along the Pacific Flyway, the area is a haven for migratory birds and waterfowl.
Stop 5: Collins Lake
7530 Collins Lake Rd, Browns Valley, CA 95918
Head toward the mountains and take a break from the road at Collins Lake Resort: home to trophy trout and gigantic mouth-watering ice cream cones!
Stop 6: Bok Kai Temple & D Street in Marysville
1st St &, D St, Marysville, CA 95901
Get a glimpse of the rich culture and history along D Street in Marysville. On the south-most end of the street, you’ll find the significant Bok Kai Temple.
Stop 7: Museum of Forgotten Warriors
5865 A Rd, Marysville, CA 95901
View 46,000 artifacts at this privately-owned collection of tanks, canons, and helicopters, ranging as far back as the Revolutionary War. Check their website for hours of operation.
Stop 8: Hard Rock Hotel in Wheatland
3317 Forty Mile Rd, Wheatland, CA 95692
Take some Instagram-worthy photos at the Hard Rock Hotel Sacramento located in the historical small town of Wheatland, California.
Stop 9: Gold Prospector Statue
4228 CA-99, Yuba City, CA 95991
Don’t blink or you might miss seeing the 20 foot bearded prospector that once promoted the now abandoned roadside mini golf course known as Mallard Lake Golf Center.
Stop 10: Stephens Farmhouse
6219 Sawtelle Ave, Yuba City, CA 95991
Pick up fresh baked cookies, homemade jams and jellies, farm fresh produce, nuts, pies, baked goods and special orders at the cutest little farm stand in Northern California!
Want to make it an overnight trip? Be sure to check out all the accommodations in Yuba Sutter.