Take a winding tour from California’s “Volcano Country” to Gold Country foothills and secret Central Valley wine country.

Trip length: 4 days
Total distance: 404mi/649km

DAY 1

MOUNT SHASTA. Locals head for the Sunday brunch, but breakfast is a treat any day at Mount Highland House Restaurant at Shasta Resort . After breakfast hike the Lake Siskiyou Trail or mountain bike Mt. Shasta’s trails. (Stop in at The Fifth Season sporting goods for trail suggestions and maps.) INFO Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association ; 530/365-7500

REDDING (62mi/99km; 1hr 4min). Stroll above the Sacramento River on the pedestrian-only Sundial Bridge in Turtle Bay Exploration Park . See military artifacts at the Northern California Veterans Museum and Heritage Center (open Wed-Sat). Order the bacon-wrapped dates to kick off your meal at Tapas Downtown Restaurant & Bar . INFO Redding Convention & Visitors Bureau ; 530/225-4103

DAY 2

RED BLUFF (32mi/51km; 33min). Dive into Wild West history at William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park . Dig into a gourmet sandwich or an Ortega cheeseburger at the CountrySide Café . INFO Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association ; 530/365-7500

CHICO (42mi/67km; 49min). Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park is a leafy oasis with 70 miles of trails. Tour the 19th-century Victorian home of city founders John and Annie Bidwell at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park . INFO Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association ; 530/365-7500

SACRAMENTO (87mi/140km; 1hr 36min). Find unique gifts at inviting stores in historic Old Town ; be sure to include a stop at The Candy Barrel for sweet treats. Grange Restaurant & Bar , features locally grown ingredients, creatively crafted. After dinner enjoy a film, live comedy or music at the Crest Theatrethecrest.com. INFO Downtown Sacramento Partnership ; 916/442-8575

DAY 3

EL DORADO HILLS (28mi/46km; 30min). Explore further dine and play options at the California Welcome Center . Then browse boutiques and clothing stores El Dorado Hills Town Center , including a break for a meal at stylish Sienna . INFO El Dorado County Visitors Authority ; 800/457-6279

CAMERON PARK (7mi/11km; 9min). Swing a club at pretty Bass Lake Golf Course , just north of U.S. 50 on Bass Lake Rd. For a midday snack, try a shrimp cocktail flatbread at Zac Jack’s , a gourmet bistro focusing on fresh local ingredients. INFO El Dorado County Visitors Authority ; 800/457-6279

VACAVILLE (64mi/104km; 1hr). Play in the afternoon at Nut Tree Family Park , a low-key amusement park with a carousel, kiddie train ride, and carnival games. Tuck into Italian-style comfort foods, like homemade lasagna, gnocchi, and ravioli, at Fuso’s Italian Restaurant . INFO Visit Vacaville ; 707/450-0500

DAY 4

LODI (56mi/90km; 1hr). A lovely drive through the Sacramento Delta takes you to this wine epicenter, with more than 60 wineries open to visitors. The friendly folks at the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center  will help narrow your choices, and also pour locals wines on site. INFO Lodi Conference and Visitors Bureau ; 209/365-1195

MANTECA (26mi/42km; 31min). Buy truffles and fudge at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory . But meat-lovers will want to save room for a serious meal of Angus prime rib or steak at Isadore’s Steak , Seafood & Pasta. INFO Manteca Visitor Center ; 209/823-7229