Take a kid-perfect drive, with a candy factory, train rides, lakes, and gigantic sundaes.
Trip length: 2-3 days
Total distance: 203mi/327km

DAY 1
Fairfield Take a free tour of the Jelly Belly Factory and taste surprising flavors (popcorn, anyone?) of jelly beans. Aim for a weekday when machines are churning out the sugary treats. INFO 707/399-2390

Brannan Island State Recreation Area (60mi/97km; 1hr20min). Explore a network of Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta waterways, with islands, fishing, swimming, and hiking trails. Parklands may have limited hours; call for updates. INFO 916/777-7701

Lodi (27mi/44km; 38min). Rent a paddleboat or kayak for a people-powered tour of Lodi Lake . In town, boost your science knowledge at hands-on World of Wonders museum . INFO 209/365-1195

DAY 2
Locke (23mi/37km; 34min). Learn about the history of this fascinating three-block hamlet—the last remaining rural community built by Chinese immigrants in the country—at the Dai Loy Museum . INFO 916/776-1661

Clarksburg (17mi/27km; 29min). Take a guided scenic bike tour along Delta levees with Fast Eddie Bike Tours —a fun, easy ride with a tasty lunch included. Stop by the Old Sugar Mill  for art and local wines. INFO 916/812-2712

West Sacramento (14mi/23km; 23min). Spot future All-Stars before they hit the big time at Raley Field , home to the Sacramento River Cats , Triple-A farm team for the Oakland A’s. INFO 916/376-4700

DAY 3
Davis (13mi/21km; 16min). Rent bikes to pedal all or part of the 12-mile Davis Bike Loop . Get picnic fixings at the Davis Farmers Market (Wed at Central Park and UC Davis, Sat Central Park only), then relax at UC Davis’s leafy arboretum . INFO 530/297-1900

Woodland (12mi/19km; 21min). Catch a concert or musical at the handsome 1896 Woodland Opera Househttp://www.woodlandoperahouse.org. Board the Sacramento River Trainhttp://sacramentorivertrain.com for a meal and raucous staging of the “Great Train Robbery.” INFO 530/297-1900

Winters (22mi/35km; 25min). Feast on grilled burgers at lunch, wood-fired pizza for supper at cyclists’ favorite Putah Creek Cafehttp://putahcreekcafe.com. Swing by Lake Solano Parkhttp://co.solano.ca.us/depts./rm/countypark/lakesolano.asp to let the kids romp. INFO 530/297-1900

Vacaville (15mi/24km; 17min). Nab bargains on designer clothes at Vacaville Premium Outletshttp://www.premiumotlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=50, then let the kids tear it up at the Nut Treehttp://www.nuttreeusa.com, with a kiddie train and a carousel, and mountainous sundaes at legendary Fenton’s Creameryhttp://www.fentonscreamery.com. INFO 707/450-0500