Less than an hour north of Napa Valley, Lake County is Northern California’s laid-back playground for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking volcanic peaks and fishing on Clear Lake to wine tasting and live entertainment, this two-day itinerary blends adventure, relaxation, and wine country charm into one unforgettable weekend escape.
Day One
Morning: Check In and Explore Upper Lake
Begin your stay at Tallman Hotel, a beautifully restored historic hotel in the heart of Upper Lake. Surrounded by mountain views and small-town charm, the boutique property offers easy access to wineries, hiking trails, lake activities, and pet-friendly outdoor adventures.
After settling in, head outdoors to explore some of Lake County’s scenic hiking areas. Trails throughout Clear Lake State Park and nearby mountain preserves offer everything from lakeside walks to forested ridgelines with panoramic views. Families traveling with kids — and four-legged companions — will find plenty of open space for exploring and relaxing together.
Midday: Wine Tasting Through Volcanic Wine Country
Lake County’s volcanic soils and high-elevation vineyards create ideal conditions for bold reds and crisp whites. Spend the afternoon discovering some of the region’s standout wineries, beginning at Brassfield Estate Winery, where expansive vineyard views and estate-grown wines showcase the beauty of the High Valley AVA.
Continue to Six Sigma Ranch & Winery for wine tasting and outdoor recreation surrounded by rolling ranchland and oak forests. Then explore the historic charm of Langtry Farms Vineyard & Winery before ending the afternoon at Wild Diamond Vineyards, known for boutique wines, breathtaking mountain scenery, and pet-friendly hospitality.
Evening: Dinner, Entertainment, and an Overnight Getaway
As evening settles over wine country, head to Twin Pine Casino & Hotel for dinner at Manzanita Restaurant, where contemporary California cuisine is paired with wines from Twin Pine’s private label collection. After dinner, enjoy gaming, handcrafted cocktails, and live entertainment, making it one of Lake County’s top evening destinations.
Keep the fun going with an overnight stay at the Hotel at Twin Pine Casino & Hotel, where comfortable accommodations let you enjoy the evening’s entertainment and wine country hospitality without having to head home.
Day Two
Morning: Fishing and Lake Life on Clear Lake
Rise early and experience why Clear Lake is considered one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country. Local guides and marinas throughout Lake County offer fishing accommodations, boat rentals, and access to year-round angling adventures. Families can also enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, wildlife viewing, and shoreline picnics along California’s largest natural freshwater lake.
Birdwatchers will find no shortage of wildlife here, with frequent sightings of osprey, herons, egrets, Bald Eagles, and White Pelicans along the shoreline and wetlands.
Afternoon: Hiking, Family Fun, and Scenic Exploration
Spend the afternoon discovering more of Lake County’s outdoor beauty. Popular recreation areas throughout the county offer hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and picnic spots perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
For travelers bringing pets, many outdoor spaces and wineries throughout Lake County offer pet-friendly experiences, making it easy to include every member of the family in the adventure.
Before heading home, enjoy one final lakeside lunch or tasting while taking in the slower pace and uncrowded beauty that make Lake County one of Northern California’s best-kept outdoor escapes.