If you're looking for a laid-back escape with a blend of small-town charm and modern comforts, I’d suggest heading to Lincoln, California. I’ve strolled the historic streets, sipped wine at local vineyards, and taken some scenic drives through the Sierra foothills—it always feels like a breath of fresh air. Whether you want to play a round of golf, relax at a winery, or just slow down for a few days, you’ll find that Lincoln delivers that cozy Northern California feel without the crowds.
Best Time to Visit
From my experience, spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the perfect seasons to visit. You’ll get those clear, sunny days that are ideal for outdoor adventures without the heat that summer brings. I’ve hit the golf courses in April and gone wine tasting in October—both times, the weather was just right and the pace of life felt wonderfully relaxed.
How to Get There
- Driving? I usually take Highway 65—it’s only about 30 minutes from Sacramento and roughly 2 hours from San Francisco. It’s an easy drive and gets prettier the closer you get to the hills.
- Flying in? Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is your best bet. I’ve made the drive in about 40 minutes from there, and it’s smooth sailing via major highways.
- Taking the train? Amtrak gets you to nearby Roseville. From there, I’ve taken a quick taxi or rideshare into Lincoln—it’s close and super convenient if you don’t feel like driving.
Where to Stay
- Thunder Valley Casino Resort – I stayed here for a weekend and really enjoyed the all-in-one experience. You’ve got the casino, a spa to unwind, live shows, and multiple restaurants—all without ever leaving the property. It’s a great pick if you’re looking to treat yourself.
- Holiday Inn Express Lincoln – I recommend this if you’re after something simple and comfortable. I appreciated the free breakfast and easy access to downtown—it’s a great base for exploring the area without breaking the budget.
Best Things to Do in Lincoln, California
1. Turkey Creek Golf Club
Turkey Creek Golf Club in Lincoln is a par 72, 18-hole golf course that offers a challenging game surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. Designed by Bran Bell, the course is the newest championship course in the foothills of Sacramento and boasts three distinct environmental signatures, namely rolling oaks woodlands, a rugged quarry area, and an area that resembles Germany's, Black Forest. These natural landscapes are home to a wealth of fauna and flora, including deer, turkey, and plenty of birds, and offer stunning scenic vistas throughout the course. The 18-hole, par-72, 6,929-yard golf course has a slope of 138 and offers a challenging course for tournaments and outings with access to practice facilities and professional tournament facilities, pro lessons and more.
1525 CA-193, Lincoln, CA 95648, Phone: 916-434-9100
2. Thunder Valley Casino
Thunder Valley Casino Resort is luxurious hotel and casino owned by the United Auburn Indian Community that boasts a 275,000-square-foot facility with over 3,000 slot and video machines, 125 table, and a live poker room. The resort also features a 17-story luxury hotel with a large banquet and entertainment hall, 14 restaurants and bars, a large swimming pool with private cabanas and a poolside bar, and an exclusive day spa with sauna, whirlpool, steam room, and a health club. Thunder Valley Casino Resort is also renowned for hosting a variety of concerts and shows in the summertime in their outdoor amphitheater, which draws crowds from around the state.
1200 Athens Ave, Lincoln, CA 95648, Phone: 916-408-7777
3. Wise Villa Winery
Nestled in the Sierra Foothills Wine Appellation of Placer County, Wise Villa Winery is a family-owned and operated winery estate vineyard, and Tuscan-style bistro. The award-winning winery produces over 20 different varietals and over 30 world-class wines, many of which have won Double Gold & Gold Medals in distinguished and reputable wine competitions. Wise Villa Winery follows organic and sustainable wine-making practices to produce wines that are gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan. Boasting an elegant European setting in the Foothills of the Sierras, the estate is also home to a modern wine tasting room and Tuscan-Style bistro and where visitors can sample some of the estate’s wines and enjoy delicious cuisine against a backdrop of enchanting scenery and breathtaking views of the Sacramento Valley. The winery also offers weekly winery tours, wine tasting by the glass and bottle and Friday night dinners with live music.
4200 Wise Rd, Lincoln, CA 95648, Phone: 916-543-0323
4. Dueling Dogs Brewing Company
You will find Dueling Dogs Brewing Company on the Placer County Wine and Ale Trail, where they endeavor to pay homage to the unique flavors of the region. The family-owned brewery sources all their beer ingredients from their own farm or partner with other Placer County farms to bring fresh regional flavors and characteristics to their small-batch craft beers, ciders and meads. You can sample a range of on-tap beers in their tap room including traditional styled Pilsner and Witbier as well as American Pale Ales, Stout and IPA’s. There are also at least 6 ciders and meads available on tap.
3030 Barrett Park Lane, Lincoln, CA 95648, 916 434 8141
5. Lincoln Hills Golf Club
Lincoln Hills Golf Club is a 36-hole Billy Casper/Greg Nash-designed golf course near Sacramento that . has established itself as one of the greater Sacramento area’s finest golf facilities. Completed in 1999 with a second course added in 2005, the course features generous corridors, expansive manicured fairways, pockets of pine, oak and redwood trees, and glorious views over the rolling hills and natural wetlands typical to Placer County. Lincoln Hills Golf Club features a practice facility with more than eight acres of driving range and a separate area for chipping and putting and a beautiful clubhouse with a patio that overlooks the 18th green on the Orchard course.
1005 Sun City Lane, Lincoln, CA 95648, Phone: 916-543-9200
Activities and Attractions for Younger Couples:
6. Ciotti Cellars
Ciotti Cellars is a small family-owned and operated production winery in Placer County that has been producing fine wines for generations. Committed to maintaining the time-honored family tradition of wine-making by carefully cultivating and selecting the highest quality of grapes to make premium handcrafted wine, Ciotti Cellars produces a range of small-batch wines that can be sampled in the tasting room, which is located right highway 65 on the Placer County Wine Trail and is open Friday to Sunday.
3285 Crosby Herold Rd, Lincoln, CA 95648, Phone: 916-534-8780
7. GoatHouse Brewing Company
GoatHouse Brewing Company is a family-owned brewery located just outside of downtown Lincoln, in the Sierra Foothills that produces delicious handcrafted organic beers and ales in a converted barn on a working farm. Embracing the farm-to-glass experience, GoatHouse Brewing Company uses ingredients grown on the farm such as hops, fresh fruit, and honey to produce distinct flavors of beers, including Fahrvergnugen, a light German Weiss, Blondage A Go-Go, a smooth blonde ale, Belgo Butta, an unfiltered Belgian Golden Ale made with fresh GoatHouse Cascade hops, and Tongue Tickler IPA, a fresh-hopped West Coast IPA. GoatHouse Brewing Company is open for visiting and tasting Thursdays through Sundays.
600 Wise Rd, Lincoln, CA 95648, Phone: 916-740-9100
8. High Steaks Steakhouse
Located in Thunder Valley Casino Resort, High Steaks Steakhouse is an upmarket steakhouse offering a fine dining experience in a refined stone-walled space with a patio for outdoor dining. The high-end restaurant serves the finest cuts of hand-cut, dry-aged prime beef and other meats, seared to perfection and served with unique side dishes such as the signature Chop Salad and Five-Cheese Macaroni. Other mouthwatering delights on the menu include the appetizer of bacon-wrapped shrimp with tobacco onions and pork and clam pan roast; The outstanding cuisine is accompanied by an award-winning wine selection featuring fine wines and notable vintners from around the world, handcrafted brews and imported spirits.
1200 Athens Ave, Lincoln, CA 95648, Phone: 916-408-7777
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Explore Downtown Lincoln – I love walking through Downtown Lincoln. The historic shops, cafés, art galleries, and beautiful century-old buildings make it such a charming place to visit. It’s a great spot to soak up the local atmosphere.
- Hike or bike the trails at McBean Memorial Park – This park is one of my favorite places for a family-friendly outdoor activity. The trails are perfect for a leisurely hike or bike ride, and the park offers a range of seasonal events that are always fun to check out.
Where to Eat
- Old Town Pizza – If you’re in the mood for hearty, family-style pizza, this is the place to go. I love the cozy atmosphere and the pizza is always a hit when I visit.
- High Steaks Steakhouse – For an upscale dining experience, High Steaks Steakhouse is a must. The premium steaks and fine wines make it one of my favorite spots for a special night out.
- Awful Annie’s – This is my go-to for a hearty breakfast or brunch. The food is fantastic, and the homey vibe makes it feel like a welcoming local favorite. You can’t go wrong here!
If you are interested in local events:
- Lincoln Showcase (September) – If you’re visiting in September, the Lincoln Showcase is a must! I love the local food and wine, and the festival has a fun, lively atmosphere with lots of local talent on display.
- Fourth of July Parade and Celebration (July) – I always look forward to the small-town charm of Lincoln’s Fourth of July parade. The patriotic parade, live music, and fireworks are a great way to celebrate the holiday with the community.
- Downtown Lincoln Holiday Parade (December) – The Downtown Lincoln Holiday Parade is a festive way to ring in the holiday season. With floats, local performances, and seasonal treats, it’s the perfect family-friendly event.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes to 1 Hour of Lincoln, California:
- Roseville (20–25 min) – Roseville is perfect for a day of shopping and dining. I love visiting Westfield Galleria for its great stores and water parks. It’s a great place for both shopping and entertainment.
- Auburn (30–35 min) – Auburn is such a charming town. I enjoy exploring its Gold Rush history, antique shops, and scenic trails in the Sierra foothills. It’s a nice mix of outdoor activities and history.
- Folsom (30–35 min) – Folsom is a great place to visit for outdoor activities and history. I enjoy visiting Folsom Lake, the historic Sutter Street, and the Folsom Prison Museum.
- Loomis (20–25 min) – Loomis has a laid-back, rural charm. I love exploring the farm stands and wineries, and the scenic drives around town are beautiful.
- Rocklin (15–20 min) – Rocklin has Quarry Park Adventures, which is always a fun day out. The park is built into a historic granite quarry and offers unique outdoor adventures for all ages.
- Downtown Sacramento (40–45 min) – Sacramento has so much to offer! I love visiting museums, historic Old Sacramento, and the State Capitol building. It’s a fantastic city to explore with plenty of culture and history.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where is Lincoln, California located?
- Lincoln is a charming city located in Placer County, California, part of the Sacramento metropolitan area. The town is known for its historic downtown, local restaurants, and close proximity to nature.
- What is the historical significance of Lincoln?
- Lincoln has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s, when Spanish explorers settled in the area and it became a key location during the California Gold Rush.
- What recreational activities are available in Lincoln?
- In Lincoln, you can enjoy a round of golf at the beautiful Turkey Creek Golf Club, taste some of the finest wines at Wise Villa Winery, or get an adrenaline rush with skydiving experiences with Skydive Sacramento.
- What local cuisine should visitors try in Lincoln?
- When in Lincoln, don’t miss trying Awful Annie’s famous Grandma’s Bread Pudding with Brandy Sauce. It’s a delicious local treat that’s perfect for dessert!
Plan Your Trip