Willows Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Willows. Plan your trip to this charming city with our ultimate travel guide.


Introduction to Willows

Willows is a picturesque city located in Glenn County, Sacramento Valley, California, in the United States of America. As a small town with a population of approximately 6,000 people, Willows is home to a rich cultural heritage, scenic views, outdoor adventures, and some of California’s best-kept secrets. From museums to historical sites, towering mountains to pristine lakes, and stunning natural beauty, you’ll find that Willows has an adventure for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Willows

If you’re planning a trip to Willows, California, here are some must-see attractions to add to your itinerary.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Willows is steeped in history and culture, making it the perfect tourist destination for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts. Here are some of the top museums and historical sites to visit in Willows:

  • Glenn Historical Museum: Located at 119 North Butte St, the Glenn Historical Museum showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of Glenn County. The museum has a vast collection of historical artifacts, including period clothing, photographs, tools, and equipment.

  • Sacramento Valley Museum: Located at 1491 E Street, the Sacramento Valley Museum takes visitors on a journey through the history of the Sacramento Valley. The museum has a variety of displays, including Native American artifacts, farming equipment, and vintage automobiles.

Natural Attractions of Willows: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you love the great outdoors, Willows has plenty of natural attractions to explore. These attractions offer some of the best scenery and outdoor adventures for nature enthusiasts.

  • Mendocino National Forest: The Mendocino National Forest offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Northern California. With over 913,000 acres of forest, visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting.

  • Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge: Located just south of Willows, the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge offers an opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour, learn about the habitats of the animals, and participate in hands-on activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Willows

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for an adventure, Willows has some of the best hiking and biking trails in California.

  • Thomes Creek Trail: The Thomes Creek Trail is a 6.4-mile trail that offers stunning scenery and excellent hiking. The trail is accessible year-round, making it perfect for any season.

  • Sacramento River Trail: The Sacramento River Trail is a 9-mile trail that runs parallel to the Sacramento River and offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding wilderness.

Best Things to Do in Willows: Activities and Tours

In addition to the natural attractions and outdoor adventures, there are many other fun things to do in Willows. Here are some of the best activities and tours to try:

  • Wine Tasting Tour: Willows has a thriving wine industry, and visitors can enjoy a wine tasting tour of some of the oldest and best wineries in the region.

  • Tehama Trail: The Tehama Trail is a self-guided tour that takes visitors through the beauty of the Tehama County landscape. Along the way, visitors can enjoy local farmer’s market, historical sites, and scenic views.

Week-Long Itinerary for Willows

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Willows, here’s an itinerary that will help you make the most of your time:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Sacramento Valley Museum, followed by lunch at Willows Chinese Buffet
Day 2 Hike Thomes Creek Trail in the morning, then wine tasting tour in the afternoon
Day 3 Day trip to Mendocino National Forest, picnic lunch
Day 4 Visit Glenn Historical Museum in the morning, followed by Tehama Trail tour in the afternoon
Day 5 Visit Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge in the morning, followed by kayaking on the Sacramento River in the afternoon
Day 6 Biking on Sacramento River Trail, lunch at Alfie’s Cafe
Day 7 Shopping for souvenirs and local products at Willows Flea Market, followed by an evening enjoying local cuisine at La Cascada

Food and Drink Scene of Willows

Willows has a variety of restaurants that offer local cuisine and exotic flavors. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages in Willows:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sacramento Valley Cuisine: Sacramento Valley cuisine is a blend of traditional American and Mexican flavors. The dish includes fresh and locally sourced ingredients, and some of the most iconic dishes to try are burritos, tacos, and quesadillas.

  • Almond Flavored Dishes: Willows is famous for its almond industry, and many dishes are flavored with almonds. Almond chicken, almond milk, and almond ice cream are some of the most popular dishes to try.

Local Beverages

  • Wine Tasting Tours: Willows has some of the oldest and best wineries in California, so a wine tasting tour is a must-do activity for wine enthusiasts.

  • Barista: Willows has many excellent coffee shops known for their artisanal coffees, so you can enjoy a cup of coffee while exploring the city.

Where to Stay in Willows: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Willows has a variety of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of the best places to stay in Willows:

  • Holiday Inn Express: Located at 545 Humboldt Ave, the Holiday Inn Express is a popular option for visitors looking for comfortable and affordable accommodation.

  • Willows Motel: Located at 421 N Humboldt Ave, the Willows Motel is a budget-friendly option that offers all of the basic amenities at an affordable price.

What to Buy in Willows: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring home from Willows, here are some of the best local products to buy:

  • Almond Products: Willows is famous for its almond industry, so some of the most popular products to take home include almond butter, almond milk, and almond ice cream.

  • Wine: Willows’ wine industry is thriving, and visitors can take home a bottle or two of some of the oldest and best wines in the region.

Local Culture and Customs of Willows

Willows is a small town that values community and preservation of culture and nature. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are expected to respect the culture and heritage of the town.

Best Time to Visit Willows

The best time to visit Willows is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild, and the natural beauty of the region is at its best.

Do’s and Don’ts of Willows

If you’re visiting Willows, here are some of the things you should and shouldn’t do:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and people.

  • Try the local cuisine and wine.

  • Explore the natural beauty of Willows.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment.

  • Disrupt local wildlife.

  • Fail to respect local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Visitors to Willows should take basic safety precautions, such as locking doors and securing valuables. Here’s what you need to know about safety and health in Willows:

Safety in Willows

Willows is a safe town, with low crime rates and friendly people. Visitors should avoid walking alone at night and should take basic safety precautions when traveling in the area.

Health in Willows

Willows has a hospital and medical clinics that can provide medical assistance if needed. Visitors are advised to carry their medical insurance and to take necessary medications with them.

Getting to Willows: Transportation Options and Logistics

Willows is accessible by car, plane, and bus. Here are some transportation options for getting to Willows:

Airports Near Willows

  • Sacramento International Airport: Located approximately 90 miles from Willows, Sacramento International Airport is the nearest major airport.

  • San Francisco International Airport: Located approximately 140 miles from Willows, San Francisco International Airport is a popular option for international travelers.

Bus Stations Near Willows

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: Greyhound Bus Lines has a bus station located at 170 South Cedar St in Colusa - approximately 25 miles from Willows.

Other Options

Willows is easily accessible by car, with several highways and scenic routes passing through the city.

How to Get Around in Willows

Willows is a small town, and visitors can easily explore the city on foot or by bike. Alternatively, visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Willows: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Willows is a great starting point for exploring California’s scenic beauty. Here are some destinations and excursions that you can explore:

  • Lassen Volcanic National Park: Located approximately 120 miles from Willows, Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its hot springs, mud pots, and geysers.

  • Lake Shasta: Located approximately 105 miles from Willows, Lake Shasta is a popular destination for boating and water sports.

Conclusion

Willows, California, is a charming city that offers a mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, sample local cuisine, or learn about California’s history, you’ll find that Willows has something to offer everyone. Follow this comprehensive travel guide to make the most of your visit and have an unforgettable traveling experience.

Snow geese at Sacramento wildlife refuge Snow geese at Sacramento wildlife refuge