Yuba City Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Yuba City with this comprehensive guide featuring the best places to visit, eat, stay, and more.


Introduction to Yuba City

Located in Sutter County, in the Sacramento Valley of Northern California, Yuba City is a bustling city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. With a population of over 66,000, Yuba City offers plenty of attractions and activities for tourists, including scenic views, outdoor adventures, and a thriving food and drink scene.

List of Places to Visit in Yuba City

When visiting Yuba City, here are some of the top places to include in your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sutter County Museum - This museum provides a glimpse into the county’s rich history through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.

  • Bok Kai Temple - This historic temple, built in the late 1800s, is dedicated to the Chinese god of water and features intricate architecture and beautiful gardens.

  • Community Memorial Museum of Sutter County - This museum focuses on the people and places of Yuba City and Sutter County, offering visitors a chance to learn about the area’s unique heritage.

Natural Attractions of Yuba City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sutter Buttes - Known as the “Smallest Mountain Range in the World,” Sutter Buttes offers stunning views and hiking trails for visitors to explore.

  • Feather River - With its crystal clear waters and serene surroundings, Feather River is a great place for water activities like swimming, fishing, and picnicking.

  • Gray Lodge Wildlife Area - This wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, deer, and coyotes. Visitors can go birdwatching, hiking, or take a guided tour here.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Yuba City

If you enjoy the great outdoors, there are several hiking and biking routes in and around Yuba City:

  • Sutter Buttes Trail - This trail offers scenic views of the Sutter Buttes and is great for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

  • Butte Sink Wildlife Refuge Trail - This trail runs through one of the largest and most diverse wetland habitats in California and offers visitors a chance to see a variety of wildlife.

  • Feather River Parkway Trail - This trail is perfect for a leisurely bike ride or a scenic walk along the Feather River.

Best Things to Do in Yuba City: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours to enjoy in Yuba City, such as:

  • Yuba City Farmers Market - This weekly market features fresh, locally sourced produce, artisanal products, and live music.

  • Yuba City Brew Fest - This annual event showcases the best breweries in the region and offers visitors a chance to sample craft beers, wines, and ciders.

  • Sunrise Balloons - Take a hot air balloon ride over Yuba City and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Week-Long Itinerary for Yuba City

Here’s a sample itinerary for spending a week in Yuba City:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Sutter County Museum and Bok Kai Temple
2 Hike the Sutter Buttes Trail and go birdwatching at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area
3 Spend a day exploring the Feather River Parkway and take a swim or picnic
4 Visit the Community Memorial Museum of Sutter County and explore local history
5 Take a hot air balloon ride with Sunrise Balloons
6 Attend the Yuba City Farmers Market and stock up on locally sourced ingredients
7 Finish your trip with a visit to the Yuba City Brew Fest and sample delicious craft beers

Food and Drink Scene of Yuba City

Yuba City’s food and drink scene is diverse and vibrant, with plenty of options for all tastes and budgets. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Basque Food - Yuba City has a large Basque community, and you must try their hearty dishes such as lamb stew, chorizo, and seafood paella.

  • Burritos - From La Cascada to Tacos El Vaquero, the burritos in Yuba City are some of the best in California.

  • Sourdough Bread - Sourdough bread from Bread and Breakfast is a local staple and perfect for picnics.

Local Beverages

  • Feather River Brewery - This is a favorite spot of locals and visitors, and its impressive craft beer selection is a must-try.

  • Sutter Buttes Brewing - Known for its excellent brews, Sutter Buttes Brewing offers over 30 rotating taps including sours, lagers, and IPAs.

  • Peach City Ice Cream - This spot offers homemade ice cream churned daily, and their fruit flavors include the freshest fruits of the season.

Where to Stay in Yuba City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several options for accommodation while visiting Yuba City, including:

  • Bonanza Inn - A great option for couples, this hotel is recently remodeled, offers free breakfast, and is located in a central area.

  • Comfort Suites Marysville - This hotel provides guests with a comfortable stay, an outdoor pool, and free parking.

  • Motel 6 - For budget travelers, this affordable motel provides clean rooms, comfortable beds, and a decent location.

What to Buy in Yuba City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Yuba City has several unique stores and markets where you can buy souvenirs and local products:

  • Bread and Breakfast - You can take home a loaf of their famous sourdough bread or a sweet pastry for the plane ride back.

  • Yuba City Farmers Market - Pick up locally grown produce and artisanal products as souvenirs to share with your friends and family.

Local Culture and Customs of Yuba City

Yuba City is a culturally diverse place, with a significant Basque and Punjabi population. Respect the local customs and traditions, especially when visiting cultural sites and events.

Best Time to Visit Yuba City

The best time to visit Yuba City is from April through November, where you can enjoy the beautiful weather and take part in outdoor activities and events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Yuba City

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Yuba City:

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.

  • Plan your trip around the local events and festivals, such as the Yuba City Strawberry Festival and the California Swan Festival.

  • Explore the local food and drink scene for authentic California cuisine.

Don’t:

  • Leave valuables in your car and always park in safe and well-lit areas.

  • Litter or damage local attractions and natural areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Yuba City

Yuba City is generally a safe city, but it’s always wise to take precautions, like not leaving valuables in a car overnight.

Health in Yuba City

Yuba City has several medical facilities in case of emergencies. Keep in mind that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many places might have limited hours and protocols.

Getting to Yuba City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can arrive in Yuba City by car, bus, or plane. Here are the transportation options and logistics:

Airports Near Yuba City

  • Sacramento International Airport - This airport serves most major airlines and offers shuttle services to Yuba City.

  • Yuba County Airport - This airport offers private air services and chartered flights.

Bus Stations Near Yuba City

  • Greyhound Bus Station - The nearest bus station is located in Marysville, which is about five miles from Yuba City.

Other Options

Visitors can reach Yuba City by car via Highway 99 or Highway 20.

How to Get Around in Yuba City

The best way to get around Yuba City is by car. There are also several ride-hailing services available in the area.

Where to Go Next from Yuba City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that you can take from Yuba City:

  • Sacramento - The state’s capital city is only an hour’s drive away and offers plenty of attractions like the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Art Museum, and the Sacramento Zoo.

  • Lake Tahoe - This stunning natural area is located about two hours from Yuba City and is a great place for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and boating.

  • Napa Valley - This famous wine region is located about three hours from Yuba City and offers stunning vineyards, delicious wine tasting, and luxurious spas and resorts.

Conclusion

Yuba City is a great destination for those who love California’s outdoor adventures, cultural heritage, and unique local cuisine. With plenty of attractions, activities, and accommodations, there is always something to do in Yuba City. So, start planning your visit today and enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer.

South Butte (the tallest of the Sutter Buttes) as one approaches the Sutter Buttes from the East South Butte (the tallest of the Sutter Buttes) as one approaches the Sutter Buttes from the East