Winters Travel Guide

Explore the best places to visit, hike, eat and stay in Winters, California with our travel guide. Discover the local culture, customs, and safety tips to make your trip memorable and safe.


Introduction to Winters

Nestled in the heart of Sacramento Valley, in Yolo County, California - Winters is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and mild climate, Winters is a nature lover’s paradise that offers an array of activities and attractions for visitors. Its quaint downtown, local farms, and vineyards add to the town’s rustic charm, making it a picturesque destination for travelers seeking a relaxing getaway.

List of Places to Visit in Winters

Here are some of the top places to visit in Winters:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Winters Community Center and Library: A cultural hub of Winters, the community center and library is a great place to attend various events, take part in recreational activities like sports, and explore the library’s collection of books and local history.
  • Berryessa Adobe: Built-in the mid-1800s, this adobe house is a must-visit for history buffs. The house offers visitors a glimpse into the life of early settlers in Winters and Northern California.

Natural Attractions of Winters: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Berryessa: A famous destination for boating, swimming, and fishing in the area, Lake Berryessa offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and wildlife. Visitors can also take a hike or picnic along the shores of the lake.
  • Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve: A beautiful nature reserve consisting of miles of scenic trails, springs, and waterfalls. Visitors can hike, bike, or bird watch in the reserve.
  • Putah Creek Wildlife Area: A serene wildlife area where visitors can spot various species of birds and wildlife, take a hike in the rolling hills or fish in Putah Creek.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Winters

Winters has a plethora of hiking and biking routes that cater to all levels of fitness. Some of the popular trails include:

  • Cache Creek Trail: A moderately challenging trail that follows the Cache Creek stream and leads to scenic overlooks.
  • Berryessa Peak Trail: A strenuous hike that rewards visitors with stunning views of the lake and Sacramento Valley.
  • Lake Solano Trail: An easy hike along the creek with picnic spots and shaded areas.

Best Things to Do in Winters: Activities and Tours

  • Winters Farmer’s Market: A local farmer’s market that offers organic produce, artisanal goods, and live music.
  • Capay Valley Vineyards: A family-owned vineyard offering wine tastings, tours, and beautiful scenery.
  • Capay Valley Lavender Co: A charming lavender farm that offers seasonal tours and sells handmade lavender products.

Week-Long Itinerary for Winters

Day 1: Explore Downtown Winters, visit the community center, and library.

Day 2: Visit Berryessa Adobe and take a hike nearby.

Day 3: Take a trip to Lake Berryessa for boating and swimming.

Day 4: Visit the Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve and take a hike nearby.

Day 5: Spend the day at Putah Creek Wildlife Area.

Day 6: Take a bike ride along the Lake Solano Trail.

Day 7: Visit Capay Valley Vineyards or Capay Valley Lavender Co.

Food and Drink Scene of Winters

Winters is a foodie’s paradise with various restaurants, cafes, and food trucks catering to all tastes and preferences. Visitors can sample a range of cuisines, from Mexican to Italian to American. Some must-try dishes and local drinks include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Winters Burger: A classic American burger made with local beef.
  • Carne Asada Tacos: Authentic Mexican tacos made with grilled beef and fresh toppings.
  • Margherita Pizza: A delicious, wood-fired pizza made with fresh, local ingredients.

Local Beverages

  • Buckhorn Brewery: A local brewery that makes unique, small-batch beers.
  • Turkovich Family Wines: A family-owned winery that offers wine tasting and tours.

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

There are various lodging options in Winters, ranging from hotels to guesthouses to camping sites. Some of the popular options include:

  • Inn at Park Winters: A luxurious bed and breakfast surrounded by beautiful gardens and farmland.
  • Best Western Shadow Inn: A modern hotel located in a convenient location with easy access to downtown Winters and attractions.
  • Canyon Creek Resort: A camping site located near Lake Berryessa that offers RV parking and tent camping.

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

Winters is renowned for its local produce, artisanal goods, and handmade products that make perfect souvenirs. Some of the things to buy in Winters include:

  • Olive Oil: Winters is famous for its locally produced olive oil, used in many dishes.
  • Lavender Products: Capay Valley Lavender Co. sells various handmade lavender products like soap, lotion, and candles.
  • Artisanal Cheese: Fiscalini Cheese Company’s award-winning cheese is made with high-quality milk and aged to perfection.

Local Culture and Customs of Winters

Winters is a charming town with a close-knit community. Visitors are expected to respect local customs and traditions, such as saying “hi” to locals passing by and supporting local businesses.

Best Time to Visit Winters

The best time to visit Winters is from late Spring to early Fall when the weather is mild, and the nature reserves are open to the public.

Do’s and Don’ts of Winters

Do:

  • Do explore the local farmer’s market and sample local produce.
  • Do take a hike or bike ride in the nature reserves.
  • Do support local businesses and buy handmade products.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in the nature reserves or on the streets of downtown Winters.
  • Don’t be too loud or disturb the peace of residential neighborhoods.
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and water when hiking during hot weather.

Safety and Health

Safety in Winters

Winters is generally a safe town with friendly residents. However, visitors should be cautious while hiking or biking and heed warning signs about potential hazards like steep cliffs or adverse weather conditions.

Health in Winters

Visitors should carry adequate water and wear protective clothing while hiking or biking to avoid dehydration and sunburns.

Getting to Winters: Transportation Options and Logistics

Winters is easily accessible by car or public transportation.

Airports Near Winters

Sacramento International Airport is the nearest airport to Winters, located about an hour’s drive away.

Bus Stations Near Winters

Winters does not have a bus station, but nearby cities like Davis and Sacramento offer public transport options.

Other Options

Visitors can rent a car or bike to explore Winters and nearby areas.

How to Get Around in Winters

Winters is a town best explored on foot or by bike. Visitors can also rent a car or hire a taxi for convenience.

Where to Go Next from Winters: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Napa Valley: Located about an hour’s drive away, Napa Valley is famous for its vineyards, wine tastings, and luxury spas.
  • Lake Tahoe: A scenic destination located about two hours’ drive away, Lake Tahoe is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, skiing, and hiking trails.

Conclusion

Winters is a charming town that offers an array of activities and attractions for visitors. From hiking and biking to exploring the local food and culture, there’s something for everyone. By following our guide, visitors can make the most of their time in Winters and create unforgettable memories.

Main Street Historic District Main Street Historic District